Travel

Pet Friendly Hotels

It's time to grab your pet and hit the road. But where can you check-in with your four-legged friend? Some travel experts reveal the most pet friendly hotels.

More and more hotels are catering to animals and the owners who like to travel with them. It may be due in part to the fact that the number of people who travel with their pets is on the rise. According to a new survey by the travel site TripAdvisor, 61% of pet-owners traveled with their pets in 2009.

What makes a pet-friendly hotel?

According to the TripAdvisor survey, 44% of respondents who travel with their pets cite designated green space for walking pets as the most important characteristic of a pet-friendly hotel, while 16% look for on-site kennels or pet daycare.

"Although 66 percent of pet owners say they don't generally find hotels to be pet-friendly, there are many fantastic properties that cater to the needs of four-legged travelers," said Karen Drake of TripAdvisor. "From slick city trips to beachside breaks, there's no reason why much-loved pets should miss out on the fun of sniffing out great travel spots."

TripAdvisor editors and travelers recommend the following highly-rated hotels for their pet-friendly offerings:

1. Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee - Average Nightly Rate: $210 - $285

This TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award-winner offers a Pampering Pet program, featuring treats upon check-in, cozy beds, and a menu of delicacies to satisfy animals' appetites. A dog-walking service is available on site ($15 per walk), while massage and grooming services can also be arranged. A $50 pet-surcharge will be added per night.

2. Hotel Monaco Portland, Portland, Oregon - Average Nightly Rate: $330

The pet amenity program at this boutique downtown hotel is overseen by Timmy, the four-legged "Director of Pet Relations." Complimentary amenities and services include bowls and beds for the duration of pets' stays, while travelers can also select the "Portland Unleashed" package, featuring a doggie makeover, a map of pet friendly breweries, and more.

3. Affinia Dumont, New York City, New York - Average Nightly Rate: $227 - $531

It's no coincidence that the bar and restaurant of this Midtown East property is called the Barking Dog - four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms at this hotel, whose amenities include plush dog beds and a travel water bowl for guests to take home. Additional services include pet taxis and even a pet psychic. A $25 pet-surcharge is added per stay.

4. Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco, California - Average Nightly Rate: $195 - $401

All creatures great and small are welcome as guests at the Argonaut Hotel, which does not restrict the type or size of pet that can stay. Travelers visiting in the fall can participate in the hotel's annual "Pet Howl'oween" event, in which dogs showcase their creative costumes. The hotel supplies pet necessities from beds to bottled water, and all pets stay free.

5. Nine Zero Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts - Average Nightly Rate: $249 - $455

Located across from the Boston Common's 50 acres of public park-land, this downtown hotel's setting is every bit as pet-friendly as its amenities. A complimentary "In the Doghouse" pet package includes a designer pet welcome treat, in addition to an in-room pet bed and bowl, ensuring that travelers' four-legged friends can put their paws up in style.

6. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado - Average Nightly Rate: $377

This property's "Pitty Pat Pet Club" program provides bedding, bowls, and a 24-hour in-room dining menu, featuring gourmet treats for cats and dogs. While pet-walking is allowed in designated areas of the grounds, maps of local pet parks and scenic spots are also provided, ensuring that four-legged friends have the option of exercising in spectacular surroundings. A $35 pet-surcharge is added per stay.

7. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona - Average Nightly Rate: $118 - $364

This resort's "4Paws" pet-friendly program offers numerous amenities for dogs and cats, including beds and a "Beastro" menu, featuring delicacies such as Canine Veggie Bruschetta and feline Seafood Parfait. A $50 pet-surcharge is added per night and pets must weigh a maximum of 40 pounds (larger pets may be allowed at the resort's discretion).

8. Hotel Solamar, San Diego, California - Average Nightly Rate: $176 - $336

In addition to providing complimentary treats for pets upon check-in, as well as cozy dog beds and food and water bowls in guest rooms, Hotel Solamar's VIP (Very Important Pet) Program can arrange additional services - from pet bonding sessions, to pet massage - ensuring both pets and their owners unwind during their stay.

9. Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Seattle, Washington - Average Nightly Rate: $196 - $287

This hotel supplies a Pet Welcome Pack, crammed with information and supplies, to any traveler checking-in with their furry companion (up to a weight of 80 pounds). Hounds can enjoy sweet dreams free of charge in an inviting Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Dog Bed, while signage noting 'Dog in Room' will ensure they do not receive any unexpected visitors.

10. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, California - Average Nightly Rate: $207 - $372

All pets receive edible treats, a pet tag and bowl upon check-in - but the pet-friendly fun also extends to the sand and surf. Travelers booking the "Su'ruff Camp" package receive accommodations, a doggie surf lesson, board shorts and a bandana for their furry friend, and a Surf and Turf room service pet meal. A $25 pet-surcharge is added per stay.