Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD is an elegant bed and breakfast, which has gone the extra mile to make it feel much more homely for its guests.
Braemar on Parliament Street is one of only a small number of accommodation locations around the city that allows guests to bring their pets to stay as well. Owner, John Sweetman said that this helps to break the ice with guests.
“We had pets and thought that a great way to make it feel more like home was to let guests bring their companion animals to stay too. This kept their little families together and saved them money, which in our eyes is a win-win situation.”
Sweetman bought the property in 1994 and spent the next five years transforming it from five individual flats into a bed and breakfast that can cater up to ten guests. The building itself has stood for over 100 years, and was named after the first owner, Mr John Russell Gray, who was a Scottish settler.
The inclusion of family pets is part of what makes Braemar on Parliament Street unique, something that Sweetman said has the potential to change the guest experience.
“A lovely example of this was a couple with a five-year-old child who arrived here looking tired after a long flight. The little girl was stamping her foot and saying “I don’t like this place. I’m not going in here.” The parents looked even more frazzled with this tantrum so I opened the door. My little toy poodle ran up to the child and jumping up, tried to lick the kid's face. The kid squealed with glee and ran laughing into the house. The relief on the parent’s faces was priceless.”
Sweetman added that Pets, especially little ones, can create an external focus and everyone can’t help but relax.
“Only about five percent of our guests want to bring their pets with them so we have only ever had one at a time. Our two dogs enjoy the novelty of having another dog to play here,” said Sweetman.
He noted that there are some downsides, such as the occasional accident on the carpet or chewing of furniture, but overall it is another point of difference which separates Braemar from other hotels. Sweetman suggested that pets are just as popular for couples as bringing children to stay, and that it is something more hotel owners should consider.
“I’m sure in the future, more will enjoy having their four-legged family with them when they come to stay.”
