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Pamper Your Furry Friend this National Pet Day




In honor of National Pet Day (April 11), a day dedicated to our beloved pets, below are some hotels located in Miami and throughout Florida that will warmly welcome your four-legged family members with curated amenities designed to make their tails wag.


From the bustling cityscapes of Miami to the tranquil shores of the Gulf Coast and the lush greenery of inland retreats, Florida boasts many places waiting to be explored alongside your furry companions.


The Betsy - South Beach


Regally resting steps away from the Atlantic Ocean within the vibrant South Beach Art Deco District, The Betsy is arguably one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the country. Going beyond typical pet-friendly accommodations, The Betsy’s love for animals is evident through the hotel ownership family’s beloved omnipresent golden retrievers and Canine Executive Officers (CEOs) Betsy and Rosa, as well as Daisy, a black German Shepherd rescue and very much the leader of the family pack. Hotel guests are greeted by the resident pups at 5 p.m. every Friday for cocktail hour and can visit them all week as they make their daily rounds in the hotel.


A Poetry Chapbook called DOG POEMS edited by co-CEO’s Betsy and Rosa, including a special poem from the late great American poet Gerald Stern, is available free-of-charge at the front desk. Betsy and Rosa’s story is also told in a beautifully produced book entitled “Rosa’s First Day as CEO.” The Betsy’s culinary team also prepares homemade dog treats which are offered at the registration desk as well as ice-cold water in public venues for guest pups - upon request.  As part of The Betsy’s pet policy, dogs of all sizes are welcome to stay. A one-time fee of $150 is applied with 50 percent benefitting the Harare SPCA in Zimbabwe, an animal welfare organization located in co-owner Lesley Goldwasser’s birthplace. 


Credit: The Betsy - South Beach


The Gabriel South Beach


The Gabriel South Beach is a boutique property centrally located on Ocean Drive directly across from South Beach. The 132-room hotel comprises four buildings and blends midcentury modernism with quintessential Floridian style, creating an oasis-like vibe. The Gabriel South Beach embodies the chic flair of Miami’s Art Deco District through immersive atmospheres and a 21st-century reimagination.


The hotel welcomes all pups into its pet-friendly environment with its Paws and Relax package which includes a cozy pet bed for the best naps, plus water and food bowls in the room during their stay along with a souvenir dog toy to take home. For the hoomans, a daily $20 breakfast credit (for up to two guests) is included in the package along with tasty doggie treats for the furry friend. Guests can take a stroll with their pups around Lummus Park, located directly across the street from the hotel, with doggie bags provided by The Gabriel South Beach. A $150 non-refundable pet fee is required at check-in for all pets visiting the property. 


Gabriel South Beach


The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach - Ocean Sandy Paws


Don’t leave Fido behind! The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach understands how important your furry friends are and is proud to offer dog-friendly accommodations and amenities for your four-legged family members. When you book the hotel’s Ocean Sandy Paws offer, your furry friend will receive a goodie bag upon arrival with a portable water bowl, a dog treat, a dog toy, doggie bags and a clip-on doggie bag dispenser. The package also includes a treat for the owner: a waived pet fee of $150 for the length of stay. Please note the hotel allows dogs up to 40 pounds. Located on the famous Ocean Drive, The Balfour is a welcomed hideaway from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. 


Credit: Balfour Hotel


Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club


Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, a 357-room oceanfront resort in the heart of Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach neighborhood at 39th Street and Collins Avenue welcomes furry family members of visiting guests. The Cadillac Pet Program ensures that every pet is cared for, and ready for any adventure your travels may bring. The hotel offers a complimentary waggo bed for a comfy night’s sleep, complimentary waggo water or food bowl to keep your furry friend nourished, a local city guide to get out & explore pet-friendly neighborhood areas and a complimentary treat at the reception upon check-in. There is a $100 pet fee per stay and 2 pets per room with a maximum weight of 75 pounds per pet restriction. 


Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club


The Elser Hotel & Residences


The Elser Hotel & Residences is a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 residential-style rooms with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers. The pups who visit The Elser are pampered from the second they arrive. A pet concierge is available for guests looking for the best pet care and will curate a special selection of groomers, doggie day care and walkers tailored for you and your pup based on your preferences. Upon special request, The Elser pet concierge will also deliver dog bath products and locally made pet food at a cost, so you can continue to pamper your pooch during your visit. There is a $100 non refundable pet fee and a limit of two pets per room under 75 pounds each.


The Elser Hotel & Residences


The Gabriel Miami


The Gabriel Miami is a 129-room lifestyle hotel in Downtown Miami offering spacious rooms and suites with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Pets checking into The Gabriel receive a “doggie bag'' welcome amenity with an assortment of treats and toys. Once they arrive in their guest room, they’ll be greeted with a branded dog bowl, mat and plush dog bed. The hotel also provides pups with a curated turndown service and an evening bedside treat. The hotel also has a curated puppy itinerary with suggested off-property walking areas, including Bicentennial Park, located directly across the street. The itinerary also includes pet-friendly dining options in the area. There is a $100 pet fee per pet and a 65-pound weight restriction.


Credit: The Gabriel Miami


Arlo Wynwood - Pups & Art


Arlo Wynwood welcomes pets (up to two dogs or cats per room, each under 75 pounds) to stay with their humans for the duration of their stay. When notified of a furry VIP (very important pet), the hotel equips the room with water bowls and mats. Arlo Wynwood has also partnered with D.O.G. Hotels Wynwood, offering 10% off services for customers with an Arlo Wynwood Key Card. In addition, a free pet shuttle service can pick up your pet from the hotel for a luxurious ride to D.O.G. Hotels Wynwood. A fee of $20 (pre-tax) per pet will be charged per night in addition to the standard room rate. All animals must be registered with the front desk upon arrival. 


Arlo Wynwood


THesis Hotel Miami, Coral Gables


Pets are always welcome at THesis Hotel! #THesisPetLife features comfortable beds and cute bowls by Paco & Lucia and treats from a local bakery. Small grassy areas along the hotel grounds and an expansive park across the street make the location super pet-friendly. Amenities include a sun-filled rooftop pool with tropical views and a poolside bar; and an on-site restaurant, Mamey.


THesis Hotel


For those looking to embark on a pet-friendly adventure outside of Miami, exploring the beautiful state of Florida from the Panhandle down to Key West, offers a myriad of opportunities.


Hotel Effie Sandestin, Miramar Beach


At Hotel Effie, pets are an extension of the family and are welcomed on your vacation at the hotel. Dog guests receive a dog bed, a dog bowl, doggie bags, a toy, and treats from Einstein Pets. Please note a $250 tax exclusive fee per stay will be added to your folio, which does not apply to guide dogs or assistive dogs. The property also has an exclusive partnership with Goochie Poochie Doggie Resort & Spa and What’s Up Dog for off-site pet sitting. The hotel’s very own Director of Pet Services, Simba, is the heart and soul of Hotel Effie’s pet-friendly haven. Whether it's a friendly tail wag, a comforting nuzzle, or a virtual paw of approval to ensure all four-legged guests feel at home, Simba embodies the spirit of hospitality and warmth that Hotel Effie stands for. 


Hotel Effie


Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach


At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, four-legged family members can join travelers on vacation. With tons of walking trails and miles of sugar-white sand beaches, there are many options to keep you and Fido entertained. Marina Bar & Grill and The Village of Baytowne Wharf are both pet-friendly. The resort also has a Bark Park, a safe, clean environment near the Treehouse between the Village of Baytowne Wharf and the Baytowne Marina. Sandestin’s resident pet, Maryann the Macaw, resides at Marina Bar & Grill. Stop by for a bite to visit Maryann in her habitat. 


Credit: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort


The Marker Key West Harbor Resort - Pups in Paradise 


Celebrate puppy love at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, which allows dog owners to show their love for their pooch with a getaway fit for man’s best friend. Upon arrival, pets receive a blue doggie water bowl; red fire hydrant disposal bags, a doggy Do Not Disturb sign; a customized welcome bag loaded with goodies like toys, treats and a Marker Key West pet tag; and champagne for adults. During their stay, pets are treated to puppy turndown service and, upon request, walks along Smathers Beach, a spa session at a local pet spa, and even a beautiful dinner under the stars with a multicourse dog food menu. The phrase “doggie paddle” takes on new meaning when guests embark on an excursion with Lazy Dog. The adventure company welcomes four-legged adventurers on paddleboards, kayaks and pontoon boats.

*Package available based on availability.


The Marker Key West


By ML Staff. Images courtesy of each featured property in this story. Top image courtesy of Unsplash


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