Local getaways and staycations have really become my thing and when my guy and I book a hotel (or are invited to stay at a hotel), I always ask if they are pet-friendly because I don’t like leaving my BFF behind. More and more hotels are becoming beyond pet-friendly, providing amenities and services that make me feel that not only am I welcome to bring my pet, but my pet is also treated as an important guest. My mini Schnauzer, Dapper has had some pretty VIP (Very Important Pup) experiences at hotels in Montreal and across Quebec, so I thought I would share our favourite spots to stay and others that we have yet to try.
FAIRMONT HOTELS
All Fairmont hotels are pet-friendly and some of them even have their own resident dog, or “dog ambassador” that guests can hang out with and take for long walks. Last fall, we stayed at Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix where the resident golden lab, Roux greeted guests and made the iconic hotel all the more charming.
In our room, Dapper was happy to find a dog bed and food bowls, with his own bottle of water and homemade cookies shaped like dog bones! Note: the bathrobe is actually for an infant, but we thought it made Dapper look all the more stylish for his hotel-stay souvenir photo. The pet fee at Le Manoir is only $25 per pet, per night.
At Château Montebello, the quintessentially Canadian Fairmont hotel, they are a little stricter with the rules for when leaving your pet unattended in your room, which worried me at first, but they provided Dapper with a large kennel which two lovely hotel staff came and set up. Not only that, they installed a fluffy duvet in the kennel which Dapper immediately took to, so we had no trouble leaving him to relax while we enjoyed the restaurant, bar and pool. Fee here is $45 per pet, per night.
The recently renovated Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal allows pets up to 20 lbs for a fee of $25 per night. (Dapper is waiting for his invitation 😉 )
At the Fairmont Château Frontenac in Quebec City, all dogs are welcome for $50 per night and they receive a bowl, mat, blanket and goodies. We love the Frontenac, but haven’t gone with Dapper yet (it’s on his bucket list! 😉 )
HILTON QUEBEC
Six years ago, we were invited to stay at the Hilton in Quebec City with my first mini Schnauzer, Mac and he was treated to a VIP stay with a big, comfy dog bed, dog bowls, biodegradable bags and a bagful of treats. The fee at the Hilton is $50 per pet, per stay.
ALT Hotel Quebec
We were also invited to stay at the ALT Hotel in Quebec City with Dapper when I was invited to the 30th anniversary of the connecting restaurant, Le Bistango and he was treated as a VIP. All the ALT hotels are dog-friendly, but do not accept cats. Dogs of any size can stay for a fee of $30 per night.
Hôtel Champlain Vieux-Québec
Two years ago, we discovered that the three-star Hôtel Champlain in Old Quebec City was an affordable option to stay with our pup (The Champlain charges $25 per pet, per night). Although the hotel provided no amenities for Dapper, we enjoyed our stay.
LE GERMAIN HOTELS
Twice now, I’ve been invited to stay at Le Germain Montreal with Dapper and we’ve always been made to feel very much at home. During our latest stay, Dapper was treated to a giant dog bed and bowls, dog treats and biodegradable bags. Since they had seen his photo in the mini-robe, they provided one as well (not usually provided, but you could ask for one and we could start a trend). Fee at all Le Germain hotels is $30 per stay and they have a one-pet per room policy.
LE MOUNT STEPHEN
Last fall, we were invited to stay at the brand new 5-star hotel, Le Mount Stephen and Dapper was able to join us. The VIP treatment there was: a standard dog bed and bowls, but they also provided a soft dog blanket with a bone design, a chew toy, dog treats and a clip-on dispenser with biodegradable bags. VIP, indeed. When I asked what the fee for a pet was, I was informed that it costs $200 per dog under 35lbs per stay (no other pets are allowed).
RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL
When we spent a staycation as guests, a few years ago at the Ritz-Carlton, they had anticipated I would be bringing Dapper, so when I arrived in our suite, I discovered this very chic dog bed and luxe bowls. Although we didn’t bring Dapper that time, we were touched to know that he would be more than welcome. There is a $300 fee for your pet, but it’s per stay (not per night) and includes a generous gift from Montreal’s, Moroccan Pooch – a luxury furcare line.
Other Montreal Luxe Stays That We Haven’t Tried Yet
The W Montreal charges $125 per room, per stay for a pet of any size, while the Hotel Le St-James in Old Montreal only charges $40 per pet per night.
LUXE and FREE for pets
Bravo to Montreal’s Sofitel for allowing pets of any size and not charging a fee! We’re on our way!
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal allows pets up to 25 lbs with a refundable deposit of $50 per stay. Both dogs and cats are welcome.
Loew-est rate, and still downtown chic
Why forfeit glamour when vacationing with your pet? The Loews Hotel Vogue on de la Montagne charges $25 per stay (not per night) and allows up to two pets of any size.
Affordable and Free for pets
The Aloft Montreal Airport by Starwood Hotels & Resorts allows pets under 40 lbs for no additional fee. The Novotel Montreal Airport hotel allows as many pets as you like and any size of pet. L’Appartement Hotel is right downtown and allows one dog or cat of any size.
Pet-friendly Fails
In December, we were invited to stay at the designer Hotel St Paul in Old Montreal and while we enjoyed the hotel, we did not feel welcome with Dapper. Although they charge $75 per night per pet, they did not provide a single amenity for our pet and when I called reception to ask for a bowl, the hotel staff brought a used take-out tinfoil container. After our stay, I gave them my feedback and hopefully, they will step up their pet-friendly game.
Although the Intercontinental hotel does have a great pet policy, when I was invited to stay at the hotel with Dapper, the hotel may have forgotten to provide any of the amenities they offer. Normally, for $25 per night, your pet will receive food and water bowls and a goody bag including: oven-baked dog treats, a toy, biodegradable bags and an InterContinental Montreal scarf.
A few more things to consider when booking a stay with your pet:
- Guide dogs always stay free of charge
- Most Air BnBs that accept pets, do not charge an extra fee
- Some hotels provide pet-sitting and dog-walking services for an additional fee
- Beware of the designated pet-friendly room! Sometimes it’s the worst room at the hotel, complete with carpet stains or other unkempt features. Always ask about the condition and location of the room when reserving your stay with a pet.
For an in-depth list of pet-friendly properties and other services (where to stay, play and even eat with your dog), I found this pet-friendly travel site extremely helpful – it also helps you find the best rates, worldwide: BringFido.com
Dapper and I visited Global TV Montreal on March 19th to talk about some of these pet-friendly hotels.
I hope this list helps when booking your next stay with your pet and please let me know your experiences and recommendations! You can also follow Dapper’s hotel adventures on Instagram: @DapperSchnauzer
Please note, that whenever we were invited to stay at a hotel, I’ve mentioned that fact. All opinions are my own and this post is not sponsored.
