Many hotels allow pets - and offer them perks

January 27, 2008

Not all hotels are as accommodating as the Langham, Boston Hotel. Leslie Keller Gleser, former communications manager, reported that when a traveling menagerie from Busch Gardens arrived, special requests had to be met: The anteater required a smoking room because the windows would open, and the animal had, shall we say, a distinctive aroma; the flamingos needed a handicapped-accessible room, as they love to walk into the shower; and the mountain cats received a room with two beds since they don't like to share.

The Kimpton, Loews, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Fairmont chains are especially pet-friendly, but many accommodations allow pets and provide special perks. Ask about weight restrictions, as some limit the size of your pet. A sampling:

The James, Chicago: Pets receive a travel kit with a service menu from the nearby Pooch Spa, pet menu from David Burke's Primehouse restaurant (steak tartare for dogs, smoked salmon lollipops for cats), clean-up bags, treat, toy, and pet-tourist map. In-room amenities include a pet bed, food and water bowls with floor mat, litter box for cats, lint brush, and a carob truffle at turn-down. Upon request, pets may receive raincoats and galoshes, retractable leashes, walks, day care, and dog training. Possibilities at the spa include an aromatherapy massage or bath with conditioning, pawdicure, and swimming in an indoor saltwater lap pool built especially for dogs.

Cost per pet is $75 a night. 877-JAMES55 (526-3755); james hotels.com.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville: The Hounds of Music package allows canines to cut their first CD. Included are accommodations in a pet-friendly suite, vocal training, professional in-studio recording session, pet room-service voucher, massage, limo ride to the studio, and personalized CD case.

Cost is $1,599 per night. 615-320-1700; loewshotels.com/hotels/nashville/.

Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Fla.: Have your pooch learn proper petiquette with classes taught by certified Humane Society instructors. Classes include puppy kindergarten, good manners, and obedience level 1. Canine guests receive turndown amenities and their owners are given guides to pet-friendly parks.

The program charges a nonrefundable $150 cleaning fee per stay. 239-593-2000; ritzcarlton .com.

Camp Fideaux, Sun Valley, Idaho: Accompany your dog to camp in pet-friendly Sun Valley. Organized activities include hikes, doggy art walk, training sessions, and the option to work with an animal communicator. A massage is available to soothe dogs' post-hike muscles. Lodging is provided in a variety of dog-friendly properties. Meals (extra) are served in restaurants with outdoor dog patios.

Prices vary with lodging, but start at about $1,000 a week for two people. 208-721-1400, 800-634-3347 ext. 1.