Bosco, Director of Pet Relations at Kimpton's FireSky Resort Photo Credit: Kimpton's FireSky Resort
More and more vacation destinations have dog-friendly accomodations and activities. Scottsdale, Arizona, just northeast of Phoenix, has certainly gone to the dogs, in an upscale, Scottsdale sort of way!
Luxury resorts, rejuvenating spas, a breathtaking Sonoran Desert environment and unbeatable weather with 330 days of sunshine a year. It’s why travelers come to Scottsdale and it’s why our four-legged friends visit the city, too. According to the United States Travel Association, more than 49 percent of adult leisure travelers in the United States consider their pet to be part of the family and 18 percent usually take their pets with them when they travel. Luckily for visitors, Scottsdale is a top-notch playground for man’s best friend so canines, cats and other furry buddies are welcome to enjoy pampering, adventure, relaxation and dining alongside their owners.
In the Dog House
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa accommodates all cats and dogs into its Kierland Companion Club, designed to make the resort a home-away-from-home. Dogs receive a complimentary Westin Heavenly Dog Welcome Kit including a special ID tag, clean-up bags to use in the nearby Kierland Companion Park, eating dishes and a Westin Heavenly dog bed. Guests traveling without their pet can make friends with Scotty, the resort’s Scottish terrier rescue who says hello with a friendly tail wag or clever trick.
Uno is the pet ambassador at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch and welcomes all cats and dogs less than 40 pounds to stay and play with the resort’s 4Paws pet friendly program. Furry guests receive all-natural gourmet treats, a toy, Labor of Love Bed, suggested walking routes on property, and food and water dishes. Room service offers its 4Paws Beastro menu for pets featuring items like the Canine Veggie Bruschetta and Seafood Parfait.
The Paws on Board program at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess lets pets under 25 pounds stay at the resort for an additional $25 per night and includes a “Woofer” or “Purr-fect” gift set featuring a plush bed, food and water bowls, food mat, pet toys and of course, treats. Fairmont Scottsdale’s concierge can point out nearby walking paths, parks and grassy areas suitable for four-legged friends. And, if mom and dad want to treat themselves to dinner at BOURBON STEAK or a treatment at Willow Stream Spa, the concierge will provide information on reputable dog-sitting and walking services.
At Kimpton’s FireSky Resort and Spa , the resort’s director of pet relations is a chocolate cocker spaniel named Bosco. He greets guests (the two- and four-legged kind) at the door, offers treats at check-in and serves as the in-house furry friend. There is no additional charge or deposit for pets, and complimentary pet amenities include a doggie bed, in-room bowl for food and water, and a pooper-scooper bag and walking map. Travelers will want to take advantage of the BONE Appétit package that includes a customized doggie welcome, dog walk, gourmet treats, toy, leash, and doggie bed and bowl. The resort is located near the Scottsdale Chaparral Dog Park, an off-leash area where Fido can run free.
Pets and owners relax in style at the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences with the property’s signature P.A.W (Pets are Welcome) program. Everything from in-room dining and fresh water upon arrival to special pet fitness classes like Doga (yoga for dogs) are available to make the honorary family members feel right at home. There’s even a specialty, chef-prepared menu from Sushi Roku that includes items like baked salmon, grilled chicken, sirloin and seasonal rice. And for special occasions, the W Scottsdale offers doggie birthday cakes and treats to celebrate.
Other animal-friendly properties in Scottsdale include Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa ; The Hermosa Inn, a boutique hotel ; JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa ; and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North .
Dog Boutiques
Mackie’s Parlour Pet Boutique features designer dog clothes, beds, bowls and feeders, collars, all-natural treats, and the latest and greatest in dog and cat toys. The store welcomes pets to join in the shopping
Birthday party at Oh My Dog! Boutique and Spa - Photo Credit: Oh My Dog! Boutique and Spa
excursions with their owners as they browse through eye-catching products like embroidered sweaters and specialty dresses. Guests also can choose from a variety of customizable puppy “jewelry” like crystal-bedecked hairclips and collar charms.
Located in downtown, Oh My Dog! boutique + spa (OMD,) is a dream for any canine lover and boasts a vast selection of specialized merchandise that travelers won’t find in any chain retail store – everything from organic treats and holistic food to Frozen Woofies toys. The independent shop carries lines like Ruff Ruff Couture, Little Lilly, Poochie Beverly Hills and more. OMD also is a puppy day spa where the “who’s who” of the area takes their pets for deep conditioning massages and custom hairstyles.
Food and Fun for Canines
Stop by Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace at the Scottsdale Waterfront where humans can choose from any one of the market’s Mediterranean-influenced items while pups can delight in complimentary doggie bones fresh from the marketplace. Just down the street, people and animals alike go gaga over the melt-in-your-mouth pastry delights from Sprinkles Cupcakes . The bakery offers doggie cupcakes made with eggs, honey, and vanilla and then topped with a yogurt frosting. Mom and dad can’t miss out on the treat, either!
Chaparral Park is four acres of off-leash doggie fun that includes grass frolic zones, turf areas, seating for people, play features and water fountains. There’s also another specially designated area for other types of pets. Visitors looking to commune with nature can take their dog to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve . More than 16,000 acres of protected Sonoran Desert land is part of the Preserve featuring miles of untouched terrain where hikers and their pups can enjoy leisurely walks and heart-pumping hikes.
Information courtesy: Scottsdale CVB
