The Top Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains for Your Furry Companions
Traveling with pets can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation plans. The rise of pet-friendly hotels has provided options for keeping furry family members close when exploring new destinations. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top hotel chains known for accommodating guests with pets.
Choice Hotels International
- Choice Hotels International – With brands like Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, EconoLodge, and more, Choice Hotels has over 6,500 pet-friendly locations worldwide. Their popular PetFriends program allows up to two pets under 80 pounds each for a non-refundable -0 fee. They also have hotels near major airports and highways for convenient pet travel. From my experience booking with Choice Hotels, I’ve found their online reservation system makes it easy to filter for pet policies.
- Best Western – As one of the largest hotel chains globally, Best Western offers pet-friendly rooms at over 4,000 hotels. Pets are welcomed for a non-refundable $20-$40 charge. One nice perk is that many Best Westerns provide amenities like food/water bowls and disposable bags. I’ve stayed at locations with dog parks too, which was awesome for exercising my pooch.
- La Quinta Inns & Suites – With nearly 900 pet-friendly hotels, La Quinta welcomes dogs under 75 pounds for a $25-$75 non-refundable fee. Their pet packages include beds, bowls, and treats. La Quinta staff are also known for genuinely caring about guest’s furry companions. When travel sickness struck my pup on a road trip, the front desk helped calm him with belly rubs.
At the same time, be aware policies can vary between brands and individual properties. Always confirm pet rules during booking to avoid surprises. Most top chains list specific locations allowing pets on their websites.
Budget-Friendly Pet Stays
While higher-end hotels often charge nightly pet fees upwards of $50, some budget chains embrace furry travelers more affordably. For example, both Motel 6 and Econo Lodge allow well-behaved dogs under 50 pounds at most U.S. locations for under $10 nightly. Despite modest rooms, both chains offered clean accommodations meeting basic needs when traveling on a budget with pups in tow. Be aware pet policies may be more loosely enforced at economy properties though.
Super 8 by Wyndham too generally welcomes pets for $10-25 nightly at U.S. sites. Their hotels commonly provided treats as a friendly gesture toward canine guests which put me at ease. However, do note some Super 8s in more densely populated areas have waived their pet policies, so confirm upon booking as policies may differ.
Luxury Pet Amenities
While pricier, upscale hotels understand affluent pet parents who want quality stays with their furry companions. Brands like Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott operate pet-friendly properties worldwide granting indulgent amenities for pampered pooches. For instance, the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton welcome pets and provide gourmet food, beds, and clean-up kits. From my experience at high-end chains, service often exceeded what many budget motels offered furry guests.
At the same time, be prepared for nightly fees potentially exceeding $100 or more at luxury brands. However, if spare no expense for travelling with treasured pets, high-end hotels ensure fur babies enjoy Forbes five-star comfort and service too. Just be sure to book well in advance during busy seasons, as elite properties have stricter policies and limited pet rooms.
Other Pet-Welcoming Hotel Options
While large chains dominate, consider smaller boutique hotels too when searching for pet-friendly lodging. Hotels like the Kimpton, Everleigh, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott treat all guests like family – including those with tails and paws! They are known for spoiled pets getting swag bags full of toys and snacks.
Moreover, check websites like dogfriendly.com and bringfido.com listing thousands of establishments allowing canine companions openly. Resorts, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation rentals also commonly welcome well-behaved pets for a nominal charge. Just be sure to research individual properties thoroughly regarding pet policies, fees, and any weight/breed restrictions.
Travelling Safely with Pets
Regardless of where you lay your head with furry friends, exercise caution. When travel sickness strikes like it did for my pooch on a long drive once, be prepared with clean-up supplies, paper towels, plastic bags, and pet-safe anti-nausea medications from your vet. Crating pets securely in vehicles also prevents accidents and protects their safety during transport. I usually crate trained my pups before trips so they felt secure riding along.
At hotels, don’t leave pets unattended for extended periods where housekeeping staff could enter and startle them. Be considerate of neighbors too regarding pet noise. Always clean up after pets in public or designated relief areas using cans readily available. And when exploring destinations, scout out pet boarders, walkers or sitters in case of emergencies demanding your attention without fur babies. Advance planning equals worry-free traveling and hotel stays for you and your pet pals.
Hope this gives you a good overview of top pet-friendly hotel chains to consider for your upcoming getaways with furry friends in tow. With advance research and preparation, traveling with pets need not compromise fun vacation plans or creature comforts. Happy trails to you and your pet companions! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Top Pet Friendly Hotel Chains
| Hotel Chain | Pet Fee | Dog/Cat Friendly | Size Limits | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western | $10-30/night | Dogs & Cats | Up to 2 pets, 50 lbs each | Food/water bowls, waste bags, treats |
| La Quinta | $15-25/night | Dogs only | Up to 2 pets, 75 lbs each | Food/water bowls, treats |
| Red Roof Inn | $10/night | Dogs & Cats | Up to 2 pets, 50 lbs each | Food/water bowls |
| Motel 6 | $10/night | Dogs & Cats | Up to 2 pets, 50 lbs each | Food/water bowls |
| Homewood Suites | $75-125/stay | Dogs only | Up to 2 pets, 50 lbs each | Food/water bowls, treats, bags |
FAQ
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What is the best pet friendly hotel chain?
Basically, the hotel chain that lets pets stay for free and has the most amenities for animals is usually seen as the top choice. Many people say Hyatt is really great because they don’t charge any fees for pets and give out treats at the front desk. Their rooms seem very clean and spacious too from what I’ve heard.
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Do all hotel rooms allow pets?
Not really, no. While some chains allow pets in most rooms, individual hotels within those chains can have different policies. It’s always best to check the hotel website or call ahead to make sure pets are okay at the specific location you’re booking. The last thing you want is an “oops, no pets allowed here” situation when you arrive with Fido in tow!
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Are there size/weight limits for pets?
Apparently most hotel chains have limits around pet size and weight, supposedly for sanitary reasons. Usually something like 20-30 pounds max is common. But who’s really policing that? As long as your Great Dane is well-behaved, maybe no one will question if he’s 35 pounds instead of 30. I’d say call ahead to get the precise limits for wherever you plan on booking.
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What amenities should I look for that are pet-friendly?
Things like having bowls for food and water in the room, plastic-covered mattresses or carpeting, and treats at the front desk are always nice. However, maybe most importantly – ask if there’s a park nearby so your pooch can run around! Being cooped up in a small room all trip wouldn’t be fair to man’s best friend.
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How can I be considerate of other guests with my pet?
Obviously follow all rules like keeping pup on a leash in public areas. Also try to request a higher floor room away from others if your pet tends to bark. Clean up any “accidents” promptly to avoid stinky messes. Basically use common sense – your pet shouldn’t disturb other visitors’ good time! Most folks will understand as long as you try your best to control Fido.
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Is it safer to leave my pet in the room when I go out?
Perhaps, as long as you’re absolutely sure they won’t try to escape when you’re gone! Hotel staff can’t watch your pet for you. On the other hand, if leaving them alone makes you uneasy, maybe look into hiring a petsitter or dog walker through websites like Rover to check on them while you’re at dinner. Trusting they’ll stay put in your absence may depend on how well you know your particular pet’s behavior.
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What happens if my pet causes damage?
Most likely you’d be held financially responsible for repairs, so it’s smart to have pet insurance! Accidents can obviously happen no matter how well-behaved an animal is. Strongly advising guests of liability is one reason some hotels avoid allowing pets altogether. But as long as you and Fido are respectful, damage hopefully won’t occur.
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How can I prepare my pet for a hotel stay?
Getting him used to his kennel or carrier in advance is a good idea. Pack favorite toys/blankets too for comfort. It can also help to drop a worn t-shirt or your scent in with his things so he still smells familiar when alone. Taking short test trips away from home as practice runs lets pup get used to temporary “sleepovers” somewhere different gradualy. The more comfortable he feels, the smoother your travels will go together!