As it is becoming increasingly common for people to travel with their four-legged friends, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) have revealed some of the most popular, and strangest, requests for accompanying pets. In its survey of over 8000 people worldwide, 7.3 per cent said they would travel with their pet whenever possible, 15.1 per cent said they’d be willing to pay a supplement for their pets to be pampered, with the top pet pampering items identified as luxury bedding, food and pet grooming.
Recognising this trend, many SLH properties have introduced pet-friendly packages. For example, Lainston House Hotel in Winchester, UK, has a VIP (Very Important Pooch) package that lets guests book a suite with a patio door leading straight out to the hotel grounds. Pooches also have their own bed, water and food bowls with a mat, bags for ‘tidying up’ and a special treat. Prices start from £165 per night, with a supplement of £50 per night for dogs to cover deep cleaning.
Hoteldorf Grüner Baum in Bad Gastein, Austria, has a dog training ‘play meadow’ next to the hotel, where Mario (the expert dog trainer) offers individual consultations. Dogs can also take advantage of a number of physiotherapy options, starting with an examination by a vet to identify the most beneficial treatment. Massages, lymphatic drainage and active-passive movement exercises are all available with the help of laser therapy, ultrasound machines and hot and cold treatment equipment. To settle canine visitors into their new surroundings, they are offered a welcome biscuit and a surprise gift on arrival. A special section of the hotel restaurant is even set aside for dogs so that they can dine with their owners. Rooms here are priced from £124 per night and include breakfast. Depending on the size of the dog, a supplement of €10 – €20 per day is charged.
The Raithwaite Estate in Whitby, UK, has a number of dog-friendly rooms and cottages, as well as onsite kennels. The dog spa – where favourite treatments include mud baths, blueberry facials (to remove stains from their face) and Jacuzzis – means that dogs don’t miss out on the luxury hotel experience. Dogs are provided with a dog bed, two bowls and other dog friendly accessories, and can choose from a special menu with a range of meals cooked by the hotel’s chefs. Rooms here start from £93 per night, with a supplement of £15 per night for dogs, which includes dog bed, two bowls and other accessories, as well as the cleaning cost.