Pets travel first class at Pan Pacific Hotel

Business travelers may be avoiding luxury travel these days, but pets can go first class at Seattle's Pan Pacific hotel.

Ice cream, bottled water, customized dining tables and plush beds await four-legged guests at the 160-room hotel in the downtown/Westlake area.

"Parents" can take advantage of pet-sitting and salon services. The pets themselves — any size are welcome — can look forward to doggy ice cream and bottled water after a walk in a nearby off-leash park.

"Dinner" can be takeout gourmet treats supplied by a nearby dog bakery. The pets are welcome to "dine" on with their owners on the outdoor patio of the lobby bar, or at a "table" with bowls sunk into a wooden platform.

The hotel charges a $50 one-time room cleaning fee, says hotel spokeswoman Kini Parente. Other than that, everything's free with the exception of pet-sitting and grooming services.

"We live in such a pet-friendly community here, it just made sense," she said. "It's a market that definitely has a unique following. Either people come with their children or they come with their pets."

What about guests who have allergies, or would rather not be around dogs?

"It's really not been an issue," she said. The rooms are deep-cleaned after the pets and their owners leave. "Most pet owners are cognizant of those around them as well," she said.

Summer room rates start at $189.

Carol Pucci: cpucci@seattletimes.com