Traveling Large: A Guide to Truly Dog-Friendly Luxury Travel
There’s a version of luxury travel where your dog waits at home, watched by a sitter who sends the occasional photo. And then there’s the version I prefer: checking into a beautiful property with my goldendoodle, Bailey, beside me, watching her settle into a plush dog bed placed at the foot of mine.
I’m Jared Goldstein, founder of The Edited Traveler and Doodles of LA. Like many in this space, I got tired of the assumption that traveling with a large dog meant going downmarket.
It doesn’t. Not anymore.
The luxury hotel industry has undergone a genuine shift. Properties that once turned away dogs over 25 pounds are now rolling out pet concierge services and dedicated dog menus. The key is knowing where to look and how to book to ensure your dog is treated like the VIP they are.
Why Luxury Hotels Are Finally Getting It Right
For years, pet-friendly policies were an afterthought—a line buried in the FAQ. Today, three forces are changing the landscape:
The Generational Shift: Millennials and Gen X travelers treat dogs as family members and plan vacations specifically around them.
The Pet Wellness Economy: Luxury brands realize that guests who spend on high-end travel also invest in premium care for their pets.
Healthy Competition: When one five-star resort offers a dog-walking concierge, others must follow suit to remain competitive.
What to Look for in a Truly Dog-Friendly Property
Not all “pet-friendly” policies are created equal. Before booking, I evaluate every property against these four criteria:
1. Flexible Weight Limits
Many hotels list a 40–50 lb limit, but independent luxury properties are often flexible if you ask through the right channels.
Pro Tip: Booking through a travel advisor with a direct relationship with the GM can often bypass strict weight “rules.”
2. The In-Room Experience
The difference between tolerating and welcoming a dog is visible instantly. Look for a real dog bed (not a folded towel), branded water bowls, and a personalized welcome note.
3. Non-Negotiable Outdoor Access
A beautiful room means nothing if your dog is under-exercised. I always confirm:
Dedicated on-site relief areas.
Proximity to green space or walking paths.
“Off-leash” options nearby.
4. Transparent Fee Structures
Avoid “fee-layering.” A flat, non-refundable cleaning fee is standard. Be wary of properties that charge a nightly fee plus a departure fee plus a deposit.
Advisor Recommendations: Top Dog-Friendly Stays
🌴 Rosewood Miramar Beach | Montecito, CA
This is my top recommendation for Southern California. With its private beach and sprawling lawns, it is the gold standard for large breeds.
The Vibe: Genuine hospitality where the staff knows your dog’s name.
Key Detail: Book early and inform them of the breed. If you use an advisor, your amenities will be waiting in-room.
- Preferred Parter benefits
- USD 125 resort credit
- Daily breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
- Complimentary one-category upgrade at booking or upon arrival (varies by hotel)
- Note and amenity from property’s Managing Director
- Personalized welcome
- Pre-registration prior to arrival
🏨 Four Seasons Properties | Global
As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I’ve seen this brand invest heavily in pet programming.
The Vibe: Consistent service culture.
Key Detail: Resort properties (rather than urban ones) typically offer the best outdoor access for larger dogs.
- Preferred Partner Benefits
Perks may vary by property, but typically include:
- Daily breakfast for 2
- 100USD hotel credit for rooms or 200USD for suites & private retreats
- Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)
- Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
🌊 The Regent Santa Monica Beach | Santa Monica, CA
A newer standout that sits steps from the coastal path.
The Vibe: High-energy and incredibly welcoming to well-behaved large dogs.
Key Detail: The beach path access removes the “logistics problem” of exercising a high-energy dog in a city.
- Preferred Partner Benefits
- $100 USD (or local currency equivalent) hotel credit per stay
- Daily complimentary breakfast for 2 guests (full or continental, depending on the hotel)
- Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
- Local welcome amenity
- Personalized welcome note
- Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Traveling With a Goldendoodle: My Top 4 Tips
Traveling with Bailey (50+ lbs) has taught me a few “on-the-ground” realities:
Request a Garden Room: Avoid the “elevator friction” of busy lobbies and dog allergies. Direct outdoor access is a game-changer.
The “Familiarity” Kit: Even at five-star spots, I bring Bailey’s own food and favorite treats to keep her routine stable.
Tip Housekeeping Early: Leave a note on day one explaining your dog’s temperament. It reduces anxiety for the staff and ensures your room is serviced properly.
Over-Share with Your Advisor: Breed, weight, and “quirks” matter. The more I know, the better I can match you to the right property.
The Travel Secret: Flying With JSX
Getting there is often the hardest part. For large dog owners, commercial cargo is usually a non-starter. JSX has changed the calculus for me.
JSX is a semi-private jet experience where Bailey sits in the cabin with me.
Private Terminals: No security lines or crowded gates.
Reduced Stress: For dogs that feed off ambient energy, the calm of a private terminal is a revelation.
Regional Reach: Perfect for Western US and Sun Belt “long weekends.”
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?
Luxury travel with a large dog is entirely possible—and incredibly rewarding. Watching your dog discover a new space is a joy that shouldn’t be reserved for “small pets only.”
I help clients plan luxury experiences that don’t require leaving their best friends behind.
Start planning your trip with The Edited Traveler →Submit your trip request here.
Jared Goldstein is the founder of The Edited Traveler and Doodles of LA. He is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Rosewood Elite member.