Rome’s airport opens luxury dog hotel with pampering services

Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport has opened one of Europe’s first on-site dog hotels, a development in a broader push to streamline pet travel. The Dog Relais facility, operated by Aeroporti di Roma, retrieves dogs directly from the terminal so travelers can head to their gates, following a similar initiative in Frankfurt. Officials describe the project as part of a broader strategy to provide an immersive experience for passengers and their pets.

The hotel offers basic rooms at about $47 per night, with features such as temperature-controlled floors and private gardens. For dogs that prefer quiet, kennels at the edge keep them separate from the common pens. At night, rooms play ambient music tuned to 432 hertz to aid relaxation. Optional extras include grooming, bathing, teeth cleaning, aromatherapy with lavender or peppermint, and arnica cream for sore muscles. A premium room costs about $70 and includes a screen for round-the-clock videocalls; owners can also dispense treats via a connected app. The facility also functions as a daytime care venue for dog owners who need to be away from home or work.

A dog named Zoe runs out from one of the rooms during a tour, illustrating the activity inside the hotel.

This is not only a service for travelers but also for local dog owners. Alessandra Morelli, who works in human resources for Aeroporti di Roma, regularly leaves her 2-year-old Labrador Retriever Nina there. “Since I’ve been able to bring Nina to this dog hotel, my life, and the balance between my personal and professional life have changed because it allows me to enjoy my working day and my personal travels in total peace and tranquility,” Morelli said.

Dario Chiassarini, a 32-year-old car salesman, started bringing his Rottweiler Athena to Dog Relais for training and said the facility’s cleanliness, organization and accessibility are strengths. “We will rely on them without hesitation and without doubt — both because we got to know the people who work here, which for us is essential, and because of the love they have for animals and the peace of mind of knowing who we are entrusting Athena to,” Chiassarini said. “It is certainly a service that, if we should need it, we will make use of.”

Zaytsev, a Doberman, hosted walks in the private garden of its room at the Dog Relais, illustrating the range of services available. The hotel has proven popular so far. All 40 rooms were occupied in August, when Italians take their summer vacations and millions pass through Fiumicino. Occupancy has averaged almost two-thirds since the doors opened in May, according to Aeroporti di Roma.

That same month, Italy’s commercial aviation authority changed rules to allow large dogs to fly inside plane cabins for domestic flights, provided they remain in secured crates. The first such flight is scheduled to depart on Sept. 23, according to Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini acknowledged that while many travelers welcome having their dogs aboard, others may feel differently. At a pet conference on Sept. 16, he said: “We always have to use judgment, but … for me it’s a source of pride, as well as a step forward from the point of view of civilization.”

The Dog Relais project reflects a broader trend toward integrating pet-friendly features into travel hubs in Europe, with operators highlighting convenience for travelers and peace of mind for owners. As domestic rules evolve to accommodate larger animals, airports may increasingly seek to offer complementary services that extend beyond traditional security and logistics roles.