Last spring, we adopted an adorable little black Shih Tzu mix named Teddy. He’s a very good boy, and we’re going to start traveling with him soon. When we do, there are hotels all over the country ready to roll out the red carpet for him with special amenities and perks just for canine guests. With everything from homemade treats to plush dog beds and “yappy hours,” these hotels take the term dog-friendly to the next level. That’s why I’m putting them at the top of Teddy’s travel bucket list.
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1. Kimpton Claret Hotel
Denver, Colorado
Located in Denver’s up-and-coming Belleview Station neighborhood, Kimpton Claret Hotel welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes, with no extra fees required. The hotel has dedicated floors for travelers with pets, and offers amenities like water bowls delivered to your room and courtesy bags for walking your four-legged friend. Plus pups are also welcome to join the nightly wine reception. Book the “Pawsh Retreat Package” for extra goodies like a loaner dog bed, local Colorado pet treats, and a map of Denver-area pet-friendly spots.
2. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel, California
There are 500 acres for the family to explore at Carmel Valley Ranch, and that includes your dog, too. As part of the resort’s collaboration with pet gear company Fable, ceramic food and water bowls, a dog treat, and a memory-foam bed for use during a stay are included in the pet fee. Upgrade to “The Playful Pup” package and you’ll get a Fable Magic Link leash and Falcon Toy to take home.
And if you book one of the resort’s Premier Pet Suites, there’ll be a Fable combination dog crate and side table to use during your visit. Spoil your pup even more with a Pooch Patty or Secret Salmon Bowl from the room service menu just for dog guests.
3. The Plaza Hotel
New York, New York
If you really want to spoil your pooch, The Plaza Hotel delivers. Its “Pampered Pup Package” includes a doggie-treat-tier filled with dog-friendly macarons, a bowl of Evian water (of course), and a comfy bed for dozing after a long day in the Big Apple. And for maximum cuteness overload, your pup can sport their very own Plaza bathrobe, available in sizes from extra-extra small to extra-extra-extra large to fit breeds from Chihuahuas to Siberian huskies.
4. The Riding Academy Hotel
Ocala, Florida
With its location at the World Equestrian Center, The Riding Academy Hotel is an obvious choice for horse lovers. But dogs will also feel right at home at this Ocala hotel, especially after being greeted with homemade treats and a bandana. A comfy dog bed and custom water bowl will be waiting in the room, and there’s a dog park with separate areas for small and large breeds. You can check out the dog-themed artwork displayed around the property, then stop at The Tack Room for a “pup cup cappuccino” for your pet and coffee or wine for yourself.
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5. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma, California
Your dog will find a stay at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa just as heavenly as you will. You’ll love its wine country location and spa; Fido will appreciate the bowls and pet bed available upon request, complimentary biodegradable pet waste bags, and pet-friendly menu at Santé Restaurant. For a special souvenir, arrange for a pet portrait by local artist Brenda McNeill. And keep an eye out for Chardonnay, the resort’s “Director of Pet Relations,” who can be spotted most weekdays. A portion of the pet fee is donated to Pets Lifeline Sonoma shelter.
6. Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Phoenix, Arizona
Royal Palms Resort and Spa naturally has a “Royal Paws program” for four-legged guests and their “paw-rents.” The luxe amenities include plush branded beds, a bowl mat, tennis balls for use during the stay, and a dedicated dog menu. Check in with the concierge for a map of the best pet-friendly spots on property and info on nearby spots to visit with your pup, and grab your resort hiking kit that includes bottled water, a granola bar, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You can also book a doggie photo shoot with a local photographer during your stay.
7. The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Marina, California
Set on 19 acres of Pacific Ocean shoreline, the recently refreshed Sanctuary Beach Resort will give your pup a vacation to remember. After nibbling on welcome treats at check-in, your pooch can browse the dog stick library, lounge in the room in a microfiber dog robe, and stroll the resort’s beach. Refuel with a gourmet “BARKcuterie board” or order off the “Pawtio Menu” at the on-site Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette, where choices include the Quarter Hounder (a beef patty) and Honey Pawt (peanut butter, apples, and honey).
8. Suncadia Resort, part of Destination by Hyatt
Cle Elum, Washington
Book a pet-friendly room or home at Suncadia Resort, part of Destination Hyatt and you’ll receive house-made Suncadia dog treats, a food/water bowl, a rope toy, doggie waste bags, and a map of the resort’s extensive trail system. There’s also an off-leash dog park, and the resort offers private dog walking and in-room/in-home dog sitting if the rest of the family wants to rent bikes, try their hand at archery or axe throwing, hit the pool, or go ice skating during the winter.
9. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection
Miami Beach, Florida
Enjoy a European-style family getaway at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, where lawn games by the family pool and a dedicated children’s beach play area cater to the kiddos and the Cadillac Pet Program makes your pup feel welcome.
Dogs receive a treat at reception upon check-in and a complimentary Waggo dog bed and Waggo water and food bowls in the room. Take advantage of easy access to the Miami Beach Boardwalk for morning or evening walks and pet-friendly outdoor seating at on-site restaurants Donna Mare Italian Chophouse and Bungalow Bar & Grill.
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10. Hotel Zelos and Hotel Zeppelin
San Francisco, California
Sister properties Hotel Zelos and Hotel Zeppelin make pets feel special with their “PAWS-itive Vibes” program. Four-legged guests can choose a toy from a pet wagon at check-in and receive a personalized “Pet in My Room” door hanger and courtesy waste bags. A portion of the pet fee goes to the San Francisco Humane Society, so the perks extend beyond the hotels. Choose Hotel Zelos to be close to the action in the city or Hotel Zeppelin to stay in rock-and-roll style.
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11. The Wilson Hotel
Big Sky, Montana
There’s plenty of room for the whole family and your pup at The Wilson Hotel, which offers all-suite accommodations, a playground and picnic area, and easy access to nearby hiking trails. And for even more fun, book the “Dog Days in the Mountains” package for a special doggie welcome kit that includes treats, a chew toy, water bowl, rawhide bone, and a custom branded bandana plus use of a comfy dog bed during your stay. You’ll also get a $10 gift card to Beehive Brewery for its dog-friendly Yappy Hour, and the hotel will donate $25 in your pet’s name to a local animal shelter.
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12. Mendocino Grove
Mendocino, California
Mendocino Grove makes for a pretty idyllic Northern California escape for the whole family. You can glamp with your dog at this modern campground for an additional fee of $35 per night and enjoy some together time in the great outdoors. There are lots of dog-friendly trails, beaches, and restaurants nearby plus an on-site dog park for off-leash time. And when everyone’s done for the day, a dog wash station makes cleaning up a breeze.
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13. The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Washington, D.C.
The Quincy Hotel treats pups like extra-special guests, offering a VIP (Very Important Pets) program that includes treats, bottled water, a branded pet handkerchief, plush bedding, and food and water bowls. The hotel hosts occasional pet welcome receptions, and there are even doggie raincoats you can borrow from the front desk if it’s stormy outside. Feline guests can also get the VIP treatment here.
14. Hotel Zachary
Chicago, Illinois
Located across the street from the iconic Wrigley Field, Hotel Zachary is an ideal spot for both Cubs fans and “Very Important Pets.” Furry guests enjoy welcome treats and easy access to the green spaces at dining and entertainment zone Gallagher Way.
Time your visit to coincide with the monthly Yappy Hour at Alma at Hotel Zachary, held seasonally on the second Wednesday of the month. In addition to drink specials for human attendees, there’s a pup-friendly grazing table from Cosmicos Pet Bakery, and a portion of the proceeds benefits PAWS Chicago animal shelter.
