This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Plan A Pet-Friendly Escape To Seattle

While perhaps not as famous as its coffee or penchant for precipitation, Seattle's uncanny canine distinction makes it an ideal place to visit with your dog.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

By Si Si Penaloza

Seattle is quickly gaining a reputation as the best city to be a dog lover. Case in point, Seattle has more dogs than children. The city's now infamous dog-to-kid ratio has nabbed headlines in the likes of USA Today, the New York Times and the National Post. While perhaps not as famous as its coffee or penchant for precipitation, Seattle's uncanny canine distinction makes it an ideal place to visit with your dog. These stats go all the way back to at least 1997, when the Seattle Timesfirst published a feature that noted that the scales had officially tipped in favour of dogs.

(Photo: @tinkandbent at Magnuson Park)

Where to Stay

W Hotels' recent completion of its highly anticipated $18 million renovation of W Seattle is an absolute coup, sealing their footprint in the thriving Emerald City scene. It's the ultimate crash pad for you and your pup, strategically located to the waterfront, Pike Market and the expansive ferry system. W Seattle is intrinsically connected to the city's thriving business empires of tech, music and design, alongside the pristine wilderness that the city is renowned for. All 415 guest rooms and nine stylish suites have been transformed, completing the multi-phase renovation that included the hotel's signature Living Room and Trace restaurant.

(Photo: W Seattle)

At the W Seattle, Pets are more than welcome. In fact, the hotel was voted one of the "5 Best Pet Friendly Hotels in America" by Travel + Leisure. They welcome pets of all sizes and weights, so you can enjoy a vacation or business trip with your most loyal best friend. This attitude illustrates how the evolving wish and whimsy of the contemporary pet parent has become implemented in the "family" life of W Hotels. They realize that for many millennials and older movers and shakers, pets are the only "children" they may ever have.

Where to Spa

Elaia Spa

Your journey to moisturized bliss begins with a genuinely warm welcome at this celebrated spa within the Hyatt at Olive 8. Hedonists flock to Elaia, for healing and culinary arts, both of which are renowned here (the spa lunch menu is as drool worthy as the treatment menu). Expertly led by Spa Director Serene Sanders, Elaia offers guests a creative, cohesive approach to wellness.

(Photo: Hyatt Spas)

Renew Day Spa

Eco-friendly and respectful of its milieu, Renew is a sweet sanctuary tucked away in the courtyard of Bainbridge Island's Winslow Building. The spa's raison d'être is to provide guests with soul-shatteringly delicious treatments; you'll be glad you made a day of it.

Where to Dine

Lola

Sundays in Seattle are best anchored by brunch at Lola. Book a table during the magic hours when they're serving both breakfast and lunch; you can get their made-to-order doughnuts, one of the big draws of this dining hotspot. Garlic smashed fried potatoes are total flavour bombs; the usual diner home fries seem impoverished in comparison. Lola succeeds at all the little details that add up to a masterpiece.

(Photo: Lola)

Hitchcock

Brendan McGill, chef and owner of Hitchcock on Bainbridge Island, reigns supreme as Washington's oracle of regional cookery. His hearty yet refined dishes combine French flair with local ingredients. The multicourse tasting menu shows off his virtuoso techniques -- smoking, pickling, sous vide -- across a panorama of star ingredients. Front of house service is top notch, fixing Hitchcock firmly on the must-try map of destination dining.

(Photo: Hitchcock)

Shuckers

Ensconced in downtown's Fairmont Olympic Hotel, this classic seafood venue impresses international guests and locals alike with perfectly seared fish entrees and a dizzying array of raw bar offerings. The cozy wood-paneled resto-bar is perfect for kicking back after strolling Pike Market. If you enjoy feasting on the day's local catch on the merits of its freshness alone, then Shuckers is the reservation to make!

(Photo: Shuckers, Fairmont Olympic Hotel)

Scout

Josh Henderson's new restaurant at the Thompson Seattle is a date night win. A gastro ode to romantic, woodsy charm. The decor conjures the feeling of a National Park rangers' lodge, but with a much heftier budget. The food is on the mark; think curated selections of fresh oysters sublimely paired with an inventive cocktail menu.

(Photo: Scout, Thompson Hotels)

Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook

Also on HuffPost:

The James - New York, New York

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.