Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond

Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond is a modern apartment-style hotel close to Richmond's tram lines, and it runs a proper published dog policy rather than a vague pet-friendly tag. For travellers who want the reliability of a branded hotel with a lift, gym and real bedding for the dog too, it is the easy inner-city pick.

Dogs at the Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond

Dogs are welcome, with a clear published policy: up to two dogs per room with a maximum combined weight of 20kg, a non-refundable fee of AUD 30 per dog per night, and food and water bowls provided. Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room, and stays are in designated pet-friendly rooms, so note your dog when booking on the Marriott site or call ahead to make sure one is allocated. Cats and other animals are not permitted. The fee and limits can change, so confirm the current terms at booking to avoid surprises at check-in.

Pepsi: A published weight limit, a set fee and bowls in the room is the least stressful check-in of my entire travelling career. Two dogs allowed is generous for a city hotel.

Worth knowing

Guests rate the comfortable beds and modern design, and the apartment format suits longer stays, with a pool table, free bicycles and Chromecast in rooms. The no-unattended-dogs rule matters in a city hotel, so plan your dinners around venues that take the dog or split shifts with your travel partner.

Close by with the dogs

Richmond is well set up for dogs. Barkly Gardens Dog Off Leash Area at Coppin Street has a designated off-lead grassy section under shady trees, and the Citizens Park Recreation Reserve offers a fenced oval area as a secure off-lead zone when sport is not running. Swan Street and Bridge Road hold plenty of footpath cafes, and The National Hotel on Victoria Street pours in a dog-friendly beer garden.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Richmond destination page.