5 of the Best Pet-friendly Hotels in Australia
It’s not unusual to see guests checking into European hotels with a poodle in tow and here in Australia, we’re starting to catch on to the allure of a pet-friendly getaway. Bring your best furry (or in some cases, feathered) friend on holiday with our pick of the hotels around the country that welcome two and four-legged guests.
Best pet-friendly hotel in Brisbane: Ovolo The Valley
Dogs aren’t just tolerated at Ovolo The Valley – they’re downright spoiled with the V.I.Pooch package. The 103-room property at the northern end of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley ensures canine guests are treated to a blissful stay with comfy beds, dedicated dog-loving staff and a Doggy Bag full of treats and toys.
Behind its lush green-wall exterior, Ovolo The Valley is arty and eccentric, with richly patterned wallpapers, eclectic furnishings and colourful artworks inspired by the surrounding Fortitude Valley. The neighbourhood is an excellent dog-walking location with the high-end stores, restaurants and bars of James Street nearby and the CBD less than 15 minutes by car. Head to Powerhouse Park, adjacent to the Brisbane River and 30 minute walk from the hotel, for some off-leash running.
Best luxe pet-friendly hotel in Sydney: Kimpton Margot Sydney
The luxe Kimpton Margot Sydney rolls out the welcome mat to all pets – feathered, furred or scaled – at no extra charge. The hotel has a policy that “if it fits in the lift, it can stay with you.” Pet beds, bowls, mats and food are provided, plus a handy list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants (don’t miss Bartolo for divine pastas and organic pet treats), parks, boutiques and groomers. Staff even remember your pet’s name – would you expect anything less when Roxie Hart, dog of general manager Bruce Ryde, is a regular?
The grand, pillared lobby restaurant The Pantry provides fancy take-away dog snacks alongside people-oriented offerings such as coffee and house-made pastries. Rooms are Art Deco-styled with bronze accents and ink-blue carpets; marble and travertine bathrooms have deep tubs and soft robes. There are also in-room spa services (for humans) and Lekker bikes with baskets for pet-friendly cruising around town.
When you book your hotel with Qantas Hotels, you’ll earn 3 Qantas Points for every $1 spent. Visit qantas.com/hotels
Best pet-friendly boutique hotel in Melbourne: Laneways by Ovolo
It’s all about the extras at Melbourne’s Laneways by Ovolo: free beer- and wine-packed minibars, Apple TV and a DIY laundry. At the complimentary happy hour in the lobby, conversations with other guests may be dominated by questions about your dog, but that’s only to be expected – she’s here on the V.I.Pooch package.
You’ll stay together in a dog-friendly room kitted out with dog bed, doggy dining area and a Doggy Bag packed with treats and toys. Spacious rooms (just 43 of them) are inspired by the surrounds – think laneway-themed artworks with pops of bright colours – and humans aren’t overlooked with grab-and-go breakfast available.
This perfectly positioned hotel is right in the middle of Melbourne’s famous laneway precinct with the labyrinthine alleys perfect for exploring on foot and paws. There are many alfresco cafés and restaurants to explore such as Arbory, an all-day outdoor eatery and bar with Yarra River frontage where pets are warmly welcomed.
Perth’s best pet-friendly staycation: QT Perth
QT Perth’s Pup Yeah! one-night stay package includes dog beds, gourmet minibar dog snacks and even doggy grooming treatments (pawdicure, anyone?). The in-room menu designed by QT’s Head of Treats Nic Wood is a thing to behold: steak tartare and bacon ice-cream feature. (Dogs must be less than 20 kilograms and the hotel accommodates only one dog per room).
You’ll find your home away from home richly decorated in jewel tones; there’s an Art Deco vibe but the mod-cons include Nespresso machines, black marble bathrooms with stand-alone bath and Kevin Murphy amenities.
Its CBD location is walking distance to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where pups and owners alike can explore walking trails through bushland and take in views of the Swan River, city skyline and Darling Ranges.
Sydney’s coolest pet-friendly hotel: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Prepare to be pampered when you and your leashed best mate arrive at the playful industrial-chic lobby of the waterfront Ovolo Woolloomooloo within Sydney’s historic Finger Wharf.
You’ll love the plant-based Alibi Kitchen and the cocktails at Alibi Bar while your furry friend will be pleased with the treat-stuffed Doggy Bag – not to mention the proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens for hours of quality sniffing and strolling.
Book the V.I.Pooch package and dog-friendly staff will show you to your room, which includes a cute boat-shaped dog bed, a spot for your pup to eat and lots of toys to keep them occupied.
In addition, there’s a complimentary minibar, restocked daily; sleek tiled bathroom with tub (Deluxaroo King rooms and above), and Ovolo’s own range of sustainable music-themed bathroom products (Ain’t No Scrub for the body; Slow Hands for the hands), not to mention sparkly water views.
When you book your hotel with Qantas Hotels, you’ll earn 3 Qantas Points for every $1 spent. Visit qantas.com/hotels
