Rome’s Fiumicino Airport unveils luxury dog hotel for traveling pet owners

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport has introduced a luxury hotel specifically for dogs, catering to travelers who want premium care for their pets. The facility offers high-end accommodations, including comfortable rooms, play areas, and specialized services designed to ensure dogs remain safe, relaxed, and entertained while their owners are in transit. This new initiative reflects a growing trend in pet-friendly travel, providing convenience and peace of mind for pet owners flying through one of Italy’s busiest airports.

Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport is making travel more convenient for dog owners by launching one of Europe’s first on-site dog hotels.

Pet parents often struggle with the choice of leaving their dog with a sitter or boarding them at a kennel, both of which require significant planning and can be stressful.

The airport aims to simplify this process by opening Dog Relais, a facility where staff can even pick up dogs directly from the terminal, allowing owners to proceed straight to their flights. This follows a similar concept recently introduced at Frankfurt Airport.

Marilena Blasi, chief commercial officer at Aeroporti di Roma, said the project is part of a broader strategy to enhance the passenger experience, offering services that benefit both travelers and their pets.

Dog Relais offers standard rooms at approximately €40 per night, featuring climate-controlled floors and private gardens. Dogs that are shy or prefer solitude can stay in quieter areas, interacting mainly with staff. Soft ambient music tuned to 432 hertz plays in the evenings to promote relaxation.

Additional services include grooming, bathing, and dental care, as well as luxury treatments like aromatherapy or massages using arnica cream for sore muscles. For owners seeking extra reassurance, a €60 premium room provides continuous video access and remote treat dispensing via a dedicated screen and app.

The facility serves not only travelers but also local residents needing daycare for their dogs. Alessandra Morelli, an HR professional at Aeroporti di Roma, regularly brings her 2-year-old Labrador, Nina, to the hotel, saying it has improved her work-life balance and allows her to travel and work without worry.

Dario Chiassarini, 32, started using Dog Relais for his Rottweiler puppy, Athena, for training due to its cleanliness, organization, and convenience. He plans to use the hotel for boarding during future trips. The dog hotel has quickly become popular, with all 40 rooms fully booked in August, Italy’s peak summer travel period. Since opening in May, occupancy has averaged nearly two-thirds, according to Blasi.

In related news, Italy’s aviation authority recently revised regulations to allow large dogs in plane cabins on domestic flights if secured in crates, with the first such flight scheduled for September 23. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini noted that while opinions differ, he considers the change a step forward for pet-friendly travel and a mark of progress in society.

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Source: NDTV‍