Dear hotel management, owner, and corporate office:
Just because I am traveling with my dogs does not mean I deserve a hotel room that is unclean or anything less than what another traveler receives. I have likely paid even MORE than the average traveler for your room and it is unfair that I receive LESS of a complete product.
During the course of our travels over the past year we have taken one, or two, dogs with us and we are beginning to feel as though we are treated like second-rate guests because of it. Often, we are placed on the “pet wing” of hotels. Have you stayed on the “pet wing” before? The “pet wing” is an area of the hotel that is designated for guests with pets and the following is what we have encountered this month alone:
Hotel number one: This pet friendly hotel provided NO grass or designated walking area we were permitted to take our pet. We were forced to walk a narrow strip of landscaping between the highway and side entrance of the complex. This area was covered in rocks and my three-legged baby had a lot of difficulties walking it.
Hotel number two: No complaints, however, their pet fee was horrific. $25 per pet, per night – ouch!
Hotel number three: placed as far away from amenities as possible. Our room was at the very back of the hotel on the very end. We almost needed to drive to our “free continental breakfast”.
Hotel number four, Room number one: this room smelled like pure ammonia. We immediately walked back out and requested a new room.
Hotel number four, Room number two: this room had a milder smell, however, the floor was still covered in carpet fresh powder… never vacuumed up. It was midnight, we opted to keep our shoes on, climb on the beds, put our doggies on the beds with us and forget it. (Thank you for the non-refundable room and bogus ‘star’ rating Travelocity.)
….
About us and our dogs: Our dogs are house trained and behave well in public. Sure, my young boxer still gets a little nervous around new people, but my three legged American Staffordshire Terrior handles them like a pro!
We bring a crate along for our boxer so we can safely leave our pet “unattended” as his separation anxiety doesn’t allow him to be a prize guest yet when he is alone.
What can pet travelers do to stop the mistreatment?
First, you can complain to the hotel management and corporate office. It is best if discus your issues with the management directly AND in writing with the corporate office. Be detailed, take photos if necessary and make sure you write down the names of the employees you encounter to help validate your complaints. Corporate Offices take complaints much more seriously when they are provided with detailed information/specifics.
Second, read hotel stay reviews from other families who travel with pets. If you have any questions regarding the review, call the hotel and ask them about it.
Third, never book a hotel through an online service that doesn’t allow refunds if you are dissatisfied with your reservation – their “star rating” and “reviews” may be bogus and should not be relied upon!!! Additionally, their “exclusive price” may not be so “exclusive”. Just today I booked a room directly with the hotel and it was LESS than what the online hotel “deal” site had it listed for!
Fourth, consider boarding your pets during short stays away. Always ask friends for recommendations. I’m sure you will find several options nearby for cage-free, and even in-home, boarding. Oh, and be sure to check out CAMP WAGS when you are in New Hampshire!
Happy Travels,
