I’m on the East Coast this weekend for the wedding of one of my favorite people on Earth and before I head up to Portland, Maine tomorrow for the wedding festivities, I’m staying for a night in Boston. I’ve been hearing for a while about the Independent Collection hotel group and since I tend to favor smaller boutique properties over the big chains, I was more than excited to arrange a stay at The Boxer in Boston’s West End neighborhood.

After a long flight from LAX to BOS (and a crazy interaction with a nutty woman — more on that later in the week), Lady Fly&Dine and I arrived at the Boxer and checked in. We walked into our well-appointed modern suite to find what may be in the top five welcome amenities I’ve ever seen.

Sitting on the desk was a framed picture of my beloved pup, Cleo Bagels, printed from Instagram and signed by all of the staff. There was even a little note addressed to her and a jar of treats. I think they may have gotten wind that I was bringing the pooch — which, sadly, I did not — but just having a photo of her in my room made me feel completely at home.

Traveling for a living (or at least part of a living) can be rough. You have to leave the trappings of home behind and make yourself comfortable in a new bed all the time. You have to leave behind the people and things that you love. I’m not complaining in any way. I love being a food and travel writer and the opportunity to visit so many cities, countries, and gorgeous properties makes it all worth it. That said, it can be lonely sometimes. While I’m thrilled to be traveling with the love of my life right now, it’s painful to leave my dog at home because she, too, is the smaller, furrier love of my life. The fact that the Boxer was able to make me feel like Cleo was here with me in spirit is a testament to their hospitality and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Sometimes it’s the little things that really make a hotel stay special. The Boxer came through in a big way with a small gesture and that proves how much they really care about their guests. I wish all hotels, big and small, made such a worthy effort to make their guests feel at home.