Illustration by Scott McPherson
Photos in order: Kyra Thomson (1); Getty Images (2)
Story by Aefa Mulholland
There are an increasing number of pet-friendly hotel and motel chains. But we want them to be gay-friendly and pet-friendly. To save you barking up the wrong tree next time you’re in Chicago, check out our recommendations and you won’t be chasing your tail next time you want to know where to stay, play, eat, and meet when traveling with four-legged friends.
Where to Hang Your Leash
Peninsula Chicago has been rated by Condé Nast Traveler as the top luxury property in the world -- and yes, this is where celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Aniston stay. If your pet (of any sort up to 20lbs) deserves the same sort of star treatment, book them in and they’ll enjoy creature room service and pet beds.
If you’ve got a bigger beast, Hotel Allegro is the hotel for you. Allegro welcomes pets up to 200lbs, and as many of them as you care to travel with, no deposit required. The hotel provides treats, feeding bowls, mats, bottled water, beds, pick-up bags, and list of local pet services. Pet packages include pet “swag bags,” with snacks, water, and a leash. It also includes a 20-minute dog walk. It’s not just good for you and your pet -- $5 of the room charge is donated to the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society.
The most dramatic Kimpton property is Hotel Burnham in the spectacularly renovated 1885 Reliance Building. All pets are welcome and receive a bowl and bed for the evening. Partial proceeds from your stay go to PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving).
Chow…dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
Parisian delights star at downtown’s Brasserie Jo, where there are rumors that despite city ordinances forbidding pets to be fed at restaurants, more than one mutt has tucked into a plate of steak tartare.
The patio at Gold Coast gem Oak Street Beachstro is popular with dogs and humans. Check ahead that no special events are happening on the patio.
Lincoln Park neighborhood watering hole Joe’s Sports Bar donates 10% of patio profits to PAWS during Wednesday evening Doggie Happy Hours (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Red Dog House provides treats, toys, and T-shirts.
Run Dog, Run
If it's raining and your four-legged friend has cabin fever, join Of Mutts and Men (773-477-7171) in Roscoe Village and enjoy pool tables, chessboards, free coffee, and a TV area. Dogs may roam off-leash inside.
During summer, Mercury Skyline Cruise Line offers a dog-friendly cruise. Take a 90-minute drift past downtown’s riverfront on the Chicago River.
If your dog likes playing catch, take him to a Major League Baseball game to see the White Sox play. This annual event, usually held in April, gives the two of you left field seats at Comiskey Park.
