Paws for thought - Pet-friendly holidays in Australia

Sending your beloved pet off to the kennels just as you’re about to go on holiday doesn’t seem quite fair somehow. Wouldn’t it be nice if your pet could share your trip with you?

There are some hotels that welcome this idea. When you’re next looking to travel in Australia with your pet, consult our Concierge travel specialists in pet-friendly hotels.

Barking brilliant

The Observatory Hotel in Sydney offers a very small number of dedicated pet-friendly rooms at an additional charge (from $50 per pet, per night). Dogs will receive a pet bed and their owners can choose dinner from the Scooby Doo room service menu. With dog bowls, special beds and healthy dog biscuits, a stay at the Observatory Hotel is as much a treat for your pet as it is for you.

Starwood Hotels, opening in June 2012, have a specialty loyalty program just for your four-legged friends called Love That Dog. As you’re sipping from a glass of wine, your pet can paw about with designer toys, strut around in a special collar or lounge just as dreamily as you on a customised 10-layer duvet bed.

Time for yappy hour

Man and woman’s best friends are more than welcome at The Pet’s Hotel – for very important pets in Melbourne. Here you’ll find Daily Playtime or Yappy Hour, overnight accommodation for both cats and dogs, as well as an aptly named indoor dog park called Central Bark. There’s even a spa facility for lucky small to medium dogs – they may not want to leave.

If you’re travelling beyond Australia, the Loews Loves Pets program at the Loews Hotel chain knows how to make your travelling pets feel special. You’re not the only one getting gourmet room service and an extra special comfy bed. It’s so accommodating in fact that the manager or concierge can even help you find nearby pet-friendly restaurants and attractions.

Pros and cons

The pros of holidaying with your pet are that they’ll be able to share in your fun and keep you company, and you won’t be worrying about them being in someone else’s hands. As for the cons, you may have to pay extra charges here and there. Plus, you’re responsible for the things they might do to someone else’s property, so it could be like taking a child away with you.

Think carefully before you choose to take your pet on holiday. For advice and holiday options on travel in Australia with pets adn for a full list of pet friendly accommodation, call our Concierge traveller specialists on 1800 047 047.

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