Barking up the right tree: the Australian hotels that pass the pet test

Travelling with pets used to mean settling for a dusty roadside motel or popping a tent in an animal-friendly campsite.

Now that small cats and dogs are allowed to fly on Virgin Australia's expanded pet-friendly routes, jet-setting with four-legged companions is a reality.

Australian luxury hotels are scrambling to roll out the red carpet with everything from gourmet room service to plush velvet beds.

Yet beneath the glittering promises, the experience for a four-legged guest varies. Take a deeper look at what's on offer in Australia's pooch-positive accommodation options.

This hotel is ideal for urban travellers who refuse to leave their prized companions behind when enjoying Sydney's inner-city charm.

Freedom: Pets enjoy access to designated public areas in the hotel as well as the Romney Room, a dog-friendly, one-bed room. However, the hotel dictates that dogs must remain on leashes in public spaces, cannot be left alone in the room and are not welcome in indoor dining venues.

Convenience: Located in Pyrmont, Hotel Woolstore 1888 ensures an easy morning routine with close proximity to scenic waterfront walks and parks. The Romney Room accommodates up to two dogs comfortably.

Comfort: The hotel provides high-quality dog bedding and dedicated food bowls so your pooch can sleep and dine in luxury.

Indulgence: The inclusion of a complimentary pup cake made by the in-house chef elevates this stay to a culinary treat for your hound.

What we need in our nation's capital is more cute dogs, even if they're just visiting. However, if Canberra's not your speed, the same amenities are offered at Gold Coast and Melbourne Mercure properties.

Freedom: Pets of all shapes and sizes enjoy excellent hospitality at Mercure Canberra in dedicated ground-floor rooms. They are welcome to accompany their owners on leash throughout the property's main public outdoor spaces, including the terrace.

Convenience:. The hotel offers six dedicated pet rooms featuring private, enclosed garden courtyards accessed directly through the French doors, making night-time bathroom breaks effortless for owners.

Comfort: The rooms are air-conditioned and feature easy-to-clean tiled flooring, ensuring a cool sanctuary that includes quality bedding and food bowls for the animal.

Indulgence: A complimentary pet-friendly welcome treat is included on arrival.

Those wanting riverside and CBD access will appreciate the convenience of Hotel Indigo, and their pooch will love the smells and sounds.

Freedom: Pets under 40 kilograms are afforded the rare luxury of joining their owners in the hotel lobby lounge for a drink during afternoon happy hour, alongside other designated public zones.

QT Hotel in Brisbane is committed to being more than a pet-friendly hotel, they want to spoil your pooch. But if Brisbane's not to your taste, the same perks are available at QT properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Canberra and Perth.

Freedom: Pups under 25 kilograms, and larger hounds by prior arrangement, roam on-leash through permitted public spaces at QT Brisbane.

Convenience: Exploring the river city is effortless with the pet maps provided by the hotel, and a standard deep-cleaning fee is included in pet room rates.

Comfort: Four-legged guests experience pure physical relaxation on designer, orthopedic memory foam beds. Decadent plant-based grooming colognes and waterless foam shampoos are also provided to keep coats immaculate.

Indulgence: Extravagance reaches new heights with a pet room service menu offering steak tartare and bacon icecream alongside human-grade gourmet treats.