It looks like Italy on the coast.

"We wanted that Mediterranean feel,” explained Christine Hatfield of the Inn on the Lakes.

Yet, in the heart of Florida off U.S. 27, find well-appointed beds, suites with modern kitchenettes and a pool that feels like Tuscany. It’s something Christine believes will be a surprise.

"We're always trying to get to the next level of where everything is happening, although we're in Sebring,” Christine admitted. 

That’s why she’s hired a designer from New York to redo several suites at the boutique hotel.

Some of the new rooms feature luxury bathrooms, complete with floor-to-ceiling shower glass panels, modern tile on the wall and faux wood floor tile on the floor. These suites don’t just come with a mini-fridge, rather a wine cooler. And chances are there are more pillows on these beds, than the ones at your house.

Also in Sebring, something you may not expect: The family dog.

"I grew up with animals and horses in my life, and I feel they are great companions for people,” Christine shared.

The hotel owner is also an animal lover and the daughter of a Miami hotelier.

“From the very beginning, from jumping in the pool, to meeting guests,” she recalled of growing up in the family business in Coral Gables. Today, she and her husband own the "Inn on the Lakes," a hotel her father created, that has made a name for itself by catering to travelers with pets.

"We designed a feline and canine gourmet room service menu,” she said of room service for your dog.

One call does it all. Room service will arrive and bring dogs bottled water, along with gourmet chopped beef, salmon or chicken.

The meal is served in special pet bowls.

If you're wondering about the cleanliness of the room, Christine said you can relax. The pet cleaning fee of $100 will ensure there’s no signs of your dog after you leave.

"Afterwards, we go in and do a thorough cleaning of everything,” she said.

For the cat lovers? You can't miss the office cat named “CP” in the lobby. The feline menu has delights for traveling kitties.

"We're hoping we can make this a destination resort,” Christine said.

Know Before You Go:
Each room with a pet requires a $100 cleaning fee. Reservations can be found here.

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