The Pet-Friendly Myth: Are Hotels Really Catering to Dogs?

Recent research from Roch Dog reveals a troubling discrepancy between the hotels’ advertised dog-friendly policies and the reality dog owners face when booking accommodations. The study, which examined 1,000 pet-friendly hotels, highlights that while many establishments present themselves as welcoming to furry guests, the actual experience often falls short.

A Disconnection in Services

The findings are less than comforting: over 80% of pet-friendly hotels impose hefty fees on dog owners, which can vary from $50 a night to an astonishing $250 for a stay. Despite these costs, it was discovered that nearly one-third of these hotels offer only two basic amenities, such as dog beds or water bowls. Alarmingly, some facilities charge significant fees without providing any real benefits for their canine guests, essentially allowing them to enter the premises without any additional comforts.

Guise Bule, the founder of Roch Dog, remarked, “They say they're dog-friendly, but in reality, they're dog-tolerant.” This sentiment resonates with many travelers who have been enticed by luxurious hotel promises only to find thinly veiled profit motives behind extortionate pet fees that often leave dogs without even a simple treat.

Example of the Offenders

Some of the most renowned names in the hotel industry are notorious offenders. The Mandarin Oriental in New York, for instance, charges a flat pet fee of $250, yet provides minimal or no amenities for the additional expense. Other establishments like the Prince Waikiki in Honolulu and Belmond Miraflores Park in Lima, Peru, exhibit a similar pattern of high charges with scant services in return.

For example, The Ivey's in Charlotte charges $150 for the first night and $50 for each extra night, but fails to offer even the most rudimentary amenities for dogs. This kind of practice seems to be widespread across the hospitality sector, where hotels might use the allure of a pet-friendly designation as a means of increasing profit margins without delivering proportional value.

Marketing Over Substance

The terminology “pet-friendly” has become a mere marketing slogan, misleading dog owners about the value they will receive. Upon arriving at a so-called dog-friendly hotel, guests are frequently confronted with exorbitant fees and stringent restrictions without any accompanying perks. Bule critiques traditional hotel certification bodies like Forbes Travel and AAA for ignoring the needs of dog owners during their assessments, a situation he describes as “negligence.”

The need for awareness and change in the hotel industry is apparent. Roch Dog aims to hold establishments accountable by thoroughly researching and certifying hotels based on their quality of service toward pets. Their comprehensive evaluation process not only assesses the available amenities but also includes policies, staff training, and dimensions of dog accessibility.

A Call for Change

Roch Dog calls for transparency and fairness in pet-related hotel pricing so that fees correlate directly with the services provided to canine guests. Their methodology includes public rankings and a “name and shame” list that highlights those hotels that impose high costs without offering adequate services in return.

Hotel chains need to understand that simply charging high fees for dog owners without providing the corresponding amenities is no longer acceptable. The growing demand from the dog-owning community necessitates a reevaluation of what it means to be genuinely pet-friendly in the hospitality industry.

About Roch Dog

Roch Dog serves as a global certification body for dog-friendly hotels, striving to uplift accommodations that go beyond the bare minimum for pet guests. Their goal remains clear: to certify, rank, and review every pet-friendly hotel worldwide, ensuring dog owners receive the standards they deserve when traveling.

As dog ownership becomes increasingly popular, the hospitality industry must adapt and ensure they provide real value to pet owners, transforming a marketing catchphrase into a true commitment.

For those traveling with pets, it's crucial to research hotel practices thoroughly. No longer should dog owners settle for mere tolerance; they deserve genuine hospitality that recognizes the importance of their furry companions.