You're ready for the ultimate getaway. You know the one in which you unleash your wallet and treat yourself and your canine travel mate, to a bit of heaven on earth. You're in luck. Fido Friendly sniffed out luxury resorts from coast to coast, and even south of the border, that definitely rate five paws for their canine amenities.

We're not talking just the customary food and water bowls in the room, but tail—wagging perks like dloggy spas, poolside cabanas and canine cuisine sure to make any breed drool with delight.

The welcome mar (and occasionally, gloved doormen) await your traveling dog in the finest hotels and resorts that are savvy enough to recognize that 29 million dogs travel with their pet parents each year (according to a recent survey by Travel Industry Association of America, based in Washington, D.C.). With Americans spending nearly $40 billion a year on their pets, the travel industry is paying attention.

Pack your suitcase and discover true pooch paradise at our top picks, arranged geographically from east to west.

Nine Zero Hotel — Boston, MA

LOCATED JUST STEPS FROM FASHIONABLE Newbury Street and Boston and in the heart of Boston's historic district, Nine Zero Hotel happily patronizes four-legged guests. Want to catch the sights and dine on lobster at one of Boston's trendy restaurants? No problem. The hotel's concierge will be happy to arrange for dog walking, sitting and even massage services for your canine pal.

Or opt for in-room side-by-side person and pooch pedicures. The hotel's special "In the Doghouse" package includes in-room food and water bowls, complimentary gourmet treats, a plush doggie bed and puppy pillow. For plump pups, the hotel offers a low-calorie lunch box — in addition to its special room service canine menu. During the dog days of August, ask for the hotel's cool treats: frozen bones, chicken broth lollipops or doggie ice cream. As an added measure of protection, all canine guests receive Nine Zero Hotel identification tags.

But there's more. If the weather is a bit brisk, you can arrange to dress your dog in a Nine Zero canine cashmere sweater. The hotel also offers a map of Fido-friendly places to check out around the city.

As one of the very pet-friendly Kimpton Hotels, Nine Zero's pet policy does not include a fee or special deposit nor does it have a weight limit for dog guests. Room rates start at $259 per night.

Nine Zero Hotel
90 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 772-5800
www.ninezero.com

The Inn at Perry Cabin — St. Michaels, MD

OVERLOOKING THE MILES RIVER, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, The Inn at Perry Cabin offers guests a choice of lavish rooms decorated in a 19th century or contemporary seaside style. Arrive by plane or car, or even a yacht, as the hotel's dock can accommodate boats up to 130 feet. The Inn is a short stroll from the historic town of St. Michaels, Maryland and an easy one-hour drive from either Baltimore or Washington, D.C.

The welcome mat is definitely out and beckoning well-behaved dogs to this Victorian resort. All canine guests receive pet packs that include gourmet biscuits, a map of the area for walks, veterinary information, tips on dog safety and more. In order to ensure dogs bring their manners, their human companions are asked to read and sign the hotel's pet etiquette handbook.

The canine menu features lip-smacking choices created by master chef Mark Salter, including osso bucco with seasoned vegetables. Chef Mark knows the way to a dog's heart and he also offers "Scooby Snacks," gourmet dog biscuits. You can dine in the room with your dog or on the patio.

Chef Mark also oversees the hotel's Sherwood's Landing, the only four-diamond, four-star restaurant in Maryland.

Room rates start at $370 per night (plus a $75 per-visit pet fee) with pet-friendly designated rooms located on the ground floor in the signature or state rooms.

The Inn at Perry Cabin
308 Watkins Lane
St. Michaels, MD 21663
(866) 278-9601
www.perrycabin.com

The Rittenhouse Hotel — Philadelphia, PA

COME TO THE HEART OF PHILADELPHIA and let your dog be part of canine history at this five-diamond luxury hotel. Yes, this is the same place where chefs honored TV's Lassie with her meal of choice: chicken cut into one-inch cubes and boiled in distilled water. It is also the hotel where Oprah Winfrey's Cocker Spaniels dined on heart-healthy, bone-shaped biscuits that sported their names.

"We've been dog-friendly since we opened in June 1989," says hotel spokesman David Benton. "Our bellmen take our dog guests on walks through Rittenhouse Square Park and we cater to dogs of all sizes. We want owners to tell us exactly what their dogs like to eat and how it should be prepared."

Doggy guests quickly catch on to one of the hotel's special perks: always-fresh gourmet biscuits available at the concierge desk. By the end of the first day dogs follow their nose and await treats before hopping in the elevator to go to their rooms.

They are also treated to a take-home CD featuring smooth music designed to calm even the friskiest of tail-wagging guests.

The 98-room hotel, with its nationally-renowned restaurant, LaCroix at the Rittenhouse, and Adolph Biecker Spa and Salon, is within a mile of the city's much-acclaimed theater district, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Rooms start at $230 per night.

The Rittenhouse Hotel
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-9000
www.rittenhousehotel.com

The Chesterfield — Palm Beach, FL

DOGS WHO MAKE THE CAR RIDE ACROSS the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge, that leaves the middle-class world of West Palm Beach for the oh-so-chic island resort town of Palm Beach, know that they are very special, indeed. Especially when the destination is The Chesterfield, a four-star European-style boutique hotel located just two blocks from the exclusive shops of Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean.

Count on finding a comfy pet bed and dog menu awaiting you when you enter your room. The hotel offers a pet concierge service (please book in advance) that includes per sitting, a bag of special treats, a chewy toy and scoop bags. Pamper your dog by requesting Executive Chef Jay Redington to prepare filet mignon or another special meal. The staff will be happy to direct you to pet-friendly places within easy walking distance.

"Our owners love bringing their dogs with them when they stay at our hotel," says David Eck, Vice President of Marketing.

While dogs nap in their comfy rooms, their owners can enjoy several golf courses nearby, including Emerald Dunes, Iron Horse and Palm Beach Polo, or try their luck at sport fishing.

The hotel charges a $150 per-visit fee per pet with a refund of $75 as long as canine guests don't leave teeth marks or commit any other doggy misdeed. Rooms start at $140 per night in the off-season to $475 per night during peak season.

The Chesterfield
363 Coconut Row
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(561) 659-5800
www.chesterfieldpb.com

Grove Isle Resort & Club
Coconut Grove, FL

FOR THE ULTIMATE ISLAND GETAWAY, consider this oasis-beckoning resort within view of vibrant Miami and the aqua waters of Biscayne Bay. Privacy and pleasure are the themes as you can relax in a hammock with your dog at your side or tour the lush gardens of this 20-acre island.

Call ahead and surprise your dog with porcelain food and water bowls personalized with his name in your room. Yes, your dog can also gobble down gourmet treats inside martini-styled glasses or sip sparkling water made especially for dogs.

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"We offer pet-sitting services and in-room doggy menus," says Eric Gavin, Director of Sales and Marketing. "If your dog has his sea legs, you can arrive by boat and dock at our marina. Our island offers a 3/4 of a mile jogging trail around the perimeter which is perfect for our guests and their dogs to stroll." Here, size doesn't matter, but most canine guests tend to be 30 pounds or less.

Totally indulge yourself and book the Ferrari Fantasy package that includes three-day access to a Ferrari 360 Modena, the definition of classic, Italian racing heritage.

Room rates start at $389 per night plus a refundable pet deposit is assessed.

Grove Isle Resort & Club
4 Grove Isle Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(800) 884-7683
www.groveisle.com

The James Hotel Chicago — Chicago, IL

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF PET TRAVEL, this trendy hotel situated just off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, unveiled a pet-welcoming policy last spring. They did so with tail-wagging gusto, offering a pet travel kit at check in, carob "truffles" at bedtime, aromatherapy massages and (drool) meaty bones from Chef David Burke's Prime house.

"We're located near a lot of official and unofficial dog beaches and dog parks and we're happy to point out other dog-friendly places," says Joel Morales, Marketing Manager. "Our unique property fills a niche between boutique and luxury hotels. We welcome dogs of all sizes and in fact, just had a well-behaved Great Dane guest and I also shared an elevator with a well-behaved Boxer."

The James offers taxi service to the nearby Pooch Chicago Spa for canine guests to be pampered. All guests receive clean-up bags in bone-shaped dispensers that clip onto leashes. Did we forget to mention the smoked salmon lollipops or pet raincoats? Or the lint brushes for owners of shaggy shedders?

"We provide a one-page pet tourist guide, dog walking services, and have partnered with a local dog trainer who can teach your dog some new tricks while you go out and see the sights," says Gavin.

Rates per night start at $379 plus a nonrefundable $75 per-visit pet fee charged.

The James Hotel Chicago
55 East Ontario
Chicago, IL 60611
(877) JAMES-55
www.jameshotels.com

The Little Nell — Aspen, CO

LOCATED AT THE BASE OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN and honored as Aspen's only five-diamond, five-star resort, The Little Nell has catered to pets on a big way since opening its doors in 1989.

John Egeihoff, Director of Marketing and Sales, can personally attest to the pet amenities as his three chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Coco, Cadbury and Vaihora (yes, all names for types of chocolates) enjoyed a stay at The Little Nell last year when relocating.

"They arrived to have their own water and food bowls and beds. Dog biscuits were placed in each of their bowls each night," says Egeihoff.

Other doggy delights include personalized brass identification tags that they keep as souvenirs, pet menu, dog walking and sitting services, access to hiking trails and professional dog groomers.

Upon arrival, each guest at this resort located at the base of Aspen Mountain in ski country, receives a pet etiquette handbook that invites leashed dogs to all parts of the resort (including pool areas) except for the restaurants.

Doggie biscuits are available at the front desk and the pet menu features tenderloin of beef with eggs and brown rice or grilled salmon with scrambled eggs.

Rates start at $280 per night off-peak and no pet fee is charged, unless damage occurs.

The Little Nell
675 East Durant Avenue
Aspen, CO 32767
(888) 843-6355
www.thelittlenell.com

The Peaks Resort — Telluride, CO

THIS FAMED SKI RESORT NESTLED AMONG Rocky Mountain peaks has truly gone to the dogs in a wonderful way. It famed Golden Door Spa recently expanded its services to offer a "Leader of the Pack" package that includes Tellington-touch massages, baths, pedicures teeth brushing for its canine guests. And, yes, custom-made spa robes are available.

Each doggy guest receives personalized identification tags, beds and feeding bowls in their rooms. Some rooms even open into small courtyards and provide a panoramic view of the mountains. The Peaks features a huge backyard where well-mannered dogs can romp off-leash in the grass or snow.

While you ski or enjoy the spa, The Peaks offers guided playtime for your dog and in-room dining. For dogs with high-energy, the resort offers guided hikes in the nearby woods. All dogs are driven to the start of the hike by a chauffeur, in a Lexus.

Access to the town of Telluride can be made on dog-friendly gondolas that seem to float above the downhill skiers. Just look for the special paw print for dog-designated gondolas. There are plenty of dog-friendly outdoor eateries.

Rates start at $149 per night during off-peak season plus $150 pet per-visit charge.

The Peaks Resort
136 Country Club Drive
Telluride, CO 81435
(866) 282-4557
www.thepeaksresort.com

L'Auberge de Sedona — Sedona, AZ

NEW TO THE DOG-WELCOMING SCENE, but wasting no time, L'Auberge de Sedona Resort features a "Paws and Spa Package" designed to deliver a luxury getaway for people and their pets. It is only appropriate since Sedona is world-renowned for pampering.

The package includes: accommodations in one of the four-star resort's garden side cottages; one-hour massages for two people; doggy beds and mats; stylized water and food bowls; bandana, special bottled water and toys; lunch box and a menu filled with gourmet goodies from Sedona's Three Dog Bakery. Each cottage features a fireplace.

"Our 11-acre creekside resort offers views of magnificent red rocks and numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your dog," says Joe Mottershead, General Manager. "It is our policy to greet both owners and their pets by name."

On warm days, dogs—and people—can enjoy a dip in the creek to cool off.

Rates start at $145 per night.

L'Auberge de Sedona
301 L'Auberge Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
(800) 474-3893
www.lauberge.com

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA

THIS IS BEVERLY HILLS, DARLING—home of that famous zip code where nothing is too outlandish—even for doggie guests. Expect to be greeted by resident Beagle, Billy Bean, and white-gloved "page boys" who will take your dog for a stroll any time.

Inside the room, your dog will receive a personalized (and paw-stamped) welcoming letter from Billy Bean who spells out the canine rules and perks. Each canine guest is treated to turndown service on his bed that features monogrammed blankets.

When hunger strikes, the hotel offers in-room service that includes roasted free range chicken. Snacks include animal crackers made from pork or turkey liver and all-natural biscuits made with oatmeal, eggs, apples, carrots and peanut butter. Quench your thirst with bottled water.

Yes, this world-famous hotel located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica boulevards offers spa services. There are also towels available to wipe dirty paws after walks and pet sitting services. Off-site grooming and acupuncture appointments can be arranged and any sized dog is welcomed.

"We offer individually customized packages," says spokesperson Michelle Hodan. 'After all, this is Beverly Hills where people take care of their pets as well as they do for their children or themselves." Rates start at $425 per night plus $35 pet per-day charge.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(800) 462-7899
www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com

Las Ventanas al Paraiso
A Rosewood Resort — Los Cobos, Mexico

GRAB YOUR PASSPORT (and your dog's medical records) and head sooth-of-the border to this ultimate canine paradise in Los Cobos, Mexico. This is the place where canines belonging to such celebrities as Adam SandIer and Molly Sims have visited.

Upon arrival, all dogs enjoy stress-reducing neck massages to shoo away any jet lag. And, don't be surprised when asked what type of music your dog prefers, because the staff creates CDs to play inside your room. While you relax at poolside, your dog can snooze inside his own pet cabana next to you. This portable cabana can also be easily transported to your suite or the beach.

The "Canine Delights" menu features special dishes, including The Rin Tin Tin (shredded braised beef and steamed rice), but the gourmet chef is more than happy to prepare customized meals for finicky eaters or dogs on special diets. Yes, there is even a menu for feline friends, including the famed Claw Cleaner that features albacore tuna, chopped egg and sour cream.

The resort staff is available to take your dogs on walks along the beach or the flowering desert countryside or treat them to Las Ventanas' internationally-acclaimed spa.

Rates start at $450 per night and there is a per-visit $50 pet fee charged.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
KM 19.5 Carretera Transpeninsular,
San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur 23400, Mexico
Phone: 888-ROSEWOOD
www.lasventanas.com