In honor of National Pet Day on April 11, a slate of South Florida hotels is proving that pampering is not just for humans. With most American travelers choosing to bring their pets along, these properties have introduced thoughtful perks designed to keep tails wagging from Miami Beach to Boca Raton.
Fort Lauderdale
W Fort Lauderdale treats dogs like A-listers, thanks to its P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program. Pups can curl up on a signature W Doggie Bed and sample a curated pet menu by restaurateur Stephen Starr. At check-in, pets are welcomed with a bed, food and water bowls, a floor mat and a treat box filled with toys and snacks. Just across the street, a popular stretch of sand is bordered by a beachfront sidewalk, perfect for sunrise walks alongside joggers and early risers.
For more information, call 954-414-8200 or visit marriott.com.
Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort leans into Kimpton’s famously inclusive pet philosophy, welcoming animals of all shapes and sizes with no added fees or breed restrictions. Cats are invited too, with complimentary pet beds, bowls and treats. On arrival, staff offer extras like waste bags, leashes and welcome goodies, and the surrounding neighborhood makes it easy to explore dog-friendly parks, patios and even boat tours with your pup in tow.
For more information, call 954-908-7301 or visit shorebreakfortlauderdale.com.
Boca Raton/Delray Beach
Delray Sands Resort, part of the Opal Collection, is the only dog-friendly hotel in Highland Beach and rolls out the Opal Paws program for well-mannered pups. Guests pay a nightly pet fee and may bring up to two dogs per room. Upon arrival, dogs receive a chic gift bag with waste bags and dental-stick treats, along with an Opal Paws mat and coordinating food and water bowls, available for purchase after the stay. Leashes are required outside the room, and staff are happy to explain dog-approved areas around the property.
For more information, call 866-258-7247 or visit opalcollection.com.
Sonesta Select Boca Raton Town Center embraces four-legged guests through the brand’s PAWS program, allowing up to two well-mannered pets per room without breed or weight limits. A one-time pet fee applies, and animals are welcomed with treats at check-in, a cozy bed, food and water bowls and a waterproof feeding mat. An arrival letter highlights local dog parks and walking routes, making it easy to plan a “pawsome” stay near shopping, dining and green spaces.
For more information, call 561-241-7070 or visit sonesta.com.
Miami
Loews Miami Beach Hotel sets the standard with its Loews Loves Pets program, evident the moment you check in. Pets receive a welcome amenity that can include a tag, bowl and special treat. Gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs are prepared by the culinary team, and front-desk staff offer dog-walking route suggestions, pet placemats, water bowls and waste bags. A one-time registration fee covers extra-deep cleaning after each pet stay, and up to two animals are permitted per room.
For more information, call 305-604-1601 or visit loewshotels.com.
The Betsy – South Beach weaves its affection for animals into daily life at the hotel, starting with its resident Canine Executive Officers, golden retrievers Betsy and Rosa, and their pack mate Daisy, a black German shepherd rescue. Guests can often spot the canine hosts making their rounds or greeting visitors during the hotel’s Friday cocktail hour. A poetry chapbook titled “DOG POEMS,” edited by Betsy and Rosa, is available at the front desk, along with the children’s book “Rosa’s First Day as CEO.” Homemade dog treats, bowls and beds are available upon request, and Lummus Park’s broad lawn sits just across the street. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, with a one-time pet fee that supports the Harare SPCA in Zimbabwe.
For more information, call 844-539-2840 or visit thebetsyhotel.com.
Hotel Continental in Mid-Beach gives pet travel a playful, retro spin. The experience starts with a photo-ready moment beneath the hotel’s 1948 sign, followed by check-in, where four-legged guests receive a Pup Passport. The guide points to nearby dog-friendly dining spots, off-leash parks, groomers and scenic waterfront walks. Each stay includes a welcome kit with branded bowls, plush bedding, grooming wipes, homemade treats and a keepsake toy, while a portion of the nonrefundable pet deposit benefits the Humane Society of Greater Miami.
For more information, call 1-844-3TAPESTRY or visit hilton.com.