Opening Chat

During holidays, I always want to travel with my little furry friend, but finding hotels is such a headache! As an experienced blogger who travels globally with dogs, I've encountered countless challenges. Some hotels claim to be pet-friendly but don't even provide pet beds; some demand thousands in pet deposits, which is ridiculous; more frustratingly, some hotels only tell you at check-in that they only accept pets under 5kg... isn't that misleading?

After years of travel experience, I've finally figured out some insights. Today I'll share my personal experiences and first-hand information to help you find the most suitable accommodation for you and your furry friend in 2024.

International Section

When it comes to pet-friendly hotels internationally, IHG Group is definitely the industry benchmark. The InterContinental Miami is especially recommended - it's absolutely a paradise for dog owners! Last year, I stayed there with my 70-pound Golden Retriever, with no concerns about weight restrictions. The most delightful surprise is their weekly Wednesday Paws Patio event, which is perfect for dog socialization.

Imagine under Miami's blue sky, dogs of various breeds playing joyfully while their owners sip pet-themed cocktails and share pet-raising experiences. My Golden Retriever made friends with a Husky there, and the two had such a great time that I didn't want to leave. The hotel staff regularly organizes dog interaction games like frisbee relay and obstacle runs, which are super fun.

Speaking of pet-friendly hotels in Europe, the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany is absolutely heavenly! The check-in experience alone moved me to tears. Can you believe it? The front desk lady not only prepared welcome champagne for us humans but also fresh organic dog treats for my dog! The pet amenities in the room were complete: luxury dog bed, high-end dining ware, dedicated towels, and even eco-friendly pee pads.

What impressed me most was their pet grooming service. Once when my dog got all muddy playing in the olive grove behind the hotel, their professional groomer offered to help. I must say, this groomer's skills were superb - they got my dog clean and fresh-smelling in less than an hour, and even my usually bath-resistant dog cooperated well.

This Tuscan hotel also offers a very thoughtful service - pet sitting. One day when I had to attend a wine tasting event where I couldn't bring my dog, the hotel arranged an experienced pet sitter. The sitter not only played with my dog but also sent me regular photos and videos, which was very reassuring. When I returned in the evening, I found my dog not only well-cared for but had even learned some new tricks!

In Asia, The St. Regis Singapore is also exemplary in being pet-friendly. They welcome not just cats and dogs, but even hamsters and rabbits. The hotel even prepares special welcome packages for different types of pets. When my friend stayed there with her hamster, she received a complete set of hamster toys and premium food, which touched her deeply.

Pet-friendly hotels in Japan have their unique characteristics. Last year, I stayed at a hot spring ryokan in Hakone that actually had dedicated pet onsen pools! The water temperature and depth were specially designed to let dogs enjoy Japanese hot springs too. The hotel even provides special pet bathrobes - seeing a group of dogs wandering the corridors in bathrobes was absolutely adorable!

Domestic Situation

Let's talk about the situation in China. Honestly, there's still a gap compared to international standards. Just looking at the data, in a first-tier city like Beijing, only 1.4% of hotels accept pets, which is quite low. However, it's good to see more cities starting to value this market - Hangzhou's ratio has reached 2.2%, which, though not high, is much better than before.

In recent years, pet-friendly hotels in second and third-tier cities have been developing quite well. Take Wuhan for example - just in the first half of this year, over a dozen new boutique hotels that accept pets have opened. The situation is similar in Nanjing and Guilin, especially near tourist areas, where the number of pet-friendly hotels has notably increased.

I recently stayed at the Wanda Vista Changbai Mountain, and while there are still some restrictions, like not allowing pets in restaurants and lobbies, the room amenities were quite good. The pet beds they provide are of excellent quality - my dog didn't want to get up once they lay down. The room also came equipped with dedicated pet water dispensers and food bowls, which, though small details, were very thoughtful.

The most surprising was the Hyatt on Chongming Island. This hotel actually has a dedicated outdoor pet activity area with professional training equipment and non-slip flooring. Professional dog trainers organize activities every morning and evening, teaching basic training techniques. I met several local dog owners there and we still regularly exchange pet-raising experiences online.

Some high-end apartment-style hotels in Shenzhen have also started trying to provide pet-friendly services. Like one I stayed at last month, they not only had pet areas in the rooms but also offered in-room grooming services. Though not cheap, the service quality was undeniable. What's special is they arrange rooms according to the pet's breed and personality - since my dog likes to chew things, they specially prepared many durable toys.

Hotel Selection Strategy

Cost Reference

Speaking of accommodation costs, they really vary greatly. In China, places like the New World Hotel in Qingyuan charge an additional 500 yuan pet fee per stay. This fee includes basic cleaning and some simple pet supplies. Additional services like pet grooming or dog walking are charged separately.

Some hotels have more flexible charging methods. For example, a hotel I stayed at in Hangzhou last year charged pet fees daily at 300 yuan per day, with discounts for stays over three days. Some hotels price according to pet size - small dogs might be 200 yuan per day, while large dogs could be 400 yuan.

International pricing standards also vary widely. The Aleenta Resort in Hua Hin charges 1,500 Thai Baht per night (about 300+ RMB), which is mid-range for Southeast Asia. Japanese ryokans generally charge more, possibly 500-1000 RMB. But their services are indeed comprehensive, including dedicated pet onsen and massage services.

Luxury hotels in Europe and America have even more jaw-dropping fees. Some luxury hotels in New York charge $100 per night just for pet stays, and their pet butler services are astronomical. However, they do provide comprehensive luxury experiences, from exclusive menus to 24-hour veterinary standby services.

Important Notes

From experience, pay attention to these details when choosing pet-friendly hotels:

First, always confirm the hotel's specific pet policies in advance. Many hotels say they accept pets but have many restrictions. Some only accept dogs under 15kg, some require specific breeds, and others limit one pet per room. This information might not be visible on booking websites, so it's best to call and ask directly.

The second point is documentation. Many high-end hotels now require pet health certificates and vaccination records. Some international chain hotels even require pets to be microchipped. I once almost couldn't check in because I forgot my dog's vaccination records, and only resolved it by having family members send photos of the documents.

Also, pay special attention to the hotel's cleaning regulations. Even in pet-friendly hotels, basic hygiene requirements must be followed. For example, leashes must be used in public areas, and pet waste must be cleaned up immediately. Some hotels collect cleaning deposits at check-in and inspect the room condition at checkout - deposits may be deducted for any damage caused by pets.

I recommend bringing your own pet supplies like pet beds, feeding equipment, and toys. Although many hotels say they provide these items, the quality varies, and it's more reassuring to use your own. This is especially important if your dog is sensitive to smells - familiar items can help them adapt to new environments more easily.

Special Reminders

The most important thing in choosing a pet-friendly hotel is understanding your pet's personality and habits. If your dog is particularly active, choose hotels with dedicated exercise areas; if they're quieter, pay special attention to room soundproofing.

Some hotels claim to be pet-friendly but merely tolerate pets without special facilities. If you have high service requirements, consider hotels specifically designed for pets - though possibly more expensive, the experience will be much better.

Future Outlook

Looking at current trends, the domestic pet-friendly hotel market has good prospects. Many international chain hotels are starting to focus on pet-friendly demands in the Chinese market, with brands like InterContinental and Hyatt continuously improving related services.

I think domestic pet-friendly hotels will develop in these directions in the coming years: First, services will become more professional, possibly with dedicated pet hotel butlers providing one-stop pet care services. Second, facilities will be more complete, not just basic room amenities but more pet entertainment and social spaces. Finally, prices will become more reasonable, with more value-for-money options emerging as market competition increases.

Particularly exciting is that some hotels are starting to try innovative services like pet social activities and pet food festivals. These new attempts not only enrich the stay experience but also promote interaction between pet owners, forming a positive social circle.

Finally, I think traveling with furry friends is truly a happy thing. Although there are more things to worry about, seeing them play happily in new environments makes all the effort worthwhile. I hope my sharing can help you avoid some pitfalls when traveling with pets and find the most suitable accommodation.

Do you have any particularly recommended pet-friendly hotels? Or any interesting stay experiences to share? Welcome to tell me in the comments section, let's create a better pet travel ecosystem together!