By P.K. Greenfield
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the U.S. is positioned to bring in over $60 Billion in revenues via merchandise, food and pet supplies this year alone.
The travel, resort and luxury markets are gearing up to accommodate and lure this ‘adorable’ demographic — as well as their owners.
With impressive accommodations, breathtaking views and a convenient location, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park ups the animal lovers’ experience and expectations with VIP services for guests and pets with their pet-friendly program.
From jet-setting to business trips and/or vacations or even a steal away weekend getaway in New York City, the following is a great option for travelers who would like to take their ‘best friend’ along for the journey.
Putting on The Ritz
Towering over the Hudson River, the hotel offers picturesque views of the New York Harbor, Battery Park and Lower Manhattan; the building stretches up to great heights in this historic neighborhood that is the epicenter of national monuments, booming commerce and world trade as well as walking distance to many of the city’s major attractions. Guests have a choice of suites and rooms facing ‘Lady Liberty’ or Lower Manhattan.
Accommodations
The guest rooms are bright, spacious and nicely appointed with handsome, dark wood veneer fixtures, workspace and classic dresser drawers, charcoal gray colored carpeting, stark white linens and gold accent pillows and window treatments.
Every room allows pets, however I recommend the Ritz-Carlton Suite, Premiere Liberty View Suite or the One Bedroom Statue of Liberty View Suite. All three are over 800-square-feet and perfect to accommodate Fido and family. My suite had two closets, two flat-screen TVs, a king sized bed and full marble bath with tub and separate shower. These rooms are also equipped with a telescope to view The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the yachts and vessels cruising around in the harbor. It was comfortable and quiet.
Privileged Pets
Within minutes of arriving and settling in, a hotel representative came to my door with a dog bed and personalized gift bag for my ‘best friend’, Chi. The gift included: a personalized greeting card, plush toy, waste bags, dog tag and wheat and gluten free treats from Pure Breed Products. I appreciated the necessities while Chi delved into the apple and peanut butter biscuits.
“We understand that pets are part of the family and so we do everything we can to make sure that your dog receives the same VIP treatment,” said Deena Lyman, Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park representative. “Our concierge will handle any requests that pet owners have including inquiries about dog sitters or hiring professional walkers. Our culinary team is also available to prepare meals even if your pet has dietary restrictions.”
For walks and runs, there are two parks situated across from the hotel: Wagner Park and Battery Park. A dog park is two blocks east of the hotel — this turned out to be rather convenient for exercise, fresh air and an early morning canine clutch.
When booking your reservation the receptionist will inquire about your pet’s dietary information. The only other restrictions are your dog must be 20 lbs. or less and there is a $125 non-refundable cleaning fee. It’s also wise to notify housekeeping to clean and service your room when you all are out on the town.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is not only pet friendly but accommodating to all family members as well. The Ritz Kids program encourages young ones to explore the wonderment of the hotel while introducing them to important topics like environmental responsibility. Depending on your child’s age, the program is tailored accordingly.
Dining In
While your pet is chilling out in the lap (dog) of luxury, you should check the hotel’s dining room at 2West Restaurant just a few steps away from the lobby. The décor is elegant with attractive banquets and tables surrounded by original artwork and floor to ceiling windows. The only thing that surpasses the vista of the park is the inventive cuisine.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the very attentive staff will walk you through the daily menu; of course you also have the option to dine in your room. If you are staying over a weekend, I highly recommend the Saturday and Sunday brunch. It is not a buffet but the à la carte selection has something for every desire and taste.
My personal recommendations include the Crabcake Oscar made with flaky, white crabmeat, sautéed to a golden brown and served with a generous portion of asparagus, diced tomato and fresh scallions, then topped with a poached egg and creamy béarnaise sauce. In one word: Delectable.
I also suggest their Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad — succulent chicken breast atop a bed of Bibb lettuce with turkey, bacon, small heirloom tomatoes, a healthy portion of avocado, boiled egg, plenty of bleu cheese crumbles and a drizzle of the most tasty buttermilk dressing — I found this dish thoroughly enjoyable.
What to do?
After your dog run, meeting, play time and/or dining experience, you’ll want to venture out into this historic neighborhood. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance. Aside from the statue, parks and previous mentions, following are my must-see picks.
Just a few minutes walk from the hotel is the Federal Hall National Memorial on Wall Street. It was built in 1842 as the New York Customs House, it later served as a sub-Treasury building and is now operated by the National Park Service as a museum commemorating the historic events that occurred in this building.
The Fraunces Tavern Museum is New York City’s oldest building and tavern. Built in 1719 as an elegant residence and then purchased in 1762 by tavern keeper Samuel Fraunces. He turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. The museum is best known as the site where George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783.
Just a short taxi ride away is The Tenement Museum at 97 Orchard Street. This building was built in 1863, this tenement apartment building (read: factory) was home to nearly 7000 working class immigrants. Visitors take guided tours of apartments that recreate immigrant life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the original woodwork, wallpaper and contents have been preserved.
Sunsets and City Lights
At the end of the day, very little compares to the views of the sunset over the Hudson River. The harbor lights and glowing torch on Lady Liberty are nothing short of spectacular from your comfortable and lush room. Upon checking out the next day, after the superior hospitality, memorable cuisine, pet program and family friendly experience, I said to myself, “Only in New York.”
I discovered The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park through Furlocity.com. This website caters to pet owners for travel in finding the best pet-friendly hotels, pet boarding facilities or a veterinarian near your location.
Check out their services here: www.furlocity.com
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
2 West Street
New York, New York
10004
Phone: (212) 344-0800
