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Pet-Friendly Accommodations
by Lee Moody
The hardest part of traveling with your
pet used to be finding a place for them to sleep in
comfort. Luckily, there are a growing number of hotels
and inns that not only tolerate pets, but actually welcome
them as part of your family. When hitting the road with
your pet, you can find a wide range of accommodations
for you and your furry friend from simple motels that
allow dogs to stay in guest rooms, to luxury five-star
hotels that provide a wide range of pet-related services.
Some well known and moderately priced pet-friendly U.S.
chains include Motel 6, Red Roof Inns, Days Inn, Travelodge,
and LaQuinta. Higher end hotels in the U.S. and abroad
that welcome dogs include the Ritz Calton, Lowes, and
Hotel Nikko.
If your travel plans include relaxing
by the beach or pool, do not despair. While it’s
more difficult to find pet-friendly accommodations in
resort areas such as Palm Springs, Key West, and the
Russian River, they do exist. (For more information
about these destinations consult our Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Resources section).
Of course if your pet has been there,
done that, they may feel the need to travel abroad.
No need to worry, pet-friendly hotels can be found in
most countries around the world. Red Carnation in England
and Maritim in Germany are two international chains
that accept pets at all their locations. If your pet
doesn’t like to fly, but still wants to travel
to Europe in style, you can always book them passage
on the Queen Mary 2.
There are a few downsides to traveling
with your pet that you should keep in mind. While you
may feel that your pet is a perfect angel, some accommodations
have a limit on the size of pets they will accept and
some charge a special deposit or fee which can range
from a nominal $10 up to $500. Most accommodations ask
that you not leave pets alone in your room or require
you to crate them while you are away which may limit
your activities. Of course your pet’s happiness
is worth more than putting up with a few minor inconveniences.If
you have never traveled with your pets, here are a few
pointers to make your stay more enjoyable:
• Confirm the hotel’s pet policy when making
reservations.
• Aggressive or destructive dogs do not make good
hotel guests.
• Excessive barking can irritate other guests.
If your dog reacts to noises such as doors closing try
to find a quiet room where they will not be disturbed.
• Don’t forget to pack your pet’s bags
including bowls and food.
• Bring a blanket for your pet to sleep on unless
the hotel provides pet beds.
• Make sure your pet has identification in case
it gets loose.
• Clean up after your pet.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE PAMPERED
PET
Not surprisingly, it is the more upscale hotels that
go all out for pampered canines and felines by offering
services from pet-sitting to pet massage for their four-legged
guests. The following selection of hotels offer special
programs that are sure to make your pet feel like a
King or Queen.
CALIENTE TROPICS RESORT Palm Springs
According to Charlie Robles, one of the owners
of the hotel, “To say we are pet-friendly would
be a huge understatement.” This hotel has 12 rooms
that have been specially renovated to make them “pet-friendly.”
All the pet rooms come with a pet bed, dishes, a pet
throw (so they can sit on the bed and people furniture),
pet treats, and doggie pick-up bags. Since the renovations,
the hotel has hosted dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, a
rabbit, and a snake. Guests may even take their pets
into the hotel’s Tiki Bar. For those guests looking
for additional pet services, the hotel can provide references
to local sitters, groomers, and veterinarians, as well
as pet friendly restaurants and bars. There is a $15
per night fee per pet and no size limit.
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If your dog is looking to get hitched,
the Caliente Tropics Resort is offering a special “Canine
Commitment Package”. The package, priced from $275,
includes a deluxe king room, all pet amenities listed
above, and nightly turndown service with pig’s ears.
The ceremony itself is conducted by Guide Dogs of the
Desert International and your canine bride and groom will
be dressed with a bridal veil and bowtie. The service
concludes with a sparkling water toast. A $50 donation
will be made to Guide Dogs of the Desert for every package
purchased. 411 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA.
Tel: 866-468-9595. Rates from $65. http://www.calientetropics.com
RAFFLES L’ERMITAGE Beverly
Hills
To give your pet the star treatment they deserve, this
is the place for you. While the Raffles L’Ermitage
offers the usual pet amenities including dog and cat
beds, food, biscuits, treats, and toys, where else can
you treat your pet to Pâté de Foie Gras
with Micro Farmed Chicken Eggs ($25) or Osetra Caviar
with Hard Poached Eggs ($98)? If you really want to
pamper your pet order one of the hotel’s gift baskets.
The “Catrageous” basket includes stuffed toys,
catnip treats, a personalized travel cat dish, and a
Fancy Cat Booklet ($75). The “Woof and Ready”
basket comes with a personalized travel dog dish, a
personalized dog leash, a dog toy, dog bones, a Frisbee,
stuffed toy, and a Fancy Dog Booklet ($110). 9291 Burton
Way, Beverly Hills, CA. Tel: 310-278-3344. Rates from
$275. http://www.lermitagehotel.com
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