In a competitive market, hotels are reaching out to pet owners to attract new customers and inspire loyalty. A surprising number of major hotel chains accept pets, and while some policies are virtual laundry lists of restrictions and warnings, others go out of their way to welcome Fido and friends.
In Canada, British Columbia sets the bar for pet-friendly hospitality. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has a $25 per night “Pets Are People Too!” program, which offers four-legged guests a welcome mat, food dish, treats, a toy, and information on local amenities of interest – parks, hydrants, etc. But the Fairmont is perhaps even more famous for the service it provides to guests missing their canine companions left at home. Mavis and Beau — the hotel’s “K9 Ambassadors” — are former BC Guide Dog trainees who hang out near the concierge desk. Guests are encouraged to take them out for a stroll through the neighbourhood. Following are some other interesting pet packages in Canada and beyond:
- The Oceanfront Grand Resort & Marina on Vancouver Island offers a $25 per night pet package at that includes a welcome toy, a treat and clean-up bags. Rooms are outfitted with a pet bed, food and water bowl and a “Pet-in-room” door sign. Guest Services can arrange dog-sitting or walking and offer advice on local dog parks, grooming and veterinary establishments.
- In Whistler, pets staying at the Summit Lodge can help other furry friends when their owners choose the W.A.G. Package. The cost of the package is $15 per day, of which $5 is donated to local animal shelter W.A.G. (Whistler Animals Galore). Special doggie amenities include gourmet biscuits at breakfast, customized water bowls and dog walking and hiking services provided by hotel staff. Lonely dogs looking for a companion can get to know Bonnie, a 14-year-old Burmese Mountain/Lab Cross and permanent staff member at the Lodge
- The Chateau Versailles in Montreal features a $15 per night pet package complete with pet sleeping mat, food and water dishes and an area map for pet walking. The hotel has also partnered with Muzo,
which bills itself as Montreal’s “pet resort for urban dogs and cats” offering pet daycare complete with a spa and gym. - The Prince George Hotel in Halifax offers a “Bow Wow Meow” package at $20 per stay, including a welcome package comprised of a comfortable fleecy blanket, some “Scoopies,” a treat from “Bark & Fitz,” an information package on local places of interest for pets, and the loan of a special bowl and placemat.
- If you’re travelling stateside, check out the Pampered Pet Getaway at Swissôtel Chicago.Here Fido will receive a VIP greeting, fresh-baked dog biscuits and a personal escort to the room. Other package inclusions are a family photo of pet and human guests, a pet massage and a 30-minute dog walk. All usual canine comforts are provided, from a pet bed, bowls and dog toys to a leash and portable water dish. The Pampered Pets Getaway package starts at a rate of $279 including one night’s accommodation.
Photo Credits: WebSubstance, princegeorgehotel.com