Dog-friendly hotels

If you’re fleeing the real world for a vacation, we’d reckon it would be fair to reward your furry pals with a staycation too. The luxury pet facility in Port Melbourne functions as both a daycare and hotel offering playtime and spa sessions while you’re away. Pet pooch been good all summer? Book the presidential suite. The suite of the highest range encompasses a two-room space with twin designer beds, a flatscreen TV, daily playtime sessions, bedtime treats, premium-quality food and a complimentary checkout bath. 7 Phillip Ct, Port Melbourne. 03 9646 3696.  

When five stars, an outdoor heated lagoon pool and hydrobaths are required, check your pet into the County Club, just 15 minutes from Tullamarine. It also offers four off-leash activity areas, an agility area and sand run, and an indoor heated pool. Oh, and cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are welcome, too – just not humans. 55 Edwards Rd, Diggers Rest. 03 9740 1272.

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne are some of the fanciest dogs you’ll see outside of the Royal Melbourne Show. Vern Ryan’s Pet Resort – Victoria’s only gold accredited boarding kennel – has a penthouse suite complete with a flatscreen TV, a leather couch, a personal grassy exercise area and a plush bed. Naturally this kind of dog luxury doesn’t come cheap – but there’s also the standard package which is still far ritzier than your average student sharehouse. 3332 Bacchus Marsh-Geelong Rd, Balliang East. 03 9748 5757.