Examiner.com

TripAdvisor, a web-based company that calls itself “the world's largest travel site,” today released results of its pet travel survey of more than 1,200 U.S. travelers. Some of the key findings include:

• The majority of animal owners feel pets make for prime vacation companions.
• Sixty-one percent of pet-owners traveled with their furry friends last year, while 33 percent often bring their pets on trips and five percent always do.
• Twenty-six percent consider their pet an inseparable part of the family that goes everywhere (including vacation) with them
• 14 percent believe that bringing Fido is more cost-effective than using a kennel.
• Though only one percent of respondents with pets cite air travel as the most pet-friendly form of mass transportation, 15 percent brought their furry friends onto a plane last year
• Forty-four percent of survey respondents who travel with their pets cite designated green space for walking pets as the most important characteristic of a pet-friendly hotel, while 16 percent look for on-site kennels or pet daycare.
• Although 66 percent of pet owners say they don't generally find hotels to be pet-friendly, there are many fantastic properties that cater to the needs of four-legged travelers," said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. "From slick city trips to beachside breaks, there's no reason why much-loved pets should miss out on the fun of sniffing out great travel spots."

The Trip Advisor has compiled a list of their “Top Ten Pet Friendly Hotels,” and not a hotel in the greater Washington, DC area is on it – but there are a few that probably should be. One that belongs there is
The Park Hyatt Hotel at 1201 24th Street, NW,  a lovely property that welcomes pets of all sizes. They charge $150 per pet per stay, but they go out of their way to be accommodating. Incidentally, twice a month they offer a happy hour called “Paws at the Park.” For a $12 fee owners are welcome to wine or beer and snacks, and local and visiting puppies can mingle and enjoy treats of their own  from Doggie Style Bakery.  The events benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League. The next "Paws at the Park" is scheduled for August 4.

A sampler of hotels that did make the list includes:

• The Hotel Monaco in Portland, Oregon, whose pet amenity program is overseen by Timmy, the four-legged "Director of Pet Relations." Complimentary amenities and services include bowls and beds for the duration of pets' stays, while travelers can also select the "Portland Unleashed" package, featuring a doggie makeover and a map of pet friendly breweries.
• The Affinia Dumont in New York City, that has a bar and restaurant called the Barking Dog where four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms and treated to amenities including plush dog beds and a travel water bowl that they can take home, plus pet taxis and even a pet psychic.
• At the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, California, dogs receive edible treats, a pet tag and bowl upon check-in, but “the fun also extends to the sand and surf,” when the dog is enrolled "Su'ruff Camp" where they will have a doggie surf lesson, board shorts and a bandana for their furry friend, and a Surf and Turf room service pet meal.

There are 6 hotels in Fairfax that welcome pets, though none are on a par with the best. Most are extended stay facilities, and most have minimal amenities:

• Extended Stay America, 12055 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033, welcomes one pet per guest room. They charge a $25 per day non-refundable cleaning fee (not to exceed $150), charged the first night of your stay. Weight, size and breed restrictions may apply. They recommend that you contact the hotel directly with inquiries.
• Candlewood Suites, 12055 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033, charges $75 for two weeks, $150 for longer, and allows two pets in one room up to 80 pounds each.
• Comfort Inn University Center, 11180 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030, also charges $25 a day. One guest wrote “We recently stayed at this hotel while visiting the Fairfax and D.C. area. We brought our dog with us and found this to be a great pet friendly hotel. We were probably the only ones with a dog but none the less, it was perfect for us. In fact, right next to the hotel is a wonderful park with a great hiking trail where we walked our dog in the morning and evening. The hotel even provides bags to pick up after the dog.”
• Residence Inn Fair Lakes Fairfax, 12815 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22033. One visitor wrote “Could you possibly explain pet friendly when it would only cost me $90.00 to stay, but an additional $150.00 for my dog. Maybe it should read "pets allowed" I do not consider $150.00 pet friendly.
• Extended Stay Deluxe Fair Oaks 3997 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033, welcomes one pet per guest room for $25 per day non-refundable cleaning fee (not to exceed $150).
• Homestead Studio Suites Hotel, 12104 Monument Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033, also allows one pet per guest room for a $25 per day cleaning fee (not to exceed $150).

So, whether you are looking for a luxury unique hotel experience to share with your dog, or you need a place to stay because your power is temporarily out, you are in luck.