Bored of regular hotels and looking for something more? How about a giraffe curiously peeking through your window or ducks graciously walking around? While most hotels keep animals away, some graciously welcome them in. From friendly dogs and cats to polar bears and giraffes, these hotels make their animals their USP. Here's our list of 10 best hotels with animals.
Giraffe Manor (Nairobi, Kenya): The name kind of gives it away, doesn't it? Home to a herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes, the hotel's attraction includes giraffes strolling by or peeking in while you relax. According to TripAdvisor reviews, guests absolutely love the hotel's service and cherish their friendly encounter with some of Africa's tallest neighbors.
The Peabody (Memphis, USA): Guests from all of the country flock to this hotel to witness the ducks marching from the hotel rooftop to the lobby fountain every morning and go back in the afternoon. The morning duck walk starts at 11.00 am while the afternoon march back to the rooftop starts at 5.00 pm. As a sign of respect, the hotel does not serve duck.
Fairmont Copley Plaza (Boston, USA): Catie or Carly are two of the friendliest black Labradors who roam the hotel. If you book a walk with them, you will receive a 'walk pack' which includes a map marking the dogs' favorite destinations, a command sheet, and dog treat. However, this is not the only hotel with dogs. Apart from the Boston branch all the other Fairmont hotels have canine ambassadors.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Hotel (Chiang Rai, Thailand): Bored of cars? You take an elephant ride to the hotel lobby. You can follow the hotel's elephant trainer around watch them feed, bathe and take care of the elephants. You can even go on elephant treks, do some elephant yoga, go for a picnic, or enjoy a sumptuous meal at the Baby Elephant Camp.
Kimpton Hotels (Several Locations, USA): Giving new meaning to the phrase 'sleeping with fishes', the hotel delivers a goldfish to the room. As a guest you don't have to take care of the fish but you can watch them play around happily in their bowls while you gently doze off. You can expect this friendly surprise at all Kimpton Hotels which includes Hotel Monaco and Hotel Palomar.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort (Honolulu, USA): Taking waterfront fun to the next level, you can now share waters with dolphins at the hotel's very own natural lagoon. Offering different range of dolphin fun starting from 15 minute meets to being the 'Trainer for a Week'. According to TripAdvisor reviews these dolphins are well taken care of and the trainers are experienced and knowledgeable.
Wilderness Lodges (Manitoba, Canada): Located in remote polar bear country, the Manitoba Wilderness Lodge offers guests an opportunity to spot these 2000 pounds 10 feet tall beast in the wild. Located hundreds of miles from the nearest civilization the lodge offers basic accommodation and an amazing experience. To top it all, you can only get to these lodges by plane or helicopter. Similar bear experience is offered by Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and the Tundra Lodge. The Tundra lodge is a 'rolling hotel' that follows the polar bears around for the best viewing experience.
Algonquin Hotel (New York, USA): Since the 1930's the hotel has always housed a resident cat that is free to roam anywhere except the kitchen. Matilda III is the hotel's current cat and is the hotel's 10th feline resident. Matilda has a huge fan following as she receives hundreds of fan mails in her very own email address matildaalgonquincat@algonquinhotel.com.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Orlando, USA): From mouse to resident zebras, giraffes, kudus, and gazelles, Disney takes the name 'Animal Kingdom' seriously and houses more than 200 exotic animals. Some of the rooms come with safari views while all of them come with guides to identify the animals. The hotel also offers educational programs for kids and adults.
Flamingo (Las Vegas, USA): There are no shortages of extravagant animal attractions in Vegas. However, watching a peaceful flock of flamingos in their natural habitat is a nice change of pace. The hotel also features two rescued pelicans and ibis turtles. Feeding time is everyday at 8.30 am and 2.00 pm.