Pet-friendly Marriotts

[ArBravesFan]

We have two trips planned for this summer and will be staying at very nice up-scale hotels: Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio and Westin in Atlanta. At each of these luxury hotels we are allowed to have our pet with us, a 17 lb. Miniature Schnauzer. At the Westin she will be treated to Westin's Heavenly Dog Bed! Not only is she allowed she apparently is welcome.

This afternoon I am watching an Atlanta Braves game on TV and it is Pet Day at Turner Field! There are 450 fans that were allowed to bring their dog to the stadium with them.

I say it is time for MVCI to lift their prohibition.

What do the TUGers think? "Pets or no pets?" ... that is the question.

 

[pwrshift]

I think if you search for pets in the Marriott thread you'll see pros and cons in depth. Marriott is changing ... slowly ... probably for competitive reasons from Starwood, Hilton and dozens of boutique hotels.

If you search the www.marriott.com site for 'pets welcome' you'll now see about 85 pages of their hotels that are pet friendly. Some are friendlier than others and have excessive clean up fees for a one night stay...but others are very fair and even have designated pet rooms.

I've booked a week at the Wentworth By The Sea this month on a Cat6 certificate no less. The pet fee for the week is $50. Take a look at this place though ... it sure looks special, even for pets.

http://www.wentworth.com/

Also booked into the Syracuse Renaissance for a night with my pooch -- the website said it was $100 non-refundable pet fee plus $50 refundable fee yet the hotel room was $199 for a club room! I called and they said it was wrong .. the fee is $50 for the night or the stay for any dog under 100 lbs. So off we go!

http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/syrbr-renaissance-syracuse-hotel/

No doubt you'll get the normal pros and cons in this thread as it seems such an emotional subject...but no matter what side you're on, the times they are a changing. I doubt that timeshares will ever take that step and even Westin's haven't taken that step. If they do, Marriott might follow.

Brian

 

[jme]

no.

No pets should be allowed...it is a huge inconvenience and turn-off for some...I personally hate the smell of dogs inside a home or a hotel or resort, and it would make a stay anywhere disgusting.....not to mention what would be "under the carpet" (guaranteed 100%, despite what you may or may not SEE) .

I'm also watching the game (Braves just went up 6-4 in 7th inning) , and my first thought on seeing "Bark in the Park Day" was, "What happens when all the dogs start to use the bathroom?" I think it's fine to enjoy your pets at home, but a hotel or resort is for public use, and that would be the height of selfishness to assume that someone who despises animals in that setting (we have dogs too, at home) could enjoy someone else's pet while spending money to stay at a resort on vacation. We wouldn't enjoy it.

I'll bet my very last dollar that it will never happen that Marriott or anyone else who serves the public will ever relent and allow pets. Too many objections would arise. Why mess up the majority when a small minority refuses to leave a pet at home?But then, I'm not even for allowing a "mother-in-law's day" at the resorts either! jme

 

[Steve]

I am strongly in favor of Marriott allowing pets...and having "pet friendly" villas at MVCI resorts. This would be particularly easy to set up in the many Marriotts that have multiple buildings. Simply make one or more buildings pet friendly and the rest of the resort would continue to not allow pets.

However, this thread will likely soon be filled with the emotional cries of people claiming that someone in the family has allergies, etc. and therefore NO villa at ANY Marriott resort should EVER be allowed to accept pets. It is amazing how strident and how absolute the anti-pet crowd is. The very idea that a dog might be seen on the same grounds that they own and vacation at is enough to RUIN their entire vacation...or so they would have us believe. It doesn't matter if the pets stay in completely separate villas and buildings...no reasonable compromise will placate the diehard anti-pet crowd. (I wonder how some of these people drive down the street in their home neighborhoods as there are bound to be dogs in the area.)

Nevertheless, the anti-pet crowd seems to be larger than the pro-pet crowd...and also more passionate and more vocal. Since this larger group wants to support the status quo of no pets, it makes the prospects for changing the policy somewhat bleak at this time. I would love to be wrong and have Marriott start to offer pet friendly villas, but I think that this is not likely in the near future. It sure doesn't hurt to write to Marriott and tell them how you feel, however. I'm sure the anti-pet people are.

Steve

 

[Kazakie]

no pets & no smoking?

This would be particularly easy to set up in the many Marriotts that have multiple buildings. Simply make one or more buildings pet friendly and the rest of the resort would continue to not allow pets.

Steve,

Are you also opposed to smoke-free timeshares? There were smoking specific rooms set aside and that did not fix that "issue"...

Kaz

 

[ArBravesFan]

humm ..

I think we should no longer have child-friendly units. Children make messes and can be very noisy. The people that do not have children should not be subjected to those of us that have and enjoy children. Why should everyone be subjected to children just because the selfish child lovers insist on bringing their children with them? Let hem leave their children in the kennel, I mean grandparents, so eeryone else can enjoy their vacations.

 

[jme]

I am strongly in favor of Marriott allowing pets...and having "pet friendly" villas at MVCI resorts. This would be particularly easy to set up in the many Marriotts that have multiple buildings. Simply make one or more buildings pet friendly and the rest of the resort would continue to not allow pets.

However, this thread will likely soon be filled with the emotional cries of people claiming that someone in the family has allergies, etc. and therefore NO villa at ANY Marriott resort should EVER be allowed to accept pets. It is amazing how strident and how absolute the anti-pet crowd is. The very idea that a dog might be seen on the same grounds that they own and vacation at is enough to RUIN their entire vacation...or so they would have us believe. It doesn't matter if the pets stay in completely separate villas and buildings...no reasonable compromise will placate the diehard anti-pet crowd. (I wonder how some of these people drive down the street in their home neighborhoods as there are bound to be dogs in the area.)

Nevertheless, the anti-pet crowd seems to be larger than the pro-pet crowd...and also more passionate and more vocal. Since this larger group wants to support the status quo of no pets, it makes the prospects for changing the policy somewhat bleak at this time. I would love to be wrong and have Marriott start to offer pet friendly villas, but I think that this is not likely in the near future. It sure doesn't hurt to write to Marriott and tell them how you feel, however. I'm sure the anti-pet people are.

Steve

OK, I canged my mind after reading your post. I now believe that whenever any dog buys a timeshare week, he/she should be allowed in. And I promise I'll never complain. jme

 

[Steve]

Steve,

Are you also opposed to smoke-free timeshares? There were smoking specific rooms set aside and that did not fix that "issue"...

Kaz

That's an interesting issue...and one that I have thought about recently with Marriott's new non-smoking policy which is being adopted by most MVCI resorts (in addition to all Marriott hotels).

To be consistent, it would seem that I should be opposed to smoke-free timeshares. Smoking is a bit different than pets, however. Smoking is bad for everyone...including the smoker. Some studies have indicated that second hand smoke is even more deadly than smoking directly as the smoker at least has a filter on the cigarette or cigar.

Pets enrich the lives of their owners. Smoking harms the life of the smoker and that of his or her family. There is a major difference. Indeed, pets are becoming more acceptable in society at the same time that smoking is becoming much less acceptable. So I don't think that it is completely hypocritical to be okay with smoke-free timeshares while at the same time proposing that pet-free policies be relaxed.

One addtional note: although I have never smoked and I am okay with smoke-free timeshares, I did NOT campaign to make all Marriotts smoke free. I was fine with Marriott having both smoking and non-smoking villas. I didn't feel the need to try to impose my will on everyone...and I would be fine if Marriott continued to allow smoking in designated villas.

Steve

 

[Kazakie]

Pets enrich the lives of their owners. Smoking harms the life of the smoker and that of his or her family. There is a major difference.

So you're saying....

a) Smoking pollutes the air everyone breaths. Therefore smoking is bad, even though it brings the smoker joy enriching their lives (yes, many smokers have lived into their 90's).
b) Pets do not control their bodily functions and pollute the areas everyone walks on, may sit on and possibly even sleep in (lets face it, as much as the owner tries, they definitely don't clean up for a #1, and can only do so much with a #2). But pets are okay because they bring the owner joy.

 

[jme]

What is it about dogs and carpet, dogs and BEDS, dogs and sofas, dogs and pools, dogs and the MarketPlace Deli, dogs and the MktPlc deli outside tables, dogs and the grill tables, dogs and sidewalks, dogs and the grass (where kids walk and play BAREFOOTED) that you folks don't understand???????

It happens to be not only an opinion question, but a public health question, and "the answer", i.e., the science of it, is neither miniscule nor insignificant. (Perhaps that's why the "pet-friendly policy" has not taken hold...Hmmm???? ) Thank goodness there are those in leadership who do understand. And I do because I have a "Dr." in front of my name, and have looked through quite a few microscopes in my day. For you guys who wish to take animals on vacation, it's a losing battle, so I guess you can count it as your own personal losing battle now, because it won't ever happen, period.

For one week, you'll have to leave the little fourlegged foul rugrats at home. (Again, I submit that the remains stay underneath the carpet a lonnnnng time, so we will forever know you've been there! That would be "DNA" evidence for those who wish to disobey the rules...hee, hee). Please realize that I don't HATE you...I just don't want your lovely little hairy darlings on MY vacation, too. Now, if some of you also wanna leave the infants at home...well, OK. jme

 

[CatLovers]

Ah, if only it were so!

I think we should no longer have child-friendly units. Children make messes and can be very noisy. The people that do not have children should not be subjected to those of us that have and enjoy children. Why should everyone be subjected to children just because the selfish child lovers insist on bringing their children with them? Let hem leave their children in the kennel, I mean grandparents, so eeryone else can enjoy their vacations.

Choosing to be "child-free" ourselves, there have been many times when we have wished for this. Alas, we know that we are definitely in the minority, so it will never happen! Anyway, thanks for the good laugh. :rofl:

 

[Nanoose]

I personally don't see anything wrong with being able to take your pets along.

I think the answer might be to have a separate pet-friendly building. Have certain area's off limit to pets. The majority of people that would bring their pets along are very conscientious and typically are responsible enough to have their dogs well-trained. Sure their are few that don't fit into this category, but they are the minority. I think the non-pet people have an image of savage dogs in their heads, when they think of a place allowing dogs.

Believe me, if the dog isn't well trained, the owner is not going to want to bring it on vacation. To a lot of people, dogs are very much of the family.

Places accomodate families with kids and I think they could easily accomodate pets also so that they would not intrude on those that don't like pets. . . . Can't we all just get along?!!!!

 

[Eric]

I totally disagree. I can see people leave their pets along all day in a starnge place and the pet would do damage. They would be the first to complain about higher fees. Pets are not people, keep them home

I personally don't see anything wrong with being able to take your pets along.

I think the answer might be to have a separate pet-friendly building. Have certain area's off limit to pets. The majority of people that would bring their pets along are very conscientious and typically are responsible enough to have their dogs well-trained. Sure their are few that don't fit into this category, but they are the minority. I think the non-pet people have an image of savage dogs in their heads, when they think of a place allowing dogs.

Believe me, if the dog isn't well trained, the owner is not going to want to bring it on vacation. To a lot of people, dogs are very much of the family.

Places accomodate families with kids and I think they could easily accomodate pets also so that they would not intrude on those that don't like pets. . . . Can't we all just get along?!!!!

 

[Kazakie]

managing room inventory

I would be fine if Marriott continued to allow smoking in designated villas.

I don't work in the industry, but if you've spent much time in hotels or timeshares you have an idea of what a nightmare inventory control is. Having "smoking specific" and "pet specific" and then of course "smoking & pet specific" added to handicap units, etc is a nightmare.

You can bet Marriott went smoke free because:
a) It saves money
b) It make inventory management easier
c) ...a very, very distant third... ...it's progressive and "good" for the customers

 

[Kazakie]

Places accomodate families with kids and I think they could easily accomodate pets also so that they would not intrude on those that don't like pets. . . . Can't we all just get along?!!!!

You arrive late to check into your home resort, you're pet and kid free to enjoy some time way with your significant other, and the only room they have left is a smoking pet room.

How do you feel?

 

[Smooth Air]

I have a 14 year old Siamese cat. I love him dearly. When I go away, I miss him terribly. Those of you who are pet owners know what I am talking about. To me, the issue about "pet friendly" Marriott Resorts comes down to one simple fact: While I love my pet, I am not crazy about spending a week or 2 or 3 or more in the same bed where your pet has slept! And, you probably wld not want to be where my adorable Siames has been! Simple. Love 'em & Leave 'em....at home!!

 

[jme]

thank you

I have a 14 year old Siamese cat. I love him dearly. When I go away, I miss him terribly. Those of you who are pet owners know what I am talking about. To me, the issue about "pet friendly" Marriott Resorts comes down to one simple fact: While I love my pet, I am not crazy about spending a week or 2 or 3 or more in the same bed where your pet has slept! And, you probably wld not want to be where my adorable Siames has been! Simple. Love 'em & Leave 'em....at home!!

thank you...somehow....somehow....the subject was simply going over the head of those few who still cannot grasp why a pet in a resort is disgusting, has been disgusting, and forever will be disgusting. And, a pet-friendly BUILDING?????? puhleeze. Are you kidding me???? That's like a "safe poison". When someone cannot fathom a simple concept (which is not an open opinion question) , and continues to even discuss it, it's time to say, "OK, Dearie, have a a nice life", and move on...there's simply no hope in talking to a fencepost, as my Mom always said. So, with that in mind, I'm going to another website, and thanking my lucky stars that my home resort doesn't allow, and will never allow, pets. jme

 

[m61376]

At the risk of being told off again by Steve and agin being chastised for being intolerant I am going to reiterate what I said in an earlier post: while I certainly can appreciate that pets can become an integral part of your family, you need to understand that they can be harmful to mine. Even deadlier than cigarette smoke! An allergic asthmatic would be in pretty bad shape if they had to live in a room where the previous owner had their pet for the week.

As for segregated pet rooms and areas- in an ideal world, that might be tenable. But, besides the room control issues, what about people control? Yes- most owners are considerate. But I guarantee you that dogs will be going into areas that are supposed to be dog-free, whether because their owners disregard the policies or they are enroute from someplace else, or simply getting to and fro. And that doesn't even address the issue of doggie damage or doggie waste. I enjoy walking around the grounds, not having to watch where I step.

And I think comparing resorts being animal free to being child free is a bit on the ridiculous side. I know people love their pets and many consider them part of their family (and I do know the feeling, I grew up with a dog just prefer my hubbie to one...as I've often quipped, it was a choice between him and a dog, and so far he's won :rofl: ) but, no matter how cudgey a dog is, I don't think you can compare one to the love of a child.

 

[Dave M]

Although I'm personally in favor of keeping pets out of MVCI properties, I wouldn't say it will never happen, as jme has. Many (most?) Marriott timeshares have the pet prohibition in the Rules and Regulations for the resort. Those rules (unlike the bylaws) can usually be amended either by the Board of Directors or by Marriott or by either.

I have reviewed the CC&Rs for Grande Ocean, Custom House and Grand Chateau this evening. All have language in the R&R allowing such changes - without a vote of the owners. Thus, if a pet-friendly Board of Directors gets pressured by enough owners, anything is possible.

 

[hipslo]

...as the smoker at least has a filter on the cigarette or cigar.

Gotta get me some of those cigar filters.

 

[Smooth Air]

Thank you Dr. jme for your "Thank You". What is "simple" to you & me may not be "simple" to some others b/c one has to factor in emotions, attachments & seeing the issue from the other person's perspective. So, for a minute, Dr. jme, just try to see that what is "disgusting" to you is "lovable" to some pet owners! I know that this is very difficult concept for you ...but just try, ok?

 

[pwrshift]

Here is some interesting reading on the subject...which seems to indicate that 'pet friendly' is the way all hotels are going these days, probably for competitive reasons more than anything else:

Pet travel has become big business. A recent study by the Travel Industry Association found that 14 percent of US adults (29.1 million) reported traveling with a pet on a trip of 50 miles or more. Dogs are the most common type of pet to take along (78 percent).

Our recent trip to the pet-friendly Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth was marked by beach romps and by long walks through the countryside and longer naps in our very comfortable room facing the ocean. The Inn by the Sea was one of the region's first seaside luxury hotels to welcome pets.

"We call them little people with fur coats," says owner Maureen McQuade. Seventeen of the inn's 43 rooms are dog friendly. There is a room service dog menu (the "bow wow sirloin burger" is a favorite), and each room is equipped with dog blankets, dog bowls, and bottles of Maine spring water. If you dine in the inn's elegant Audubon Room, pet sitters can be arranged. There are several special packages for dogs, including a personalized "doggie bag" that holds a made-in-Maine dog coat, toy, and Inn by the Sea dog tag. "We don't just accept dogs as guests, we embrace them," says McQuade.

Virtually all luxury hotels in New York accept pets. Other cities are not far behind. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common accepts pets weighing less than 60 pounds. A non refundable $125 cleaning fee is added to the owner's bill. Visiting dogs get a bowl of dog treats and two bottles of water upon arrival. A door sign is provided, with "Woof" on one side and "Meow" on the other, so other guests know there is a pet in the room. The hotel can also arrange dog walking, grooming, massages, and fill special dietary needs.

Then there is the Ritz's "Pampered Pet Program," which includes deluxe accommodations, a welcoming fruit and cheese plate, dog biscuits, a keepsake water bowl, a custom dog tag, an hour of massage for the guest, and grooming for the pet. All this for $595 at the two hotels. Ritz-Carlton dog beds and dog bowls are available at an additional cost.

The SheratonSt. LouisCityCenter and the Westin St. Louis have sniffed up a “doggie happy hour.” The Westin likes to yap about its “turndown biscuits.” And, the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis barks with pride about the “special amenities” the hotel reserved for two canine companions of Oprah Winfrey when she came to town.

Starwood this past summer rolled out its Starwood LTD (Love That Dog) pet-friendly services at two of its St. Louis hotels. And it seems that the Starwood folks were motivated at least in part by marketing research. “Starwood conducted a study of 400 dog owners and learned that 76 percent would be more loyal to a hotel chain that accepted dogs,” offers Mike Jorgensen, general manger of The Westin St. Louis. “We look forward to serving these new canine guests and their owners.”

Indeed, they have. The Westin, says Jorgensen, now offers a dog version of the hotel’s branded “Heavenly Bed,” food bowls, “turndown biscuits, and even room service menu choices including German Shepherd Pie, Shih-Tzu Sushi, Schnauzer Sausage Pasta, and Scooby Stew. Not to be outdone, the Sheraton counters with its canine ”Sweet Sleeper Bed,” doggie toys and canine massages.

“Starwood intends to become the most dog-friendly hotel company in the country, not only letting dogs stay, but pampering and spoiling them,” says Don Breckenridge, owner of SheratonSt. LouisCityCenter.

Indeed, dogs and cats are now officially welcomed at all Sheratons, Westins and W hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Most upscale and luxury hotels have long had varied pet policies, meaning that some hotels received dogs and cats while others did not. Those that do not are recognizing they are losing business to those that are pet friendly.

When asked if the hotel had received any complaints about pets in the hotel, Jorgensen says, “We’ve had no objections from anybody so far. For many travelers, pets are their children, so they are not going to abuse the hotel or other guests. They want to be able to bring them back.”

AAA estimates, just since 2003, there has been a dramatic 28% increase in the numbers of upscale hotels and bed and breakfast inns welcoming pets. TheAAA Traveling with Your Pet Guide lists 12,000 pet-friendly properties and that may double over the next two years as this trend sweeps America.

 

[barb1228]

Posted by jme

thank you...somehow....somehow....the subject was simply going over the head of those few who still cannot grasp why a pet in a resort is disgusting, has been disgusting, and forever will be disgusting. And, a pet-friendly BUILDING?????? puhleeze. Are you kidding me???? That's like a "safe poison".

I stayed at Seawatch in Myrtle Beach twice. Only a small amount of units are timeshare. The majority of units are privately owned. Since those units are privately owned, many owners brought their dogs with them. I did not catch any diseases, nor did I ever step in anything unpleasant. I don't recall having to even watch where I stepped. In fact I enjoyed seeing the dogs around. Seawatch is one of the nicer properties in Myrtle Beach and I would go back there in a heatbeat.

 

[Stefa]

I don't work in the industry, but if you've spent much time in hotels or timeshares you have an idea of what a nightmare inventory control is. Having "smoking specific" and "pet specific" and then of course "smoking & pet specific" added to handicap units, etc is a nightmare.

You can bet Marriott went smoke free because:
a) It saves money
b) It make inventory management easier
c) ...a very, very distant third... ...it's progressive and "good" for the customers

I seem to remember there being quite an uproar when the 2007 MF's were first announced. The added expenses--real or perceived--of allowing pets make it highly unlikely, IMO, that any Marriott ts will change their no pets policy.

Inventory control would also be a huge issue if Marriott timeshares allowed pets under the current system since most (all?) resorts don't finalize unit assignments until 1-2 weeks prior to check-in. Pet owners who didn't get a pet room would usually need more time to make alternative arrangements.

 

[bwenzel]

All I would like to say is the last time this post was brought up, it was not a pleasant discussion to read. If smokers are not allowed to even smoke on the balcony while enjoying breakfast or relaxing poolside, why is it any different for pet owners? Animals can be a health issue to others, so fair is fair. We have a cat that we love, but we do not propose allowing pets at any of the three resorts we own for numerous reasons, including increased maintenance/cleaning and liability costs.

I personally am afraid of dogs; I've been bitten by too many of them and don't want to be around them. Nor, do I want to see waste material on property, (cat, dog, bird, or otherwise), or fights amongst animals, or etc.... Must I go on?

No pets at any resorts please.:annoyed: