Take Your Pet to NYC

When it comes to spoiling your dog, New York City is second to none. From the store Karen For People and Pets at 1195 Lexington Avenue, which carries Swarovski crystal-studded collars and Louis XIV dog beds with carved wood frames and embroidered throw cushions, to the "Spoiled Rotten" package offered by Bonnie's K9 at 136 9th Avenue, which can include hydromassage and acupuncture treatments, the Big Apple sets the bar skyscraper high for canine indulgence.

Even though the metropolis' cornucopian offerings could keep your animal companion happily occupied and on the go morning, noon and night, he or she should not be denied the pleasures associated with a stay in a Manhattan luxury hotel. Hospitality professionals the world over dream of earning great successes here and the competitive, ambitious environment ensures that the crème de la crème do their utmost to provide dogs with a vacation experience to be cherished.
To be sure, the city is diverse. There are a few luxury hotels whose acceptance of a dog who brings his human along for a city visit is so grudging, so full of weight restrictions and non-refundable extra fees and so short on amenities that to stay in them would likely be as much fun as sarcoptic mange.
Luckily, the majority of top echelon hospitality decision makers are normal New Yorkers who love dogs. The Ritz-Carlton at 50 Central Park South sets a gold standard for accommodating canines. I don't mind sharing with you what the Ritz-Carlton's Rebecca Rand told me. "We proudly accept four legged guests that weigh up to 60 pounds and love to spoil them with pet friendly amenities."

The hotel has a V.I.P (Very Important Pooch) program catering to doggie divas which includes 22-karat gold plated identification tags, aromatherapy coat spritz treatments, ceramic dinnerware, bone-shaped plush stuffed doggy pillows, luxury quilted travel mats, ultra-chic pet carriers and home-baked dog treats and carob "bon-bons." Furthermore, should the weather be less than ideal, the concierge can loan your dog a rainproof trench coat, a leather jacket or a cashmere sweater, all from the Jazzy Couture Collection.
While all featured benefits of the Ritz-Carlton's V.I.P. program are complimentary, the hotel offers a 'Doggy & Me' package which includes luxury accommodations, a $50 gift certificate towards purchases from the Jazzy Couture Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, a portrait of your Very Important Pooch and yourself in Central Park by pet photographer Jeff Moore and a basket of gourmet treats including doggy pizzas and black & white cookies decorated with your dog's name. Walks can be arranged, as can sessions with artist Katherine Meredith who will paint a classical portrait of the Very Important Pooch and yourself in a suite.
The Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street prides itself on having elevated pet travel to an art form. There are no size restrictions and the hotel offers 5-star amenities. Fluffy pet beds are available in two sizes; both are Simmons Beauty Rest Doggie Mattresses with 300-thread-count sheets. Dog guests are provided with placemats and china bowls; the hotel offers a canine cuisine room service menu with a selection of appetizers, entrees and deserts including Tail Chasing Truffles. Also on offer are Rover Relaxation Massages, dog sitting and dog walking services and videos featuring canines.

One of the most attractive features of New York City for a dog is Central Park; there is no shortage of luxury hotels which have it as their yard. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Columbus Circle, located right at the majestic South-West opening to the park, customizes its services for four-legged clientele. For example, small dogs may use all-fabric pet houses; medium size dogs may use lamb's wool-lined beds while for the larger dog there are cushy cheetah print beds. Also available are ceramic and silver food dishes in varying sizes. Guest rooms furthermore have custom made jogging maps which will help your dog decide which part of the park he or she would like to explore most.

The Four Seasons on East 57th Street is also quite close to Central Park. Though there is a weight restriction of 25 pounds or less, if your dog is of that size he will enjoy a warm welcome at the hotel. Every dog lodging at The Four Seasons is greeted with Evian water and a silver bowl as well as a bag of treats. The concierge gladly arranges for a pet-sitter or dog walking services and beyond that, grooming and daycare facilities.
The Sherry-Netherland Hotel at 781 Fifth Avenue and 59th Street likewise is close to Central Park. Its very large rooms are particularly propitious for those bigger canine guests. The hotel caters generally to a well-heeled, low-key demographic and in keeping with that spirit, there are not elaborate ceremonies revolving around doggie visitors. Nonetheless, a hotel spokesperson told me "We will jump through hoops to provide you with what you want." Don't you agree that every dog should see a human jump through hoops at least once in its life?

The ultra-elegant Regency Hotel at 540 Park Avenue and 61st Street has no size restrictions; I asked if a Great Dane would be welcomed warmly and was told "Absolutely." Mats and bowls are provided, gourmet food is available. Walks can be arranged through the concierge. Close by on Third Avenue and 61st Street is Le Chien, an exquisite doggie boutique which carries everything from dog kimonos to faux-mink carriers, designer denim coats, a Bed Royale and Christophe, a dog perfume that is a unique blend of sandalwood and bergamot. Lechiennyc.com, the boutique's web site allows you a 360-degree panorama tour of their premises.
The Lowell Hotel at 28 East 63rd Street is very pet friendly, though it practices discrimination against dogs larger than 50 pounds. Amenities are offered upon arrival; gourmet pet snacks and bottled water. The Lowell's rooms have wood burning fireplaces; a call to the front desk summons a bell man to light the fire. Aromas and music may be selected from a Fireplace Menu -- imagine what a treat it will be for your dog to relax by the warm glow of the fire as Anne Sophie Mutter plays the violin and a clean pure fragrance of Tea Tree wafts on the air.

Many other world-class hotels in Manhattan give dogs a proper reception. The Soho Grand and TriBeCa Grand Hotels, both owned and operated by the family which previously owned Hartz Mountain, know a thing or two about pampering pups. The Muse Hotel at 130 West 46th Street besides its enticing Times Square location offers a Pampered Pooch Package with complimentary room service and dog walking service, an amenities basket and gourmet food with bottled water. The Mark at 25 East 77th Street and Madison Avenue strives to welcome dogs as it does children, though the dogs must be less than 25 pounds. The St. Regis is one of the city's loveliest spots but only accepts dogs up to 20 pounds.
Calling a New York City luxury hotel yourself to ask questions regarding how the establishment will cater to your dog is the best guide to making a decision as to which you should patronize. You might even want to factor in what the hotel offers you, but do so only after you have ascertained that your dog will get red carpet, five-diamond service.