May 5, 2008

Europe, England, London | US & Canada, US, Connecticut, Chicago

Animal House

By Nicole Cotroneo

And you thought you ruled the roost?

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VIPs aren’t always as demanding as they’re made out to be –- give them a bowl of water and a bed and they’re set. That, of course, is VIP as in Very Important Pets. But at The Milestone in London — one of several hotels now focusing on furry guests — said water is bottled mineral, and said bed has a custom duvet, both arranged by a dedicated pet concierge (pictured).

Winvian has taken animal-luxe one step further. Guests at this boutique cottage hideaway in the Connecticut countryside (see map) are now invited to bring their own horses. While you soak in your Stone Cottage Jacuzzi tub with the sound of wood crackling from a massive rock fireplace, your equine companion can hang out in his own heated wash stall, getting a deep-conditioning mane-and-tail treatment at nearby 18th-century Far Meadow Farm.

But what if your destination is not pet-friendly? Paradise 4 Paws is a new pimped-out kennel –- sorry, “pet resort” — open this week near Chicago’s O’Hare International. The palm-studded retreat features “dog suites” and “cat bungalows” overlooking an indoor courtyard with a dog bone-shaped splash pool. And if the promise of soothing music, soft lighting and doggie playdates isn’t enough? Keep tabs on your four-legged loved one via a real-time webcam.