Even your dog can get a good night's sleep on this bed

I have a large dog, and I know it’s not always possible to find hotels that can accommodate an 80-pound pooch. The frustrating thing about locating a pet-friendly hotel is that not every hotel in a certain chain will accept pets; just because you’ve stayed at one Holiday Inn with your pet doesn’t mean that all Holiday Inns accept pets.

Happily, I came across PetsWelcome.com, and it appears to be a thorough database of pet-friendly hotels. For example, take a look at all of the pet-friendly hotels listings they have for Atlanta, Georgia! 61 listings and counting. Better yet, they list helpful things such as information regarding whether or not the hotel provides pet beds, walking areas and exercise areas. Pretty cool.

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The Vegas Strip is going to the dogs. TheHotel at Mandalay Bay says it has dog-friendly suites on its 22nd floor, specially kitted out with eco-friendly food and water bowls for Fido. They’ll even welcome you with tasty treats and doggy relief bags.

Pet-friendly hotel - THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

For the discerning doggy, there are special options. Fido’s in-room dining menu, for example, includes a Backyard Delight consisting of hamburger, potatoes, zucchini, carrots, apples, parsley and ground turmeric.

For those who feel like stretching their legs, Barking Lot Lane is just steps away near the west entrance of THEhotel. Owners can walk Fido themselves, or call in the Concierge if required. Upto two dogs weighing 100 pounds combined are allowed, and should be on a leash when outside the room.

The 43 story all-suite TheHotel has 1,117 one-bedroom suites with plasma television, high-speed internet and wet bars in-room. They have a billiards lounge, lobby bar, coffee bar and café.

The hotel is part of the Mandalay Bay resort, which has 4,752 rooms and suites and a whole lot more including a 11 acre tropical pool with real sand and poolside gaming.

But for those only interested in pet-friendly hotels, here’s the top 10 Las Vegas hotels where guests are allowed to walk on all fours and bark (just to be clear – this refers to dogs and not drunk casino revelers).

1. TheHotel at Mandalay Bay
2. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
3. Four Seasons
4. Caesars Palace
5. Paris Las Vegas
6. Planet Hollywood
7. Harrah’s
8. Flamingo
9. Bally’s
10. Rio

Expect to pay anywhere between $25-50 per day per dog and an additional fee if pet-sitting or dog-walking services are required.

Photos courtesy Mandalay Bay

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Understated Luxury at THEhotel in Las Vegas
House of Blues in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Resort

Rm 1016 Grand Hyatt Denver

My second visit to Denver was for a conference held at the Grand Hyatt Denver, not to be confused with the Hyatt Regency Denver – which my SuperShuttle driver did. Not to worry though if this detour happens to you, the hotels are only two blocks from each other. And to make things even more interesting, the Grand Hyatt Denver is formerly the Hyatt Regency Denver.

Within about a three to four block radius, you will find every major hotel represented. Why? You are that close to the Colorado State Capitol building, the Colorado Convention Center and the University of Colorado at Denver.

The Grand Hyatt is two blocks from the Denver Pavilions entertainment complex and 16th Street Mall.  These both have lots of shops, restaurants and movie theaters.  Since I was in town strictly for the conference, I got to know the insides of the Grand Hyatt quite well. Here are my highlights:

• Two Double Beds were nice. I used one as a workstation and the room still felt large. They were Grand Beds™ featuring ultra-plush pillows.
• Wi-Fi access for my Mac didn’t work. I had to use their wired dataport at my desk.
• Walk-in closest fit my clothes & suitcase easily. I loved the full length mirrors on both the inside of the door and outside on the wall.
• Room service offers a decadent molten chocolate cake with strawberries.
• My room had a decent city view and the church bells on Sunday were a nice touch for my departure.

I didn’t make it to their gym but I heard good things about it from other conference goers. The hotel’s elevators operate using your room key.  The staff was nice especially the maid service. Next to the concierge desk is a kiosk for airline check-in and printing your boarding pass.  SuperShuttle stops by the hotel every 15 minutes for Denver International Airport.

Pet friendly Grand Hyatt Denver - cute!

Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-1234

Photos by Sharon Castellanos

Dog Beach in San Diego

Dogfriendly.com has unleashed its 2010 list of most dog-friendly destinations, and the list is topped by San Diego.

They barked out this short statement for why they chose San Diego – “The best dog beaches anywhere. Boutique hotels. Many trails and parks to hike and great weather year-round for outdoor dining.”

Best dog beaches? Woof! Good weather, dog parks, outdoor dining? Woof, woof, woof! Hotels? Now here we have more to add than just a woof.

Here’s a list of pet friendly hotels in San Diego, chosen based on acute dog sense and other minor things like pet policies and specials, and nearby pet services and attractions.

Hotel Indigo San Diego

Hotel Indigo San Diego - Pets stay free, as in no additional charges or deposits for pets. You get a tail-wagging welcome from the hotel’s resident pet and mascot Sandie. The ‘Ruff-Life’ pet package include a plush doggie bed, treats, dog food & water bowls.

They also have a Canine Cocktails happy hour from 5:30-9:30 pm every Tuesday on the Phi Bar Terrace, where you can rub noses and mingle while enjoying the complimentary doggie treats. 

The Sofia Hotel - Listed as a featured hotel by Dogfriendly.com, The Sofia even offers a ‘pampered paws’ package, designed for the upscale pooch who doesn’t have to be slumming it just because the master needs a vacation. Upon arrival, your boss will be informed about the hotel’s pet services, dog-walking routes, pet friendly restaurants and area pet services.

In-room offerings include a deluxe pet bed and a goodie bag with a toy, treats and other essentials. They’ll whisk you off to a special pet spa and drive you back to the hotel after a day of blissful frolic, pampering and massages.

Hotel Solamar San Diego

Hotel Solamar - Also listed by Dogfriendly, Hotel Solamar is a Kimpton Hotel and so offers very nice pet policies (no fee, no restrictions on number or size of pet/s) and facilities (welcome treats, food and water bowls in room, concierge help for pet services).

Make sure to mention the presence of a 4-legged guest in your reservation, so you get the VIP  (Very Important Pet) Program treatment. Includes pet treats when you check-in and a special “grrrrrr” do not disturb door card.

Honorable mentions:- Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego-Mission Valley, Ocean Beach Hotel, and Pacific Inn Hotel And Suites.

Dog beach photo – ewen and donabel; Indigo courtesy IHG; Solamar – PHeede

Related posts:-
San Diego Sans Leash
Pet-Friendly Travel Keeps Getting Easier