Hotel Pennsylvania

When it comes to location and dog-friendly amenities, New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania is the place to be for Westminster exhibitors. It’s no wonder that in the days leading up to the show, the spacious lobby is filled with a dull roar of conversation, punctuated by a chorus of woofs and yips.

The level below the lobby has gone completely to the dogs. There guests have a place to wash their dogs, an indoor potty area and treadmills for show dogs to exercise. Rounding out the mix is a dog massage therapist and animal communicator. At the Hotel Penn, everything a pampered dog needs is just an elevator ride away – or a call away to Doggy Concierge, Jerry Grymek (a Toronto native).

Jerry has been helping out four- and two-legged Westminster guests alike for six years, but the relationship between the hotel and Westminster stretches back much longer than that. The first WKC show was held in 1877 and Hotel Penn dates back to 1919. Westminster even recognizes Hotel Penn as its host hotel. “It’s just a perfect fit and we’ve been hosting Westminster as far back as we can remember, given the proximity,” Jerry says.

He also keeps tabs on the “puparazzi,” because Hotel Penn is the place to stay to spot some dog-world celebrities. The day before the show I shared an elevator with ‘Uno’ – last year’s big winner. I was so star-struck that I missed my floor. Only in New York, and only at Hotel Pennsylvania!

For a complete list of the 2009 group winners click here.
For Westminster fun facts and figures, click here.