There’s dog-friendly hotels—ones that simply tolerate pets being on property—and then there’s The Ben.
Hotels like this get it, that traveling with a dog can be a challenge, especially when you have one that weighs more than 40 pounds. The West Palm Beach property has been dog-friendly since it opened its doors in 2020, but they’ve upped the ante with its new partnership with Chewy, an online pet retailer founded in Broward County.
The Stay With Chewy package kicked off in September, and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about.
It was what you’d want from a collaboration between a hotel that prides itself on the details and a company like Chewy, of which I’ve only had positive interactions with. I am a Chewy subscriber, getting food, medicine and other items for our dog, Miles; speaking of details, every birthday and Christmas, he receives a handwritten card from the company (as do all subscribers!).
The dog-friendly customer service at The Ben started from the valet. When I opened my car door and the valet driver noticed Miles inside, he immediately said hi and asked if he could give him a treat. He produced one from a bin at the valet station, and water bowls were at the front door. Everyone from there to the doorman, front desk (where I was offered a welcome cocktail), and bellhop all greeted Miles and asked permission to pet him. He was basking in the attention and I feared he may never come home.
When we checked in, a staff member presented us with a khaki backpack filled with goodies from Chewy—a collapsible food and water bowl set, travel water bottle, a bag of treats, toys, tropical bandanna, sunblock wipes, an insulated bag, and contact information for a virtual vet appointment, should it be needed. It was easy to slip onto my suitcase handle and I can see us using the bag for future trips or when he’s dropped off with a pet sitter.
In the room, I unpacked and Miles explored the room (which included rolling his tennis balls under the divan). We had a balcony facing the marina, and thanks to a Plexiglas insert on top of the railing, my dog could perch his front paws on the railing without toppling overboard (Miles is not the most graceful creature). Then it was time to explore the area around the hotel, including the marina. The large expanse of grass in front of the hotel made it easy for quick potty breaks throughout our stay.
Even before the Stay With Chewy package became available in September, The Ben had its arms open to furry friends. A copy of the 1908 national bestseller “Bruno” is in each suite, the room service menu includes the Bruno Puppy Menu (with an omelet, salmon, hamburger patty, chicken, and dog treats), and the hotel’s complimentary Circuit car is called the Bruno.
Who is Bruno? The beloved dog of author and conservationist Byrd Spilman Dewey and her husband Fred Dewey, whom the hotel is inspired by.
The couple moved to West Palm Beach in the 1880s and built their estate, Ben Trovato, in 1882. According to the hotel, the name of their home came from the Italian phrase “Se non è vero, è ben trovato,” or loosely “Even if it isn’t true, it’s a good story.” Byrd was clearly inspired by her faithful friend, Bruno, a sentiment that carries throughout the hotel’s decor, including golden Great Dane statutes and portraits of English bulldogs in Victorian attire.
Soon, it was time for dinner at Spruzzo, The Ben’s eighth-floor rooftop restaurant with pristine views of the Intracoastal and Palm Beach island. My friend and fellow dog lover, Abbi, joined me for drinks and dinner as the sun set. Being a little too curious of his surroundings, Miles did not join us, as I had plans to actually eat at dinner. Some favorites of Abbi and I included the jumbo lump crab bites and local catch.
After dinner, Miles and I went for a nighttime walk, exploring the marina once again, and then I ordered room service from the pup menu. The rest of the evening we either relaxed on the balcony, watching the boats and other people walking their dogs, or lay in the king-sized bed watching reruns of “Friends.” The next morning, it was time to pack our bags, take one last potty break by the water, and head home to start the work week.
Staycations are meant to be a reset, and I know our time at The Ben did that for me, and I’m sure for Miles. He loved being in a new surroundings with new smells and attention from new friends. As he gets older—he just turned 10 in August—experiences like an overnight stay at a hotel like The Ben become more special.
The Stay With Chewy package at The Ben only lasts though January 2025, so book that staycation with your furry friend sooner than later.
Head to Boca Mag’s Instagram to see a reel of our staycation at The Ben!
