From special dog clubs to canine happy hours to turn-down service just for man’s best friend, hotels are all trying to offer more and more for pet owners traveling with their furry companions.
And with the growth of service and emotional support animals that accompany their humans, some of these animals may even be exotic and non-traditional.
“This is going beyond the water bowl and plush beds. Hotels are moving from accepting pets to welcoming and pampering pets,” said Andrea Grigg, global head of hotel asset management at CBRE. “Savvy hoteliers are offering top-notch perks and pampering furry guests as VIPs.”
For instance, nutritious, fresh dog food in hotel restaurants and in-room dining options are becoming popular among both human guests and furry visitors, Grigg said. “Yappy” hours are growing, as are play areas for dogs, more creative treats, dog mini poolside cabanas, and doggie turn-down service.
“Hotels are increasingly adapting to guests with non-typical emotional support animals and exotic pets by implementing pet-friendly policies, designated pet-friendly rooms, specific amenities and cleaning protocols. These measures cater to Fido’s needs and the requirements of various exotic pets, while maintaining a comfortable environment for all guests,” said Barry Kadel, general manager at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Fort Myers, Florida.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village has even partnered with the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and offers meeting planners the opportunity to host a puppy break or puppy relaxation room during their meetings for groups to relax with dogs — while supporting a local shelter.
Sarah Lynch, chief operating officer of Brick Hospitality, said travelers are thinking about more than just the hotel.
“Pet owners appreciate hotels that are situated in areas with easy access to pet-friendly amenities such as parks, trails or pet-friendly restaurants,” she said. “They also want easily reachable outdoor spots designated for pet relief.”
The Andaz Mexico City Condesa has the indoor-outdoor Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club, where humans and dogs alike can have snacks and drinks, said Antonio Mejia, the hotel’s senior marketing and communications manager. Pups can play outdoors at a dedicated fenced agility course and dine on items such as burgers and even a special dog beer. Indoors, there is a dog-friendly lounge with TVs and an on-site, pop-up pet boutique from Perro de Mundo, where part of the proceeds goes to local dog rescue groups.
In addition, dogs receive a bed of their own and an in-room dining menu with dishes such as corn tortilla and shredded chicken with steamed vegetables, salmon fillet and dessert.
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Tennessee also has jumped on the pet bandwagon and offers water and food bowls, dog beds and a doggie treat bag, said General Manager Troy Dixon.
Talene Staab, brand leader at Home2 Suites by Hilton, said that Hilton’s more than 5,800 pet-friendly hotels — including brands Home2 Suites by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton and Tru by Hilton — offer a range of services and amenities for guests traveling with animals. These now include pet treats at the front desk to welcome pets or at turndown service, pet bowls, special menus, pet packages and itineraries, and pet-focused events. These options can vary from property to property.
“By offering such services, hotels can attract more guests who prefer not to leave their pets behind — enriching our guests’ experience and making stays more enjoyable for both guests and their pets,” Staab said.
Some hotels have specific pet packages as well. Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.’s Pawsidential Suite Package includes a two-night stay in a signature suite, access to mailman costumes, an Instagrammable photo op in front of the property’s historic old mailboxes, a partnership with Bond Vet with access to discounted telehealth appointments, and an on-call dedicated pet concierge, said David Martins, director of sales and marketing.
At the Chicago Athletic Association, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt, guests can utilize the MVPET package, which features a two-night stay and various pet amenities. These include a doggy bed, bowls, waste bags, treats and a welcome letter for a pet, said General Manager Patrick Hatton.
And, at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, also part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, there is the Royal Paws pet program, said General Manager Tyler Stirrett. Guests are welcomed at the Phoenix property with a custom treat, Royal Palms bed, bowl mat, bowls and water bottles, and a tennis ball to use at the resort and take home as a souvenir.
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