It is always exciting to plan a vacation. However, as a pet parent, planning a holiday can be a tedious task. And when you realise you can’t seem to fully trust the dog boarding facilities, your neighbour or even friends to take of your pet, it is time to plan your holiday differently. These days, many hotels around the globe have made it more convenient for travellers to bring their four-legged friends along simply by instituting pet-friendly policies. Hospitality brands have jumped on the pet-friendly luxury travel bandwagon, and are going above and beyond to not only welcome canine clients, but to pamper them with over-the-top treats, services, and amenities.
Here, we highlight properties that stand out from the pack in today’s pet-friendly world.
Andaz Delhi
The hospitality at Andaz doesn’t just extend to its human guests, they go the extra mile to ensure that the needs of pets and the pet parents are met. For dogs, they provide a leash, bag, bed, food and water bowl, and shampoo. For cats too, they have essentials such as a bed, food and water bowl, pet carpet, cat litter and cat food. They also provide a special feed for pets, but it generally depends on what the specific pet wants. For example, not all dogs consume Pedigree or processed food. In such cases, if anyone would like to order special food for their pet, the chefs always try and meet their requirements.
Della Adventure and Resorts, Lonavala
Della Resorts provides a great escape from the city. There's no additional charge for pets and at their restaurants, they have an outdoor section that allows families to enjoy with their pets. While you're off exploring Della's rides, an adventure marshall will look after your pet. Within the premises, they also have a dog shelter where they take care of adopted as well as abandoned dogs.
Vivanta by Taj, Kovalam
Here both you and your pet are welcomed with the legendary Taj Luxury. On your check-in at the hotel, you get everything for your pet, right from the bed to the toys and food. Special staff of the hotel helps you to handle your pet and babysits when you are not there. To accommodate your pet at the hotel, you may have to pay minimal charges per night.
Elgin Hotels, Darjeeling
Lillian, the in-house pupper is always ready to welcome more four-legged guests to her gorgeous holiday home in the hills of Darjeeling. Once the summer palace of the King of Cooch Behar, The Elgin Darjeeling is more than 125 years old. With the elegance of the colonial era and the romance of a mountain retreat, the Elgin welcomes guests and their pets to experience luxury in the Himalayas.
Arco Irish Boutique Homestay, Goa
This quaint 200-year-old restored Goan villa away from the touristy bustle will welcome your pet with toys, a cosy bed and an ample amount of space to run around. Pleasingly located by a lake, paddy fields and trees, it's the picture-perfect place for spending quality time with the family in the outdoors.
Emerald Trail, Bhimtal
Nestled at 6000 ft., away from the bustle of the crowd, pets here can enjoy the expansive three-acre estate and share rooms with their owners. They are provided beds, bowls, and home-cooked food with special instructions catered to, at no additional charge.
Taj President, Mumbai
Image courtesy: Times of India
Pamper your pet at this iconic hotel in Mumbai. The hotel offers a specially curated menu for pets that features risotto and steak, while you enjoy brunch at HerbHouse, a pet-friendly bistro by the pool. To accommodate your pet at the hotel, you may have to pay minimal charges per night.
Casa Cottage, Bengaluru
Located in Richmond Town in Bengaluru, Casa Cottage has British-style cottages and gorgeous gardens for your pets to play in. While it's walking distance from the busy Brigade Road and MG Road, it's still set apart with its greenery.