These exquisite hotels offer first-class service – and furry friends who have the run of the place.
Luxury vacations have many faces – and sometimes, whiskers. In a small but growing number of exclusive hotels, cats are not just on staff, but are the beating heart of the hotel. They roam through the lobby, watch guests from a sunny windowsill or let themselves be cuddled by the fireplace. Their presence provides a warm, personal touch that no concierge can replace. For World Cat Day on August 8, we present luxurious hotels where velvety pawed felines make your stay extra special.
The Algonquin Hotel in New York City is home to the affectionate cat Hamlet VIII. This name was bestowed by none other than a former hotel guest – actor John Barrymore. He can be found patrolling literary events and champagne receptions and is occasionally persuaded by guests to grant a selfie.
Feline staff have long been part of the Le Bristol Paris family. Over a period of eleven years, Fa-roan, a Burmese tom, acted as the official hotel cat. In 2021, this honorable role was taken over by his son, Socrate. Socrate is known for a certain dignified reserve, but has built a close relationship with many of the hotel's employees. Fa-roan is now enjoying his well-earned retirement in the company of one of the receptionists.
After her original home at Le Bristol Paris, Kléopatre the house cat has found a new home at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany. Reigning like ancient Egyptian royalty, Kléopatre is affectionately known as the "ruler of the house" at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. She enjoys a great deal of freedom, and has access everywhere except for the kitchen, the restaurant and the fireside lounge.
Siblings Jack and Jane were born in Troy, New York, in 2022 and were rescued just one month later and brought to the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. They have a preference for the lobby and corridors, although shy Jack prefers to sleep on the landing near a lion's head. From time to time, they also pay visits to the guest rooms, flaunting the official boundaries that have been set by management. Things get particularly exciting around 22:00, when the two cats are seized by a burst of exuberant energy. You can follow their amusing adventures on Instagram.
Lilibet, a Siberian cat, is quite possibly the most beloved resident at the Lanesborough in London. With her lively energy, she keeps the staff on their toes with her antics. Fortunately, there is a special cat committee at the hotel that looks after their furry residents with great affection.
Over the years, many cats have come and gone at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Arkansas – their first recorded cat appeared as early as 1973. The hotel's current resident is the handsome tomcat Jasper, who turned up at the hotel in October 2009 and decided to stay. He can often be found on the veranda in the sun, on chairs and sofas in the lobby or on his own cozy blanket at the reception desk.
Although not officially advertized, travelers have reported that the boutique hotel Palazzo Castri in Florence, Italy, is home to a group of hotel cats that like to hang out in the gardens and rooms and are particularly popular with visitors. Fuly is one of them.
