Top 10 Pet-Friendly Luxury Hotels

This hip Houston enclave, a mecca for the savvy business traveler, also offers a luxurious layover for the canine VIP. Upon check-in, the lil’ muzzled mister will receive a Hotel Derek gift bag that contains chew sticks, dog treats and toys, waste bags, and a Hotel Derek bandana. If mommy or daddy is busy closing a deal, the concierge offers a walking service.

The Mayfair’s “pet-friendly attitude” makes it a good stop for feline or canine travelers, but its proximity to top-notch walking terrain—from the hip “Coco Walk” strolling zone to the waterfront parks of Coconut Grove—ensures that your dachshund can stretch her legs in style.

Part of the pet-positive Kimpton Chain, the Seattle hotel offers dog coats, monogrammed with the Hotel Monaco Seattle logo, to help the little creatures acclimate to the Northwestern climes. Dog-sitting, with a personalized doggie itinerary, can be arranged while owners are away, and the room-service menu includes Slobber Gobbler Meat Loaf ($4).

Nearby alpine hiking trails make this resort an energetic-pet heaven. The hotel’s "Elevated Pooch Package" includes dog bed, check-in biscuits, a take-home dog dish and copy of "Fido Friendly." With a two-night stay they’ll waive the $25 per night pet fee.

A favorite of celeb pets, including the Target "Bullseye" Dog, the Soho Grand’s pet rooms are set up with a pet bed, as well as food and water bowls. Along with complimentary treats at the front desk, the hotel provides a mostly organic in-room dining menu that includes meals as well as meal-replacement bars. For travelers who can’t bring their pets, the Grand offers a complimentary goldfish at check in, and will bag it for take-home.

The "Loews Loves Pets" program, at the chain’s 18 hotels across the US and Canada, includes such perks as pet-sitting and walking services, and room service with items like grilled liver or salmon with rice for cats. The Santa Monica branch has partnered with a local dog food company called Cloud Star to provide uniquely local amenities for dogs including homemade biscuits and treats, doggie shampoo and conditioner.

This inn, owned by Doris Day (yes, that Doris Day, who runs her own animal-advocacy foundation) and Dennis Levitt is situated in the scenic and pet-friendly coastal enclave of Carmel, and offers pet-sitting services and local recommendations for dining with your pet. Easy beach access (along with a hose and towels in the courtyard) makes this cozy Mediterranean-style outpost particularly dog-positive.

As part of the Biltmore’s “Preferred Pet Pals” program, the hotel sends guests who are bringing pets a special profile to complete before arrival, noting everything from size to special dietary needs. Several of the Biltmore’s cottages feature enclosed yards for dog play, and the 39-acre resort has other large common grassy areas for all guest pets to enjoy. Room-service pet meals come with Arizona Biltmore bottled water.

The W chain is pet-friendy nationwide, and features treats and “W Hotel” tags at check-in, a custom bed and “pet in room” door sign. Request a birthday cake for your doberman from the concierge, or ask the “Whatever/Whenever” department for a leash or toy. The Westwood location has easy access to pleasant walking neighborhoods (and the UCLA campus).

This big dog of downtown hotels permits beasts up to 85 pounds, but the real draw is nearby Grant Park, Chicago’s giant greenspace on the shore of Lake Michigan. Dogs on leashes are allowed, walking opportunities abound, and the park is big enough to find some solitude, even during busy summertime festivals.