The travel industry has gone to the dogs, and we’re here for it. Pet-friendly travel has evolved from “sure, bring Fido” to full-blown canine luxury experiences that put 4-legged guests front and center.
Dog Days of Summer
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, has partnered with BARK Air to create a specialized canine retreat program launching in 2026. Bookings close April 8, 2026, for the May 13-17 retreat to allow adequate time for Hawaii’s mandatory veterinary clearance process.
BARK Air operates semi-private charter flights from Los Angeles to Kona, accommodating up to ten passengers and their dogs per flight. The service includes bone broth, canine care specialists and pre-flight veterinary coordination.
The retreat package features:
• Dog-friendly welcome luau and sensory walks
• Sunset reiki yoga sessions for humans and canines
• Custom welcome amenities matched to each dog’s preferences
• On-site BARK Air concierge support
• Expert trainer guidance and specialized meal plans
Kona Village’s culinary team has developed “barktails” and modified their Island Roots dinner to include dog-friendly elements. The resort designates specific areas for canine exploration and play throughout the property.
Guests can book the complete package with BARK Air flights or arrange separate accommodations and transportation.
Of note: BARK Air recently expanded its route network with four new European destinations. The airline now offers direct flights to Berlin, Dublin, Athens and Stockholm.
For more information, visit air.bark.co.
The Peninsula London
The Peninsula London has launched London’s first hotel-based dog-grooming service in partnership with Chelsea grooming brand Love My Human. The 3-month residency runs through May 10 in the hotel’s ground-floor retail arcade.
Love My Human operates its second London location at the property, offering services ranging from basic wash-and-fluff treatments to ultrasonic teeth cleaning and blueberry facials. The grooming parlor operates 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, serving both hotel guests and local dog owners.
The Peninsula London already welcomes dogs throughout the property, including its restaurants Brooklands Bar, Canton Blue and Little Blue Noodle Bar. Guest rooms include dog amenities such as custom bowls, beds, and toys, plus optional dog walking and pet-sitting services.
While dogs get pampered, owners can book treatments at the Errol Douglas Salon or visit the spa. The hotel’s pet-friendly approach responds to growing demand from travelers with dogs seeking luxury accommodations that cater to both human and canine needs.
For more information, visit peninsula.com.
W Algarve
W Algarve, in southern Portugal, accepts dogs up to 33 pounds and has built its pet program around the brand’s Whatever/Whenever concierge philosophy, which drives the guest experience.
The coastal property connects directly to paved walking paths leading to beaches and green spaces, eliminating the need for guests to navigate busy streets with their dogs. The resort’s managed setting provides controlled outdoor access that works well for pet owners.
W Algarve’s pet program centers on personalized touches rather than standard amenities. The concierge team creates custom dog tags and produces a mock newspaper featuring each dog’s photo and paw print during check-in. Market Kitchen offers a dedicated pet dining menu, allowing dogs to join their owners at meals.
Standard room setups include dog beds, food and water bowls, and toys. The concierge arranges additional services through local partners, including grooming and pet-sitting for guests who want to explore without their dogs.
The property’s approach treats pets as individual guests rather than add-ons, extending the W brand’s personalization concept to 4-legged family members. The 33-pound weight limit keeps the program focused on smaller dogs, while the direct beach access and walking paths address practical concerns about exercising pets in an unfamiliar destination.
For more information, visit marriott.com.
Tempo by Hilton Times Square
Tempo by Hilton Times Square has launched a complimentary dog program that integrates pet amenities with the hotel’s wellness focus. The Times Square property provides dogs with beds, bowls, toys and branded bandanas, and its position near Central Park makes for easy walking access.
The hotel’s approach connects pet-friendly services to its broader wellness programming. Guests can book rooms equipped with Peloton bikes or visit Highball, the on-site bar developed with mixologist Derek Brown, featuring a cocktail menu that highlights wellness-focused ingredients, including Sage Against the Machine and Pink Grapefruit Club.
Location drives much of the program’s appeal. Central Park is within walking distance, while Midtown attractions, including Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center and the Museum of the Dog, offer dog-friendly exploration. This program is available year-round.
For more information, visit hilton.com.
Arlo Hotels
Arlo Hotels operates six pet-friendly properties across major U.S. cities, each located near parks and dog runs that solve the urban pet exercise challenge. The boutique brand has standardized its pet program across all locations while tailoring amenities to neighborhood characteristics.
Each Arlo property provides dogs and cats with bone-shaped mats and feeding bowls, creating consistency for repeat guests. The brand’s urban locations capitalize on proximity to green spaces: Chicago’s Millennium Park, Washington D.C.’s multiple dog parks and New York’s various neighborhood runs from Pier 84 to Tribeca.
The Washington, D.C., property offers dedicated pet-friendly floors when guests provide advance notice, while the Chicago location benefits from direct access to Millennium Park. New York properties leverage neighborhood character: NoMad sits near Madison Square Park and grooming services, SoHo provides access to cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes and Williamsburg connects to Brooklyn’s waterfront parks.
Standard Arlo Pet Policies:
• Maximum two pets per room, 75 pounds each
• $20 nightly fee per pet
• Front desk registration required
• Pets must remain supervised
• No access to dining areas or common spaces
For more information, visit arlohotels.com.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, located in Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile, accepts dogs up to 25 pounds with a 2-pet maximum per room. The property provides pet beds and bowls on a first-come, first-served basis rather than as guaranteed amenities. Located in the Gold Coast district, guests have access to Chicago’s riverwalk, lakefront parks and urban beaches for dog exercise. The hotel features a rooftop greenhouse-style cafe where dogs can accompany owners.
The $250 nonrefundable pet fee positions this property for travelers who prioritize luxury accommodations over pet-size flexibility. The weight restriction excludes most medium- and large-breed dogs, focusing on toy and small dog owners. Water Tower Place’s indoor mall connection offers weather protection during Chicago’s harsh winters. The riverwalk and nearby parks provide necessary exercise space in an urban environment where outdoor access can be limited.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.
The Ellie Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach
The Ellie Beach Resort spans 30 acres along South Carolina’s coast near Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, treating dogs as resort guests rather than tolerated add-ons. The property features extensive grassy areas for play and exercise. Upon check-in, dogs receive branded water bottles, waste bag carriers and treats as standard amenities.
Ocean Blue restaurant permits dogs in outdoor dining areas, with staff providing water and snacks specifically for canine guests. The resort hosts seasonal events, including Halloween costume parades at historic Springmaid Pier.
The fee structure charges $75 per night with a $300 maximum for extended stays, making week-long vacations more affordable. The property limits occupancy to two dogs per room, with no specified weight restrictions, potentially accommodating larger breeds that face limitations elsewhere. The oceanfront location provides beach access.
For more information, visit elliebeachresortmyrtlebeach.com.
ME Milan Il Duca
ME Milan Il Duca has launched the MEME Suite, designed specifically for dogs and their owners. This world-first initiative goes beyond standard pet-friendly policies, creating a dedicated space that prioritizes canine wellbeing alongside human comfort.
The suite features custom-designed elements, including miniature versions of the hotel’s signature Molteni chaise lounges scaled for small and medium dogs. Italian textiles from Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna provide antibacterial, water-repellent fabrics that resist odors, mold and stains. The space addresses guest allergies to dust, mites and pollen through specialized design choices.
Environmental features include air-purifying plants and a coordinated bamboo bath set for shared grooming experiences. Entertainment options encompass a dedicated Dog TV channel and music playlists tuned to 432Hz frequencies to promote relaxation for both species.
The partnership with La Maison Sissy extends throughout the property, offering eco-leather mats, blankets and specialized dining service with vegan food options served in temperature-maintaining ceramic bowls. Guests can access pet-friendly city itineraries through the ME Milan app, along with services such as 24-hour veterinary care and daycare. Custom dog coats made from hotel fabrics make memorable keepsakes, with matching owner pieces available.
For more information, visit melia.com.
