Some Hilton hotels will accept dogs and cats as guests

Dogs and Hilton? You might first think of Paris and her little bite-size pups. But here's something else to ponder: Americans, it seems, find it increasingly difficult to leave their canines and felines at home when they hit the road, so starting this summer some Hilton hotels will accept dogs and cats as overnight guests. Newsday reports:

Coming this summer: four-legged guests at participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts will be welcomed into pet-friendly rooms outfitted with William Wegman-designed beds, feeding bowls and goodie baskets loaded with organic treats, stain-removing products and pocket-size waste cleanup bags.

According to Hilton, the new program is designed to cut the hassle for traveling dog and cat owners. Each hotel's concierge desk will be able to provide guests information about local pet services, which may include walking trails, pet spas and veterinarian appointments.

And when Fido or Fifi checks out, the room will get a thorough scrub-down and steam cleaning (hence, pet-friendly room rates will be up to $75 higher than standard hotel rooms, Hilton says). Details at www.hilton.com/pets.

Photo: Jacques Boissinot/Associated Press