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Many hotel brands welcome dogs, but pet fees, size restrictions, and policies vary by property. Before booking, confirm the hotel’s current pet rules and availability of pet-friendly rooms. Bringing familiar items, maintaining your dog’s routine, and preparing them for travel can help make hotel stays more comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.
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Pack the Right Items for Your Dog
A successful hotel stay often depends on preparation before you leave home. Familiarizing your dog with a travel carrier, maintaining their normal feeding routine, and bringing comforting objects can help minimize stress during the trip.
Dr. Sara Ochoa, an East Texas-based veterinarian who has traveled the world with her dog in tow, recommends including the following items in your dog’s travel bag:
- A comforting blanket that smells like home. “This will help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed, as many like familiar smells.”
- Collapsible travel bowls along with your dog’s regular food and water. “A new type of food, different tasting water, or bowls that are not theirs may cause them to not eat or drink,” she says.
- A leash, even for dogs that are often carried. “Training your dog to walk on a leash will help when you’re on the road, especially when you’re trying to carry your luggage!”
- A favorite toy or chew item to reduce stress and provide entertainment during travel.
- Potty bags for easy cleanup.
- An airline-approved pet carrier your dog is already comfortable using. “Make going into their carrier fun and enjoyable,” she says. “Let them spend time sleeping in their carrier, as this will make the trip much easier for you and your pet.”
Dog-Friendly Hotel Brands
While many hotel brands welcome dogs, individual properties may have different requirements regarding leashes, unattended pets, designated relief areas, and where pets are permitted on the property. Always review the hotel’s current pet policy and confirm pet-friendly room availability before booking.
Red Roof
Most Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations welcome up to two well-behaved pets per room, and pets typically stay free. Dogs and cats are generally permitted, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds per pet. Policies vary at HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof and The Red Collection properties, and some locations may have additional restrictions.
Motel 6
Motel 6 welcomes up to two well-behaved pets per room at no additional charge. Most locations offer designated pet-walking areas, and pets should remain leashed or in a carrier when outside the room. Dogs and cats generally cannot be left unattended in guest rooms.
Best Western
Many Best Western properties welcome up to two dogs per room, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds per dog. Some hotels may also allow cats and other small pets with prior approval. Pet fees, deposits, and restrictions vary by location.
Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites
Many Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels allow up to two pets for an additional nightly fee. Weight limits, breed restrictions, and other requirements vary by property. Guests traveling with larger dogs should contact the hotel before arrival, as approval may be required.
La Quinta by Wyndham
Many La Quinta by Wyndham properties welcome dogs and cats, making the brand a popular choice among pet owners. Pet fees, weight limits, and the number of pets allowed vary by property.
Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America welcomes pets and allows up to two pets per suite. Pets generally cannot exceed 36 inches in height or length without manager approval. Pet-cleaning fees vary based on the length of stay, and larger animals or additional pets require approval from the property.
Hilton
Many Hilton brands, including Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton, offer pet-friendly accommodations. Pet fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and the number of pets allowed vary by property, so travelers should confirm details directly with the hotel before booking.
Drury Hotels
Many Drury Hotels properties welcome pets for an additional fee. Restrictions on the number of pets, combined weight limits, and other requirements vary by location. Pet-friendly room availability may also be limited.
Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton is known for its exceptionally pet-friendly approach. Pets of all sizes and species are welcome with no additional fee or deposit. Many locations provide pet-bed loaners, food and water bowls, mats, and other amenities, and some feature a Director of Pet Relations to greet four-legged guests.
Marriott
Many Marriott properties across multiple brands welcome dogs and cats. Pet-friendly amenities may include designated walking areas and pet-focused in-room features. Fees, size limits, breed restrictions, and pet allowances vary by property.
Staypineapple
All Staypineapple properties are dog-friendly and provide amenities such as dog beds, treat tins, water bowls, and waste bags. There are no weight restrictions, although a nightly pet fee applies. Dogs may remain in guest rooms while owners are away if they do not disturb other guests.
Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Other Luxury Hotels
Many luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons and participating Ritz-Carlton properties, welcome dogs and may offer amenities such as pet beds, bowls, treats, dog-friendly menus, or concierge-arranged services. Because policies are set by individual hotels, fees, weight limits, and pet allowances can vary significantly from one property to another.
Confirm Hotel Policies Before You Book
Pet policies can vary significantly even among hotels operating under the same brand. Weight limits, pet fees, breed restrictions, relief-area access, and rules regarding unattended pets often differ from one property to the next.
Before making travel plans, contact the hotel directly to verify its current pet policy and confirm that pet-friendly rooms are available.
Key Takeaways
- Many major hotel chains offer pet-friendly accommodations, but rules and fees vary by property.
- Bringing familiar items such as blankets, toys, and your dog’s regular food can help reduce travel stress.
- Carrier training before a trip can make hotel stays and transportation easier.
- Luxury hotels may offer special amenities such as dog beds, treats, walking services, and pet menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which hotel chains are the most dog-friendly?
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Many travelers consider Kimpton, Staypineapple, Red Roof, Motel 6, Marriott, and Four Seasons among the most dog-friendly hotel brands because they offer pet accommodations, amenities, or flexible pet policies.
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Do all locations within a hotel chain have the same pet policies?
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No. Individual hotels often set their own pet fees, weight limits, room availability, and restrictions. Always verify details directly with the property before your stay.
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What should I pack for my dog when staying in a hotel?
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Bring your dog’s regular food, water, travel bowls, leash, favorite toy, blanket, potty bags, and a carrier if needed. Familiar items can help make a new environment feel more comfortable.
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Can dogs be left alone in hotel rooms?
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Some hotels allow unattended pets under certain conditions, while others do not. Policies vary widely, so check with the hotel before your trip.