As the only hotel in Beaver Creek to welcome pets, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is about to get a lot more dog-friendly. The hotel's namesake, "Bachelor," is the third resident yellow Labrador Retriever at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch on Beaver Creek Mountain.

To celebrate Bachelor's first summer at the resort, The Ritz-Carlton is waiving its usual $125 per dog-stay-fee through Labor Day weekend. Bachelor is the mascot of the resort's signature Loan-a-Lab hiking program so if you don't bring your own, Bachelor, rescued in October 2008 by The Ritz-Carlton, is available daily for guests to take on a hike through this program.

In addition to the dog bed and bowls available in-room, the resort makes traveling with man's best friend a real treat by delivering fresh-baked dog biscuits straight from the pastry kitchen to the guest's room. Guests need only mention the "Dog Days of Summer" at the front desk or when making their reservations to waive the fee and receive the special amenity.

The Loan-a-Lab program is a complimentary service to hotel guests and appointments can be made in advance through the hotel's Concierge desk.  Bachelor is available for private walks daily and can be reserved for 30-  or 60-minute hikes on his favorite trail, "Bachelor's Loop." Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

You may also meet Bachelor in the lobby daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. When not on loan, Bachelor can be found wandering around the resort grounds or, most likely, lounging in the Great Room by the fireplace on his overstuffed Ritz-Carlton dog bed, known as The Bachelor Pad.

Guests receive a Loan-a-Lab starter pack including a fanny pack with a bottle of water, a card with the Bachelor Basics, a trail map, a couple of all-natural health treats, and a waste disposal bag with each reservation.  Guests also receive an envelope in which they may make a confidential voluntary donation to the Eagle Valley Humane Society through Bachelor's Lockbox located by the Concierge desk in the main lobby. 

Call 970-343-1065  to confirm your walk with Bachelor.