Introduction

Every time I pack my bags to leave, seeing those expectant eyes of my furry friend just melts my heart. As a travel blogger who explores the world with a Corgi, I've visited many places with my short-legged companion. From East to West, from cities to countryside, each journey has deepened our bond. Today, I want to share our accommodation experiences to help other pet parents who wish to travel with their furry friends.

I remember being worried the first time I stayed at a hotel with my pet: Would we disturb others? Would the bedding get scratched? What about bathroom emergencies? But after years of exploration, I've discovered that these concerns disappear when you choose the right hotel. More hotels now focus on the pet market, offering thoughtful services.

Luxury Options

When it comes to top-tier pet-friendly hotels, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group sets the industry standard. Last month's experience at the Guangzhou Mandarin Oriental was an incredibly luxurious journey full of surprises. The moment we entered the lobby, staff members knelt to greet my Corgi and offered special pet cookies. The room setup was touching, with a dedicated pet bed, food and water bowls, and special pet towels.

The most impressive was their pet dining service. The executive chef designed a nutritionally balanced menu for pets, from chicken breast rice to salmon puree, all made with food-grade ingredients. My usually picky Corgi licked the plate clean. They even adjust portion sizes and utensils based on the dog's size - such thoughtful details.

The House Collective by Swire Hotels is another exemplar of pet-friendliness. My short-legged companion and I have stayed at The Opposite House Beijing, The Temple House Chengdu, and The Middle House Shanghai, each leaving deep impressions. These hotels are stylish yet comfortable for pet owners. The most memorable experience was at The Temple House Chengdu, where the front desk staff was completely charmed by my Corgi, took photos for us, and gave us a large pack of local pet treats.

At The Opposite House Beijing, I found they even provided special pet shampoo and grooming supplies in the room. The Middle House Shanghai has an excellent outdoor garden where pets can roam freely. Most importantly, these hotels have superior soundproofing, so there's no worry about dog barking disturbing other guests.

Budget-Friendly Options

While luxury hotels are great, not every trip requires such expensive accommodations. Many affordable domestic hotel chains are actively embracing the pet market. Atour Hotel is a great choice, with their specially designed "pet-friendly rooms" series, allowing pet owners on a budget to enjoy quality accommodation with their pets.

Once during a business trip to Hangzhou, I made a last-minute decision to bring my dog. Checking into Atour, I found their pet room thoroughly prepared: dedicated pet bed, food bowls, pee pads, and even interactive toys. Most special was their smart pet cabin, which can watch your pet while you're out and allows real-time monitoring through your phone. The room also thoughtfully included contact information for veterinary hospitals and pet grooming salons, just in case.

Narada Resort Hotels offered a completely different experience. Their suburban resorts feature villa-style designs with private yards for each room. Last summer, I stayed with my Corgi at their Wenzhou Mountain Villa, which was a perfect vacation experience. The spacious yard allowed my dog to play freely, and we could stargaze on the terrace at night. Best of all, they don't restrict pet size or breed, which is great news for large dog owners.

Cost Analysis

Regarding accommodation costs, there are many factors to consider. Many assume bringing pets to high-end hotels must be expensive, but the reality might surprise you. I've found that higher-end hotels often charge less for pets. Luxury hotels like Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula usually only charge basic cleaning fees, and some don't even charge that.

However, note that while there might not be pet fees, special services like pet spa, professional grooming, or custom meals are extra. At Guangzhou Mandarin Oriental, for example, pet meal packages range from 200-500 yuan, and pet spa services start at 800 yuan.

In contrast, some mid-range chain hotels charge fixed pet fees. For instance, New World Hotel Qingyuan charges a one-time 500 yuan pet cleaning fee, and some hotels charge per day. So when booking, be sure to clarify the exact fee policy. I recommend comparing several hotels, as pet fee policies can vary significantly among hotels of the same tier.

A helpful tip is to look for hotel membership benefits. Many hotels offer pet fee waivers or special discounts for members. Some hotels also offer pet-themed packages during specific holidays, including accommodation and various pet services, providing better value.

Global Adventures

Regarding international travel, taking pets abroad requires more preparation, but with proper planning, you can have unique travel experiences. Paris is one of my most recommended cities, where people's tolerance for pets is touching. Last winter, I spent a month in Paris with my Corgi, and almost all cafes and restaurants welcomed pets, with some places specially preparing water and treats for pets.

Once at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Champs-Élysées, the staff not only prepared a special cushion for my dog but also served house-made dog treats. There are many pet-friendly hotel options in Paris, from the luxurious Ritz to artistic boutique hotels, almost all accepting pets. The Four Seasons Paris left the deepest impression, offering not just special welcome packages for pets but also pet-sitting services, allowing you to shop or sightsee worry-free.

In Asia, Malaysia's Klang Valley is a delightful discovery. The pet-friendly facilities here are excellent, from cafes to camping grounds, you see people with pets everywhere. The pet park at Setia Eco Park is our favorite spot, featuring dedicated dog pools, obstacle training courses, and rest areas. On weekends, many locals bring their pets here to socialize, creating a particularly joyful atmosphere.

In Klang Valley, we stayed at a boutique hotel called The Acre, which has excellent pet-friendly policies. The hotel has dedicated pet activity areas and organizes daily morning dog walks, making travel more interesting through these social activities. Best of all, they prepare a "passport" for each pet, recording their hotel experiences, and provide a cute group photo upon departure.

Important Tips

After numerous pet travel experiences, I've compiled some crucial points to note. First, when booking hotels, always mention you're bringing a pet and provide specific information like breed and weight. Some hotels have restrictions on pet weight and breed, so confirming in advance avoids awkward situations.

Second, understand the hotel's specific fee policies. Some charge one-time cleaning fees, others charge daily pet fees, and some might require deposits. Clarify these fees in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Also ask about available pet facilities so you can adjust what equipment to bring.

During your stay, pay special attention to room cleanliness. While many hotels provide cleaning services, as responsible pet owners, we should handle basic cleaning. I usually carry some cleaning supplies just in case. Also be mindful of controlling your dog's barking, especially at night, respecting other guests' rest time.

Finally, I recommend starting with local trips. Staying at hotels with pets requires an adjustment period, so initially choose places closer to home for easier problem-solving if issues arise. With experience, you'll find traveling with pets is actually quite enjoyable.

Watching your pet play in different places and recording their various expressions during the journey becomes precious memories. I look forward to meeting more friends traveling with their pets, creating more beautiful memories together. If you're hesitant about traveling with your pet, my advice is: go ahead and try it - it will definitely become a unique happy memory between you and your furry friend.