Dogs Took Over L.A.’s Poshest Hotels — and Made Things Better
In the heart of Los Angeles’ luxury hotel scene, a new breed of VIPs has arrived: canines. That’s right, the rich and famous are no longer the only ones getting pampered at some of L.A.’s most opulent hotels.
For years, dog owners have been discreetly sneaking their furry friends into hotels, hoping to avoid the hassle of pet-friendly chain hotels. But now, some of L.A.’s most prestigious hotels have officially rolled out the red carpet for dogs, and the results are paw-some.
The Standard Hotel, Hollywood’s iconic boutique hotel, recently launched a program allowing guests to bring their dogs along for the ride. “We’ve had a huge response,” says a spokesperson. “Dogs are just part of the family, and we want to make sure they feel at home here, too.”
The Broadmoor, a luxurious California-inspired hideaway in West Hollywood, has also hopped on the dog-friendly bandwagon. Their pet-friendly policy includes dog beds, treats, and even a designated dog play area. “Guests love it,” says the hotel’s GM. “Dogs bring so much joy to our hotel, and we want to make sure they feel welcome.”
Why the shift? For one, there’s the etiquette: many luxury hotels are simply noting that dog owners are willing to pay top dollar for the right to bring their pets along. “It’s about industry standard,” says an industry insider. “Making pet-friendly a luxury amenity is the new normal.”
Secondly, there’s the fun factor. “Dogs make people happy,” says the Standard’s marketing director. “We’ve had guests who’ve booked multiple stays just because they can bring their dogs.” It’s no secret that dogs have a way of breaking down social barriers, and hotel staff are no exception. “The animals bring a sense of camaraderie to the hotel,” agrees the Broadmoor’s GM.
As one stumbles upon more and more hotels opening their doors to dogs, the posh pet-friendly phenomenon is no longer confined to small independent hotels. Even major chains are starting to catch on. Hilton’s LAX property has a designated dog area, complete with comfy pet beds and treats. Other big-name hotels are sure to follow suit.
As for the LAX Hilton, General Manager Matt Rattigan says, “We’re always trying to stay ahead of the curve. Guests love their pets, and we want to make sure we’re accommodating their needs.” And with the impressive spread of dog-friendly hotels popping up across L.A., Rattigan isn’t the only one who thinks so.
It seems the showbiz capital of the world has once again pioneered a new trend, where dogs are not only allowed, but welcomed with open arms (and a few treats). Who knew the key to true L.A. living was really all about the dogs?