Looking to get out of town, but you want to take your fuzzy friend with you? We’ve found some spots within driving distance of Alexandria that will welcome you and your canine buddy.
About 49 percent of pet owners plan to travel with their pet in the next 12 months, according to a 2017 TripAdvisor survey, with more than half of those staying in hotels.
Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Va.: At the Salamander Resort in Middleburg, about an hour’s drive away, you’ll get a ground-level room for easy access to the outdoors as well as a pet bed, organic treats, food and water bowls, a special toy and waste bags. A “dog in room” card can be placed on your door to alert outsiders of the Very Important Pup in your room. Dogs are welcome at the resort’s outdoor dining area on the Gold Cup terrace. Dogs are expected to walk on a leash as you stroll the resort’s 340 acres. www.salamanderresort.com
Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Va.: Built in 1766, this historic property on 2,300 acres welcomes pets that weigh 40 pounds or less. You’ll pay an extra fee of $50 per dog, with two dogs maximum allowed. www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
Lansdowne Resort, Loudoun County, Va.: The resort allows dogs (a maximum of two per room) that weigh 40 pounds and under; your dog must be crated if left alone in your room. Pets aren’t allowed anywhere on the property except in rooms and outdoors. Pet amenities include a bed, bowl and mat in the room. www.destinationhotels.com/lansdowne-resort
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Penn.: Nemacolin offer its guests pet-friendly vacation options. You can either select from two-bedroom townhomes where your dog can stay with you or, if you choose to stay in one of the other lodging options, or will be away from your room exploring, you can make arrangements for your best buddy at Nemacolin Woodlands Pet Resort & Spa. Dogs that stay in a townhome must not exceed 50 pounds. www.nemacolin.com
Boar's Head Resort, Charlottesville, Va.: You and your pup will be happy to know that Boar's Head Inn has dog-friendly rooms for canines that weigh less than 50 pounds. Just a few steps from the resort's dog-friendly rooms is a relief station and direct access to rolling nature trails that meander more than two miles into the adjacent woodlands. www.boarsheadresort.com
Making Your Trip Successful
Here are a few tips on making your resort stay with your dog fun for everyone:
Many hotels provide a door hanger or sign to alert housekeeping that a pet is in the room; using it can help everyone avoid surprises.
It's a good idea to crate your dog inside the hotel room — those fluffy pillows, expensive comforters and furniture can be attractive for dogs to chew on (and expensive for owners to replace).
If your pet has separation anxiety or tends to bark while you're out, the resort may ask you to leave. Sometimes turning on the television can help, as well as bringing along familiar items like toys, blankets or a dog bed.
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