by Martha Jette
(Hamilton, Ontario)
Toronto residents or those visiting the city can feel confident knowing there are plenty of places they can stay where their canine friends will be welcomed with open arms. Toronto boasts a variety of hotels where your Shih Tzu can join you. At some they can stay free, while others charge a fee for the privilege.
The Westin Harbour Castle allows dogs up to 40 pounds for no additional fee but restrictions apply, such as keeping your dog on a leash, cleaning up after them and so on. In the downtown area, the Holiday Inn Express allows dogs of all sizes for an extra fee, while the Renaissance Toronto Hotel allows dogs up to 50 pounds for an additional $50 per night. The Super 8 on Spadina Avenue in Chinatown also allows dogs.
Le Méridien King Edward in Toronto’s financial district near Lake Ontario offers an extra surprise for pet owners. When you arrive, your dog will receive a ‘welcome kit’ with supplies for your pet. They guarantee that if you tell them ahead that your beloved pet is joining you, they will have your room ready with a doggie bed, dog bowls and a floor mat. Though the size of dogs is limited to 40 pounds, the good news is that this hotel does not charge an extra fee.
The Staybridge Suites Hotel in nearby Markham allows dogs up to 80 pounds to stay with you in your room, however you will have to sign a pet agreement and pay an extra fee for the privilege. The Howard Johnson Hotel and Markham Howard Johnson Express Inn & Suites on Queen Street East in Brampton also has pet friendly rooms but it notes on their web site that some conditions apply.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville welcomes four-legged guests that are 15 pounds or less. There is no extra fee for bringing your pet along and you’ll even be provided with bottled water, a dog bowl, food, treats, brushes and even a pet sitter upon request.
The Fairmont Royal York offers a dog bed, dog bowls for pets up to 20 pounds for an additional $25 per day, while Travelodge Hotel on Dixon Road charges $25 per stay. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on Jarvis Street downtown allows dogs up to 10 pounds for a fee of $20 per night, while the Doubletree Hotel on Dixon Road allows dogs up to 25 pounds for no additional fee but there is a pet policy to sign.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Toronto Airport is another pet friendly place to stay. Dogs up to 30 pounds are allowed for a pet fee of $50. Also at the airport, the Hotel Indigo, Quality Suites and Marriot Toronto also allow pets. Hotel Novotel on The Esplanade welcomes up to two pets per visit and does not charge for this service. In fact, your pet will be given a Royal Canine/Novotel Pet Welcome Kit upon arrival.
The Comfort Inn in east Toronto allows dogs of all sizes with a fee of $15 per pet per night, with a two dog limit per room. The Sheraton Centre Hotel on Queen West allows dogs up to 80 pounds and provides a ‘welcome kit,’ as well as a Sweat Sleeper doggie bed. You will be required to agree to the hotel’s pet policy. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel allows dogs of all sizes free of charge but conditions do apply.
The Renaissance Toronto Hotel at 1 Blue Jays Way is a great place for baseball fans to hang out, watch a game in one of 70 field-view rooms and keep their dog by their side as well. All sizes of dogs are welcome at a cost of $50 extra per night.
*Please note that nearly every hotel listed asks that you state: “I am bringing my dog” when making a reservation.
For more articles on Dogs and particularly on Shih Tzus, please go HERE.