Pawrent of the famous @Itsyourboybeau (Kate) has kindly written a blog for Buddy Bites on their favourite staycations. We are a little bias toward The Figo due to the Buddy Bites goodies they provide, so we felt it would be better getting Kate's esteemed opinion on spoiling your pup in style:
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“It’s a wonder-fur world”
With flights cancelled and quarantine looming, what better way to vacation than to staycation, and even better when you can take your furry friend along with you (and I’m not talking about your husband!).
After the global pandemic hit, we welcomed Beau; a miniature golden dachshund into our lives, and over the last eighteen months we’ve loved exploring Hong Kong with him. Today we’ll give overviews of the best places to staycay with your pet so you two can experience what a wonder-fur world it is!
Rosewood
A new contender in the dog community the rosewood opened its doors a few years ago next to the upmarket K11. Although the food and (human) facilities are top notch the area is not dog friendly.
Facilities
As one of the newest and most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong the Rosewood does not disappoint with larger rooms than most Hong Kong hotels and a state of the art gym, spa and stunning harbour facing infinity pool. The hotel boats a number of in demand restaurants such as Henry and Chat but beware as it’s almost impossible to get a booking on the night of your stay.
Dog friendliness
Unfortunately the dog facilities in the room were basic and the area the Rosewood is situated in is not dog friendly. The hotel opens onto the avenue of stars where dogs are not permitted, even in a bag, and although there is a dog garden downstairs it is only a few square metres and there is no room to play.
Value for money
The hotel is lovely but without being able to use the facilities, book into a restaurant or have anywhere for the dogs to play, at upwards of HKD 3k a night this is on the pricier end.
The Murray
The Murray is a beautiful, colonial spot in the heart of Admiralty - a different hotel experience with no outdoor pool this hotel is best suited for those wanting a city break and to pamper your pup.
Facilities
Although there is no outdoor pool you’re not short of things to do at the Murray. The food at the hotel is some of the best I’ve had in Hong Kong, and the rooms are beautiful with city views of the central skyline in a different angle than you’re used to. The downstairs patio is outdoors at ground level - an unfamiliar scene for a HK hotel, and is dog friendly! There are lots of hiking routes nearby for the pups to get a walk, including the central green trail and there is also a beautiful roof top bar, Popinjays, which unfortunately is not dog friendly.
Dog friendliness
The Murray is pet friendly not just for hotel guests but also most weekends with frequent pet fairs, pet events and pet afternoon teas. The hotel partners with lots of local brands to offer preferential discounts and samples for their doggy visitors.
Value for money
The pet staycation package comes in at around HKD2500 and this includes 1 night stay, breakfast, afternoon tea for 2 and dining credit making it an incredible deal for a luxury dog staycay.
W
The W was the first dog friendly staycation we took Beau on, and we’ve been back twice since! 
Facilities
The W Hong Kong, like it’s other global hotels, is a young, hip hotel with large clean rooms usually with a harbour or open view. The gym and spa are nice and the wet deck boasts one of the best pools (and views) in Hong Kong. The room includes a novelty dog bed (think teepees and bananas), dog amenities and they bring a customised dog bandana at turn down - a nice touch which makes you feel well at home.
Dog friendliness
Situated above Elements, a dog friendly mall (as long as they’re in a bag) there are heaps of places for pups to expawlore. From civic square outdoor dining to west kowloon waterfront park, pretty much everywhere is dog friendly with a special dog menu at Hooman by the sea in the nearby art park. The hotel itself doesn’t have any dog friendly eateries but it does have a dedicated W x whiskers and paws play area doe the pets in the lobby with lots of snacks and toys for you to buy as well as photo opportunities!
Value for money
At around HKD1800+ for a regular room the W hotel is definitely one of the best value for money of the dog friendly hotels especially taking into consideration the facilities and nearby amenities!
The Arca
From the same group as the Figo, The Arca is opened its doors this year in the up and coming Wong Chuk hang district.
Facilities
The website shows incredible ocean and marina facing rooms and a rooftop infinity pool however most room face low rise buildings and the infinity pool was booked up when we stayed. There is a large dog friendly terrace however the restaurant still isn’t fully functioning meaning you can only dine at set times.
Dog friendliness
Only the terrace is dog friendly and although they offer a great doggy menu and afternoon tea the organisation and service hasn’t yet caught up with the demand for the hotel. The nearby area isn’t overly dog friendly with lots of construction but there are a few walking routes in the nearby country parks if you’re willing to hop in a cab.
Value for money
The hotel is reasonably priced at HKD1500+ a night but similar priced alternatives like the W offer better service and nearby amenities.
Ritz Carlton
At 118 floors above the city the ritz Carlton, although an older hotel, exudes luxury. But is their new pet friendly staycation worth the extra $$?
Facilities
The hotel has an incredible indoor swimming pool high above the clouds and an open sun deck as well as a number of fine dining restaurants and one of the highest bars in the world, Ozone. The rooms are a little older but boast phenomenal views of Hong Kong, as long as it’s a clear day.
Dog friendliness
Situated in the same building as the W, the Ritz has access to the same surrounding dog friendly parks and malls. But unlike the W, the dog facilities in the hotel and the room are minimal. We did receive a mini lion mascot embroidered with Beau’s name which was a lovely keepsake.
Value for money
At HKD3k+ the W is better value for money but the Ritz is still a great choice for an upmarket staycation with your pup.
The Figo
The Figo isn’t a new hotel but it’s recently pivoted to pet friendly. Nestled in the middle of Sheung wan at the end of Hollywood road it’s a great city break spot for anyone living outside central Hong Kong.
Facilities
The Figo is a small hotel that doubles up as serviced apartments. The rooms are clean but no frills however are big enough for longer stay if you’d like. There is a large common area with two outdoor terraces perfect for co working or games night - there are even free drinks and coffee! There is also a doggy swimming pool so your pawtners can get their swimming fix!
Dog friendliness
Everywhere in the Figo is pet friendly including the terraces and bar area. The Figo currently has a collab with buddy bites meaning you get special personalised dog food and amenities in the room. They also have a dog friendly afternoon tea they bring to the room on arrival. Nestled in Sheung wan there are many dog friendly restaurants, cafes and parks nearby. The Figo also has a dedicated doggy Instagram page - @all.dogs.go.to.the.figo
Value for money
At under HKD1k the Figo is great value for money however given the facilities and location it’s more suited for those living outside Hong Kong island looking for a city break.
Concerto Inn, Lamma
If you’re looking for a beachside island break, Lammas concerto inn offers budget friendly rooms at their neighbouring Bellagio Pet Hotel.
Facilities
Guests at the pet hotel have access to concerto Inn outdoor dining area which is beachfront and has lots of spots for the dogs to play and snooze. We loved sitting out and having a long breakfast by the beach while beau napped in the sun. The rooms at the hotel are themed and can be a little dark but for the price and location it’s worth it to not spend much time in the room.
Dog friendliness
The hotel is a 20 minute walk from the town and 5 minutes from nearby dog friendly beaches. Most of Lamma is dog friendly and the nearby power station beach is great for the dogs to swim as is the round the island family walk.
Value for money
At around HKD1k a night this is a budget friendly option for a fun island break with your pup.
Wild Camping
Without a doubt our favourite kind of staycation with Beau is camping. Budget friendly, no restrictions and waking up to the sound of the waves, what’s not to love?
Facilities
We’re yet to try any formal campsites but our favourite wild camping spots are upper cheung Sha and Pui O in Lantau and Lo Ke Wan and Millionaires Bay in Sai Kung. The Lantau spots are accessible via Mui Wo slow ferry (dog friendly) and the Sai Kung spots are best reached through private sampan rented from Sai kung town. All four spots have public restrooms and the Lantau spots have nearby restaurants. The Sai Kung spots will require bringing your own food and bbq and camping equipment is easy and cheap to purchase at decathlon.
Dog friendliness
Camping is great as there are zero restrictions on your pup - all cheung sha and pui o restaurants are dog friendly, just make sure you clean up after yourself and your pup!
Value for money
After the initial equipment investment, camping is absolutely free!
Closing
So what are you waiting for?! Time to pawck your suitcases and book your next staycation with your pawtner in crime! Tag us in your photos so we know where you booked! 🐾
