A pawsome place for pets
FROM TV TIME TO POOLS AND MASSAGE SESSIONS, WE LOOK INSIDE THIS POOCH PARADISE
Bathed in the soft light of a chandelier, Bailey relaxes after a blissful aromatherapy massage, before getting ready for a movie in the comfort of his own luxurious private room.
It’s the sort of pamperfilled afternoon most people would lust after, but Bailey isn’t a person at all.
He’s a Lagotto Romagnolo dog, and he’s enjoying a holiday in a $53-a-night luxury room at the Hanrob Pet Hotels chain.
‘Pets have become more and more part of the family,’ says Hanrob Hotels’ top dog, Andrew Biggs.
‘Owners are anxious of leaving their pets when they go away, and a bit of luxury helps ease that.’
It’s not just a bit of luxury – for the lucky occupants of the top-end rooms, nothing is too great a request.
A limo can pick up and drop off your pampered pooch, only the best food is on offer, and there’s even Skype so your furry friend can keep in touch.
‘It’s all about enrichment for the animals,’ says Andrew, who admits patron pooches might even rub noses with pets of the rich and famous.
‘We have some celebrity customers. Ita Buttrose leaves her dogs with us all the time.’
Daytime activities for the guests range from a Fit Paws gym program to grooming, or a swim in one of the toddlersized pools.
And in the evening, private rooms with plasma TVS and a single bed allows for some canine chill-out time.
It’s not just dogs that Hanrob Hotels – which has facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra – caters for.
‘We have a mad cat lady in each facility,’ Andrew jokes, explaining how their cat guests like the continuity of the same carer each visit.
‘They can be groomed too, but it’s fun and games grooming a cat – good luck to that staff member!’
Andrew adds: ‘There’s a range of options for pets, but the experience still comes down to the fact we treat visiting pets as we would treat our own.
‘Owners want to know their dog or cat is in the very safest of hands while they’re away and that they’re having the best time possible.’