
Five-star luxury hotel in Plettenberg Bay welcomes dogs
Nowadays some airlines happily accept pooch passengers so then I guess it’s not so far-fetched that there is a five-star luxury hotel in Plettenberg Bay, which welcomes dogs as long as they are small or medium breeds.
The ethos of the five-star luxury The Plettenberg hotel is “no holiday is complete without your canine companions.”
“For those looking for pet-friendly accommodation in Plettenberg Bay that provides all members of the household with an unforgettable stay, we go the extra mile to make you and your pets feel at home,” is The Plettenberg’s motto.
I can only assume somebody with a dog and a dose of anthropomorphism must have written this: “Travel is the perfect way to socialise your dog, providing new experiences and plenty to do. If you are looking for a short stay or planning a longer trip from outside of South Africa, it can be challenging finding the right place for you and your pet.
“Holidays that you and your dogs can enjoy make every day rewarding, from the moment you rise for morning coffee to the time you head onto your patio to watch the sunset over the ocean. Spend your days exploring, enjoy exquisite dining, afternoon tea and fine wines, and enjoying the fresh sea breezes.”
For R3800 two humans sharing a room (and breakfast is included) are allowed a maximum of two dogs for free. Said dogs get “complimentary use of a dog bed, toys, a blanket and bowls.”
They are also welcome in some of the other big units like the Beach House which even has a private pool overlooking the beach and mountains – dogs need a view after all – and the villa sleeps five humans at a cost of more than R40 000 for two nights.
So, what do canine guests get: “Food and water bowls are provided, they are given a treat on arrival and pets are allowed in the villas and rooms with patios. Rooms are fitted with everything you and your dog needs with luxurious amenities and inviting décor.”
And these pooches are welcome to join their human family in the outdoor dining areas – albeit on a leash. And blow me down if dogs don’t also have their very own menu to choose from.
Called ‘Build a Bowl’ the dog menu comes with a choice of seafood, steamed white line fish at R45, beef or port sausages served with gravy at R65 or steamed chicken breast with gravy for R70. Oh, and there’s scrambled egg for R35.
The Plettenberg also kindly offers the low-down on beaches in the area, nature hotspots, mountains and walking routes that also welcome dogs.
All visitors with dogs sign quite a hefty pet liability agreement which stipulates no more than two pets per room weighing less than 15kg each, agree to leave a credit card on tap in the advent of a charge for any cleaning and repairs, stains, caused by pets. Your pet may remain alone in the room as long as it is well behaved, it must be on a leash at all time it is outside the room, dog poop is very much the responsibility of the owner, dogs are not allowed in restaurants or the pool area – and one of the agreements is that pets are not allowed to sit directly on furniture or bedding and that they (the owners) may not use the hotel’s towels or linen to bathe the pets.”