We love and spoil them. and often take them on vacation, too! For many people, dogs are part of the family, and increasing numbers of travelers don't bat an eye at the notion of toting them along on their adventures.
Of course, it's important to do your research ahead of time and book accommodations that are pet friendly. That's the first step. But some hotels have taken the idea of pooch pampering and elevated it into an art form.
Here are the hotels that truly roll out the red carpet for your furry best bud.
Special perks for fluffy friends are the norm at W Hotels and Resorts. The upscale chain, known for its fresh, stylized spaces, truly celebrates your pup. Its P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) Program offers guests a welcome packet with toys, treats, a specialized W Hotels pet tag, clean-up bags, and a list of available pet services. Pet-friendly rooms feature a custom pet bed, food and water bowls, and turndown treats just for the furry kind.
W Fort Lauderdale offers a "Dogs Are A Girl's Best Friend" package, which includes all the extras and treats needed to create your very own yappy hour, including a chilled bottle of prosecco for the pet parent, as well as a bottle of dog-friendly champers for the lucky pooch. And if you've got a sweet tooth, you're also covered. The property has bacon ice cream on the dog-friendly menu!
It's no surprise that W Hotels and Resorts has two locations on this list. Set on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, W Punta de Mita offers a beautiful beach escape for travelers who want to be treated like a VIP when they have pets along for the fun. If you take your pup to the property for their birthday, they'll even be treated to a special birthday cake!
Thompson Hotels, known for its sleek, stylish vibe and gorgeous settings, is super pet friendly.
Thompson Zihuatanejo, nestled on the beach near the charming fishing village of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, is a great destination for those looking to unwind with their pup. There are plenty of grassy dog play areas for pooches, and so many places to explore! Hit the beach and hike past waterfalls, along the bay, and straight into marvelous mountain views.
After all that excitement, you'll probably want to indulge in delicious food and cocktails and order a treat for your pup as well. The Thompson Zihuatanejo Barcuterie Board is complete with boiled eggs, turkey ham, spinach, carrots, and tuna and is sure to get your dog's tail wagging. It doesn't get much posher than this!
On the white sands of Mexico's Pacific coast, overlooking the sparkling Banderas Bay, sits a former palm tree farm turned wellness resort: The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta.
With two expansive pools lined with hundreds of palm trees and surrounded by lush nature, a private beach with pergolas and endless chaise lounges, as well as ample outdoor activity options - including a tennis court, walking trails, bike rentals, non-motorized water sports, and private seaside picnics that can be booked through concierge - the Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta is a safe, relaxing and pleasurable option for those seeking an active, wellness-infused getaway.
Furry family members are welcome to join in on all the adventure, relaxation, and fun as well. The pet-friendly resort welcomes all dogs up to 40 pounds - plush Heavenly Dog Bed included for maximum comfort. There are designated areas for guests with dogs at the El Palmar Restaurant, Arrecifes Bar, and even one of the pergolas.
With more than two-dozen property brands, Hyatt has you and your fuzzy bestie covered, no matter where in the world you roam.
Many of its properties are pet-friendly, this one really stands out. At Hyatt Centric Los Olas in sunny Fort Lauderdale, you're in the middle of the action for pooches, in close proximity to the area's best dog beach, BarkYard N' Brews dog park. There are also plenty of on-site amenities, including Elev8, the property's 8th-floor pool and bar where guests and their pups can gather for drinks and light bites. The hotel welcomes two pets (up to 50 pounds) per room, with an additional fee per pet that includes bowls and treats.
Another Hyatt stands out across the pond. At the Park Hyatt Vienna, your pet is truly treated to the star treatment. The luxe Austrian hotel, located in a historic former bank building, offers photoshoots for pooches! Sessions can be held in the hotel's chic settings or by one of Vienna's iconic sights - your choice. Whether in a park or with one of the famous Viennese sights in the background, the hotel's photographer will work with you for a portrait session you'll never forget!
A relative newcomer to the hospitality scene, Graduate is a collection of 30 hotels across the U.S. and UK located in college towns.
Graduate Roosevelt Island is located at the entrance of the Cornell Tech campus and serves as the historic island's first and only hotel. Located just outside the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island offers plenty of space for guests' furry companions to run around and explore all the island has to offer.
For the ultimate convenience of pet travel, Graduate Roosevelt Island offers a specialty pup package ideal for pet parents looking for ease. The package includes a bed, bowl, and treats as well as access to the dog parks on Roosevelt Island. The package also gets you 15 percent off on select services at Pup Culture, a top-rated dog daycare and groomer on Roosevelt Island.
Graduate Nashville is also a destination where all are welcome, including furry friends. In celebration of National Dog Day on August 26, 2022, the hotel is donating all pet add-on fees during the month of August to a local non-profit focused on reducing local shelter populations and working to increase awareness regarding rescue dog adoption opportunities. You can also score special treats and a map for a dog-friendly walking tour.
The Four Seasons brand is well-known for its luxe accommodations and amenities in some of the world's most gorgeous settings. And your dog isn't just welcome at many of those properties, but she'll be just as pampered as you during your stay!
At the Austin, Texas, location, pups are invited to join their owners for outdoor dining. They can order off a special gourmet puppy menu with dishes including Hungry Like A Wolf (chicken, carrot, rice, and celery) or Top Dog (filet mignon, mashed potato, and veggies).
Virgin, Sir Richard Branson's powerhouse travel brand, includes seven hotels located in the U.S. and the UK, with more locations set to open soon. All Virgin hotels welcome your tail-wagging friend, and there's no pet fee. Score!
At check-in, expect terrific treatment for your doggo, including treats and even a Virgin-branded bandana! When you and your best bud reach your chamber (yes, at Virgin they are called chambers instead of rooms), you'll find everything you need for a comfortable posh stay, including a special bed, bowls, and even a ceramic dog statue standing watch!
No matter where you choose to stay with your sweet puppers, set them - and the entire vacation - up for success.
And for more on pet-friendly travel, read: