During a year filled with uncertainty and change, nearly six in 10 British dog owners (57%) say that the one constant which has helped them through the tough times has been their furry friends.
Research conducted by Hilton reveals that the vast majority of British pet owners feel the pandemic would have been much harder for them without their canine companions, who boosted moods (86%) and provided companionship during tough times (86%). Eight in 10 (80%) state the pandemic would have been a lot harder for them without their cuddly canine and 82% even claim their dog has been as valuable and supportive as family and close friends over the past 12 months.
It’s no surprise that as restrictions ease, a quarter of dog owners are looking to prioritise their pet’s happiness more than before, with 60% looking to repay their pooches for their valiant lockdown efforts by showering them with treats and some much-deserved TLC.
The bond between pet and owner has become so strong over lockdown that almost a fifth (17%) would prioritise their dog over their friends, while one in five would go as far as only seeing friends and family who are fond of their dog (22%). When it comes to holiday planning, a third (27%) claimed they would specifically look for dog-friendly hotels to ensure their dog could join them – in fact, a quarter (26%) claim they won’t travel without their pups at all.
In response, Hilton has unveiled Bone Appétit, a mouth-watering new dog menu to provide the nation with an easy way to show their canine pals they care. The bespoke menu will be available to guests and their beloved pets across 32 of Hilton’s pet-friendly hotels in the UK and Ireland from May 17.
Developed together with veterinary nutrition experts and approved by DogFriendly, which provides dog lovers with information on exploring dog-friendly hotels and restaurants throughout the UK, the canine-coveted menu consists of four ‘pup-tastic’ meal options:
- Beef Doguignon: Slow-cooked beef brisket served with mashed potato, carrots, green beans, sweetcorn, broad beans and gluten-free gravy.
- Mutt Roast: Gluten-free tomato pasta, topped with mature cheddar cheese and roasted in the oven.
- Earl Greyhound: A calming blend of lavender, rose petals, lime flower and orange flowers. Perfect for anxious pooches recovering from long car journeys or staying away from home.
- Tailwagger Creek: A non-alcoholic wine infused with elderflower, nettle, ginseng, lime flower and black carrot.
Julie Baker, UK&I vice president, Hilton, owner of a Border Terrier called Muttley, age 7, said: “We are thrilled to launch our bespoke dog menu, Bone Appétit, across over 30 properties as a way to help pet owners give their furry family members a special reward post-pandemic. I cannot wait to treat Muttley to a hard-earned Mutt Roast and a little weekend away at our local Hilton!”
Hilton offers beds and water bowls across 74 of its dog-friendly hotels in the UK and Ireland, with brands including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton. The Bone Appétit room service menu will be available for your furry friends at 32 hotels. For more information on Hilton’s dog-friendly hotels and to see what other amenities are offered at participating hotels, visit Explore.Hilton.com.
Since the pandemic, Hilton has introduced CleanStay, an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection; extended its re-booking and cancellation policy, allowing guests greater travel flexibility; and introduced new discounted Dream Away rates.
Through Hilton’s Dream Away offer, Hilton Honors members can enjoy savings up to 15 percent on hotel stays across the UK, as well as benefiting from early check-in and late check-out. Perfect for those who just don’t want their holiday to end! Join Hilton Honors for free to benefit. To give guests extra flexibility, most individual reservations can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival day.
Note to editors: The survey was conducted by One Poll in April 2021 and polled 2,000 UK dog owners
About Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About LXR Hotels & Resorts
LXR Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning collection of independent, spirited luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world's most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied history and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience an inspiring stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Spanning five continents with a benchmark of nearly 50 properties, creates a seamless connection between bold design, impactful experiences and curated contemporary art to inspire the conscientious traveler. Conrad is a place where guests are empowered to explore through intuitive service and experiences that authentically connect them with local culture. In addition to its award-winning hotel offerings, the brand also features an expanding residential portfolio combining sophisticated design, best-in-class amenities and purposeful service in sought-after destinations. Experience Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of 160 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of nearly 680 hotels with more than 150,000 rooms across 55 countries and territories. For more than 50 years, DoubleTree by Hilton has continued to be a symbol of comfort for business and leisure travelers around the world, from welcoming guests with its signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, to serving the local community. DoubleTree by Hilton offers contemporary accommodations and amenities, including unique food and beverage experiences, state-of-the-art fitness offerings and meetings and events spaces. Experience a positive stay at DoubleTree by Hilton by booking at doubletree.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about DoubleTree by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/doubletree, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.