Not without my dog: luxury vacations with man's best friend
The days where most hotels and resorts didn't allow pets are largely over – as long as your four-legged companion happens to be a dog and not, say, an alligator, there’s no problem at all. Luxury vacations with dogs are trending, and many high-end hotels are rolling out the red carpet for animals and their humans.
Every dog owner knows that heartbreaking look in those brown eyes when Spot realizes the suitcases are coming out. They’d love nothing more than to join their humans wherever they go—including on vacation. Good thing, then, that more and more hotels acknowlege that dogs aren’t just pets—they’re part of the family. These days, dog owners no longer have to settle for a campsite just so they can bring their furry friend along. Luxury vacations with dogs are increasingly viable. These hotels are especially happy to welcome Man's Best Friend:
Relais & Châteaux Burg Schwarzenstein, Germany
Hosts Stephanie and Michael Teigelkamp don’t just accept well-behaved dogs as guests—they genuinely welcome them! At their luxurious hideaway, guests can enjoy views of Johannisberg castle amid a magnificent Mediterranean-style garden. Just 40 minutes from Frankfurt am Main, the property lies within a vast area perfect for long walks with plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities tailored to canine companions— dogs are welcome in the restaurant, and there’s no leash requirement on the property. “It’s truly close to our hearts that all our guests feel at home here—especially the four-legged ones,” says Stephanie Teigelkamp. “We want to give dog owners the chance to create unforgettable vacation memories with their pets.”
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Burg Schwarzenstein
Rosengasse 32, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
+49 6722 99500 - burg-schwarzenstein.de
Doubles from €364
Four Elements - Living by Berger, Austria
What the Berger family have created with their Four Elements can truly be described as breathtaking. Nestled near Palfau in the Austrian region of Styria, four chalets cling to the cliffs above the Salza River. One of the most striking is the Luft Chalet, which offers stunning views of the water, exceptional privacy, a hot tub, and a private panoramic sauna and spa on the lower level.
Guests with dogs are warmly welcome. The surrounding area offers countless hiking opportunities, perfect for exploring with your pooch. This chalet is also an ideal retreat for couples who appreciate a touch of romance.
Four Elements - Living by Berger
Palfau 3, 8923 Landl, Austria
+43 676 898 509 100 - fourelements-world.com
Doubles from €350
Brown's Hotel London, UK
Exquisite dog biscuits made from a recipe by chef Adam Byatt, a special Doggy Guide to Mayfair with directions to the best trees and lampposts, and a menu of à la bark delicacies—this is just the beginning. After indulging in finely chopped raw beef filet, pups can nap in a custom dog bed crafted by William Morris.
Guests enjoying a luxury stay with their dogs at Brown’s Hotel in London’s upscale Mayfair district also receive a pampering gift set, which includes hand cream and paw and snout balm. Dogs are welcome to dine alongside their humans at Charlie’s and in the Drawing Room as well.
Brown's Hotel
33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP London, United Kingdom
+44 20 7493 6020 - roccofortehotels.com
Doubles from €600
Baur au Lac Zurich, Switzerland
One of the city’s oldest and most prestigious hotels extends an almost royal welcome to its four-legged guests. Pups are treated to cozy sleeping spots, water bowls, and even a gourmet dog menu featuring the finest ingredients. The canine menu includes tender filets, fresh vegetables, and other high-quality fare.
The hotel’s very own Royal Canine Guide is happy to give you pointers, presenting dogs, their humans, and fellow travelers the most beautiful sides of the city. Whether strolling along the lakeside or venturing down hidden paths, both dogs and their masters can work up an appetite for the culinary delights that await at Restaurant Marguita.
Baur au Lac
Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
+41 44 220 50 20 - bauraulac.ch
Doubles from €830
Le Bristol Paris, France
Even the grande dame of Parisian hotels has decided to welcome furry guests in style. Along with water bowls filled with Evian, pampered pups receive a personalized dog blanket embroidered with their name. Guests without a pet of their own but a soft spot for cats should keep an eye out for Socrates—the friendly Birman who’s always up for a cuddle (and gets along famously with other animal guests, too), even if he sometimes acts a little shy.
Le Bristol Paris
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 53 43 43 00 - oetkercollection.com
Doubles from €600