Woof Woof Mama

TripAdvisor has released the results of their 2011 Pet Travel Survey including the top 10 pet-friendly properties in the U.S.  This is based on accommodations with the highest ratings on TripAdvisor and that feature the greatest number of TripAdvisor traveler comments describing them as pet- or dog- friendly.

1. Affinia Dumont, New York City, New York – Average Nightly Rate: $192 – $614
Prized pooches, in addition to all other types of pets, will receive a warm welcome at this Midtown East hotel, whose amenities include plush dog beds and tasty treats. A $25 pet-surcharge applies per stay, and additional services – from grooming, to a pet psychic – can be booked via the concierge. “The hotel is pet friendly and welcoming… A gem in N.Y.C.,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

2. Hotel Monaco Portland, Portland, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $126 – $325
A personal greeting on the Pet Welcome Board awaits all animals who visit this downtown Portland property. Complimentary dog beds and bowls will be at the ready, while travelers who select the “Portland Unleashed” pet package will receive a map of pet-friendly local breweries and restaurants, a doggie beer for their four-legged companion, and more. “Fantastic property, especially for those traveling with Fido,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

3. Ocean Park Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Average Nightly Rate: $57 – $150
For travelers seeking to enjoy an ocean-side outing with their furry friend, this Myrtle Beach property gets the thumbs and paws up. “Brought our two dogs with us and were never made to feel anything but welcome with them there,” said one TripAdvisor traveler. A $15 per pet, per night surcharge applies, and any accessories must be provided by the owner.

4. Palomar Washington DC, Washington D.C., District of Columbia – Average Nightly Rate: $182 – $557
This property provides an array of complimentary amenities, from pet beds, to disposable pick-up bags – and the pet-perks on offer also extend beyond the essentials. During the evening wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m., four-legged travelers can enjoy “The Dish”, a pet lounge complete with treats. “We noticed our dog was getting rock star treatment!,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

5. A Laughing Horse Lodge, Port Aransas, Texas – Average Nightly Rate: $59 – $239
Located just two blocks from the beach, the cottages at this property offer travelers and their dogs invigorating sea air and a welcome basket, featuring treats and a collar-tag, reading ‘Return me to Laughing Horse Lodge’. A dog surcharge applies for the duration of the stay, of $25 for one dog, $35 for two dogs and $50 for three or more dogs. “Most pet-friendly place we’ve ever stayed,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

6. The Paw House Inn, West Rutland, Vermont – Average Nightly Rate: $135 – $255
Canine comforts, from beds to bowls to hiking trails, are the order of the day at this country retreat – and such is the emphasis on dog-friendly fun, that a $10 surcharge applies for travelers without an accompanying four-legged friend. Rates include use of the on-site dog care facility. “Strongly recommend the Paw House Inn as the perfect dog and human vacation experience,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

7. Carmel Country Inn, Carmel, California – Average Nightly Rate: $195 – $395
Pets of any shape and size are welcome at this charming Bed and Breakfast, for a daily surcharge of $20 per animal. Furry companions will delight in the knowledge that an unlimited supply of biscuits awaits in the kitchen, and their photograph will be taken for the pet display in the lobby. “Staff arranged for me to have a massage in my room, with my dog right there – wonderful!,” said a TripAdvisor traveler.

8. Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts – Average Nightly Rate: $204 – $489
All creatures great and small are welcome free of charge at this 236-room property, whose setting on the Charles River affords miles of waterside pathways. For travelers wishing to put their feet up while someone else puts their dog through its paces, the concierge can assist with dog walking or pet sitting services. “A great homely and pet-friendly hotel with great service,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites, Valdosta, Georgia – Average Nightly Rate: $89 – $128
This peach of a property for travelers visiting south Georgia with their furry companions features a large pet walk area, in which dogs can enjoy a spot of al fresco exercise. There is no pet surcharge, but owners must bring all pet necessities with them. “Excellent choice when traveling with a pet,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.

10. Cypress Inn, Carmel, California – Average Nightly Rate: $150 – $575
Fine foods and great company await pets at this property, which offers a doggie menu and nightly “Yappy Hour”, at which two- and four-legged guests alike can mingle. A nightly pet surcharge applies, of $30 for one pet, $50 for two pets and $70 for three pets. “It is refreshing to see how they accommodate people who travel with their pets,” said one TripAdvisor traveler.