We’re all aware of the myriad of changes the coronavirus pandemic abruptly brought to our everyday lives (most of them challenging and restrictive) especially travel – there were, however, some winners, specifically those in the form of our furry four-legged friends. For them, it’s been their best year yet, with the sudden shift to working from home, came the happy dog syndrome – more cuddles, more walks and generally just a lot more love for our furry babies – recently, with a move towards the ‘new normal’ and their ‘humans’ easing back into a different type of travel, staycations and self-drive holidays, the demand for pet-friendly hotels has become increasingly popular.
The pandemic saw an enormous increase in pet ownership – and with it has come a daily furry fix, the introduction of the guilt factor and the problem of separation anxiety when leaving the house (for both humans and fluffy) – welcome to the new market of customers that prioritise pet-friendly hotels over others when planning and booking their stay.
Home Suite Hotels, co-founder, Gidon Novick and the proud father of 7 furry babies and passionate advocate for the ‘adopt don’t shop’ initiative, introduced our pooch-friendly suite spot as a fundamental offering of the Home Suite Hotels customer journey experience. Novick believes that ‘pets are an important aspect of new travel arena, for many people they are an integral part of their family, and therefore they should be able to travel with them.’
From our resident and much-loved Woof project rescue, our pooch, Hazel, to our range of pet-friendly amenities that include; doggie beds, food bowls, and outside hangout areas like our rooftop terrace where your doggo can join you while you work, eat or play. At Home Suite Hotels, we are fully committed to keeping both Fido and their humans happy.
It’s worth pointing out that while we love our furry friends, we also love our guests, and not all of them are as mad about dogs as we are – that’s why we have a pet policy in place that ensures our hotel is kept at all times extra clean.
To ensure your pet-friendly holiday is complete with all the bells and whistles, we’ve put together the perfect doggie day out for you to enjoy:
Pet-friendly Jozi – Eating
Doppio Zero, Greenside – Tuck into their healthy menu choice, while Fido is fussed over with doggie treats and patio to play in.
Hell’s Kitchen, Melville – if your canine friend is into more of the punk rock vibe, head to Hell’s Kitchen Melville where he’s welcome to join you for the best burgers and craft beers on tap.
Voodoo Lily Café, Birdhaven – Not only will humans find their fill here, but there’s a delightful doggie menu to whet your pooches appetite, from; chicken breast, chicken livers and good old dog biscuits to boot.
The Usual on Grant – delicious brekkies, tasty foods, good coffees and above all, a lovely dog-friendly space.
Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream, Parkhurst – It treats all-around at Paul’s Homemade Ice-cream – for owners, flavours include; everything from peppermint crisp tart to birthday cake and even roasted banana. For dogs, a delicious, dog-friendly Phic Stick, complete with doggy designs.
Pet-friendly Jozi – Exercise
Echo Dog Park The Wilds – This gorgeous park is dotted with both art and the perfect Jozi views and provides a fun family and pet-friendly day out.
Emmarentia Dam – 7,5 hectares of fresh air and sunshine, and lots of water for the Labradors.
James and Ethel Gray Park – One of Jozi’s best off-leash doggie parks – the perfect tranquil setting in the middle of the bustle of the CBD.
As part of Home Suite Hotels CSR, we support “the WOOF Project powered by Oscars Arc – a registered NPO born to inspire dog adoption and save dogs’ lives. All dogs originate from existing shelters and WOOF Project gives them the exposure they need to find a home – and a life.”
