Some pet friendly hotels in ATL & Savannah
In case your dog is your third limb (like mine can often be)
Let me just start by saying THANK YOU for voting in Georgia. Every single GD vote counted this time and it’s really those voting rights organizations and activists throughout the state that made it happen. <3
Back to hotel news, I stayed in two super dog friendly hotels last week and was blown away by the service and also how much love and attention they gave Juni. I don’t want to travel with her all the time, but when I do, this is what I look forward to. Who needs International Dog Day? Every day is dog day, at least for us (but in case you were wondering, it’s August 26th). When traveling with Juni, I want a hotel that makes me feel at home with her—a property with a big grassy patch right outside or a courtyard for al fresco dining is a great start. Read on for a few hotels that treat your pup like a star year round.
Let’s start with Atlanta
The Shane opened in September with gorgeous city and forest views (a must: watch the sunset from the comfort of your bed/room). The 230-room property includes 18 suites and one Presidential Suite, along with nearly 7,000 square feet of event space on the second floor. The Shane is located in Midtown’s “Arts” District—close to the High Museum, Piedmont Park and tons of bars, restaurants and theaters. I love that the hotel is making an impact, too, through its partnership with DrawChange, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering impoverished children through the use of art therapy-based programming.
With two dining concepts on property, you don’t really have to leave if you don’t want to. I had dinner at Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails (crispy chicken skins, burrata, veggies, wine and the trout entree), but there’s also a really cute mezzanine cocktail lounge called Aveline. Both are helmed by Executive Chef Mark Alba, formerly of 5Church, and General Manager Stephanie Bloink-Adams. Other cool things about the Shane: there is a big green space right outside the lobby; like all Kimptons, dogs are always welcome with no pet fee; dog bowls and beds are available upon request; and the area is super safe and walkable. I really enjoyed my little staycation here.
The Four Seasons Atlanta nearby is also dog-friendly (I adore this hotel), but a bit higher end in accommodation and pricing. If you can’t swing staying at this FS for a night, make a reservation for Sunday brunch or head to Bar Margot for a nightcap, at least.
Then there’s Savannah
Went on a little road trip from Atlanta to Miami last week, stopping in some random places along the way this time. But for a night, I stayed at the Thompson Savannah and was absolutely blown away by this hotel. Honestly, the kindness of hotel staff was TOP; I was able to sit and order breakfast at Fleeting in the lobby with Juni and the restaurant even made her some plain scrambled eggs for like $5. A steal. I actually visited for drinks at Bar Julian upstairs a few months back—the cocktail menu is impressive and the bar is sophisticated yet lively. I love the simple and beautifully designed rooms overlooking the Eastern Wharf; this hotel is quiet and tucked away with plenty of space stroll along the Riverwalk the minute you step outside. Bathroom amenities include D.S. and Durga Bowmakers soap, lotion, body wash, shampoo AND conditioner (you can purchase full-size bottles in the lobby).
The doorman here helped me park and instead of directing me to valet (too pricey, he said), he showed me all the available metered parking and let me know I wouldn't have to add time until 8 or 9 AM. Again, dog bowls were available and the hotel is pet friendly with no fees! The Thompson Savannah is fully decked out for the holidays with twinkling white lights and two trees (one in the lobby and one outside) and I hope to return before decorations come down.
Another dog-friendly Savannah property, the Kimpton Brice Hotel is usually my go-to. Juni is familiar with it; everything is easy parking and walking wise; the property is in a great/central location but still a little ways away from the rowdy River and Bay Street crowds; there’s a decent Italian restaurant (Pacci) on site and a daily wine hour from 4 to 5 PM for guests of the hotel. Take your wine to the little courtyard or get dinner to go and eat it there—this is another cute spot to watch the sunset (although there are plenty of rooftops in Savannah I’d recommend, too). Prices fluctuate here, which is interesting, but I’m always checking Hotel Tonight and Expedia for those good rates.
Any dog-friendly properties you love in the South or otherwise? Let me know in the comments—more is more and I’d love to check them out.