At pet-friendly hotels, certain amenities have become de rigueur: food and water bowls, maybe a stuffed toy, and courtesy bags. But even hotels with no size restrictions haven’t always thoughtfully considered the needs of larger travelers. Fortunately, a slew of hotels in the South have been coming up with creative big-dog-specific amenities such as generously sized meals, sturdier leashes, and toys that appeal to bigger breeds. Check into any of these spots that understand your golden retriever needs more bed than a miniature poodle and ample space to work through all that big-dog energy.
Atlanta
Bellyard, a boutique hotel in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, had big dogs in mind when it partnered with Fetch Park, a membership-based, dog-friendly social hub with ample fenced-in land for energetic dogs to rollick and play. Back at the hotel, capacious rooms provide canines and their humans plenty of space to unwind and relax; plus, all common areas (the garden courtyard, lobby, and rooftop terrace) are dog friendly.
West Palm Beach, Florida
When the waterfront hotel opened in 2020, only dogs weighing less than fifty pounds were welcome. But multiple guest queries led the hotel to rethink its pet policy, and now all breeds and sizes can enjoy the property. Larger pups can expect raised food and water bowls, extra-large dog robes, bigger beds, and a choice of an extra-large or large dog bandana. Meal portions on the dog-friendly menu have increased in size, the better for satisfying the German shepherd and Labrador guests.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Houston
The thoughtful meal offerings (doggie-bag room service, if you will) at Post Oak Hotel, a Forbes five-star hotel in the tony Uptown neighborhood of Houston, are a testament to the luxury hotel’s commitment to welcoming bigger breeds (up to seventy-five pounds, anyway) with choices such as a salmon-and-eggs scramble and a chopped Mastro’s filet mignon. To round out the stay, rooms for folks with pups in tow are outfitted with a plush dog bed, collar or bandana, and a hotel-branded leash.
Asheville
Pups of all sizes are welcome at this refined boutique hotel—and bigger dogs, in particular, will find no shortage of sniffing distractions and opportunities to stretch their long legs. Book the Pup-arazzi Adventure Package for a session with a local photographer and a pet-friendly hike, perhaps to the Wildcat Rock, a four-mile moderate/difficult hike exclusive to guests of the hotel. A large dog bed and a sizable bone will be waiting back in the room.
Nashville
Kimpton Hotels have always been dog-friendly—open to pups of all sizes and at no additional charge tacked on to the stay. “Our commitment to providing an exceptional experience extends to all guests, including our four-legged friends,” says the hotel’s general manager, Mark Hayes. To wit: The Nashville property offers a Puppy Playbill, which lists local pet-friendly dining options, a Doggy Delicacies menu featuring farm-to-Fido treats, and a patio at the on-site restaurant, where dogs are most welcome.
