Luxury hotels across Miami Beach and Bal Harbour are spending big to woo guests who refuse to travel without their dogs, rolling out an AI-powered pet concierge, in-room canine dining and resident dogs as the area posts the highest average daily room rates in the country.

The push comes as Roch Dog, an independent organization that evaluates more than 3,000 hotels in 56 countries, awarded its inaugural 2026 Hotel of the Year to InterContinental Miami and named Loews Miami Beach Hotel its "Rising Star" in the first annual Canine Hospitality Awards, the Miami Herald reported.

"Almost every hotel in Miami will let a dog through the door for a fee. That is not hospitality — that is tolerance," Guise Bule, CEO of Roch Dog, told the Herald. "Canine hospitality is when the dog is treated as a guest."

Affluent pet owners are paying between $80 and $300 per stay for their dogs at South Florida luxury properties, according to the Herald's reporting. The Michelin Guide has identified luxury pet travel as one of hospitality's fastest-growing segments.

What local hotels are offering

At InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza, downtown Miami), canine guests now receive plush beds, gourmet treats from Miami-based Yum Pup, custom bandanas and a curated guide to pet-friendly attractions at check-in. The hotel recently launched "Rocco," an AI-powered virtual concierge accessible by QR code or WhatsApp that directs guests to dog-friendly restaurants, parks and waterfront walking paths. An in-room dining menu for dogs featuring organic chicken plates and steak bowls is in the works, according to the Herald.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel (1601 Collins Ave.), which completed a $55 million renovation in December 2025 redesigning all 790 guest rooms, now offers pet-friendly room service for dogs and cats. Miami New Times named it Best Hotel in Miami-Dade for 2026.

At The Betsy Hotel (1440 Ocean Dr.), co-owner Jonathan Plutzik has made resident golden retrievers Betsy and Rosa part of the brand. "We call them our CEOs, our canine executive officers," Plutzik told WSVN on July 30. A third dog, Daisy, also roams the family-owned boutique property.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort (9703 Collins Ave.) operates a "Bring Fido" program featuring two resident goldendoodles, Jack and Maddie, who greet arriving guests.

The economic backdrop

The pet amenities race is unfolding as Miami Beach hotels command the highest average daily rates in the nation. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said on Instagram on July 27 that the city posted a $370 average daily rate from January through June 2026, up 15% from the same period last year. Both ADR and revenue per available room climbed double digits year-over-year in June.

Not every property is expanding.

W South Beach, which previously offered premium pet amenities, is closing for renovation into the Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach, with 337 employees set to be laid off as of Aug. 19.

What's next

InterContinental Miami hosts a weekly Paws Patio dog event every Wednesday. On Aug. 26, National Dog Day, the event becomes an "End of Summer Paaawty" on the Picante Terrace from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a doggie pool, sprinklers, complimentary pup cups and tropical-themed festivities. Dogs are encouraged to dress in tropical gear. The event is weather permitting.