Things to do this Heritage Day
Celebrate Heritage this weekend, from Cape Malay to DJ Kent
atFrits Five-Star Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre in Cape Town
Treat your canine to a magical stay at this one-of-a-kind doggie parlour
Dog lovers from all over can ululate in unison because Cape Town has just gained its very first five-star dog hotel. We’re talking concierge service, spa, daycare, premium rooms and even day tours for your furry friends – all thanks to atFrits Dog Hotel and Daycare Centre.
The lavish, CBD-based hotel was launched in December 2015 by atFrits, an innovative and playful company that ensures dogs get the best treatment across the board. “I’ve been a dog lover all my life, and as soon as I saw this one dog hotel in the States, I knew that I had to do this in Mzansi,” says founder and owner Yanic Klue. It was in 2010 that this dream was planted in her heart. It was also during this time that she started atFrits Clothing Company (named after her dog Frits Smit who is the co-owner of the hotel) where she makes quirky and comfy clothes for tail waggers of all shapes and sizes.
And now, after years of planning, the hotel is finally ready to welcome canines from all over the city to come and indulge in the five-star experience. The establishment boasts three main room offerings; the Platinum Suite, which features premium bedding and linen, and a flat screen television that plays DogTV content; the Deluxe Suite, which features rooms like the ‘Hollywood Room’, ‘Jurassic Bark’ and ‘K9 Nkandla’; and the Doggy Dormitory, which is dorm-style accommodation. One of the best features found in each of the rooms is the built-in webcam so owners can check up on their best friends from a webcam app to ensure that all is well.
But that’s something you won’t have to worry much about because atFrits is serious about service. The hotel has a 24-hour service (a first for SA, by the way), a dog behaviourist on duty and an emergency vet on call to make sure that all guests are happy.
Speaking of happiness, it’s very hard to imagine why any dog that walks into atFrits wouldn’t be filled with joy. Pooches can relax at the spa, get manis and pedis, indulge in eats from the a la carte menu, go on one-on-one walks at the park or beach, go on a drive and much more. And Yanic emphasises that any breed of dog is most welcome; whether frail, injured or large, there is a comfy spot waiting for them at atFrits.
There’s also the day and night care service option for folks who would like to leave their pets at the hotel – as a “babysitting” service – and collect them later. The establishment plays calming classical music to facilitate siesta time between 1pm and 3pm every day. “Dogs have to nap and we do our best to ensure that they go according to their natural cycle,” Yanic says.
Yanic is also passionate about empowering people. Almost every facet of the work atFrits does has a direct socio-economic impact on different communities in the Western Cape. For example, many of the seamstresses that create atFrits garments have started their own businesses, in response to the demand for their skills.
“This hotel really is of a world-class standard,” says Yanic. And if you or your pet need any more convincing, then it may be time to head over there to see for yourself.
Tip: atFrits Hotel and Daycare Centre has discounted packages and membership cards, as well as access to special offers and more. For more information, contact atFrits on +27 (0) 21 422 2175 or email info@frits.co.za
The Bill: The Platinum Suite is priced at R500 per night, the Deluxe Suite costs R350 per night, and the doggy dormitory goes for R250 per night. For a detailed listing of clothes, food and other items on offer atFrits, visit www.atfritsdoghotel.com.
121 Castle Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 422 2175
by Dudu Luthuli
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Never worry about your best friend getting lost when you microchip your pets.
Wanting to read more about canine care trend? Check out our write-up on Doggie Day Care in Cape Town.
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