When it comes to dog-friendly hotels, Boston can be counted on to roll out the red carpet for man’s best friend. This is the city, after all, that claims the world’s first canine hotel ambassador: a black Lab named Catie Copley, of the Fairmont Copley Plaza (since Catie’s passing in 2017, the post has been ably filled by her protégé, Carly Copley). Some favorite dog-friendly Boston hotels earn high marks for charging low pet fees (or none at all); others distinguish themselves by providing special treats and amenities. But all share a knack for making people and their pups want to stay … and stay.
Checking in at XV Beacon | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : XV Beacon via Facebook
Among the many amenities offered to humans at Beacon Hill’s posh boutique hotel, one of them is the knowledge that your furry companion will be equally catered to. Opt for the “Dazzle Your Dog” package, and Fido will be treated to homemade dog biscuits in a personalized dish, a cushy dog bed, and a bowl of filtered water. Meanwhile, you’ll get help finding nearby pet-friendly sites to visit (with cleanup bags). In lieu of a pet fee, XV Beacon asks for a $25 donation, all of which it will direct to a pet charity in your dog’s name. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Dog-Friendly Hotel.”
XV Beacon | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : XV Beacon via Facebook
This 1912 landmark wears its history with panache and its dog cred with pride: The gracious exterior features a plaque dedicated to the memory of its late canine ambassador, Catie Copley. For a $25 nightly per-pet fee, your furry friend can join you here in the lap of luxury. Pet beds, treats, and toys are provided by the dog-loving staff. And for families traveling without their beloved mutt, the hotel even offers a “Canine Adventure” package, which includes a personalized copy of the children’s book Catie Copley’s Great Escape; a walk with Catie’s successor, Carly Copley; and a stuffed Carly Copley of your very own.
Fairmont Copley Hotel | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : Courtesy of Fairmont Copley Hotel
The Kimpton chain is an industry leader in pet-friendliness, inviting guests to bring their “furry, feathery, or scaly family member — no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge.” At the Kimpton Marlowe, located near the Museum of Science, in Cambridge, the folks at the front desk are pros at helping get your pooch settled, from procuring a comfy bed to ordering a pet birthday cake from local favorite Polka Dog Bakery. (If you’re looking to stay right in the heart of Boston, the Marlowe’s sister properties across the river — the Kimpton Onyx and the Kimpton Nine Zero — are equally ready for animal guests.) Named a 2018 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Family Lodging.”
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : Courtesy of Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Renowned for its rooftop pool with views of the Back Bay and South End, the Colonnade also impresses with its “VIPets” services. Use of a pet bed and bowl — with multiple brands of pet food to choose from — is complimentary; dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, spa treatments, and even vet visits can be arranged. Wondering where the nearest dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants are? Let the Colonnade point the way. All this, with no pet fee, for pooches up to 75 pounds. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Hotel Views.”
The Colonnade | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Colonnade Hotel
Another hotel chain near the front of the pack is Westin, which allows guests to bring one or two dogs under 40 pounds for no extra charge (bigger dogs may be able to stay, too, but only at the general manager’s discretion). And when your pup needs to sack out after a busy day, the Westin has doggie beds as “heavenly” as its signature ones for humans. Choose from the Westin Copley Place, situated in the heart of Back Bay, or its sister hotel in the up-and-coming Seaport District.
Westin Copley Place | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : Courtesy of Westin Hotels
A reborn motel where the South End meets the Fens, the Midtown is on the more affordable side and a good pick for travelers hoping to save a bit of kibble. For an extra $30, the Midtown will happily provide food and water dishes, pickup bags, and treats for your pet. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Pet-Friendly Lodging.”
The Midtown Hotel | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : Via the Midtown Hotel website
After a $3 million renovation, the former Bulfinch Hotel reopened as the Boxer in 2013. As befitting its name, it wasted no time finding its way into dog lovers’ hearts. Book the “Pampered Pet” package and get a discount on the standard $50 pet fee, along with use of a plush bed and personalized dog bowls. Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Hotel Makeover.”
The Boxer | Dog-Friendly Hotels, Boston Photo Credit : The Boxer via Facebook
Need more options for dog-friendly hotels? Boston visitors may also want to check out:
Loews Boston: As part of its parent chain’s “Loews Loves Pets” program, this Back Bay hotel welcomes one to two pets of any size for a fee of $50 per stay. There are treats on arrival and complimentary use of a pet bed and bowls. Other items, like collars and leashes, are available to borrow. Plus, there’s gourmet room service menu for pets, developed in collaboration with a vet.
The Eliot Hotel: While it doesn’t tout a long list of amenities, this award-winning luxury boutique hotel charges no pet fee (up to two pets, no size limit). And its consummately thoughtful staff is known to keep an eye out for four-legged guests: One traveler reported arriving in her room to find not only strawberries for her and her boyfriend but “pupcakes” from a local pet bakery for their dog.
The Mandarin Oriental: General manager Philipp Knuepfer’s two golden retrievers, Bonnie and Tara, can often be found hanging out in the lobby of this five-star hotel. Clearly, it’s a dog’s life! Guests can bring up to two dogs of their own (while size limits do apply) for no extra charge. The usual treats-toys-bed-bowls amenities are on offer, too. Plus, the patio at the hotel’s Bar Boulud is about as dog-friendly as it gets, offering a canine menu of such treats as bacon-parsley biscuits.
Have you been to any other dog-friendly hotels Boston visitors should know about?
