The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Hotel Groups

Pet policies at luxury competitor Mandarin Oriental Hotels also vary by property, with its starry Mandarin Oriental New York offering a generous open-door policy for all dogs (owners need to sign damage waivers) that demands no nightly pet fee and brings generous amenities free to your room. Upon advising the front desk of a 160-pound Neapolitan Mastiff named Sherman, a gap in conversation and long hold was followed by, "While all dogs are welcome, they cannot be unaccompanied in the room, because if any barking or complaints arise employees would not be able to enter the room." But sizable Sherman was indeed welcome at Mandarin Oriental New York.

Joie de Vivre Hotels and boutique hotelier Kimpton Hotels have maintained very pet-friendly policies even through national expansion. Kimpton boasts its own hosPETality program that includes "any number of pets regardless of size, weight, kind, or breed" at more than 50 hotels in more than 24 cities. Hot spots such as San Diego, Los Angeles and Portland, Ore., even offer a doggie happy hour with four-legged "directors of pet relations" that include a loveable lab named Timmy in Portland's Hotel Monaco and Posh Parker in San Diego. Kimpton also offers complimentary dog beds, drool-proof bowls and gourmet pet treats. The hotels set "no restrictions and never require an extra charge, fee or deposit" for what could be the most friendly and fun hotel group in pet travel.

Of course, calling a hotel directly when making a reservation is essential, and it doesn't hurt to get a name to refer back to if difficulties arise at check-in.