Pet lovers and owners all over the world are taking a stand: when it’s time to go on vacation, no crew member shall be left behind and that includes those both two legged and four legged members. A recent survey conducted among travel agencies in the United States reveals that 18 percent of those traveling for leisure purposes admit to having taken their beloved pets along with them on vacation during this year. But travelers also agree that while it may be fun to have their pets tag along with them, it’s also important for them that their buddies don’t feel sorely out of place.
For those who can’t stand to leave Fluffy or Lassie behind while go you frolicking around in a different city for a couple of days, we’re here to tell you to pack your stuff and get going because we’ll be sharing nine awesome places where you and your pet can hang out and have a grand time. Modern hotels now include pets in their staff and yes, that means these guys are actually on the workers’ payroll. Their job is to essentially make your pet feel at home during their stay in a particular hotel, much like how a guest relations officer makes sure you have everything you need and could possibly look for during your stay. This way, the hotel makes sure that you and your furry friend will have a fun vacation. Some of these in house animal residents actually enjoy a kind of celebrity status in their hotels. And knowing how pampered they are actually makes us a bit jealous; yep, these pets are definitely living the good life.
If you’re interested in taking your own four legged pal on a trip, check out the following pet friendly places:
CELEBRITY PET: WENDY
TYPE: Border Collie
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Keswick Hall located in Charlottesville, Virginia
ABOUT: When it comes to locating ducks and geese during hunts at Kenswick hall, no dog is better suited for the job than Wendy. Here, you can let your pets roam free at the grounds measuring about 600 acres and enjoy the fresh air against the backdrop of the massive Blue Ridge Mountains.
PETIQUETTE: This former mansion has 48 rooms which can accommodate owners and pets alike who are looking for some down time close to nature. If you’re too lazy to walk your dog, the butler will only be too happy to do it for you. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t allow pets to be brought inside the restaurant, but you can be sure that the menu offered to your loyal and lovable pets has some pretty tasty treats like filet mignon. Room prices start at around US 395 with an additional 75 for every dog.
CELEBRITY PET: MATILDA
TYPE: Ragdoll cat
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Algonquin Hotel located in New York City
ABOUT: Matilda has been the resident cat at The Algonquin Hotel for over quite some time. At the age of 15, this regal cat can be considered as the feline Lady Gaga, which no doubt leaves a big impression on the guests staying at the hotel. Those who are looking to book themselves and their pets at the Algonquin Hotel can choose from any of the 174 rooms allotted for guests. The annual celebration of Matilda’s birthday which falls on August 11 can
be quite the event that guests will enjoy. The birthday bash is pretty much like a formal ball and every year, proceeds go to a lucky animal rescue charity. This tradition is done to honor the memory of Hamlet, who in the 1930’s wandered inside the hotel from New York’s busy streets and was the first ever Algonquin cat.
If you will notice, the blue eyed Ragdoll cat actually prefers humans to feline companions some of the time. There are instances when she can be pretty aloof around the other cats, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t spare a little time for her fans. Unlike other common house cats, Matilda has an assistant (a person, of course), by the name of Alice de Almeida. With Alice’s help, Matilda is able to check her messages sent to her email address, update her status on Facebook, and occasionally send out a Tweet or two.
PETIQUETTE: If you’re always pampering yourself and want only the best for your feline friend, the Algonquin Hotel has all the right stuff. If you join the program called Algonquin Loves Pets, your cat (or dog) gets a purrrsonalized greeting letter welcoming them to the hotel and many helpful tips on how your pet can get the ultimate Matilda treatment. Inside every room, you will find water bowls for your pets and also some pet food. They also lay out floor mats, and a litter box for when your kitty needs to attend to some dirty business.
If you call in advance, the hotel will accommodate your request for some specialty foods or perhaps toys just in case you left Furrball’s favorite doll at home. The hotel staff can also help you schedule grooming appointments or get a nanny who can take care of your pet while you’re out for a romantic dinner. Room prices start at around US 329 dollars.
CELEBRITY PET: CHANCE
TYPE: Chocolate Labrador
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Resort at Paws Up located at Greenbough, Montana
ABOUT: Chance, the adorable and chocolate colored Labrador over at the Resort at Paws Up, is the pooch who heads the doggie activities in the hotel. His official title, which is Dog Director of Operations, will probably make others picture a dog wearing spectacles and shuffling papers in his desk, but Chance’s job usually takes him outdoors lots of times. Chance serves as the right hand man, or should we say dog, during the quail hunts that are
conducted on the hotel grounds, which include a cattle ranch.
The hotel actually occupies an area measuring about 37,000 acres so he’s got a pretty big responsibility. Because the area is so large, Chance is accompanied by two other dogs that also serve as patrols. There’s Sissy, who is a cattle dog of mixed breed; and the other one is Emma the pug. Emma also happens to work over at P.U.G.S. which is short for Paws Up General Store; next time you pop in for something, you can find Emma right at the counter.
Every year in the spring, the hotel holds a Wine and Bitch Weekend. There’s food all around both for human and canine guests, and there are also wellness seminars being conducted.
PETIQUETTE: The Resort at Paws Up is mainly geared towards dogs, and it’s advisable for owners who have cats to probably take them somewhere else. The dogs here are all on leashed and wear collars provided for by the hotel. Canine pets are also provided their very own bed indoors so they have their own spot where they can snooze for a bit, a kennel is also provided if pets prefer to sleep outdoors under the blanket of stars. Depending on how
many persons and pets are staying at a time, guests can choose to stay in any of the log cabins at the premises, which total 28 in all. There is one area where pets aren’t allowed to stay, and that is inside the tents. There are 18 luxury tents in the area, all of which come with butler services so you don’t have to worry about roughing it up during your holiday. Cabin prices start at around US 805 dollars, with an additional US 50 dollars for each dog every night.
CELEBRITY PET: BOSCO
TYPE: Cocker Spaniel
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: The FireSky Resort and Spa located at Scottsdale, Arizona
ABOUT: The story behind Bosco is that he used to be a frequent guest at the FireSky Resort and Spa that eventually, the staff and management were so amused by him that they decided to offer him the job of being the Director for the hotel’s Pet Relations department. Nowadays, you can find Bosco making the rounds of the hotel making sure that its pet guests are as comfortable as can be. Owners who come here with their pets can book any
of the 204 rooms in the hotel with its funky color scheme and décor. Bosco hosts the happy hour dedicated for pets and of course, their owners, which is held daily at the hotel’s lobby bar.
PETIQUETTE: What’s good about FireSky is that they are open to many different kinds of pets be it dogs or cats, or even the occasional pig. Hotel rules restrict pet access to only one building in the whole compound. The hotel has five buildings in all, so if you’re particularly worried about staying here because of your allergies, you can rest easy. You can even loan a fish at the front desk if you don’t have a pet of your own and don’t want the room all to yourself. Room prices start at around US 199 dollars.
CELEBRITY PET: CATIE COPLEY
TYPE: Labrador Retriever
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel located in Boston, Massachusetts
ABOUT: Holding the title of Canine Ambassador is something that Catie Copley takes seriously. This Labrador retriever makes sure that guests at the Fairmont Copley Plaza are well taken care of during their stay. Catie Copley accompanies guests during sightseeing walks around the city. Businessmen who come to stay at the hotel often hold their meeting there as well. During breaks between meetings, Catie Copley often mingles with the business guests to ease their mind and provide a momentary diversion from the stresses of the day.
Catie’s schedule can be pretty full at times, which is why she gets help from the hotel’s concierge on organizing her appointments. In libraries in different parts of the city and also some local schools, Catie shows her support for literacy by holding a session called Reading with Catie.
PETIQUETTE: The hotel is welcome to guests who have their pets in tow, be it cats or dogs. Amenities include beds especially for your pets, treats, plus food and water bowls. If you choose the Canine Adventure booking, you get to stay in one of their newer guest rooms, go on one of Catie’s walks, a copy of her book complete with a pawtograph, and your own stuffed Catie toy to bring back home. Room prices start at around US 229 dollars with an additional US 25 dollars for each dog every night.
CELEBRITY PET: GARBANZO
TYPE: English bulldog
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: London West Hollywood Hotel located at West Hollywood in California
ABOUT: If you spot someone at a party in the London West Hollywood Hotel wearing a plaid vest with a bow tie but looking very much like an English bulldog, don’t bother blinking twice because it’s probably the hotel pet, Garbanzo. Garbanzo can usually be found accompanying the hotel bellmen as they greet the guests coming into the hotel for a short vacation. There are 200 suites here, all of which offer a fantastic view of LA’s Sunset Strip.
PETIQUETTE: Dogs that weigh below 30 pounds are allowed to stay at their owner’s guest room, the lawns, and also the lobby. If your pet is quite particular about the grub, you can choose the Pamper Your Pooch booking and get some potatoes, chicken mixed with some brown rice and eggs all from the menu prepared by Gordon Ramsay himself. Every night, a turndown service especially for pets is also included. Room prices start at around US 279 dollars while it’s US 100 dollars for your pets.
CELEBRITY PETS: THELMA AND LOUISE
TYPE: Guyana Toucanets
WHERE TO FIND THEM: The JW Marriott Desert Springs Hotel located in Palm Desert in California
ABOUT: Sitting at the lobby of the JW Marriot Desert Springs Hotel is never a bore, not when Thelma and Louise are around. This duo accompanied by 13 other birds form a chorus that have a permanent spot at the lobby where they provide entertainment to guests staying at the hotel. This place is a sort of sanctuary for birds migrating from different places in various times of the year. As the seasons change, you might find ducks, coots, green heron, some Canada geese, and even egrets. Don’t forget the Chilean flamingos and little Mireya, the chick who hatched into the world just this August! Hummingbirds by the hundreds also fly around the place, attracted by the feeders set in place.
PETIQUETTE: Guests are expected to understand why the hotels have strict rules against allowing dogs and especially cats inside the hotel, given the large family of birds here. Room prices start at around US 139 dollars.
CELEBRITY PET: INDIE
TYPE: Jack Russel Terrier
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Hotel Indigo Midtown located in Atlanta, Georgia
ABOUT: Indie is the duly assigned sidekick of the hotel’s general manager, Mr. Gabriele Webster. Together, they greet the many guests coming into the Hotel Indigo Midtown ready to make sure that both pets and owners will not want for anything during the entire duration of their stay. You can also spot Indie at the Canine Cocktail Party, a doggie nightclub of sorts where only the hottest mutts hang out and chew the bone. If you’re a guest who’s always wanted to adopt, you might even get lucky because with the Atlanta Humane Society when they stop by with some pets who are looking for a warm and caring home.
PETIQUETTE: You won’t have to worry about your pets going hungry at this hotel. The menu includes sirloin steak and ground chicken. Golden Bean restaurant also has bottled water for your pets. At the Wag-A-Lot, dogs can undergo a wash for around US 15 dollars. Room prices start at around US 109 dollars.
CELEBRITY PET: PAPYRUS
TYPE: Cat (fat, quite)
WHERE TO FIND HIM/HER: Guanahani Resort and Spa located in St. Barths
ABOUT: You’ll find a lot of cats roaming around the Guanahani Resort and Spa, but the one that stands out is Papyrus. It’s easy spotting Papyrus among the crowd; just look for the fattest cat in the lot. The many felines lounging about near the pool and even the beach certainly won’t make you feel guilty for taking some time off work to relax and collect your thoughts. Venture out into the gardens and you’ll most likely see another cat or two sauntering about without a care in the world. They’re also granted access to the restaurants, but you don’t have to worry about desperate meows coming from under the table; they’re well fed and won’t bother you while you have your lunch or dinner unless you invite them over.
PETIQUETTE: Hopeful travelers are advised to take advantage of the hotel’s temporary closure for renovations until December 15 of this year to get their pet’s passport, rabies shots, plus microchip all in order. Room prices start at around US 470 dollars.
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