When calling the Westin Hilton Head Island regarding a reservation today, I asked if the pet policy had changed. What was once a liberal pet policy (the first time I called inquiring about pets four years ago, they said "we take just about anything, we had a St. Bernard here once") has become the following:

"Dogs up to 30 pounds are allowed. Dogs may not be left unattended in guest rooms and are not permitted in food and beverage areas, pool areas, tennis courts, or golf courses. Guest will be responsible if excessive damage or deep cleaning is required. If damage is discovered after guest departs, the credit card on record will be billed for the cost of the additional services."

I know each hotel has the right to set their own policy, but how can anyone stay in a resort and not leave the dog unattended for any period of time? Carte blanche to charge for excessive damage and cleaning also seems like a ticking time bomb for potential guests with canines. I've stayed at the hotel at least a dozen times and on at least half of the occassions I felt it necessary to report existing damage to the room, but, frankly, I'm sure no one documented it for my protection.

For me, it's a shame. The hotel is on an extremely pet friendly beach and I typically visited the hotel 4-5 times per year - always trying to be a model of responsible pet ownership while there. I'll probably drop my visits to 1 or none per year with the change in policy.

My final complaint is that I have an existing reservation coming up and no one bothered to contact me about the change in policy. What would have happened when I arrived? I don't kennel my dog - so the only options would have been for the hotel to allow me to stay (although apparently not leave the room) or turn around and drive the four hours back home.