Best Pet-Friendly South Beach Hotels

Written by Jessica Stout on June 8, 2009

A Weimaraner in a hotel lobby; a Pomeranian in an airport waiting area; a Dachshund in the supermarket produce aisle; even the recent launch of an entire airline dedicated to Fido and friends, Pet Airways. Pets are traveling everywhere with (and without) their owners, including staying in pet-friendly hotels as four-legged hotel guests. Some hotels are making it so easy for pet guests to stay, that they’ve created pet-friendly programs that pamper pets just as much as the guests themselves. Not only are pets getting specialized walking tours from the concierge, they’re being catered to with hotel pet beds, customized room service pet menus and hotel-style Doggie Boot Camp.

South Beach is one of summer’s top destinations and with year round sunny weather, outdoor malls and restaurants, “Dog Bark” parks, and a flashy Ocean Avenue sidewalk scene—what better accessory to have than your own pet? Pets can be pampered in true Miami style at the nation’s “most unique full service luxury specialty pet store” at South Beach’s Dog Bar. Cats and dogs can get their furry ‘dos groomed and styled, be decked out in the latest and greatest pet attire (try a sleeveless polo tennis dress or a patent quilted carrier tote), and experience aromatherapy and massages. Only in South Beach.

Although certain hotel pet policies—always with a price tag attached—still apply, knowing these policies ahead of time will avoid potential costly surprises. Hotel pet policies include a nightly or flat surcharge rate for incidentals and extra cleaning, as well as weight limits (some restricted to 20 pounds or less). Select hotels uphold even stricter policies to enforce the utmost best pet behavior like Loews’ $10/hour “Time Out” policy for furry ones that don’t abide by the hotel rules. This does NOT apply to two-legged hotel guests. While some South Beach hotels continue to maintain a strict “No Pet” policy (ahem, Hotel Delano), here is a partial list of pet friendly South Beach hotels where furry friends are welcome. Hang your leash here: