Best Dog/Pet Friendly Hotels – Pacific Northwest Edition
Destination wellness travel is top of mind for most of us year round, but for the traveler who hates to part with their preferred pooch pet, dog -friendly hotels are a unique way to go.
We asked our travel writer and wellness coach Shannon Kaiser and her furry pal, the famous golden retriever Tucker, to hit the road and visit pet-friendly hotels in the Pacific Northwest.
What she discovered will touch your heart. Gone are the days where you have to part with your four-legged friend. Welcome to a new breed (pun intended) of dog-friendly hotels where you can pamper yourself and your pooch, too.
Loden Hotel, Vancouver, Canada
We’ve just checked into the Loden Hotel, a contemporary boutique hotel in the West End of Vancouver, Canada, close to the Marina district.
My 90-pound golden retriever, Tucker, and I scoot into the elevator. There is a couple in the elevator with us; they smile brightly. The women, with her long, blond hair, perfect manicured fingernails, and bright red lipstick, says, “Too bad they don’t know how nice the hotel is, eh?” I smile and affirm her comment. “No kidding.” But secretly I know that my furry fella knows exactly how amazing this pad away from home is. That’s the thing about dog owners—we have a secret language with our pets, a knowing that goes beyond words. And the Loden knows this. They speak the same dog-friendly language.
The hotel staff treats Tucker like a celebrity superstar. The moment we arrived, he was offered a special biscuit and extra pets from all the staff in the lobby. They treat us both with the same respect and attention, which is important for a dog lover.
We check into our Garden Terrace room, which is located on the second floor. This is an oasis in the city, as I am welcomed with floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking out onto a lush green Zen garden, I step out onto the private balcony and see little Buddha and a reflection pond. I can hear a waterfall and I see it tucked behind the bamboo and tall, green grass. I gaze up to see expansive high-rises and put my hand on my heart to give gratitude. The Loden inspires relaxation and appreciation, a true Zen retreat for the spirit. The interior is Asian inspired with dark wood balanced with natural light.
Plus, all guests who stay on the Garden Terrace floor get a complimentary 30-minute infrared sauna treatment in the Loden’s spa suite.
When I travel, it’s important for me to maintain my healthy routine and active lifestyle. I’ve picked the right hotel, as the Loden reflects the West Coast ideals by making it easy for me to not miss a beat. I head straight to the 24-hour Befit Studio, which is quite possibly downtown Vancouver’s best hotel fitness center. Featuring 1,400 square feet of space, plenty of natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a city view on one side and a private waterfall and natural urban oasis on the other, this makes my workout more motivating. I hop on the spin bike in front of giant flat-screen TV. After an invigorating workout, I head back to my room to enjoy the special features.
Vancouver is home to the world-famous Lululemon Athletica, so it goes without saying this city is immersed in all things yoga. Good thing because I want to keep up with my practice while on the road. My room includes a yoga mat and a 24-hour yoga channel. I pull out the additional yoga props, and look through my complimentary YOGA magazine while I sip on my yogi tea. I prepare for a yoga session and cool down from my workout. After I take a relaxing bath in the oversize soaking tub, equipped with bath salt, I clean up and prepare to go explore the city.
My doorbell rings (yes, I have a doorbell—how amazing is this place?) and I am greeted with a luxurious plush pet bed for Tucker, food bowls, gourmet peanut butter bacon biscuits made in house by Tableau Bar Bistro’s executive chef, Marc-André Choquette, a dog walking map, a copy of Modern Dog Magazine, which Tucker and I happen to be featured in—how exciting to see my article in hand— and a sanitary kit. Tucker immediately plops down on the dog bed; and eats the treats right away: he is a happy boy.
Now that we are settled in, my canine companion and I go explore the city. We are only three city blocks away from the beautiful Coal Harbour Park, which connects to the seawall. We spend a couple hours walking outside, taking in the Vancouver salty air. Seagulls fly above, glider planes zoom in and out of view, and happy chatter in foreign languages from locals and tourist. This is an international city, inviting, calm, and comfortable in its own skin. Vancouver knows who it is. A quiet confidence pulses throughout the city and its residents.
On our way back, I discover a brand-new organic juice bar called MELU. From the moment I walk in, I feel loved and cared for. This cold-pressed juice bar has guilt-free desserts, superfood smoothies, and nourishing meals. The positive vibes are welcoming. I order The Pink Elephant, which is activated cashews, real strawberries, raw vanilla bean, agave nectar, and Himalayan pink salt. There is a dog dish outside for water, so Tucker is happy as well. I am only one block away from the Loden; I mentally remind myself to come back tomorrow and try the overnight oatmeal.
As we head back to the hotel, Tucker is once again greeted with extra love and pets. While he is getting his own pampered treatment, I reserve a cruiser bike for the afternoon. The Loden offers complimentary Electra-Townie Cruiser bikes for guests’ leisure and pleasure. I make plans to ride along the seawall.
The Loden also has a spa suite, which is meticulously designed to create an optimal wellness environment; it’s available exclusively to Loden guests for massages, facials, and manicure/pedicures. This treatment room provides an intimate space and includes an infrared sauna along with a step-out patio, which can be used during the spa appointment.
The Loden certainly cares for its guests, but where they excel is in the details. Everything is carefully placed and focused on, from the evening turn-down service with inspirational quotes from famous people to the morning breakfast NESPRESSO coffee bar and TWG tea service.
Here the personal touches make the memorable difference. Plus, I am told that after my stay, the Loden makes a donation on our behalf to the BC SPCA to support animals in need.
WANT TO GO?:
http://theloden.com/
1177 Melville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6E 0A3
Toll-free 1 877 225 6336
reservations@theloden.com
MELU Juice & Health Bar
http://www.melujuice.com/
1110 West Pender Street,
Vancouver, BC
778 379 6358
PET PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Overnight accommodations in a Loden signature guestroom
- Peanut butter bacon biscuits
- Premium dog dishes
- Complimentary overnight valet
- “Baxter the Beagle,” Loden’s London cab private drop-off service
- Copy of Modern Dog Magazine
- In-room personalized door sign
- Doggy bed (choice of size)
- Dog walking map
- With every Pooch Package, the Loden Hotel will donate $20 on your behalf to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)
Hotel Monaco Seattle, Seattle, Washington
After a three-hour drive from Vancouver, Canada, Tucker and I arrive into downtown Seattle. We pull up to the Hotel Monaco on Fourth Avenue, a boutique luxury property nestled in the heart of the city. Despite the luxurious feel, there is nothing stuffy about this place. Fun is the middle name of the Monaco as we are greeted with happy employees. You can always tell when someone loves their job: their smile beams from within. Upon check in, Tucker is welcomed with a dog biscuit and extra love. His name is added to the VIP registry list—very important pet, of course.
This is an award-winning property that has a playful energy embedded into its pores. Recognized by Fodor’s as a Top 100 Hotel in the World, Hotel Monaco is consistent with the warm Kimpton Hotel hospitality. There is a vibrancy with the bright blue walls contrasting with the soft yellow carpet, not to mention the service exceeds our expectations.
It’s clear why this is a top-ranked Seattle hotel on TripAdvisor. As we enter the guest room, there is a pet-friendly kit, including a bottle of spring water, disposable pick-up bags, food and water bowls for Tucker, a pet bed, and specialty biscuits. Tucker, of course, eats the biscuit right away and makes himself at home on the soft dog bed.
The room is inviting, expansive, and cozy with a sophisticated charm. The decorations reflect the French Monaco-inspired essence, blended with northwest hospitality. The large, oversize window looks out into the Seattle downtown streets. People are hustling around down below; we relax in style up above.
I decide to go to the lobby for the hosted wine reception every evening from 5 to 6 p.m. I have the opportunity to meet with other guests and swap Seattle stories at this fun social hour. I learn that the hotel offers complimentary bicycles to use during your stay; one couple told me all about their leisurely ride through the city.
They used the bikes to explore nearby sites, which are also within walking distance, including Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the Washington State Convention Center. I tell my new friends about Tucker and they say that they left their furry friend at home and instead are using the hotel’s Guppy Love service. For guests who miss their pets, the hotel will bring a complimentary goldfish to keep them company. Sometimes a little extra color, companionship, and quiet relaxation are all we need while on the road. I take a sip of my red wine and think all is well in Seattle.
The hotel promotes wellness with a luxury spa room service. Forget the walking—no taxis, no inconveniences—the therapist comes to you. They have a customized treatment menu that incorporates wild-crafted, natural and organic ingredients, all devoted to working in harmony with the environment while nourishing your skin and senses. One of the most popular choices is the rejuvenating massage. Guests can also enjoy the fitness center, which I make sure to try out as well.
The Hotel Monaco Seattle certainly focuses on the details, but where they excel is in their customer service. I feel like family and truly appreciated here. The staff is respectful, polite, and energetic. I can tell they all love what they do and enjoy working here. Tucker and I feel at home and are truly pampered in the city.
Talk about location. The hotels near Pike Place Market, but so much more.
In the immediate vicinity:
- Award-winning restaurants like Sazerac and Tulio
- Columbia Center, whose Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor is the tallest public viewing area west of the Mississippi
- Historic 5th Avenue Theatre, home to musical productions
- Seattle Central Library, an architectural marvel
Within half a mile:
- The must-see Pike Place Market, which houses the original Starbucks
- Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown
- Seattle Art Museum
- Fantastic shopping, including the flagship Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, Columbia Sportswear, Louis Vuitton, Arcteryx, and oodles of independent boutiques
- The Great Wheel
- Washington State Convention Center
Within about a mile:
- The iconic Space Needle
- Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66
- Sports stadiums CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field, home to the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Sounders
WANT TO GO?:
http://www.monaco-seattle.com
1101 Fourth Avenue, Seattle,
WA 98101
PET PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- At check-in, your pet is added to our VIP register (Very Important Pets, you know)
- Food and water bowls and pet bed placed in your room for use during your stay
- Bottle of spring water and treats
- Disposable pick-up bags
Photo credit Loden Hotel, Hotel Monoco Seattle and MeLu Juice
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