Celebrating National Dog Day with Top Hotel Offerings, August 26

To ease travel anxiety, several hotels have implemented pet-friendly policies and even offer dog-friendly packages. For those who don’t have a Fido or Sparky of their own, hotels are also now adopting resident dogs that serve in roles such as hotel therapy dog or Executive Canine Officer. (Note: I occasionally think that the best dog for me is actually someone else’s dog!)

With National Dog Day on August 26^th, here are some top dog-friendly offerings:

Hotel Service Dog: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach recently debuted a resident mascot at the hotel - Sandy, an eight-month-old black Labrador retriever that is a therapy dog in training. Sandy is often spotted walking around the property’s lobby, meeting spaces, and beach, greeting guests. Her newest trick is opening doors for guests.

Canine Officer: The Jefferson’s resident beagle, Lord Monticello, or “Monti,” is the five star luxury hotel’s Executive Canine Officer. Introduced to The Jefferson through PAW Rescue, a local non-profit dedicated to the rescue and adoption of homeless domestic animals, Monti oversees the dog-friendly accommodations, which include plush beds, bowls and treats.

Sacred Dogs: Centered in the Mayan jungle, two Xoloitzcuintli pups (also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs) can be spotted around Sandos Caracol Eco Resort greeting guests. Historically known as sacred dogs by the Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans, these dogs were long-regarded protectors and were believed to safeguard homes and companions from evil spirits.

Resort Mascot: Hilton Key Largo boasts an array of pet friendly amenities managed by the fearless Rambo who serves as the hotel’s pup mascot. Rambo’s daily tasks include greeting guests and touring visitors through the resorts private nature trail, secluded beaches and lush landscape.

Fur Mama: Located across from Grant Park and celebrating its 90^th anniversary this year, Hilton Chicago is launching a new “Fur Mama” dog-friendly package for the duo to live an extravagant mommy-and-me weekend. Available starting at the end of August, the package will include a “Fur Mama” T-shirt and pet pampering including turndown treat amenity, Bone Appetite Doggy Bag picnic in Grant Park featuring dog-friendly foods and treats, and Paws for Thought concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques.

Explore South Beach with your Pup // Marriott Stanton South Beach

One of the only hotels on Ocean Drive with direct beach access, the Marriott Stanton South Beach is the perfect jumping off point for the ultimate doggie adventure this National Dog Day. The Stanton is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in South Beach and it welcomes guests and their four-legged best friends with opens arms… and cozy, recently renovated accommodations. After recent renovations by famed UK interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the Stanton now proudly displays their love for dogs with an adorable french bulldog painting featured front and center in the lobby next to other artwork as part of the lobby’s eclectic collection. The hotel is also conveniently adjacent to a park perfect for pup playtime, and short strolls to the nearby South Pointe Park with stunning ocean and city skyline views is another favorite activity sure to make tails wag! For more information, visit www.stantonsobe.com.

Dog Gone It // W Fort Lauderdale

All the fur parents out there can now spoil their pup like the good boy / good girl that they are on National Dog Day with a luxe beach getaway to W Fort Lauderdale with its Dog Gone It Pet Suite. Upon check-in to their customized pet suite, pups receive a limited edition W Fort Lauderdale Dog Bandana, food and water doggie bowls, as well as a plush in-room doggie bed to curl up and relax on during their dream vacation. After a stroll on Fort Lauderdale beach, pups can still enjoy the sea breeze in their face from the suite’s balcony, inclusive of a Tinkle Turf Pad for when that elevator ride seems just a bit too far away. The suite also includes a few doggie pick up bags, as well as a Bark Box filled with a variety of new toys and treats for the pup to play with. While mom and dad enjoy delectable dining from either Steak 954 or Sushi Bar, pups aren’t left out on the gourmet dining and can order some seriously tasty meals off of the resort’s pet menu. A few menu options that pups can chow down on include a hamburger patty with diced pineapple, salmon filet with steamed asparagus, kosher beef hotdog with broccoli, steamed edamame and more. The Pet Suite package also waives the daily clean up fee, and no pet deposit is required. For the pup that spoils you with kisses everyday, why not return the favor and spoil them for National Dog Day? For more information, visit https://www.wfortlauderdalehotel.com/dog-gone-it.

Treat your Pup to true Relaxation // Lido Beach Resort

Kick back, relax and celebrate your four legged friend at Lido Beach Resort this National Dog Day. This pet-friendly resort features 223 newly-renovated rooms and suites with the option of having a Gulf or bay view, creating the perfect dog-cation setting for pups looking to soak up the sun or enjoy the ocean breeze. Located beachfront on the barrier island of Lido Key off the Gulf coast of Sarasota and just a quick stroll away from Ted Sperling Park, furry ones can also get their walk on with a variety of waterfront nature paths, and maybe make some new friends along the way. Afterwards, they can head back and gaze at the uninterrupted ocean views and flying birds in their own private balcony as pet-parents soak in the gulf coast sunsets. For more information, visit www.lidobeachresort.com.

On-The-Water Adventure with your Pup // The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina

This National Dog Day, travelers and their four-legged friends can be among the first to stay at Key West’s newest pet-friendly hotel, The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina. Perched at the edge of the private, 220-slip Stock Island Marina, The Perry offers guests and their canine companions an epic Key West adventure inspired by Stock Island’s iconic fishing history and the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. The brand new boutique hotel partners with a local tour operator called Lazy Dog Adventures to offer kayak and SUP excursions where guests can explore towering mangroves and pristine waters with their pups in tow. After a day on the water, pups can lounge with their owners by the property's posh pool deck or roam free at two parks located within the Stock Island Marina Village, which also offers restaurants, shops, a local artists’ studio and on-site distillery (for the humans!). As an added perk, dogs staying at The Perry will receive a special welcome amenity that’s sure to make them say ‘woof!'. For more information, visit www.perrykeywest.com.

Furry Ones will Love this Outdoor Adventure // Barnsley Resort, Georgia

Travelers can treat their four-legged friends to an outdoor adventure at the Fido-friendly Barnsley Resort in North Georgia. Pups of all sizes are welcome to join their owners and explore the charming 3,000 acre resort-meets-playground where cottage-style accommodations, outdoor activities and Southern comfort come together as one. Pets can expect to wander through the miles of wooded hiking trails and hike the historic grounds filled with architectural ruins and landscaped gardens. Pet-friendly accommodations include the Garden or Meadow Suites and Arbor Cottages. Standard amenities for pets include pet beds, bowls, bottled water and treats. Pet sitting may be arranged with advance notice. A proud partner of PAWS Atlanta, the resort waives the $75 pet fee for guests on the special Pampered Pets for PAWS rate and instead, will donate that fee to PAWS, which provides love, nutrition, medical care and basic training to enrich the lives of orphaned animals until permanent, safe homes can be found. For more information, visit https://www.barnsleyresort.com/pet-love.aspx.