It is such a joy to see hotels not only embrace their pet clientele but have some fun going above and beyond with their offerings and amenities. Here Bodie’s travel industry pal Liz Eads gives us the scoop on 7 dog-friendly resorts taking the Pampered Pets motif to the next level, with offerings from custom bandanas to canine kayaking and steakhouse-quality filets!

Better yet, many of these US properties are making donations to local animal charities so it’s not just your pup that’s in for a treat!

Let’s kick off with 3 of the Best in Florida…

1) VIP PET SUITE AT W FORT LAUDERDALE

A luxe beach getaway awaits at the W Fort Lauderdale‘s stunning VIP Pet Suite. Upon check-in, pups receive a limited edition W Fort Lauderdale dog bandana, food/water doggie bowls and a special Bark Box filled with a variety of new toys and treats for the pup to play with. There’s also a plush in-room dog bed for this sweet dream vacation.

After getting a little sand between their paws on Fort Lauderdale beach, pups can continue to enjoy the sea breeze from the suite’s balcony, inclusive of a Tinkle Turf Pad for when that elevator ride seems just a bit too far to go. (When you do go out, doggie pick up bags are provided.) While mom and dad enjoy delectable gourmet dining from either Steak 954 or Sushi Bar, pups can order some seriously tasty meals off of the resort’s pet menu, including a hamburger patty with diced pineapple, salmon filet with steamed asparagus, kosher beef hotdog with broccoli, steamed edamame and more. The Pet Suite package also waives the daily clean up fee and no pet deposit is required. 

2) MAKE A SPLASH AT THE PERRY HOTEL, KEY WEST

Opening this very month, The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina is Key West’s newest pet-friendly hotel. Perched at the edge of the private 220-slip Stock Island Marina, The Perry offers guests and their canine companions an epic Key West adventure inspired by Stock Island’s iconic fishing history and the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. The stylish boutique hotel partners with local tour operator Lazy Dog Adventures to offer kayak and SUP excursions where guests can explore towering mangroves and pristine waters with their pups in tow.

After a day on the water, pups can lounge with their owners by the property’s posh pool deck or roam free at two parks located within the Stock Island Marina Village, which also offers restaurants, shops, a local artists’ studio and on-site distillery (for the humans!). As an added perk, dogs staying at The Perry will receive a special welcome amenity that’s sure to make them say ‘woof!’. Rates from $227/night.

3) HIP HOUNDS AT THE STANTON SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI

Photo: Jeff Herron Photography, Inc

One of the only hotels on Ocean Drive with direct beach access, the Marriott Stanton South Beach is the perfect jumping off point for the ultimate doggie adventure. After recent renovations by famed UK interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the Stanton now proudly displays their love for dogs with an adorable French Bulldog painting featured front and center in the lobby, set against a backdrop of eclectic artworks. The hotel is also conveniently adjacent to a palm-lined park for pup playtime and a short stroll from South Pointe which offers stunning ocean and city skyline views, guaranteed to get tails wagging!

And now let’s cruise on from Florida roam around the rest of the US….

4) HIKING HEAVEN at SUNCADIA RESORST, CLE ELUM, WA

Kick back, relax and celebrate your four legged friend at Suncadia Resort. Just 80 miles east of Seattle, Suncadia revels in 6,400 acres of lushly forested mountain landscape, making it the ideal doggy playground. Pups and their owners can enjoy a guided morning stroll of the resort’s 40 plus miles of designated hiking and biking trails and then head to the Lodge to for a tasty treat while the humans enjoy an ice cold brew. Not only can you have fun during your stay but Suncadia will donate 30% of the pet fee to ARRF animal rescue during the entire month of May.

5) DESERT DREAMS at MIRAMONTE INDIAN WELLS, CA

Grab your four-legged friend and escape to Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa for the ultimate doggy getaway. This Coachella Valley retreat welcomes furry friends to experience all that the desert has to offer and more! Stay and play in one of the resort’s pet friendly suites and start your day with a hike up the local Cross Trail to witness pawsome views. After a stroll in the desert, enjoy sniffing around and exploring the property’s Vineyard Patio during Cocktails and Canines, every Wednesday from 4pm-6pm. All pups and pup parents alike can enjoy some fun in the sun with cocktails, appetizers, furry friends and good music. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa will donate 50% of proceeds to Animal Samaritans.

6) SOUTHERN ADVENTURE at BARNSLEY RESORT, GEORGIA

Treat your furry friend to an outdoor adventure extraordinaire at the fido-friendly Barnsley Resort in North Georgia. This charming 3,000 acre resort-meets-village is where cottage-style accommodations, outdoor activities and Southern comfort come together as one. Pups of all sizes are welcome to join their owners and explore the miles of wooded hiking trails, hike the historic grounds highlighted by architectural ruins and landscaped gardens, or even dine al fresco together. Pet friendly accommodations include the Garden or Meadow Suites and Arbor Cottages. Standard amenities for pets include pet beds, bowls, bottled water and treats. Pet sitting may be arranged with advance notice.

As a proud supporter of PAWS Atlanta, the Barnsley will waive the $75 pet fee for guests on the special Pampered Pets for PAWS rate and instead, will donate that fee to PAWS, which provides love, nutrition, medical care and basic training to enrich the lives of orphaned animals until permanent, safe homes can be found. (These 3 fellas are currently up for adoption and all put me in mind of Bodie!)

7) CELEBRITY STAYS at THE FOSHAY aka W MINNEAPOLIS 

Minneapolis’ iconic, 1920’s-inspired hotel goes above and beyond for guests — both human and canine — with its ‘Pets are Welcome’ (PAW) program along with their Whatever, Whenever concierge service that caters to even the zaniest dog-lover demands. In addition to perks like walking, grooming, toys and turndown treats, The Foshay offers a special pet menu that features a 10 oz. steak from on-site award-winning Manny’s Steakhouse.

To round out the offerings, the property’s local insider can recommend the city’s chicest pet boutiques and has even gone so far as to build pillow forts for the hotel’s favorite four-legged guests. Celeb canine guests include Spot (the face of Target!) and Instagram influencer @manny_the_frenchie.

All these luxurious dog-friendly resorts are now on Bodie’s Bucket List…