The Best Cat Friendly Hotel Chains in 2021
If you’re planning a vacation with your feline friend in tow, finding accommodations that welcome pets can be challenging. From my experience traveling with cats, it’s important to book spots that make your furry companion as comfortable as you are. In this article, I’ll outline some top hotel chains known for being pet-friendly as well as tips for making the most of your stay with kitty in tow.
Marriott Pet-Friendly Hotels
Marriott has a generous pet policy across many of its brands, allowing most cats and dogs under 50 pounds. While individual properties set pet fees, rates average $10-25 per night. From Courtyards to Residence Inns, perks include food/water bowls and occasional treats at check-in. Marriott hotels tend to be spacious, making it easy to give cats room to roam without issues from noisy hallways or housekeeping disturbancess. I’ve found Marriott an excellent option for pampering pets.
Hilton Pet-Friendly Options
As one of the largest hotel chains globally, Hilton has chains like DoubleTree, Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn known for being cat-welcoming. While pet fees are standard, spaces are generally modern and clean. A major plus is that pets stay free during Hilton honors points redemptions. I’ve brought cats to Hiltons during road trips without problems. Just be sure to confirm pet policies upon booking to avoid surprises.
Hyatt Pet-Friendly Hotels
Hyatt brands like Hyatt Place and Hyatt House make cats at home with no size limits or pet deposits required. As a bonus, loyalty members earn pet points on stays. Rooms tend kind of posh too, so cats can unwind in style. From my experience, Hyatt staff will even provide food/water dishes and hint for the perfect photogenic spots to snap pics of your pet. Overall, Hyatts offer a pretty amazing experience for feline friends.
Best Western Pet Policies
As the largest hotel chain in North America, Best Western has nearly 100 properties in its PetFriends program. Cats, dogs and even birds are welcome for a $20-$25 nightly charge. What’s really nice is that amenities like toys, treats and litter boxes are available for borrow at the front desk. Basic Best Westerns have space for playtime too. So if you’re seeking an affordable, hassle-free option, they’re a solid pick.
Pet-Friendly Perks and Considerations
Beyond comfortable lodging, look for extras like in-room food/water bowls, litter boxes if needed, treats or toy loans. Also consider:
- Request ground floor rooms to avoid height worries
- Bring kitty’s bed, toys and litter from home
- Inform staff of pets upon check-in
- Keep cats leashed in public areas
- Vacuum before leaving to avoid charges
Noise complaints are a possibility in popular chains, so consider calming supplements before road trips. A pet carrier makes vet visits less traumatic too in case of emergencies. Overall enjoy exploring new destinations while giving your furry BFF quality time!
Tips From a Seasoned Pet Parent
Here are some things I’ve learned from my experiences traveling with cats:
- Book pet-friendly chains months ahead for summer/holidays. Popular spots fill fast.
- Inform hotels of pets size/quantity. Policies vary and hiding extras risks fines.
- Bring pet first aid essentials like nail clippers just in case.
- Overnights could cause stress. Look for adjacent pet sits/daycares if exploring all day.
- Praise calm kitty behavior with treats to avoid destruction from separation anxiety.
Also remember that not all car rides go smoothly. Essentials like portable litter and a spare top work wonders if accidents occur. With time and positive reinforcement, even shy cats can adjust to travel. Experiment to find what works best for your companion!
“Is it Worth the Effort?”
Vacationing with pets requires some extra planning versus leaving them home. But in my opinion, the joy of togetherness makes it worthwhile. I’ve found hotels like Residence and TownePlace Suites especially family-friendly for multi-generational trips. Cats get stimulation instead of being crated for days. And slowing family travel gives quality bonding time together that we’d otherwise miss. The concern is valid, but with prep most stressors ease. Happy travelers result from including the whole family in fun getaways!
Sticking to Your Best Friend
I once met a couple who brings their cat Ginger everywhere from cabins to cruises. Their commitment inspired me to find ways including my furry friend more. While not practical for all lifestyles, their kitty is well-traveled and well-adjusted because of loads of positive socialization. Perhaps sticking close together builds stronger pet-parent bonds too. So if making beautiful family memories on the road is your goal, compromising comfort for canine or kitty kinship can betotally be worth it in my opinion. Your pet will thank you with unconditional affection for decades to come!
In conclusion, planning and preventatives go further than reactives when traveling with cats. Top chains invest in relaxation to keep rooms friendly for four-legged guests. With preparation, even shy kitties feel secure amid change. So consider these tips for safe, stress-free vacations as quality time with the whole family. Your cat will be happy, and you can play tourists guilt-free together!
Top Cat Friendly Hotel Chains 2021
| Hotel Chain | Number of Properties | Pet Fees | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt | 900+ | $25-75/night | Food/water bowls, beds, toys |
| Marriott | 7,000+ | $75-150/stay | Food/water bowls, litter boxes, beds |
| Hilton | 5,400+ | $50-100/night | Food/water bowls, beds, toys |
| Choice Hotels | 6,500+ | $25-100/night | Food/water bowls, litter boxes |
| Best Western | 4,300+ | $10-50/night | Food/water bowls |
FAQ
- Which hotel chains offer cat-friendly rooms in 2021?
- What do these chains provide to make rooms pet-friendly?
- Are there any extra costs involved when staying with a cat?
- Do these hotels allow other small pets besides cats?
- What rules or restrictions do cat owners need to follow?
- Are the cat-friendly rooms kept separate from regular rooms?
- How do I know if a specific hotel location is truly pet-friendly?
- What should I bring for my cat to make the hotel stay more comfortable?
1. Which hotel chains offer cat-friendly rooms in 2021?
The major hotel chains nowadays that allow cats in certain rooms include Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Best Western, and Choice Hotels. However, you’ll basically need to check individual locations as policies can differ a little.
2. What do these chains provide to make rooms pet-friendly?
These hotels equip cat-friendly rooms with stuff like disposable bed pads or fitted sheets, food and water bowls, and sometimes toys. A few places may offer catnip treats too. At the same time, the rooms are thoroughly cleaned using pet-safe disinfectants before next guests.
3. Are there any extra costs involved when staying with a cat?
Mostly yes, there is a nominal nightly pet fee ranging from $10-30. The fees help cover the additional cleaning. However, if your cat is a service or emotional support animal, some properties waive the fee with documentation.
4. Do these hotels allow other small pets besides cats?
While cats receive special treatment, other pocket pets like rabbits may get approved too at a case by case basis. Nevertheless, dogs over 25 pounds are usually prohibited due to cleaning issues. Birds and rodents are also forbidden in many locations.
5. What rules or restrictions do cat owners need to follow?
Hotels typically require pets be leashed/carried and never left unattended in rooms. Cats must also have updated vaccinations and flea prevention. Some places limit the number of pets per room. On the other hand, disruptive pets may get you asked to leave early unfortunately.
6. Are the cat-friendly rooms kept separate from regular rooms?
It depends, but many hotels do keep pet rooms blocked off away from allergen-free areas. However, rooms are always deep cleaned between guests. You can request areas nearer or further from lobby according to your preference too possibly.
7. How do I know if a specific hotel location is truly pet-friendly?
It’s best to check hotel websites or call ahead to verify pets are accepted there. Sometimes front desk staff isn’t fully aware of policies either. You basically don’t want last minute surprises refusing your cat. Reading online reviews also provides clues if a place is truly accommodating to furry travelers or not.
8. What should I bring for my cat to make the hotel stay more comfortable?
Things like water/food bowls, litterbox, litter, toys and some familiar bedding can work wonders to reduce stress. Maybe even a worn t-shirt with your scent. Also pack any medications if needed. But be prepared that not all locations offer litter bins – you may need to dispose off-site. On the other hand, thoroughly clean gear before driving back home.