Hotel Pet Mascots You'll Want to Travel the World to See
By Jacqueline Gifford
These luxury hotels take pet friendly to a whole new level: they’ve adopted dogs, cats, and even birds as their mascots. And yes, as guests, you’re allowed as much face (er, cuddle) time with these creatures-of-comfort. From Boston to Bali, here are some of the world’s most adorable animal residents.
(Courtesy of The Jefferson, DC)
This rescue dog was found wandering the streets of Ocean City, Maryland, but has moved his way up in the world. Acting as the CEO (Canine Executive Officer) of Washington D.C.’s most luxe, pet-friendly hotel, Monti the beagle has tough daily duties that include hanging around in the lobby and saying hi to guests — just like any CEO or GM would do. Book the “Lord Monti” experience for $450 a night, and guests (and their pups) will get tickets to the Newseum’s “First Dogs” exhibit, a dog bed, water and food bowls, and a special “Monti’s Choice” in-room dining menu which includes dishes like Virginia Lamb Heart and Tongue or cookies made with liver or cheese. Five percent of your reservation will be donated to PAW Rescue.
(Courtesy: Fairmont Copley Plaza)
This Boston hotel has two cuddly Canine Ambassadors — Catie and Carly Copley, both black Labradors. Originally a New York girl, Catie was trained as a guide dog but has found a new home in Boston (she’s now a Red Sox fan). The active Carly was adopted from the city’s Animal Rescue League and enjoys riding on the hotel’s bellcarts. Both are there to greet guests when they enter the lobby and are available to take out for walks and runs. Book an appointment, and you’ll get a walk pack that includes their favorite routes, as well as a biscuit treat.
(Photo: Aimery Chemin & Régis Grman)
In addition to its celebrity clientele, one of the most decadent hotels in Paris has two stylish feline customers: Fa-Raon and his lady companion Kléopatre. Both Burmese cats love lounging in the lobby and wandering the French gardens. And since Paris is the capital of the fashion world, they’ve got to have some fabulous gear. Both can be seen modeling fancy black leather and canvas Goyard collars, complete with customized silver medals by Christofle.
(Photo: Michelle Walker)
Colorado has some of the country’s most pristine wilderness — perfect for playtime if you’re a dog. At the pet-friendly Ritz-Carlton, located in Beaver Creek, you’ll find “Bachelor,” a St. Bernard, and “Belle,” a Bernese Mountain dog, who are both available for walks on the flower-covered hills and hiking trails. If you bring your own pooch, request a “Bachelor’s Pack,” and your dog will enjoy a “Pampered Pup” massage and bath treatment, among other amenities.
The Algonquin, an Autograph Collection Hotel
(Courtesy: The Algonquin, Autograph Collection Hotels)
This historic New York City property has adopted a rescue cat since the 1920s, and over the years there have been seven Hamlets, one Billy, and three Matildas. Today’s Matilda is allowed to wander everywhere but the kitchen and dining areas (though the hotel chef cooks her special meals) and has a birthday party every August. She has received fan mail from as far away as Japan and Russia — but you can easily reach her on Twitter, Facebook, and email at matildaalgonquincat@algonquin.com.
Related: Pet-Friendly Hotels Your Furry One Will Love
The Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin
(Courtesy of Nantucket Island Resorts)
Check in to this pet-friendly Nantucket property and rub elbows with Sherwood, the resident English Labrador retriever, and Ellie, the resident Golden Retriever. During May, if you stay in one of the hotel’s WOOF cottages, they are waiving the $85 fee and offering a slew of amenities including a Nantucket dog collar, dog walking services, a framed photo, and even morning coffee with Sherwood. Other perks include a welcome bag of treats and toys, doggie turndown, and a directory of vet clinics and pet stores.
(Courtesy: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok)
One of Bangkok’s most storied properties has two domestic mynah birds, the Thong-Jaa sisters — the longest staying guests of the hotel. And unlike most resident pets, these girls can talk: the sisters mimic sounds if taught, and wish people good morning, as well as Thai greetings like “sawasadee krub,” or “sawasdee kha.” They’ve lived in the Authors’ Wing garden since 1997.
(Courtesy: Jamaica Inn)
Don’t be surprised to see a black lab puppy bounding up to you on the beach at this classic Ocho Rios retreat. Her name is Shadow, and she just turned one in March. She’s up for swimming, sunbathing, and stand-up paddleboarding, and has even been known to chase crabs as they scurry along the beach. (Check out her blog at the Jamaica Inn website.) There’s currently a photo contest running through August 31, where the winner of the best photo with Shadow gets a free stay at the hotel.
(Courtesy: Montage Deer Valley)
Park City has been known to draw celebs for its world-class Sundance Film Festival. But one of the biggest stars in town is Monty, the five-year-old Bernese Mountain dog who lives at the plush Montage resort. Guests can request playtime with him, and even see his mug at the Wasatch Brew Pub: he’s the face of Monty’s Belgian White Ale, the bar’s signature craft beer.
Related: Hotels and Travel Companies are Jumping Through Hoops to Please Your Pet
This famous wellness retreat in Ubud has a gentle soul presiding over it: Sandy, a 10-year-old golden retriever. In her younger days, Sandy would often go on walks with visitors. Now that she’s in her “dignified” years, she mostly hangs out in the lobby, and will spend extra time with guests who are missing their dogs back home.
Amelia the parrot at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)
This classic Florida resort has more than just a pretty beach and pool to its name. They’ve got Gonzo, a resident blue and yellow macaw, who poses for more pictures than Kim Kardashian. He’ll do photo-ops with kids during holiday weekends, cheer them on during tennis lessons, and participate in the Ritz Kids story hour. And then there’s Amelia the parrot, located at Key Biscayne’s sister hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Kids are welcome to feed her, and she’ll even help tuck them in at night during the hotel’s pirate-themed bedtime parties.
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