Lucy loved the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The staff fawned over her when we arrived, offering her a drink and homemade cookies. In the room there was a cushy new bed and a gift basket of special treats. In the afternoon, after a long walk along the paths that crisscross the resort, she enjoyed an in-room massage. Later, she joined fellow guests in the lounge for Happy Hour.
Lucy is a well-loved water spaniel, lapping up the unaccustomed luxury at the plush, oceanfront resort, just 15 minutes from downtown Portland. While made to feel special, Lucy wasn’t the only four-legged guest at the resort. Alas, she wasn’t invited to the private dog party being held in a special event room that weekend, but she met several other happy dogs and their owners during our weekend stay, while walking the grounds and hanging out in the lobby and lounge.
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According to the 2015-2016 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, there are more than 79 million pet-owning homes in the United States, some 65 percent of all households. More than 54 million own a dog and 28 percent of those dog owners have been to a pet-friendly hotel.
There’s no need to leave Fido at home when you hit the road. We sleuthed out four ultra-pet-friendly digs in New England.
Inn by the Sea
Both people and pets are coddled at this beautiful, beach resort in southern Maine, featuring a mile of oceanfront, a year-round program of activities and events (think: lobster bakes on the beach, concerts, nature walks, arts and crafts and more), and a full-service spa. Pets are welcome in a variety of rooms, at no extra charge, including select cottages, garden suites, spa suites and the new, contemporary and airy beach suites, with in-your-face ocean views, outdoor patios and decks, and large living areas. Beach towels, blankets and treats are generously provided to their pet guests, and while they’re happy to arrange dog walking and pet care, there’s no need to leave your four-legged companions behind. Take them to the fireplace lounge to mingle with other guests, and order off a special pet menu. (Lucy loved her grilled chicken and vegetables!) In-room pet massages can also be arranged. Alas, pets are not allowed on Crescent Beach from April through September, but the staff provides a list of nearby walking trails, beaches and free-range parks. The resort also offers a variety of packages, including the INNcredible Pets Package which features two nights lodging in a single-room suite, dog bowl, L.L. Bean dog bed, 30-minute, in-room pet massage, nightly selection from the pet menu, and pet turn-down service with locally-made treats. 207-799-3134, www.innbythesea.com
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The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
Pets feel right at home at this northern Vermont resort, set on 18 sprawling acres just minutes from downtown Burlington. It was recently awarded the Fido’s Favorite Award by BringFido.com, a distinction that fewer than 5 percent of all pet-friendly accommodations receive. The pampering begins at check-in, when pets receive a welcome package containing house-made pet treats, a take-home chew toy, and a collapsible water bowl. Pet owners have a choice of accommodations, including traditional rooms, fireplace rooms, minisuites, studios, and one-bedroom suites ($45 night/per pet). After taking your pet to nearby Mills Riverside Park for off-leash time, order a special meal from the doggie room service menu, like the Vermont meatloaf with fresh apples, or the liver cake with poached carrots. There’s plenty to keep owners happy, too, including two award-winning restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, and the Cook Academy, offering a host of daily culinary classes. The resort offers a variety of special weekend packages, like the upcoming Top Dog Weekend (Nov. 13-15) with a happy hour with dog treats and drink specials for owners, an owners’ hands-on cooking class to learn how to make homemade dog food, a pet-a-cure to keep your pet’s nails trim and coat shiny, two nights’ accommodations, and a two-course dinner for two and one pet from the in-room dining menu. 800-727-4295, www.essexresortspa.com
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Onyx, a Kimpton Hotel
Charley, the director of pet relations at this whimsical Boston boutique, may greet you when you arrive, if she’s not taking a walk around the North End. She’s a cute lemon and white beagle, who, according to her owner, loves her gig at the hotel, greeting guests. Pet owners can even e-mail Charley in advance of their stay to share their pet’s preferences with her. Even if Charley is not around, no worries: Pets, any number and all sizes, are welcome here at no extra cost. Bring your pets to the complimentary evening wine reception to mingle with others, before dining in the Ruby Room lounge, with its rich colors and curvy banquettes and upscale comfort food (burgers, steak frites, and specialty pizzas). Grab a cookie for your dog and a clean-up bag (complimentary at the reception desk) before taking a nighttime stroll. This 112-room, four-star hotel, just around the corner from North Station, is fun for humans, too, with sleek, modern rooms, ultra-comfortable beds with luxe linens and high-tech bells and whistles. The Pampered Pet Package includes accommodations, a bed for dogs or scratching post for cats to borrow during their stay, one item from the Pampered Pet menu and treats from the Boston Barkery. 617-557-9955, www.onyxhotel.com
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The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common
There will be no ruff-ing it for humans or pets at this luxurious hotel, known for its impeccable, bend-over-backward service. Everyone is made to feel like royalty here. Before heading out to play in Boston Common, order the Rover picnic basket to go ($50) with specially prepared treats from the Pawsh Dog Boutique, including a Frisbee, Chuck-it ball, reusable travel bowl, and a Boston Barkery hamburger cookie treat. Other pet services and amenities available to guests and their pets include beds, blankets, clothing, treats and a woof/meow door hanger. If you really want to splurge, consider the Pampered Pet Package, with overnight accommodations, valet parking, welcome amenities for you and your pets, a keepsake pet food bowl, custom dog tag, a one-hour massage for you, and a one-hour pampering spa treatment for your pet. 617-574-7100, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BostonCommon/Default.htm
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com.