Any pet parents will know all too well the bittersweet tug-of-war of packing for a holiday. One side pulls you towards thrilling adventures and beautiful beaches, while the other tugs at your heart with those big, watery puppy dog eyes. As a travel writer, I’ve faced this guilt more times than I can count. So, when an offer popped up to bring my dog along for the ride, you can bet I said yes.
I’d always been curious about what it would be like staying at a hotel with a pet – let alone a fancy, five-star boutique spot like the Crystalbrook Albion in Surry Hills, Sydney. While excited, I did have my fears, as any responsible pet parent would understand. What if she started barking at 2am? What if she decided the carpet was her new chew toy? And what if she had a little accident? There was only one way to find out.
Before we get started, let me introduce my four-legged friend, Lia. Despite looking and acting like a two-year-old, my 15-year-old cockalier has quite the resume. In her early days, she was a puppy model and musical theatre star, even landing a role in the 2012 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.
The moment Lia set paw inside Sydney’s Crystalbrook Albion, she was taken right back to her glory days as a true VIP – very important pooch, of course. After a flurry of cuddles (for Lia only), the welcoming receptionist took us on a brief tour of the charming heritage building, which was originally constructed as a convent in 1903.
Today, the Crystalbrook Albion houses 35 boutique rooms, with the ground floor reserved for pet guests (for an extra $130 per room). Our urban abode was comfortable and cosy, perfect for a one-night stay. That said, I imagine the space might be a bit snug for those staying with a golden retriever or German shepherd.
I was relieved to see hardwood floors in our room, instead of the upstairs carpeting, and even more grateful to be given the closest room to the downstairs courtyard, making bathroom breaks for Lia a walk in the park. As promised, our pet-friendly room came with a plush dog bed, a water bowl and food – though the 'food' was really just a bone-shaped biscuit, which Lia devoured in three quick bites.
The only dog-free zone at Crystalbrook Albion is the self-serve Honour Bar, stocked with hot beverages, alcohol and snacks. I was surprised there weren’t any dog treats on offer, but thankfully, I’d come prepared for any snack-related emergencies.
I was also surprised to learn I could leave little Lia in the room alone while I ducked out to get dinner. All I had to do was let the receptionist know and provide emergency contact details upon arrival. Surry Hills is home to many fur babies, so nearly every pub in the area is dog-friendly. But instead of heading out, I decided to grab takeaway and enjoy it with my favourite dinner date on the hotel's gorgeous rooftop garden.
Lia made herself right at home in the 20 minutes I was gone. When I returned, I found her fast asleep on her bed, but not before she raided my bag and polished off all the remaining treats. Reminder to self: dogs love to explore new places with their noses and will gobble up anything within reach (did I already mention she acts like a two-year-old?).
Our sleepover at Crystalbrook ended up being a big success – Lia slept straight through the night, only waking up at 6.30am for a toilet break. I debated whether to reward her with a morning puppuccino at one of Surry Hill’s cute dog-friendly cafés, or a run in one of the nearby parks. But since we were technically having a staycation, I decided to spoil her with both.
So, would I take my four-legged friend on holiday again? Absolutely! Next time, though, I’ll find a better hiding spot for the emergency snacks.