Pets Aren’t an Afterthought: A Pharaoh Approved Stay at The Andrus Hotel
Some travel companions are ready for every adventure. Others prefer a sunny window and the opportunity to supervise from a comfortable distance.
We welcome both.
At The Andrus Hotel, we understand that bringing your dog or cat can make a trip feel more complete. They are part of your everyday life, your favorite routines, and sometimes the reason you take that extra walk or discover somewhere unexpected.
Our designated pet-friendly suites give you a comfortable place to enjoy that time together, with thoughtful touches for your companion and a welcome inspired by one unforgettable member of the hotel’s history.
We call it Pharaoh Approved.
A thoughtful welcome leaves room for four paws.
A Welcome With a Story Behind It
Long before “pet-friendly hotel” became a familiar search phrase, The Andrus Hotel had Pharaoh. A 190-pound Great Dane remembered as the hotel’s original, unofficial bellman, Pharaoh had his own green leather chair in the lobby and a rather personal approach to hospitality.
He escorted guests to and from the train station. According to local stories, he occasionally carried luggage back to the hotel after guests had departed, apparently unconvinced that their visit should be over.
One favorite story involves a woman who arrived in her finest clothes and unknowingly sat in Pharaoh’s chair. Pharaoh resolved the situation by climbing directly into her lap and making himself comfortable.
The chair, after all, was still his.
Today, his portrait hangs in the lobby, and a mural celebrating him can be found inside the elevator. His personality remains part of the hotel’s story, and our Pharaoh Approved suites carry that welcome forward. We suspect he would have strong opinions about the welcome bags. And possibly their contents.
Room to Settle In Together
Traveling with pets comes with its own rhythm. There are morning walks before coffee, familiar feeding times, and the careful inspection of every new room.
Many accommodations at The Andrus Hotel feel more like apartments than traditional hotel rooms. That extra space makes it easier to unpack, establish a routine, and enjoy being somewhere new together. Dogs can settle into their own beds after an outing. Cats can find a favorite sunny spot and begin their important work of observing the neighborhood.
Our Patagonia Suite, for example, is a Pharaoh Approved one-bedroom corner suite with a fully equipped kitchen and generous living space. It offers a comfortable setting for guests who appreciate room to spread out, including those arriving with four-legged company.
Some pets enjoy adventure.
Others prefer luxury.
Both are perfectly respectable vacation plans.
The best travel companion might be the one who reminds you to slow down and take a walk.
A Little Something Just for Them
When we know your pet will be joining you, we prepare a special pet welcome bag for their arrival. Our human guests receive welcome amenities, and we think our four-legged guests deserve a little attention of their own.
It is a small gesture, but one that reflects how we approach a stay at The Andrus Hotel: knowing who is arriving and helping everyone feel welcome.
Let us know about your companion when reserving so we can prepare for the whole traveling party.
Why We Have Designated Pet-Friendly Suites
Only select suites at The Andrus Hotel are pet-friendly. This allows us to welcome dogs and cats while preserving other accommodations for guests with different preferences or sensitivities.
Our pet-friendly suites receive enhanced cleaning after checkout, and careful housekeeping is part of every stay throughout the hotel. The result is a thoughtful approach that considers everyone checking in. Because pet-friendly availability is limited, please reserve a Pharaoh Approved suite when making your travel plans.
If animal allergies are a concern, contact us before booking to discuss your needs; a pet-free designation does not guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Morning Walks and Montana Exploring
One pleasure of traveling with a dog is having a very persuasive reason to get outside. From The Andrus Hotel’s downtown location, a short sidewalk stroll can become part of your morning routine or an easy way to unwind after the drive. Start with a walk around the hotel’s block on South Idaho Street and let your companion get acquainted with the surroundings.
For a nearby green-space stop, Depot Park on South Montana Street, beside the Beaverhead County Museum, is an option for a leashed outing under the city’s published park rules. Bring waste bags and follow signs on arrival. Dogs are prohibited at Jaycee Park, Vigilante Park, Children’s Park, and Ray Lynch Park, so check before choosing another city park. www.dillonmt.org
A Short Outing to Clark’s Lookout
For a change of scenery, Clark’s Lookout State Park sits about one mile north of town off Highway 91. A short walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Beaverhead Valley, with a little Lewis and Clark history along the way. Pets are permitted, making it an option for guests who want a manageable outing with their dog.
The park normally opens April 1 through November 30 and closes for winter. Check current access before visiting and choose your outing based on the weather and your dog’s comfort with the terrain. fwp.mt.gov
Exploring Bannack Together
If your plans include a little more Montana history, Bannack State Park offers an opportunity to explore a preserved ghost town with your leashed dog. Enjoy the outdoor setting and ask park staff about current restrictions before entering historic buildings or joining activities. Montana State Parks generally requires leashes no longer than eight feet unless otherwise posted. fwp.mt.gov
Of course, your companion may decide that a short walk followed by a long nap is plenty of sightseeing.
We respect that itinerary, too.
Some pets come for the adventure. Others come for the sunny windows. We respect both itineraries.
Coffee Stops and Outdoor Tables
A walk followed by coffee makes a very reasonable start to the day.
Sweetwater Coffee is listed by BringFido as welcoming dogs at its outdoor tables. For a casual stop, Dairy Queen also has listed outdoor seating where dogs can accompany their owners. Confirm current pet policies and seating availability before heading over, especially when the weather turns cooler. www.bringfido.com
Bring a portable water bowl and choose a spot where your dog can settle comfortably beside you. If you are traveling alone, check ordering arrangements in advance so you can keep your companion with you.
For pets who prefer quieter surroundings, takeout may be the more enjoyable option. The best plans leave room for everyone’s personality.
A Few Things to Know Before You Arrive
The Andrus Hotel welcomes up to two well-behaved pets in designated pet-friendly accommodations. A non-refundable pet fee applies; contact us for the current amount.
Please reserve a pet-friendly suite in advance, keep pets leashed and off furniture, and clean up after them. Pets left unattended must be properly kenneled. Guests are responsible for pet-related damage or excessive housekeeping costs.
Our complete pet policy has the details to help you plan.
Packing for a Comfortable Stay
A few familiar things can help your companion settle in:
Their usual food, treats, and bowls.
A favorite pet bed or blanket for resting on the floor.
A secure leash, collar or harness, and current identification.
Waste bags and a portable water bowl.
A suitable kennel for time spent unattended.
Necessary medications and veterinary contact information.
A towel for paws that find a little Montana mud.
Leave some breathing room in the schedule, too. Familiar routines, relaxed walks, and time together can be the most enjoyable parts of traveling with your pet.
Making yourself at home is easier when your favorite companion comes along.
Make Yourself at Home, Both of You
Whether you are arriving with a dog who never met a stranger or a cat who considers every trip a private retreat, we look forward to welcoming you. At The Andrus Hotel, pets have a place in our history and in the stays we help create today.
Explore our accommodations, review our pet policy, and contact us to arrange your Pharaoh Approved suite.
We will prepare for your arrival.
Your companion can handle the room inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying With Pets
Is The Andrus Hotel pet-friendly?
Yes. The Andrus Hotel welcomes dogs and cats in designated pet-friendly suites, known as Pharaoh Approved accommodations. Arrange your pet-friendly suite when booking.
What does Pharaoh Approved mean?
Pharaoh Approved identifies our pet-friendly suites and honors Pharaoh, the 190-pound Great Dane remembered as the hotel’s original, unofficial bellman.
Do pets receive welcome amenities?
Yes. When we know a pet is joining your stay, we prepare a special pet welcome bag. Let us know about your companion when making your reservation.
Are all suites pet-friendly?
No. Select suites welcome pets, allowing us to offer accommodation choices for guests with different needs and preferences. Contact us to find an available option for your stay.
Can cats stay at The Andrus Hotel?
Yes. Cats are welcome in our designated pet-friendly suites. Include your cat in your reservation arrangements and review the pet policy before arrival.
How many pets can stay, and is there a fee?
Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome in designated accommodations. A non-refundable pet fee applies. Contact the hotel for current pricing.
Can I leave my pet alone in the suite?
Pets left unattended must be properly kenneled under the hotel’s policy. Arrange appropriate care if your companion has difficulty settling while you are away.
Where can I walk my dog near the hotel?
Downtown sidewalks and Depot Park offer nearby options for leashed outings. Clark’s Lookout State Park is another option during its open season. Follow posted rules and check current access before visiting. www.dillonmt.org
Where can I review the full pet policy?
Visit The Andrus Hotel’s pet policy page or call 406-925-5024 before booking.
At The Andrus Hotel, the experience is less about rushing through a destination and more about settling into it. Located in historic downtown Dillon, the hotel blends historic character, thoughtfully designed suites, rooftop views over the Beaverhead Valley, and close proximity to some of the most scenic landscapes in the American West.
Whether the day leads to mountain drives, fly fishing rivers, nearby hot springs, or quiet mornings downtown, The Andrus Hotel offers a boutique stay shaped by history, atmosphere, and a slower pace that invites travelers to stay awhile.
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