These days it’s totally normal to see pets of all shapes and sizes flying on airplanes with their owners. I just flew home for the holidays and saw a great dane walking through the airport, no joke.
It’s easy to scoff at people who bring dogs with them on airplanes and vacations, but pets are such an integral part of our lives. They’re family, and for the joy they bring to our lives they deserve all the same luxurious amenities we do.
Below, we gathered 10 of our pet friendly boutique hotels that love your animals just as much as you do. It might cost you a few extra bucks to get them in the door, but it’s so worth it. No home is a home without your pets.
And, because it’s the holiday season, we gave this post a nice twist by picking our favorite pet friendly winter mountain hotels and retreats for the entire family to enjoy together.
1. Sopris House
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Sopris House, only 30 minutes from Taylor River Lodge, might be small but it’s jam-packed with quintessential Colorado charm. The hotel has its original tin ceiling from 1882 and countless mountain town touches, like an antler chandelier, buffalo head above the dining room table, and a built-in saloon (with a pool table and jukebox).
It’s also the perfect place for people who love outdoor adventures and will get you set up with whatever you’re feeling for winter or summer: hiking, mountain biking, skiing, ice climbing, and so much more. Pets are welcome to join, and they’ll love all the outdoor adventure options as well.
2. Scarp Ridge Lodge
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Mix together one part European ski chalet with one part Rocky Mountain culture, and you’ll get Scarp Ridge Lodge. Like so many buildings in Colorado, it began as a saloon and still retains its Western face to date. Inside, the amenities are decorated with reclaimed iron, but they’re not as cowboy-inspired.
After all, I don’t think cowboys swam in saltwater pools or lounged in rooftop hot tubs. It’s also got access to some of the most exclusive skiing in the world. Your dogs will be in good hands while you’re out adventuring and they’re curled up by a roaring fire. Plus, the hotel staff is happy to provide you with dog bowls, tennis balls, leads, and treats when you check in. They’re also the only hotel on this list that will give you with lint-rollers (+1).
3. The Sebastian
Location: Vail, CO
The Sebastian is one of the newer boutique hotels in Vail, and we’ve previously featured it as one of our favorite mountain hotels. It provides luxurious high-mountain comfort, direct access skiing at Gondola One, and an adventure concierge that lives to make your stay memorable.
Dogs and cats can also enjoy a nice stay in their pet-friendly rooms. They get a bowl, a bed, and treats upon checking in, and if they’re crate trained they can remain unattended while you head out. If you’re someone who likes to bring your animals with you, there are countless walking paths around the village for you both to enjoy together.
4. Montage
Location: Deer Valley, UT
Nestled in the mountains of Deer Valley, Utah, Montage is jaw-droppingly beautiful and offers views of nature that are no less impressive. Not only that, they’ve got one of the sexiest spas we’ve ever seen, although it’d be more accurate to call this 35,000 square-foot spa a sanctuary of wellness.
Every single room at Montage is pet friendly, and guests are allowed to bring two pets of any size (we’re looking at you, big dog lovers). And if you think you’ll be living large, just wait until you see what the dogs get upon checking in: a free toy, organic dog treats, and all-natural wheat gluten-free jerky.
5. Caldera House
Location: Jackson Hole, WY
Adventurers love Caldera House for their year-round options like dog sledding, rafting, fishing, backcountry overnights, and airplane tours. It’s only a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, and the hotel will help customize almost any adventure to suit your style.
Dogs love Caldera House because the hotel doesn’t discriminate based on size, and they’ll happily provide a good meal upon request (aka, dog food). Plus, while most other adventure hotels require a pet deposit, dogs get to stay free. Does it get any better than that?
6. Hotel Telluride
Location: Telluride, CO
Guests who leave The Hotel Telluride say two things about their stay there. First, they love the personalized service received during their stay. Second, they love that they can bring their pets with them to enjoy the European-style chalet.
In fact, pets are considered actual guests by The Hotel Telluride, are registered upon check in, and receive a bouquet of homemade organic pet treats. What’s more, 10% of your pet fee is donated to support the Second Chance Humane Society of Colorado. Your vacation will positively impact the life of another animal who might get to stay there someday.
7. Madeline Hotel and Residences
Location: Telluride, CO
With the snowy San Juan Mountains in the distance and red rocks jetting from canyon floors, Madeline Hotel and Residences is a self-proclaimed spiritual home for adventurers and outdoor fanatics. You’ll enjoy a relaxed mountain lifestyle in one of their normal guest rooms, spacious suites, or ski-home residences.
It doesn’t matter which room type you choose to lodge in, as dogs (no cats, but who travels with cats anyway?) are welcome in all of them. Honestly, having your dogs in the residences with you makes it a picture perfect finish to an amazing stay. Just make sure they’re well-behaved!
8. The Auberge Residences at Element 52
Location: Telluride, CO
More Telluride because we’re obsessed with America’s coolest mountain skiing town! We’re also obsessed with everything Auberge does, and the Residences at Element 52 brings some of the best they have to offer.
The open living spaces feature expansive outdoor terraces and range in size from 1,500 to 5,480 square feet: it’s pretty much your personal ski sanctuary. All pets of all sizes are also welcome, for a fully refundable deposit as well—no fees (cha-ching).
9. Viceroy Snowmass
Location: Snowmass, CO
For 10 years Viceroy has called Snowmass home, and they’ve been able to strike a near-perfect balance between snow sports and relaxation opportunities. That’s just one of the reasons they made our list of the top mountain resorts.
We’re circling back to them today because they love dogs, and welcome them into the guest rooms if they’re under 100 pounds and fully house trained. Although, if you’re traveling with a dog bigger than 100 pounds that isn’t house trained you might have bigger problems than finding pet friendly hotels though.
10. Hotel Jerome
Location: Aspen, CO
Many call Hotel Jerome the social hub of Aspen because it’s been a place where interesting people gather to tell scintillating stories since 1889. They’ve seen their fair share of cowboys, soldiers, and famed celebrities: it’s a true Aspen experience. And what kind of social hub would it be if pets weren’t allowed?
You can bring two pets of any size with you, and they’ll supply treats, pet beds, and bowls when you check in. Plus, there’s a full park right behind the hotel where your favorite friends can run and play—give them their own taste of Aspen’s natural beauty.
There’s something incredibly special about a mountain resort, most of which were built by Westward-bound Americans in the 1800s and remodeled into luxurious lifestyle hotels. They’ve got charm, character, and unparalleled access to nature.
These boutique hotels have been able to preserve the sense of charm we love so much while bringing the modern touches we want. And the fact that they’re pet friendly hotels us is the sweetest icing on top of the best cake.