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

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
hero media
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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
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.
View profile and articles
Pumphouse Point in Tasmania
Australia

Forget vitamin D, psychotherapists say rainy holidays are better for your brain

What if rain was the secret to a better holiday?

Read more
the aurora australis (southern lights) from Southern Ocean Lodge
Australia

These luxury lodges give you a front-row seat to the sky’s greatest light show

The hottest new accommodation amenity is 400 light-years away – and it might be the most compelling reason yet to book a holiday this season.

Read more
The Whale Narooma view from room retro motels
Australia

18 road trip-worthy retro motels

Retro motels are making a comeback in road trip itineraries – and these charming motel stays are far from old-fashioned.

Read more
Longitude 131, NT
Australia

The Aussie hotels missing from Condé Nast’s Triple Crown Hotels list

Condé Nast has released a new Triple Crown Hotels list, but there are some gaping omissions.

Read more
hero media

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.