While there are several pet-friendly beach hotels in Florida, there are some that go above and beyond to make your four-legged best friend feel like a VIP. Here are a few of the best beach hotels to consider if you’re looking for a pawsitively purrfect vacation with your furry best friend.
The Betsy Hotel – South Beach
Pet Perks: Pets get a special welcome treat when they arrive. They can also join you for dinner at one of their onsite restaurants—LT Steak & Seafood or The Alley.
Overview: The Betsy hotel is located in South Beach’s Art Deco District and has gone to the dogs—literally. The two CEOs (Canine Executive Officers), Betsy and Rosa, are legends in Miami Beach. There’s a good possibility you’ll meet the two CEOs while you’re there. The two Golden Retrievers even have their own beer that was created by a local brewery, so make sure you try their special beverage when you visit. Other perks of staying there include direct beach access, beach chairs, an umbrella, and sunrise yoga.
Good to Know
- Dogs and cats are allowed, but larger dogs over 40 pounds need special clearance when you make your reservation.
- There’s no pet fee if you book directly with The Betsy.
- If you book through a third party, though, there’s a $150 pet fee, and 50% of that goes to Miami-Dade Animal Rescue and the SPCA in Zimbabwe, the childhood home of one of The Betsy’s owners.
Insider Tip: This is a hotel full of art, and there’s one gallery you don’t want to miss. The Underground Gallery is where you can see the amazing work of Carlos Andres Cruz, a professional dog photographer from Bogota, Colombia. He’s perfectly captured the dogs of The Betsy, and it’s an exhibit that any dog lover will certainly appreciate.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club – Miami Beach
Pet Perks: When they check in, they are given a special welcome treat. They also get a complimentary Waggo bed and bowl. If you want them to go to dinner with you, they can do that, too. There’s pet-friendly outdoor seating at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse and Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill.
Overview: Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is a pet-friendly, oceanfront hotel on Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue, and you’ll enjoy the architecture both inside and around the hotel. It has been around since 1940 and is a staple of Miami. The rooms have been modernized since then, though, and have a Mediterranean-style vibe. For the swankiest views, consider booking the Cadillac Suite, a spacious room with a terrace that measures 1,100 square feet.
Good to Know
- You can have up to two pets that are up to 75 pounds each and there’s a $100 fee per pet, per stay.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a fun excursion to do with your pup, check out Duck Tours South Beach. They allow dogs under 16 pounds to go on the tour.
Hotel Effie – Miramar Beach
Pet Perks: Pets are warmly welcomed upon arrival and get a bed, water bowl, pet waste bags, a toy, and a treat.
Overview: Hotel Effie has a Director of Pet Services named Simba. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a rescue pup that started his life in a local shelter, but is now running the show at this exceptional hotel. He’s the official mascot, and the treats that visiting pets receive are actually made to resemble him. Hotel Effie is located in a stretch of Northwest Florida called the Emerald Coast, where the water and sand are spectacular.
Good to Know
- There is a $150 fee per stay and dogs over 65 pounds aren’t allowed. Cats aren’t allowed either.
Insider Tip: This property is located inside the gates of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and you can take advantage of many of the amenities there, such as the miles of walking trails.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – Miramar Beach
Pet Perks: They can get out and have some fun at the onsite bark park.
Overview: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort takes pet friendliness to another level and actually has a Director of Pet Services on staff—a toy American Eskimo pup. Her name is Sandy, which is a fitting name for this executive-level dog working on the sandy beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast. This resort has an enormous footprint, encompassing 2,400 acres. There are 30 neighborhoods that all offer various accommodations, and you won’t have a shortage of things to do within this giant resort.
Good to Know
- There is a $250 fee per stay if you book pet-friendly accommodations.
- They allow one dog up to 35 pounds in each unit. However, Osprey Pointe, one of the accommodations within the resort, allows up to two dogs that can be up to 65 pounds each.
Insider Tip: The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a big believer in the “Adopt, not shop” initiative. While you’re there, look for the plush Sandy toy. You’ll see it for sale in various places throughout the resort and in addition to picking up a great souvenir, you’ll also be helping other dogs. Sales of those toys help support the Alaqua Animal Refuge.
SkyBeach Resort – St. Petersburg
Pet Perks: They have a special package for pets called the UltiMUTT Pet Package. With that, they get a fashionable SkyBeach bandana to keep as a souvenir, and food bowls and a cozy bed to use during their stay. Pet waste bags are also provided.
Overview: On-site amenities at Skybeach Resort include a welcome glass of champagne, lounge chairs that you can use at the pool or beach, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, beach volleyball, pickleball, lawn games, and more. Spacious rooms also offer an array of options and views. There are a couple of tasty places to grab a bite there, including Skybar + Grille and Luma.
Good to Know
- All dogs are welcome, and there are no size or breed restrictions.
- The pet fee is $50 per night, but if you stay more than four days your total fee will be capped at $200.
Insider Tip: The resort offers a robust selection of events, including seashell painting, yoga on the lawn, tequila tastings, and live music. Make sure to check out their event calendar if you’re planning to go.
The Perry Hotel – Naples
Pet Perks: Pets are recognized as soon as they arrive. They’re given treats and a bone-shaped magnet that has their name on it. They can then use that to decorate the door to their room.
Overview: The Perry Hotel is a 160-room resort positioned alongside the Cocohatchee River. It’s not right on the beach, but it does have access to the Gulf, and there’s a complimentary beach shuttle that will take you by boat to Wiggins Pass or Barefoot Beach. There’s also a rooftop bar and pool on the seventh floor.
Good to Know
- The pet fee is $150 for one pet or $200 for two. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach shuttle.
Insider Tip: The Bonita Beach Dog Beach is a great place to take your pup for some fun in the sun, and it’s only 11 miles away from The Perry Hotel.
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa – Vero Beach
Pet Perks: Pets receive treat bags, a pet bandana, waste bags, food and water bowls, dog-friendly shampoo, a luxury teepee with a comfy pet bed. Pet robes are also available upon request, and there’s a Canine Concierge text line for pet requests while you’re there. There’s also a special Pampered Pets Menu available for pets that includes things like organic chicken breast and salmon.
Overview: Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa on Florida’s Treasure Coast starts your stay off right with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as soon as you arrive. The hotel offers direct beach access, and your stay includes premium beach chairs, an umbrella, towels, and a portable table. There’s also a family-friendly game room and a library with books and games. Wind down at the complimentary evening social hour.
Good to Know
- Cats and dogs are allowed and there are no additional fees for pets.
- Pets of all breeds and sizes are welcome. If they can fit through the door, they can come.
- There’s no limit on the number that can come with you.
Insider Tip: Make sure your furry friends get their pictures taken when they arrive. They will be superstars during their stay, and their pictures will be displayed in the lobby. You can take the Polaroid picture home when you leave if you prefer, but some opt to leave their pictures for others to continue enjoying.
