If the thought of vacationing without your four-legged friends is too heartbreaking, why not take them along? These properties in the U.S. and Canada will pamper your pooch and make him or her feel like top dog.
Portland, OR
What: At Hotel Vintage Plaza, dogs have the run of the place. The hotel, which accepts any number of pets without size or weight restrictions, won't charge extra if you bring along your furry friend. The property even has a special doggie Diva of Pet Relations -- a three-year-old Havanese named Georgie. Each day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the hotel invites guests to mingle in the lobby with complimentary wine, while Georgie hosts the canine version: Whine Hour. The "Lap of Luxury" pet package includes spring water for your pooch and a bottle of wine for you, a box of "Bone Jour Gourmutt" truffles for your dog and regular truffles for you, Frosty Paws pet ice cream and other pet treats, plus a doggie fashion collar to keep. You can add an in-room doggie massage for $25, or a full spa/grooming session at Lexi Dog boutique for $65 per hour.
Where: Hotel Vintage Plaza, 422 SW Broadway, Portland
Price: The "Lap of Luxury" pet package in a queen-size deluxe room starts at $214 per night, plus tax.
Doggie Do's: Check out www.portlandpooch.com for an online guide to all things canine in town, including events, parks, and doggie-friendly restaurants.
More Info: tel. 800/263-2305; www.vintageplaza.com
Whistler, B.C.
What: You can ski down the same slopes as Olympic champions and take your dog along, too. Summit Lodge's "Ski, Sleep & Ride with Your Pooch" package includes free parking and breakfast, plus your pet will be welcomed with a doggie bowl and treat. Hotel staff members also provide dog-walking services, and your pet can befriend resident dog Bonnie, a 14-year-old Burmese Mountain/Lab Cross and permanent staff member at the Lodge.
Where: Summit Lodge and Spa, 4359 Main Street, Whistler, B.C.
Price: Post-Olympic Games, this package in a queen studio room is priced from $99CAN per person per night.
Doggie Do's: Each spring, Whistler hosts Dog Fest (www.wssf.com). There are miles of dog-friendly trails and Bowzer beaches at local lakes. Whistler is generally an on-leash type of community in the parks, trails, and the village.
More Info: tel. 888/913-8811; www.summitlodge.com
New Orleans, LA
What: Loews New Orleans has a welcoming pet policy that allows guests to bring up to two pets for a flat rate of $25 per stay. Each pet receive its own set of gifts, including a pet tag, bowl, and special treat. Owners also receive a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services -- like a Loews Loves Pets room service menu, local dog-walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops and groomers.
Where: Loews New Orleans, 300 Poydras Street, New Orleans
Price: Rates for a king-size deluxe room with views over the Arts District or the Mississippi River start at $104 per night when staying three nights or more, plus $25 for your pets. A "Pumped Up Pet" package includes workout tips for human owners and their pets, a Zisc dog Frisbee, and a specially-created and vet-approved meal for pets (from $124 per night until May 1, 2010).
Doggie Do's: Visit City Bark (www.nolacitybark.org), a four-plus acre plot located in City Park behind Popp's Fountain. For dining, dogs are welcome at Fresco on Maple Street and Café Lafitte in Exile on Bourbon Street.
More Info: tel. 866/211-6411; www.loewshotels.com
Washington, D.C.
What: Stay at the Fairmont with your pet as part of the "It's a Dog's World" package and the hotel will donate 5 percent of your room rate to the Washington Animal Rescue League (www.warl.org). The package includes one night's lodging and dog treats made by the hotel's Executive Chef. The no-charge Pet Program includes lots of other practical items like walking maps to nearby parks and a list of pet-friendly restaurants, cafes and stores -- and a not-so-practical special sign for your door.
Where: The Fairmont, 2401 M Street, NW, Washington, DC
Price: From $189 per night, plus taxes
Doggie Do's: There are several leash-free dog parks in D.C. including Montrose Park in Georgetown, Shaw Dog Park (www.shawdogs.org), and Lincoln Park. For doggy dining, try Cantina Marina on Monday evenings in summer, and every Wednesday evening, the Helix Lounge at Hotel Helix hosts a doggy happy hour on its patio with a portion of sales going to the Washington Humane Society.
More Info: tel. 866/540-4505; www.fairmont.com
West Rutland, VT
What: The Paw House Inn is a 1786 farmhouse-turned-B&B in south central Vermont, near Killington and Okemo ski resorts. Room rates include use of the on-site dog care and playhouse, and a full country breakfast for humans. Although you are expected to bring your own dog food, your pet will receive a variety of homemade doggie treats during your stay.
Where: 1376 Clarendon Avenue, West Rutland, VT
Price: Rates range from $135 to $245 per room per night for two adults and up to two dogs.
Doggie Do's: With a dog trainer on staff, dogs can take part in activities like agility and obedience training. Or they can watch "Animal Planet" on the TV in the playhouse, where you can safely keep your dogs while you are out and about.
More Info: tel. 866/729-4687; www.pawhouseinn.com. There is also a second Paw House Inn at the foot of Mount Snow, VT.
