Travelling with a four-legged friend? These animal-loving places offer the ideal stay.
It’s not just guests who get to kick back and relax in five-star hotels and resorts. These days, pets are seriously pampered too. From plush beds and fluffy Fido-sized bathrobes to doggie minibars and meaty turndown treats, these 10 properties go the extra mile for your canine companion (often felines, too, and some hotels will consider other species with prior arrangement).
1. Mount Nelson, Cape Town
@belmondmountnelsonhotel
Pets are very welcome in Mount Nelson's deluxe rooms and suites
Days spent basking in sunshine, evenings by the fire, a few tasty morsels… sounds like the dream holiday. Actually, this is a day in the life of Nellie, the Mount Nelson’s resident cat. This glamorous resort welcomes furry companions with open arms. Check into a pet-friendly room and it’ll be kitted out with luxury accessories, including bowls and a bed, and there’s even a room service pet menu. Afternoon Tea in The Lounge is a must – while you’re nibbling on sandwiches and cakes, your faithful companion will be treated to Peanut Butter Bone Biscuits and Beef Consommé Jelly.
2. The Plaza New York
@theplazahotel
Manhattan’s most storied hotel has been welcoming canine guests since it opened in 1907, from Timothy the English Springer Spaniel (who belonged to 1930s Hollywood journalist E.V. Durling) to a trio of Chihuahuas that famously featured in a LIFE magazine article in 1946. The cuddles continue to this day with the Pampered Pup Package. Rooms and suites come with a snug bed, doggie-friendly macarons a-plenty, and a refreshing bowl of Evian, no less. But the treats don’t end there. After a day of pottering down Fifth Avenue and around Central Park, pooches can unwind in their very own Plaza dog bathrobe.
3. Rosewood São Paulo
@rosewoodhotels
Kick back in al fresco bliss at Rosewood São Paulo's Le Jardin
It’s fiesta time for your four-legged friend at the Rosewood São Paulo. The hotel may be aesthetically-dazzling (think Jean Nouvel architecture, Philippe Starck-designed interiors) and frequented by an A-list crowd, but it also accepts animals. Book in for the Petcation and on arrival you’ll (both) be offered a welcome drink before being shown to your room, which comes with a cosy sleep set-up and in-room dining for your pet. Breakfast together in lobby-lounge Le Jardin before walkies in the nearby leafy parks and tree-lined avenues. If you’re looking for a little me-time, the hotel offers pet-sitting.
4. Eden Roc, Cap Cana
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It’s a dog’s life at the tropical Caribbean retreat of Eden Roc, Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Not only do they get to appreciate the white sand beach and fiery sunsets, but the Pampered Pets Programme ensures canines and cats are spoiled rotten during their stay. A comfortable bed, drink and food bowls, snacks and cute amenities come as standard in the rooms, and should you require a bite to eat, pets on a leash are welcome in all the hotel’s restaurants and bars (there’s a special VIPaws Menu designed by the chef). The hotel also provides a detailed guide of local walking routes and pet services.
5. Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
@belmondlemanoir
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons is within easy reach of many dog-friendly pubs
When it comes to dog-welcoming hotels, Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton is a contender for best in show. The honey-coloured countryside idyll has nine pet-friendly rooms, out of a total of 32. Expect pooch perfection in each, with comfy dog beds, chew toys and food/drink bowls. Though dogs aren’t permitted in the Michelin-starred dining room, they’ll love the grounds and gardens with their lavender-scented pathways, manicured lawns and orchard. Or borrow a pair of boots and stride out together across the surrounding fields.
6. Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
@nobulondonshoreditch
The hotel’s Paws and Relax package promises a tail-wagging adventure from the get-go, with a complimentary Nobu tote bag, portable water bowl and edible tidbits at check-in. Dogs are allowed in the Nobu Café, lobby and suites or rooms, where you’ll find a pet bed, food and water bowls alongside a monogrammed dog robe. That’s before you get to the Paws Mini Bar, which offers healthy treats made with natural ingredients (they even do seaweed with orange nibbles for the non-meat-eaters). Dog walking and pet sitting services are available, plus there’s a useful map with pooch-loving spots in the capital.
7. Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz
@badruttspalace
Badrutt's Palace's grand lobby is known locally as "the living room of St. Moritz"
Dogs would be barking mad not to fall in love with Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz. The fairytale five-star has been the Alpine getaway for glamorous guests since the late 19th century – and their chic canine companions can come along, too. Pets are welcome in the guest rooms, as well as Le Grand Hall, the legendary hotel lobby. Four-legged friends can also sit with their owners in the Chesa Veglia, the hotel’s 17th century farmhouse, as they feast on Swiss fondue on the sun terrace. Not forgetting to mention, of course, that the mountains are the ultimate doggie playground.
8. The Langham, Sydney
@langhamsydney
Located in The Rocks, Sydney’s charming, cobblestone neighbourhood, this boutique hotel offers indulgence from the moment you step into the grand marble foyer with its impressive art collection. Book the Pampered Pets Staycation and you’re in for yet more decadence. Every cat or dog receives Pet Afternoon Tea on arrival, plus a gift bag as well as a comfortable spot to doze in your room, naturally. The hotel offers a three-hour pet-sitting service, and how does breakfast in bed for you and your pet sound? They’ll even lay on a Pampered Pets birthday party should you wish.
9. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
@rosewoodhoteldecrillon
Pets can accompany guests at Hôtel de Crillon for €50 per stay
Did you know there is one dog for every seven Parisians in the city? The French capital is renowned for its dog friendliness, with le chien often accompanying its owner to restaurants, shops and on public transport. Pets are gladly received at Hôtel de Crillon, where they will live their most sophisticated life – whether in one of the super-luxe rooms (complete with a personalised welcome, pet bed, bowls and accessories) or the rest of the hotel (pets can go anywhere except the fine-dining restaurant L’Écrin and the spa). Plans are afoot for a new offering, with a pet-walking service, pet-friendly concierge menu and room service.
10. The Shinmonzen, Kyoto
@theshinmonzen
The Shinmonzen is owned by Paddy McKillen, renowned hotelier, art collector and dog lover. Indeed, guest room keys are engraved with an image of Erin, his much-loved late dog, and the reason why this Tadao Ando-designed ryokan-style hotel, with its modern minimalist interiors, is canine-friendly. You’re allowed to have one dog stay with you in the Washi, Tooki, Jiki, Urushi, Hinoki and Suisho suites, where a bed, bowl and other treats await. With the Shirakawa River and countless Kyoto attractions a mere stroll away, it’s doggie zen.
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