Traveling with pets can be an enriching and memorable experience, but it can also be a challenge. Finding a pet-friendly hotel that suits your needs and budget is not always easy even when you plan ahead, much less when you attempt to do so at the last minute. Unless you plan on sharing your vehicle as a motel room with your dog, finding a dog friendly hotel comes at a premium. We have traveled all across the continental United states and have encountered many situations that we did not anticipate. Many of these could have been avoided with advance research and planning. Fortunately, many hotel chains for dogs offer pet-friendly accommodations, making it easier than ever to travel with your furry friend.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the best pet-friendly hotels, sorted by star rating, to help you find the perfect place to stay with your pet. From budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, there’s something for every type of traveler.
5-Star Hotel Chains for Dogs
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort for both you and your pet, consider these top-rated pet-friendly hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton: With locations across the United States and around the world, The Ritz-Carlton offers luxury amenities and exceptional service for both you and your furry companion. Size and fee requirements will vary.
- Four Seasons: Offers a variety of pet-friendly services, including pet-sitting and grooming services, as well as customized meals and bedding. Allows pets under 60 lbs in most cases.
- Mandarin Oriental: Allows small pets with a non-refundable fee.
4-Star Hotel Chains for Dogs
For a more affordable option without compromising on comfort and quality, check out these 4-star pet-friendly hotels:
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Allows pets under 75 pounds with a non-refundable fee. Fees will vary by hotel.
- Kimpton Hotels: Offers a range of pet-friendly amenities, including loaner beds, water bowls, and treats. They also welcome pets of all sizes and breeds, making it a great option for travelers with larger dogs. As of 2023, no additional charge or deposit required.
- Loews Hotels: Offers a “Loews Loves Pets” program that includes amenities like pet beds, bowls, and treats, as well as pet walking and sitting services. As of 2023, they can accommodate two pets per room.
- Marriott Hotels: Allows pets of any size with a non-refundable fee.
- Westin Hotels & Resorts: Allows pets under 40 pounds with a non-refundable fee.
3-Star Hotel Chains for Dogs
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry! You can still find comfortable and welcoming pet-friendly accommodations at these 3-star hotels:
- Comfort Inn: Guests with large dogs must get approval prior to arrival. Pet policies vary by hotel.
- Best Western: Allows pets of any size with a non-refundable fee.
- Holiday Inn Express: Allows pets under 80 pounds with a non-refundable fee.
- La Quinta: Allows pets to stay for free, making it a budget-friendly option for pet owners.
*Note that policies regarding pet-friendliness may vary by location and are subject to change. It’s always best to check with the hotel directly before making a reservation.
Affordable Motel and Hotel Chains for Dogs: Stay with Your Furry Friend for Free
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option where pets can stay for free, check out these pet-friendly places to stay:
- Motel 6: This is a popular option for pet owners, as they allow pets to stay for free at all of their locations. Allows pets for free, with no size or breed restrictions.
- Red Roof Inn: Offers a “Pets Stay Free” program, allowing pets to stay at no additional cost. They also have designated areas for walking and playing with pets.
- Super 8: Allows pets for free, with no size or breed restrictions.
- Travelodge: Allows pets for free, with no size or breed restrictions.
- Knights Inn: Allows pets for free, with no size or breed restrictions.
As with hotels and motels, it’s always best to check with the establishment directly before making a reservation to verify the pet policy.
Important Considerations Before Taking Your Furry Companion to a Hotel Chain for Dogs
Before booking a pet-friendly hotel, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Check the hotel’s pet policy, including size and breed restrictions, fees, and any designated pet-friendly rooms or areas. It is highly recommended that you call and speak with the hotel front desk and get confirmation of hotel’s policy along with the name of the person you spoke with. We have booked hotels online in the past and even if you indicate that you will be bringing a pet, or need a pet friendly room, this information is often not relayed to the hotel correctly. It is always best to call.
- Be sure that you aware of all additional pet related fees a hotel may charge before you travel. Occasionally, hotels will charge a nightly pet fee or a general pet fee, but will also add on an additional one-time cleaning fee that you were not prepared for. Make sure to ask if they charge any additional fees.
- Pack all necessary items your pet will need, such as food, water, bowls, leash, toys, bedding, waste collection bags, and any medication they require.
- Depending on your pet’s age and temperament, you may need to “pet-proof” your hotel room. Just like you might do for a baby, you will need to think about any potential hazards in your hotel room. If your dog may be prone to chewing on furniture or cords, come prepared with an anti-chew spray or some type of deterrent. Also, be aware of things like trash cans, toilets, or other objects that might pose an issue with your pet.
- Research the local area and investigate nearby parks, pet stores, and veterinary clinics in case you need them during your stay.
- Book in advance, as pet-friendly rooms tend to fill up quickly.
- Notify the hotel that you’ll be traveling with a pet so they can make arrangements, such as placing you in a designated pet-friendly room.
- Obtain necessary travel documents, such as a health certificate or vaccination records for your pet, if required by the hotel or airline. Make sure your pet is up to date on its flea and heartworm medication as well as you don’t know who whether previous visitors’ pets were fully vaccinated and treated for fleas, ticks, etc.
- Read recent reviews before booking, specifically reviews from those traveling with pets.
Summary
It should also be noted, that if at all possible, see if the hotel can put you in a pet friendly room that is on the first floor with quick access to an exterior exit. This way if you have an older pet that has to use the restroom often, you will not be having to go up and down stairwells or make multiple trips in an elevator. Trust us, we know this from experience. Finally, be aware of your surroundings. When you take your dog outdoors, there could be unexpected critters you will run into such as the skunk incident we had that could have ended up very poorly and led to us getting evicted early.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry friend. Now that you know where to stay, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories together on your next adventure.
In conclusion, traveling with pets does not have to be a daunting task. With more and more pet-friendly hotels and motels available, it is easier than ever to bring your furry friend along for the ride. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to plan, pack accordingly, and check with the hotel or motel directly to verify their pet policy. Happy travels!
