Tag Archives: dog-friendly hotel

Dog-friendly vacations that give back | thepupdiary.com

26 Feb

We love to travel. We also love to help animals in need. We found that combining these two passions was easy, fun, AND dog friendly. Check out two places we visited last year and hope for a repeat this year!

Glen Highland Farm
We have visited Glen Highland Farm each year for the past 3 years. Once you visit the dog-friendly camp in upstate New York, you’ll be hooked, too! Set on 175 acres of meadows, trails, wildlife, water, and beautiful views — this is an off-leash doggy paradise! Yes, we did say “off leash”! Pups are welcome to run and play off leash! Best of all, the camp supports the Sweet Border Collie Rescue that is run out of the main house and grounds. Humans are welcome to tour the rescue and meet the adoptable pups during their stay. Over 2,000 pups have found forever homes through the rescue group! The 2014 camp season is open May 23 to September 30. Book early to get the dates and accommodations you would like! They offer tents, cabins, and RVs for your 2-night minimum stay. Glen Highland Farm is about a 4-hour drive from NYC.
(Side trips: We went out for dog-friendly ice cream, visited Cooperstown, and checked out a dog-friendly brewery — all an easy drive from the camp.)

Glen Highland Farm

Glen Highland Farm

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
We visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT last summer and LOVED it! We stayed in an Angel Canyon cottage overlooking their horse pasture and surrounded by beautiful nature. Book early because these cabins and cottages are in high demand! Visiting pups are welcome in the accommodations, the visitor center, and the tour bus with preapproved reservations. Visiting pups are not allowed in the adoption centers or grounds. As the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary houses hundreds of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, horses, birds. Mom toured the grounds and visited Dogtown and Cat World. People are able to sign up to volunteer in different areas. It really is a magical place!!
(Side trips: We visited Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes! The area is the Golden Circle of national parks with many beautiful and dog-friendly stops!)

Wordless Wednesday | thepupdiary.com

13 Nov

Party time! Essex Resort’s Top Dog Weekend.

Hanging out by the fire at the Essex Resort

Hanging out by the fire at the Essex Resort

Top Hat and Cocktails at the Ritz | thepupdiary.com

22 Oct

“You are a really happy dog.” That’s what the animal communicator said to me the other night at the SPCA of Westchester gala at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains. “You are grounded and you are confident. You are happy.” Well I was in a room at the Ritz surrounded by food and doggy pals. What more could a doggy dream of? I was HAPPY!

Posing with mom at the SPCA Gala

Posing with mom at the SPCA Gala

My mom brought me to the event to help raise funds for the animals at the SPCA of Westchester. This was our third time attending this event and it gets better every year! I didn’t even mind the dress mom made me wear . . . it was actually quite comfortable and kept me warm. We stalked the silent auction and won two trips for next year! We’ll be heading back to Inn by the Sea in Maine – one of our most favorite places! We also won a trip to Cape Cod at Lamb and Lion Inn – “1 of the top 12 pet-friendliest places in the world” per CNN.com!

Our friend and role model, Maria Milito, was honored at the event for all of her work helping animals.

TripAdvisor lists Top 10 Pet-Friendly Properties in the U.S. | thepupdiary.com

28 Aug

Earlier this month TripAdvisor announced the results from their newest pet travel survey where over 1,100 U.S. respondents answered questions about their travel habits with their pets. Only 44% plan to travel with their pets in the coming year. That seems low to us since we travel several times each month! The press release also included the top 10 pet-friendly properties in America, according to TripAdvisor travelers. None of our faves made the list. And most of their choices were budget busters to us! But we will still try to visit a few of them in the coming year . . . The Sunglow Ranch is calling our names!

Dog-friendly patio at Inn by the Sea

Dog-friendly patio at Inn by the Sea

The Pup Diary favorite pet-friendly properties for 2013

Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast in Vermont

Inn by the Sea in Maine

Glen Highland Farm in Upstate New York

Best Friends Animal Society Angel Canyon Cottage in Utah

Best Western Inn of Sedona in Arizona

Oxford Suites Spokane in Washington

Relaxing at Glen Highland Farm

Relaxing at Glen Highland Farm

The TripAdvisor Top 10 Pet-Friendly Property List in America

1. Beachside Village Resort, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida – Average Nightly Rate: $205+ Pet owners visiting Florida’s East Coast can enjoy a relaxing stay with their pooch in one of the premier hotel rooms, studios, or suites at this seaside property. Dedicated pet walkers are available upon request for pups in need of a promenade. “The pool area is great and you are right across the street from the beach. Best of all: It’s small-dog friendly,” commented a TripAdvisor traveler. The hotel welcomes pets weighing 35 pounds or less, and there is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

2. Olea Hotel, Glen Ellen, California – Average Nightly Rate: $260+
Located in Sonoma County, travelers can enjoy the unique amenities at this small boutique hotel. Pets are welcome in the Hillside Queen Rooms and dogs will even receive a special welcome basket which includes treats, bowls and towels. A TripAdvisor traveler noted, “The inn keeper personally showed us to our room where we were welcomed with a cute little gift basket of treats for both us and our pup.” There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

3. Bardessono, Yountville, California – Average Nightly Rate: $650+
Traveling pet owners visiting Napa Valley are invited to stay at this sustainable hotel that boasts organic cotton bed linens and hand-crafted bath products. Pooches will be given plush dog beds and bowls to enjoy their supper. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “If you are looking for a small, upscale resort that pampers you (and your pet) do not miss the opportunity to stay here.” There is a one-time fee of $150 for pets.

4. Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico – Average Nightly Rate: $650+
Located in one of Santa Fe’s most historic neighborhoods, this former adobe building is now a spectacular hotel adorned with exotic antiques, rugs, textiles and architectural elements. Guests traveling with pets 50 pounds or less are welcome to stay in one of five perfectly appointed rooms. A TripAdvisor traveler noted, “Waiting in the suite were treats and stuffed animals for the animals!” There is a fee of $75 per night for pets.

5. Five Pine Lodge & Spa, Sisters, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $235+
Travelers can hunker down in one of three pet-friendly cabins that provide plush beds, soaking tubs and private balconies, while nearby hiking trails offer plenty of outdoor fun for four-legged friends. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “The pet-friendly cabins are at the edge of the property, just steps away from the bordering forest, so very easy to take them out for walks.” There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

6. The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California – Average Nightly Rate: $595+
Luxury awaits man and his best friend at this Mediterranean estate. Travelers can relax in the pristine guestrooms where four-legged friends will find their own amenities including beds, bowls and toys. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, “We had our dog, and the grounds are very green and lush and it was a perfect place to let him roam outside.” The hotel welcomes pets weighing 25 pounds or less, with a one-time $100 fee.

7. Sunglow Ranch – Arizona Guest Ranch and Resort, Pearce, Arizona – Average Nightly Rate: $299+
Situated on 475 acres, pets will have plenty of space to play at this western-style ranch. Traveling pet owners can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the property’s three-mile trail and later unwind in the “Hummingbird” and “Coyote” casitas that welcome pets weighing 25 pounds or less. “It was a pleasure to stay in a place where the accommodations are incredibly beautiful and still dog-friendly,” said a TripAdvisor traveler. There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

8. Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $330+
Located in Willamette Valley, those with wagging tails in tow can relax in this luxurious hotel. Animals are welcome in terrace-level rooms where pooches will be pampered with tasty treats and kibble. One TripAdvisor traveler said, “Brought the dogs and went wine tasting. The staff took care of all dinner bookings, the dogs had wonderful stew, free room service and the spa was great.” There is a one-time fee of $50 for pets.

9. Low-Key Hideaway, Cedar Key, Florida – Average Nightly Rate: $90+
Nestled in a tranquil island oasis on the Gulf Coast, animal lovers can enjoy the company of their furry friends at this property. Up to two well-behaved pets are invited to accompany travelers to this adult-only retreat. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “The rooms have a back door that goes directly out to a grassy area with a gorgeous, unobstructed view, so while your dog sniffs around, you can soak up the sights.” There is a fee of $10 per night for pets.

10. The Oxford Hotel, Bend, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $299+
This boutique hotel strives to provide a memorable stay for travelers and pets alike. Included in the animal-friendly amenities are a bed, travel-size dog bowls, pet salve, organic dog treats, and a map of nearby parks and trails. “One of the best and pet-friendly,” noted a TripAdvisor traveler. There is a one-time fee of $55 for the pet package.

Our visit to the dog-friendly Grand Canyon | thepupdiary.com

13 Aug

While touring the wild west this summer we had to see the Grand Canyon National Park. At one mile deep, 18 miles wide, and 277 river miles long, it is one beautiful natural wonder of the world! Leashed dogs are welcome on South Rim trails above the rim and at certain campgrounds. It is important to read the “pet” section of the national park website before you go so you are aware of the rules and restrictions.

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Touring the Grand Canyon
We arrived later in the day to try to avoid the traffic. Mom had heard stories about big traffic problems and we were pleasantly surprised to find very little traffic and easy and ample parking near the visitor center. There are several miles of paved and unpaved rim trails where leashed dogs are welcome and views are spectacular! We saw several dogs along our walk. We even saw a doggy stroller! Maps are clearly marked with trail distances and services. We visited on an overcast and rainy day . . . so we will need to go back when it is sunny!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Getting there
We rented a car and drove the 4.5 hours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Along the way we stopped at the Hoover Dam (dogs are only allowed in limited areas; they are not allowed on dam bridges, walls, or tours) and Historic Route 66.

Where we stayed
We stayed in Sedona, Arizona which is 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon. The Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona was very dog friendly. We were welcomed with a list of dog-friendly outdoor dining options in the area. We also received a cute doggy gift and treats. Dogs are also welcome on their outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful Sedona mountains. We give this hotel a big paws up!