As every pet owner knows, traveling with your four legged companions can be a dog-eat-dog world.

You’re either relegated to the budget priced, smoking room only motels or the pricey residence-style inns that charge upwards of $200 per pet non refundable deposit no matter how long you stay. And that’s of course over and above their nosebleed nightly fee.

So, it’s been my mission to ferret out pet-friendly places in Florida that I can escape to with my mini-zoo for a leisurely night or two. Some have been just okay, but my recent visit to the Hibiscus House in West Palm Beach was extraordinary.

I have never in my 15 years of schlepping dogs on vacation experienced such hospitality. When Marty, my 75 pound black Labrador, jumped in the pool—a real no-no at most hotels—the other guests and Colin, one of the owners, laughed and encouraged him to swim again. Some places accept pets, others welcome them. Clearly, the Hibiscus House falls into the latter category.

The Hibiscus House was built in 1922 and it’s located in the Old Northwood area of West Palm Beach. This area, a National Register Historic District, is enjoying a renaissance of sorts thanks to the efforts of concerned homeowners.

According to neighbors, it used to be a crack house until Colin Rayner and Raleigh Hill purchased the property and lovingly restored the mansion to its original splendor.

“We credit Raleigh and Colin for turning the area around,” one neighbor explained. “Homes are now going for millions.”

Upon arrival, Colin graciously showed us to our room, a spacious suite with cool Terrazzo floors and a very elegant and comfy four-poster bed. We had a small sitting cum reading room off to one side that Buddy Blue adopted almost immediately. To top it all off, I had a semi private garden that was completely fenced in and safe for Marty to explore while I loafed.

Each room has its own exquisite décor, filled with antiques and beautifully designed.

The afternoon was spent reading and sunning by the pool. In the evening, I drove the few blocks to Clematis street to me friends at the Big City Tavern, and ate outdoors with our pooches.

The next morning, the aroma of fresh baking roused me out of a most wonderful slumber. Reluctantly—but expectantly—I crawled out of bed, showered and went to the pool area where breakfast was served.

Colin had set the tables with crystal glassware, real china and silverware as classical music filled the air.

Breakfast as a two-part affair beginning with juice and fresh fruit, followed by quiche, sausage and a toasted English muffin.