Kiwi Curated
Meet These Hotel VIPs (Very Important Pets)
by Darren DunneHaving to travel without a beloved pet can be a wrench, but an increasing amount of hotels are coming up with the purrfect solution: pet ambassadors. In previous years, one might think us barking mad to recommend hotels with animals roaming the halls, but these friendly critters add oodles of charm and personality to their homes. Read on as we list some of our favorite hotel-based animal friends.
Le Bristol, Paris: Kleopatre and Fa-Raon
Love is in the air at Le Bristol, and it’s not just because of its location in the city of lights. A female Birman cat named Kleopatre joined resident cat Fa-Raon in July, and since then the pair have been inseparable, welcoming visitors with a friendly meow. The gentlemanly Fa-Raon has been escorting his new love interest around the corridors of the hotel, even inviting his new friend to share his prestigious digs by the concierge’s counter. Both of these stunning cats are extremely playful and clearly fashion forward, as evidenced by their matching leather bow ties.
Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand: Alex the Macaw
Meet Alex the Macaw, he’s 26-years-old and adds a splash of South American color to Anantara Hua Hin. Macaws are renowned for their intelligence, and Alex is no exception as he converses with hotel guests in both English and Thai. Learning new words is one of Alex’s favorite hobbies, and guests are invited to teach him some new lingo during one of his lengthy chats. He can usually be found perched in the lobby or on one of the tropical pines that surround the hotel’s spacious outdoor pool.
The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Colorado: Miner and Bachelor
Saint Bernard dogs were originally bred to rescue mountain climbers in need, so it’s only fitting that high in the Rocky Mountains at Bachelor Gulch one can find a stunning St. Bernard named Bachelor. Forming part of the hotel’s “pack” along with a Golden Retriever named Miner, Bachelor is on hand to welcome guests’ dogs to their crew with a swag bag of goodies and premium pet supplies for their stay. Both dogs are usually available to meet guests daily from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., and a regular “Bachelor Party” is organized so guests can meet and play with the puppies in the resort’s Great Room.
Saint James Hotel, Paris: Pilou the Cat
Given that Saint James Paris doubles as a private members club, it’s no surprise that hotel cat Pilou has a taste for high society. This playful kitty has been a fixture at the hotel since his arrival in 2009 and can often be found soaking up the gossip at the library bar in the afternoons. When not rubbing shoulders with Paris’ elite, Pilou likes to nap under the hot-air balloon in the hotel’s distinctive garden, where he has ample space to play and hunt.
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston: Catie and Carly Copley
It’s not often one can claim to be in the presence of a celebrity pooch, but in Catie and Carly Copley, Fairmont Copley Plaza possess two of Boston’s most famous canine stars. Catie was originally trained as a guide dog in New York, before switching careers into the hotel business where she’s excelled. Catie is a passionate Red Sox fan who loves walks and has starred in two childrens’ books. Her adoptive sister Carly came from the Animal Rescue League of Boston and is a big fan of catching rides on the hotel’s bellcarts. Both of these sweethearts are available to go on walks with hotel guests around the city.
L’Auberge del Mar, California: Sofie
A couple of years ago, L’Auberge del Mar was undergoing renovations when a little lady named Buttercup was found wandering the grounds. The staff at the hotel took her in and cared for her, and when Buttercup’s mom came to claim her, hotel staff handed her over with a heavy heart. A year later the hotel received great news, Buttercup had become a mom herself and one of the puppies, Sofie, would be coming to live at the hotel. Since then, Sofie has been a beloved member of staff, welcoming each new canine arrival to the hotel from her comfy seat in the lobby.
Willows Lodge, Washington State: Borage and Basil
It’s been quite the year for Borage and Basil, the pair of charming potbelly pigs that reside in the garden of The Herbfarm. Originally from Missouri, the boys celebrated their 10th birthday on March 19th with a special cake and party in the garden. Diners at The Herbfarm are welcome to meet Basil and Borage on a pre-dinner garden tour before settling down to tuck in. Between courses, little piggy snack buckets are made available for visitors who want to help the boys chow down.
Kristiania Lech, Austria: Bruno and Gustav
One only needs to cast a quick glance at YouTube to see just how many videos feature Golden Retrievers playing in the snow (141,000 by our count) and Kristiania Lech’s Bruno and Gustav are likely stars in at least some of those. This feisty double act is happiest frolicking in the snow, and have been known to accompany guests on a spot of snowshoeing or on a stroll through the streets of the town. When not playing, both can be found napping in reception or playfully greeting new arrivals.
Montpelier Plantation and Beach, St Kitts and Nevis: Cosmo
The lush tropical hills of Nevis provide the perfect outdoor playground for Cosmo, the yellow Labrador that lives at Montpelier Plantation and Beach. Having arrived at the hotel in July as a puppy, Cosmo is still only a youngster, but he’s already become a part of the scenery as he stomps around the gardens with his tennis ball in tow. Like most labs, Cosmo loves nothing more than a game of fetch and guests are invited to join him in the garden to play.