When traveling to an adventure-sport mecca like Summit County, many want to bring their pet or need their service animal to accompany them.

So, it’s important to find a place to stay that not only suits you, but your fluffy friend as well.

According to the 2024 Best of Summit voters, for the third year in a row, that place is The Pad in Silverthorne. The hostel and hotel won Best Pet Friendly Lodging in the 2024 Best of Summit Contest.

“We just want to be an open and accepting space for everyone,” said Abbey Arlt, director of marketing for The Pad. “In striving for that as an overarching goal, we recognize pets are more than just animals for a lot of people. It reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.”

While many hotels will set aside a few rooms for folks traveling with animals, The Pad does the opposite. Every private room is pet friendly, except for one in each style for those who have allergies or simply don’t want to be in a pet friendly room.

The turf yard and walking path along the river provide great exercise and socializing opportunities for pets and their owners. Poo bags can also be found on the premises. 

The Pad opened in late 2021 and quickly won Best New Business in 2022, and has won best lodging/hotel two years running as well as other honors in Best Trivia/Game Night, Best Bartender, Best Entertainment Venue and Best Pet Friendly Business.

Not only does The Pad provide a homebase for your Summit County stay, but also has an in-house bar and restaurant and a calendar jam packed with events and activities for patrons and the public. From live music, to drag trivia, there’s never a dull evening at The Pad.

“Fostering a community through travel is really huge for us,” Arlt said. “Being able to be a place where locals can interact with travelers has always been a huge part of our mission. There’s this seemingly undying stigma in Summit County of competition between tourists and locals and we’re trying to kill that.”