Furry Friends Welcome: Pensacola Beach Goes Pet-Friendly
For pet owners, the idea of leaving their furry friends behind while they enjoy a vacation can be disheartening. Fortunately, Pensacola Beach has embraced the trend of pet-friendly travel, allowing you to bring your beloved companions along for the adventure. With the recent opening of the Surf and Sand Hotel as a pet-friendly destination, your next beach getaway can now include your four-legged family members.
Surf and Sand Hotel: A New Haven for Pets
The Surf and Sand Hotel has taken significant steps to accommodate pets, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to enjoy the sun and surf without leaving their pets at home. The hotel boasts designated pet rooms, ensuring that both you and your furry friend can enjoy a comfortable stay. Notably, there are no breed or size restrictions, which means that dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome.
In addition to the pet-friendly rooms, the hotel features a dedicated dog walk area, allowing your pet to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. One of the standout features of the Surf and Sand Hotel is its access to the private beach on Little Sabine Bay. This beach is not only a beautiful spot for relaxation but also serves as an unofficial dog beach, where you can play fetch with your dog in the water. Scott Ford, the regional marketing director for Innisfree Hotels, highlights this unique aspect, stating, "That beach is also available for if people want to play fetch with their dogs in the water."
A Flexible Approach to Pet Policies
The hotel currently has five designated pet rooms, with the potential to expand this number based on demand. While pets are restricted from the breakfast area, the hotel is starting with a flexible policy that aims to accommodate pet owners as much as possible. Ford mentions, "We decided to start with as open of a policy as possible, and we’ll kind of see how it goes and potentially make adjustments."
Affordable Rates for Pet Owners
Traveling with pets often comes with additional costs, but the Surf and Sand Hotel offers competitive rates that make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. A $40 pet fee is required on top of the room rates, which range from approximately $69 during the winter months to around $200 during peak season. Ford emphasizes the affordability of the hotel, stating, "The rates at Surf and Sand are some of the lowest on the beach anyway. You get to stay in a beach area hotel with your pet for less than you would pay a standard rack rate at some of the other beachfront hotels."
Growing Interest in Pet-Friendly Travel
Although the pet-friendly program is just getting underway, the hotel has already seen some bookings for the upcoming spring season. This early interest suggests a growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations in the area. Innisfree Hotels, which owns several properties on Pensacola Beach, including the Hilton and the Hampton Inn, is excited to pioneer this initiative with the Surf and Sand Hotel.
For those looking for additional pet-friendly options, the Paradise Inn motel also offers accommodations for pets at a rate of $25 per night, further expanding the choices available for travelers.
Conclusion
With the introduction of pet-friendly accommodations at the Surf and Sand Hotel, Pensacola Beach is becoming a more welcoming destination for pet owners. The combination of beautiful beaches, dedicated pet areas, and affordable rates makes it an ideal spot for a family vacation that includes your furry friends. As the demand for pet-friendly travel continues to grow, Pensacola Beach is poised to become a favorite destination for pet lovers seeking sun, sand, and quality time with their beloved companions. So pack your bags, grab your leash, and get ready for an unforgettable beach getaway with your furry friend!