When you’re going on a vacation, the thought of leaving your pet at home can be heart-breaking. After all, is it really a holiday if Fido or Fluffy isn’t along for the ride? We’ve got good news for you: Plenty of pet-friendly accommodations have room for you and your four-legged family members.
Are you already thinking, “But I don’t want to stay in a home or apartment rental”? Don’t worry — you don’t have to give up your dream of living the pampered hotel life. Hotels are increasingly hopping on the pet-friendly bandwagon.
That said, it’s important to do your research and book a pet-friendly hotel chain that meets your (and your pet’s) needs. Read on for a roundup of pet-friendly hotels worth checking out.
Marriott
Marriot-Bonvoy covers a huge range of hotel brands, many of them pet-friendly. Note that every hotel has its own fees and policies regarding the number of pets allowed, pet weight limits and which hotel areas the animal can enter. Marriot recommends checking the hotel’s website or calling for details.
Here are some general highlights:
- Westin. Westin hotels welcome small and midsize dogs and provide a dog bed and amenities free of charge. Note that this doesn’t apply to some Westin hotels in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Aloft. Aloft hotels have the “Arf, Animals Are Fun” pet program. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome, and they receive complimentary treats and toys!
- Element. Element hotels welcome dogs up to 40 pounds. The chain’s “Love That Dog” program includes a pet bed, food and water bowls and cleanup supplies.
Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton hotels invite “furry, feathery or scaly family members” and offer loads of flexibility. The chain even states that pets are allowed regardless of breed, weight or size. Best of all, it won’t cost you a thing — no pet fees!
Some properties even have a Director of Pet Relations to help you settle in for the night. Another perk: There’s no limit on how many pets you can bring.
Red Roof
Red Roof allows you to bring one cat or dog per room, provided they’re well-behaved. If you have an additional pet, it’s up to management whether they can stay.
The brand recommends calling the hotel before check-in to confirm policies. Pets can’t weigh more than 80 pounds at Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ properties, and they can’t weigh more than 40 pounds at The Red Collection properties.
Hilton
Hilton has more than 5,000 pet-friendly locations across Canada and the U.S. Pet allowances and fees vary between properties, so call the hotel before booking.
Pet-friendly brands include Canopy, Hampton, Tru and Homewood Suites. Visits may include perks like dog treats depending on the location. Some hotels also have guides for pet owners, such as where to find dog parks or walking trails.
Best Western
Best Western boasts more than 2,100 pet-friendly properties globally. Depending on the property, you’ll find perks like dedicated places for dog walking and pet-friendly restaurants.
Guests are allowed two dogs under 80 pounds per room. Other types of pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis with prior approval. Any room with a pet incurs an added fee of $30 per day, plus a refundable deposit of $150 per stay.
La Quinta
La Quinta allows domestic pets (cats and dogs) only. You can have a maximum of two pets per room. Some properties have weight limits and charge a pet fee.
The brand also notes that some properties have additional pet restrictions or don’t allow pets at all, so call the hotel directly to check its policies before booking.
Comfort Hotels
Although not all Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotel properties are pet-friendly, many options across the U.S. allow up to two pets.
The hotel charges a nightly fee per animal, which varies according to the property. Some properties also have weight and breed restrictions. As a general rule, all hotel common areas are off-limits to pets, and they can’t use the bed. Fido will have to behave and sleep on the floor.
Motel 6
Motel 6 typically has a “Pets Stay Free” policy, but some outlets require a daily fee (for example, Studio 6 locations charge $10 per day per pet).
Animals must be well-behaved to stay, and management can restrict pets if they pose a health or safety issue. The hotel chain also specifies that guests can’t leave pets alone in the room or a car.
Four Seasons
If you and your pet want a taste of luxury, the Four Seasons delivers. The luxury brand is pet-friendly and offers dog bowls, water and treats for canine guests. Note that the hotel chain charges a cleaning fee per stay, which varies according to the property. With advanced notice, you can even book dog-walking services for an extra charge.
Loews Hotels
Loews offers a welcoming atmosphere for four-legged family members. The chain can provide pet beds, scratching posts, litter boxes, toys and more upon request. Loews also provides recommendations for local pet-friendly locations, from parks to cafes. It even has room service menus for cats and dogs.
Hyatt
Hyatt lets you bring your pet for a price. The hotel chain charges a $75 nonrefundable dog fee for stays of one to six nights and an extra $100 cleaning fee for stays of seven to 30 nights.
You can’t have more than two pets per room, and they must weigh less than 50 pounds each and be well-behaved. Together, both dogs can’t weigh more than 75 pounds.
Considerations when choosing a pet-friendly hotel
Just because a hotel is advertised as “pet friendly” doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for you and your furry family. A pet-inclusive policy isn’t a free-for-all — there are usually stipulations and limitations.
Consider the following when picking cat and dog-friendly hotel chains:
- Type of pet. Most pet-friendly hotels limit the types of animals allowed on the premises. Sure, your pooch may be fine, but expect pushback if you’re trying to bring an emotional-support llama into the building. Confirm what type of furry friend is permitted.
- Size of your pet. In addition to limiting the types of pets allowed, some hotels also have size and weight restrictions on their animal guests. For example, a bigger doggy may not be welcome in guest rooms because of worries about maintaining the property. Many pet-friendly properties offer specifications in terms of size and weight.
- Number of pets. Hotels have limits on how many people can stay in a room. Why wouldn’t they cap how many animals can stay in the room, too? You’ll find that pet owners are usually limited when it comes to the size of their menagerie. Even hotels that welcome pets want to prioritize calm and preserve order, which can be tricky when you have a lot of furry friends!
- Your pet’s behavior. Whether it’s a two-day road trip or a two-week adventure abroad, it’s understandable that you want your pet by your side. However, it’s important to be realistic about your four-legged best friend’s ability to travel well. Is your dog reactive? Does your cat get so stressed in foreign environments that they skip the litter box? Can you trust your pet not to snarl, bite, bark, yowl or otherwise engage in behavior that might disturb other guests (or, worse, result in property damage or someone getting hurt)? If the answer is “no,” you’re probably best off finding a good pet sitter at home. Hotels reserve the right to kick you and your pet out in case of disturbances.
- Hotel amenities. Yes, this is a thing! Once you’ve covered the basics above, check out what perks pet-friendly locations offer. For example, some hotels might provide in-room dog beds and water bowls or a room service menu just for animals. Pet concierge teams can even cater to your pampered pet with dog treats and more.
Pet-friendly hotel FAQ
Finding a pet-friendly hotel is just half the battle. You’re probably wondering about some of the logistics of staying in a hotel with your pet, like whether you can leave them in the room while you go out and see the sights.
These frequently asked questions cover some of the most common queries on the topic.
The whole point of traveling is to see the sights. Having your pet in tow can make that difficult, so you may want to leave them in the room. But be aware: Some hotels don’t allow pets to be left alone in the room to prevent property damage, so ask first. The good news: Some hotels provide pet sitting and dog walking services (usually for an additional fee).
Check the hotel’s pet policies online before booking. If the policies aren’t clear or you are unsure about a detail — like if your pet meets the size and weight requirements — call or email in advance to confirm. You don’t want to risk booking a room you can’t keep because your pet isn’t welcome.
Many hotels specify a size and weight limit when it comes to pets permitted on the property, so check the pet policy fine print. If you don’t see any size or weight requirements, don’t assume all dogs are welcome. It’s always best to ask the property by phone or email and get confirmation that you and your pet are welcome.
Enjoy your next stay at a pet-friendly hotel
Pet travel is getting easier than ever as more hotels are becoming pet-friendly. However, it’s important to do your research before booking. Every hotel’s pet policies are different.
The good news is that it’s easy to find your next pet-friendly hotel with our “pets allowed” filter. Once you’ve booked the perfect place with Skyscanner, there’s only one thing left to do: Pack your and your pet’s bags!
