Cottage exteriors at Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa
Photo Courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa
If the thought of being parted from your beloved pet, even for a few days, is unimaginable, never fear, these high-end hotels understand. They treat guests’ furry friends with the respect and care they deserve, going above and beyond to welcome them with organic treats, plush dog beds, and even special room service menus.
Loews Atlanta Hotel
The Loews Loves Pets program at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel treats your animals — dogs and cats — like royalty, beginning with a welcome letter from the general manager (for the human in charge) and amenities such as a bowl, placemat, pet tag and more. And for a one-time fee of $75 per pet (up to two), appetizing treats such as rawhide bones and catnip are available. The Midtown property also provides scratch poles, specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes (and scoopers), dog-walking route maps, pet placemats, water bowls, and doggie pick-up bags. There’s also a gourmet room service menu for cats and dogs, along with a list of local pet services, such as pet sitting and pet walking. Should you prefer to take Rover out yourself, the hotel is just steps away from Piedmont Park, which has plenty of green space to explore.
If your reservation falls on Saturday, April 18, consider attending Rescues on the Runway, which benefits Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption. Taking place in the hotel’s Ellington Ballroom, expect a 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour and silent auction (weekend at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Old Edwards Inn and Spa, anyone?) followed by dinner and dancing. Tickets cost $125 per person.
Lobby at The James Royal Palm, Photo Courtesy of The James Royal Palm
The Royal Palm South Beach Miami
This Art Deco hotel located in the trendy South Beach neighborhood is certainly a luxurious retreat for vacationers who want immediate access to the beach and the hot nightlife just steps away. But this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property doesn’t only cater to its two-legged guests, it also rolls out the red carpet for your pets (for a one-time, non-refundable fee of $75). Once you tell the hotel you’d like to bring a four-legged friend, the staff will outfit your room with a size-appropriate organic doggie bed (filled with allergy-free, eco-friendly fiber), food and water bowls, a choice of nylon collars and leashes if you need them, and art-inspired plush pet toys. In addition, the hotel provides raised feeders for hungry pets at the entrance of the property, which sits on Collins Avenue. And when Fido gets hungry, the hotel offers an in-room pet-dining menu from its restaurant, Florida Cookery.
Thompson Chicago
From the stylish library, with its leather armchairs and welcoming fireplace, to the art collection worthy of a museum, the vibe at this Forbes Travel Guide Soon-To-Be-Rated property, located on Chicago’s Gold Coast, is one of smooth sophistication. Pets are welcome here, at no additional fees to owners, with food bowls, a toy, and a “Pet in Room” sign for the door. And thanks to being in one of the city’s poshest neighborhoods, with historic mansions and nearby Lake Michigan, there are plenty of places to wander with your pooch. Thompson Chicago also offers a $50 upgrade to the standard package, which includes all of the above items, plus a ceramic Thompson dog bowl, leash, dog toys, a bandana and treats from Tails in the City (a pet boutique located a couple of blocks from the hotel).
Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa
Visitors to Cape Cod’s Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Chatham Bars Inn know they will be well taken care of at the luxurious oceanside resort. And starting this year, they know their pets will be in good hands, too. Guests will find a selection of dog-friendly amenities in their room, including a welcome mat, dog bed, food and water bowls, and a “Pet in Residence” sign for the door. A welcome package also includes a menu of canine cuisine, plus information on local dog-friendly beaches, local kennels and walking trails. Paw prints on the property map mark dog-friendly areas on the grounds, where thoughtfully, plastic gloves and bags have been placed. Be sure to peruse the resort’s retail shop for leashes, collars and other dog accessories if you forget to bring something or just want to purchase an item unique to the property. If you visit in season (mid-June through Labor Day), the resort charges an initial fee of $100 plus $40 per additional night for pets. The off-season rate is $40 per night.
Roof deck at XV Beacon, Photo Courtesy of XV Beacon
XV Beacon
Boston is known as a walking city and the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star XV Beacon is an ideal location to explore it from, especially if you bring your pet. At check-in, dogs receive a personalized plate of treats, and in your chic room, there’s a plush dog bed, perfect for a nap after a day of travels. Healthy, hotel-made dog biscuits are standard and canines even get “turndown” service — a bowl of water. For a short break, head up to the roof deck for some fresh air and play time. XV Beacon also provides a list of walking routes, including an off-leash dog area in Boston, and can arrange dog sitting, walking and grooming. And although the property does not charge a pet fee, the staff kindly asks for a $25 donation where 100 percent of the proceeds are given to the Animal Rescue League and ASPCA.
