10 hotels that take pet-friendly to a new, luxurious level

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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These luxury pet-friendly hotels​ are levelling up the game.

Pet-friendly accommodation is nothing new in 2025, but the latest offerings are going far beyond allowing your dog to stay in the room with you. Gourmet, healthy menus specifically for your pet, free toys, high-end dog beds and more await the modern pet owner and their well-travelled pooch at these luxury pet-friendly hotels.

Of course, as a cat mum, the hotel trend I’d like to see next is specially curated cat stays. But at least your dogs are covered.

woman with her pet dog on a couch at The Langham Gold Coast, luxury pet-friendly hotels
Stay in pet-friendly style around Australia.

1. W Brisbane

The hotel chain’s Sydney and Melbourne locations offer an exclusive P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) Package for either your dog or (hurray) cat. Besides pet beds and bowls, your furry companion is catered for with provided clean-up bags, litter or wee pads, toys and treats as well as local pet information for a furbaby-perfect stay.

Pets Are Welcome at W Brisbane hotel
Pets are welcome at W Brisbane.

2. The Langham Gold Coast

The Langham is jumping on board the pet train with its recently released Pampered Pet Package , which aims to give your pooch their own five-star experience. Think an in-room luxury bed setup, food and water bowls, a take-home gift and a premium $80 food and beverage credit that can be used on a Private Dining Dog Menu (set to launch soon).

The Langham Gold Coast, luxury pet-friendly hotels
Let your dog relax his body and treat his palate.

3. QT Melbourne

QT Hotels was one of the first chains to bring an extended offering for their furry guests. Dubbed the ‘Pup Yeah Fur-Friendly Stay’, dogs of up to 20 kilos are welcomed to enjoy pet-centric features like a mini bar packed with dog treats, as well as an in-room dining menu designed by QT Head of Treats Nic Wood (yes, really, that’s a job title).

And now, QT has hired its own dog-cierge, Russell, naturally in charge of wellness, joy and belly rubs at the hotel. Together with Guide Dogs Victoria, QT Melbourne has launched a series of dog-friendly experiences, with proceeds supporting Guide Dogs Victoria’s life-changing work in the community. Things like Pups & Poses yoga with Soflo Studios on the hotel’s rooftop and new puppuccinos at Deli QT Melbourne.

puppy yoga at QT Melbourne
QT Melbourne is taking pet-friendly further.

4. StandardX, Melbourne

Looking to Jet Set With Your Pet? Standard X, Melbourne has a package for that. Spend the night in a Balcony King so your dog can get some fresh air, plus find a pet bed, food and water bowls, treats and clean-up bags included. On top of that, for an extra charge, guests will have access to local pet services (subject to availability) like dog walking.

Standard X Melbourne Balcony King Room
Access local pet services with Standard X Melbourne.

5. Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Another hotel rolling out the red carpet for cats as well as dogs, the Hyatt Centric Melbourne hotel offers pet-friendly accommodation designed to help your pet relax, recharge and soak up the city vibes just as much as you do. Besides beds and bowls, take advantage of a souvenir (aka pet toy), access to a private balcony and provided doggy bags or litter tray.

Hyatt Centric Melbourne, luxury pet-friendly hotels
Let the pooches take home their own souvenirs.

6. Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne offers a Holidays for Hounds package. As well as in-room luxuries, you can order a gourmet meal from the hotel’s Pet Menu, created in collaboration with Jacinta Malone from Chadwick Nutrition (one of Melbourne’s top canine and feline nutritionists). This means pets dine on natural ingredients chosen to help increase longevity and health. Options include chicken meatballs, beef tartare and pup cakes. Not enough? Receive 10 per cent off orders from Supaw Bakery (a dog treat bakery) and 10 per cent off consultations with Chadwick Nutrition.

Get out and about after a discussion with the hotel’s ‘Paw-cierge’ team to discover dog-friendly spots and parks located nearby (also, dogs can ride the metro for free).

pet menu at Dorsett Melbourne
Order from the hotel’s Pet Menu.

7. Park Hyatt Melbourne 

Long known for its canine ambassadors, Park Hyatt Melbourne has welcomed Crescendo Charlie (or just Charlie for short), a six-and-a-half-year-old white Labrador retriever, into the role following the retirement of his predecessor, Mr. Walker. Focused on guest engagement and companionship, Charlie has brought his playful and affectionate energy to his new role. Guests can expect to find him exploring the hotel and greeting visitors.

Oh, and the hotel has also just introduced pet-friendly rooms. Complete with a soft toy and welcome treat, in-room pet dining menu and access to designated pet relief mats.

Crescendo Charlie, ambassedor of park hyatt melbourne
Meet Crescendo Charlie.

8. MGallery Manly Pacific Hotel

What dog doesn’t love a frolic on the beach? And they don’t get much nicer than Manly. Something that MGallery Manly Pacific Hotel took into consideration when creating pet-friendly rooms, complete with a private balcony, direct ocean view and outdoor furniture adapted to suit pet paws. What’s more, the hotel has a special room service menu, specifically for dogs.

Think pupaccinos, Scoop Dogg Frozen Puppy Treat (homemade ice cream with peanut butter, bacon and yoghurt) and San Chow Bow Wow (nutritionally balanced snack of ground chicken, spinach, carrots, peas and brown rice, wrapped in a lettuce leaf, braised in chicken broth).

9. Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection

Book a Puppy Package at Pier One Sydney Harbour , in the heart of Walsh Bay, to receive a doggy welcome amenity on arrival, a doggy in-room minibar and dining menu (with treats and toys) and – the pièce de résistance – a pup snack breakfast buffet at Pier Bar.

puppy at pier one sydney hotel
Book the puppy package for views and treats.

10. Spicer’s Hidden Vale

Not only can you bring your own dog to Spicers Hidden Vale , but you (and your doggo) can be greeted by Wally, the cute caramel cavoodle and unofficial hotel ambassador. While being very willing to meet and mingle with guests, Wally also personally welcomes each guest’s pooch with a personalised card bearing his paw print.

Wally’s new dog friends can also enjoy walks with a provided lead, doggie bags, blanket and a long-lasting bone to give them something to chew on all vacay long.

Wally, the dog mascot of Spicers Hidden Vale
Meet Wally.

Prefer the open road? Check out our pet-friendly road trip tips and the best pet-friendly camping sites. Then pick your dining options from our favourite pet-friendly cafes around the country.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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8 incredible hikes just outside of Melbourne

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

    Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford , the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

    1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

    Hanging Rock Summit Walk
    Take in views across the Macedon Ranges.

    Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

    2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

    Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout
    Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

    The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

    3. Mount Alexander Traverse

    Mount Alexander Traverse
    Take in the serenity.

    Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

    4. Murmuring Walk

    Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes
    Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

    Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

    5. La Gerche Forest Walk

    La Gerche Forest Walk
    Walk into history on the La Gerche Forest trail.

    Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

    6. Sailors Falls Loop

    Sailors Falls Loop
    See these spectacular falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

    7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

    Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

    8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

    Mount Franklin Summit Walk
    Take in forests and waterfalls along the way to the top of Mount Franklin.

    An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

    The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.