Here’s what happened when I took my beagle on a 5-star hotel ‘pawcation’

If you want to make an entrance, take your dog to a fancy hotel ... everyone stares at you. Here’s how it unfolded when I took my beagle on a five-star ‘pawcation’.

If you want to make an entrance, forget about dressing to the nines, instead walk through the lobby of a fancy hotel with your dog. All eyes are guaranteed to be on you, or rather, your four-legged friend.

We recently enjoyed a “Pam-paw-cation” with our four-year-old beagle Maverick at the five-star Brisbane Marriott and it was a hoot.

I’d take him everywhere if I could and have long loathed the discrimination man’s best friend faces by being excluded from joining all family holidays except camping trips.

So we loaded a freshly washed and sparkly clean Maverick into the car and headed up to Brisbane for the night.

As we walked through the Marriott lobby, staff warmly greeted us while Mav excitedly explored previously uncharted territory for a little beagle.

Here’s me checking into the Brisbane Marriott 'Pawcation' while Maverick stares at his reflection.

Watching the reactions of people as we hopped into the lift never got old – pretty much everyone did a double take, the majority then smiled or gave an audible “aww”, some reached down for a pat and exclaimed, “I didn’t know this hotel was dog friendly, I wish I’d brought mine”, others look perplexed and a miserable few look appalled.

For a country in which 69 per cent of all households have a pet, we lag behind many overseas destinations where dogs are welcomed into shops, restaurants, hotels and even on planes and in major airports.

Maverick enjoying a nap with the bridge in the background.

So it’s little surprise the Marriott’s Pawcation package has been a hit with dog lovers, as the hotel pulls out all the stops to welcome our furry friends.

Maverick waiting for the lift.

As we entered our fifth-floor room with perfect views of the city’s iconic Story Bridge, Maverick raced around the room, sniffing every corner.

He was beside himself to have such an adventure.

A luxury dog bed with two bowls and a complimentary bandana were set up and, on the counter above, two bone-shaped biscuits covered in icing and sprinkles sat under a glass dome cover.

They were delicious, according to Mav, who demolished them quickly.

The Pawcation treats were served up in style.

As the CityCats darted along the Brisbane River below and neighbours in nearby buildings came into view, Mav became an expert people watcher … sitting on the couch taking in the view with intense interest.

He also loved the beagle-height mirrors and reflective surfaces dotted around the hotel and in the lift. He’d prance into the elevator and stare at himself.

A handy dog walking guide mapping out a selection of routes for a stroll was also provided by the Marriott.

Mav watching the world go by.

We walked along the Brisbane River, past Eagle St Pier and Kangaroo Point to City Botanic Gardens before stopping at Riverbar & Kitchen for an afternoon drink – where Maverick was again welcomed.

It was wet out but we still managed to fit in a few walks along the Brisbane River.

With a potential 300mm deluge bearing down on us, our plans for dinner with Mav in tow at the Marriott’s Motion Dining were scuttled because its outdoor deck was closed, instead we ordered room service.

The novelty of having a beagle in the room was not lost on staff – one let out a surprised squeal followed by a laugh as Mav poked his nose around the door as it opened, others were so smitten to see a dog.

During a break in the rain, we took a short walk to Felons Brewing Co at Howard Smith Wharves for an evening on the riverfront with out-of-this-world views of the imposing Brisbane skyline.

A beagle and the Story Bridge - the epic views at Felons Brewing Co.

Toilet trips weren’t a problem, Mav only required a couple of outings and adapted to urban life by finding small garden beds on his walks to do his business.

It was still raining in the morning so breakfast was again room service – delectable French toast, one of the best omelettes I’ve had in a long time and mouth-watering, freshly squeezed orange juice. And with that it was time to end our 24hr Pawcation – a wonderful time laughing and enjoying seeing a very well-behaved Maverick experience luxury life.

Room service breakfast was all-time.

Brisbane Marriott
515 Queen St, Brisbane City

Pam-paw-cation includes overnight stay plus a welcome gift, dog bed, water bowl and map of local walks.

From $449 a night
marriott.com

The writer was a guest of the operators