Everyone knows the holidays can be stressful, and one Portland, Oregon hotel decided to do something about it. No, they aren't providing special massages or bottles of booze. Instead, they've brought in the help of some furry friends. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland just announced they would have therapy llamas available to guests in the lobby throughout the celebratory season.
The hotel teamed up with local Mountain Therapy Llamas & Alpacas, who will bring their llamas to the property at least twice this December, allowing guests to feed, pet, and take pictures with the furry animals amid the festive holiday décor.
"Holiday travel can be stressful, but it is our job in the hospitality business not only to make a guest's stay comfortable and seamless but also give them a memorable experience," said Travis Williams, General Manager at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland. "So we thought, what a better way to spread some holiday cheer–in true Portland fashion–than with our neighborhood llama and alpaca farm."
The llamas will stand amid the hotel's festive décor and dressed for the holidays with a hot cocoa station for waiting guests. Their handlers will be close by to make sure everyone's having fun and getting llama kisses, where the llamas take carrot sticks from guests' mouths (or hands). As certified therapy animals, they regularly pay visits to events, hospitals, and schools and are very friendly and used to crowds of people.
"You should see the joy on guests' faces, regardless of age, when they see the llamas," said Williams. "It's an instant de-stressor and a reminder of how festive and fun the season can be. And the donation we make on behalf of the Fa-La-La-La-Llama bookings will help the farm's non-profit bring that joy to the city year-round."
Guests who aren't visiting those dates can still get in on the furry fun with the hotel's Fa-La-La-La-Llama package. For an extra $10 on top of the best flexible rate, you get a stuffed toy llama, a donation to the llama and alpaca farm on the guest's behalf, and a plate of holiday milk and cookies.
