Your Guide to Finding the Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Columbus
As a frequent traveler with dogs in tow, I’ve been in your paws before – trying to find an accommodating hotel when visiting a new city with my canine companions. Columbus, Ohio is a great destination with plenty to see and do, but not all hotels are as welcoming to our furry friends. In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for the most pet-friendly places to stay based on over a decade of experience dragging dogs on the road.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before making any reservations, here are some important questions to ask the hotel:
- What are the pet policies and fees? Most will charge a nominal nightly fee per dog, usually $25-50.
- Is there a size or weight limit? Some hotels only allow small dogs under 30 pounds.
- Do you need to crate your dog when you’re not in the room? Some require crating for housekeeping access.
- Are dogs allowed in all areas? Make sure your pup can dine with you in the lobby!
- What amenities are pet-friendly? Like outdoor areas or a dog park onsite?
Getting the details upfront will help you decide if the hotel is a good fit before making plans. Now let’s look at some top options in Columbus.
Top Dog-Friendly Hotel Picks in Columbus
The Blackwell Inn
This boutique hotel in Victorian Village welcomes dogs of all sizes with open paws. Pups get treated to gourmet dog biscuits upon check-in! The rooms have wooden floors perfect for nail clippings, and there’s a cozy outdoor area for potty breaks and play time. It’s centrally located near parks, shops and restaurants so you won’t feel cooped up. At $75 per night plus $35 pet fee, it’s also very reasonable for the upscale amenities. From my experience, Blackwell Inn offers top-notch service and a home away from home for traveling hounds.
Executive Plaza Hotel
Conveniently located near the convention center and arena, this higher-end corporate hotel is pet-friendly without all the frills. It feels updated and clean without trying too hard. Best of all, dogs dine free with their owners in the onsiterestaurant – a real plus if you’re there a while. The staff are used to accommodating animals, so your pup will be in good paws at this comfortable choice. With rooms starting around $160 nightly including the $50 pet fee, it’s a solid pick for business trips or extended stays with Fido.
The Graduate Hotel
For stylish digs near Ohio State University, check out this ultra-hip hotel in the University District. With aesthetic details like locally-sourced art and mid-century modern furnishings, it has serious cool factor. While pricey at around $250 per night plus $75 pet deposit, your dollars go far in terms of space and amenities. Pups relax by the fire pit in the dog park or play in the yard, after checking out products from local businesses like doggie bakeries in their pet gift bags. From my experience, the Graduate delivers fun downtown vibes while still feeling relaxing for responsible dog owners like ourselves.
Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Polaris
Venture north of downtown to find this appealing chain hotel with a killer location by Polaris Fashion Place mall and indoor waterpark activities. Dogs score bonus points for the outdoor garden areas to potty and play. Clean, comfortable rooms start around $150 nightly including the $50 pet fee – very reasonable compared to downtown prices. I’ve found the staff go above and beyond to help tired tails unwind after busy days exploring. With perks like free breakfast, indoor pool and 24-hour gym, it’s an easy choice for families or longer stays near the burbs.
Other Notable Mentions
If the above top picks don’t quite fit your travel crew, here are some worthy runner-ups to check out in Columbus:
- Holy Grounds Hotel: Flair for flair in the Short North, pets welcome indoors/out.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Northwest: Extended stay comfort near Polaris Mall.
- Columbus Marriott Northwest: Large corporate property with many dog-walking areas.
- TownePlace Suites Columbus Airport: Budget all-suites near the airport terminal.
Dog Parks, Restaurants and Activities
No Columbus visit is complete without soaking up the local dog-friendly scene. Here are some top attractions the whole pack will love:
Dog Parks: Goodale Park near downtown has separate areas for large and small dogs. Elsewhere, Jeffrey Park in Clintonville and Elmwood Park in the Northwest offer agility equipment and trails.
Pubs: For drinks and snacks, check if your pup is allowed at Oddfellows Lounge in the Short North on patio, Clippers in German Village, or Antiques on High in Victorian Village.
Breweries: Lots of local brew spots welcome dogs on patios like Wolf’s Ridge, Seventh Son, or Hoof Hearted in the Brewery District.
Shops: Browse pet boutiques Paws and Claws Co. or Doggie Style then fuel up across the street at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream allowing dogs on patios.
Activities: Burn energy hiking at Highbanks Metro Park or take training classes at Pawsitive Partners. Indoor options include Fido & Me indoor dog park or Bark & Meow doggy daycare.
Tips for Considerate Pet Parents
While most Columbus hotels welcome our four-legged friends, it’s important to be respectful guests. From my experience, these courtesies go a long way:
- Keep pups leashed and pickup waste, disposing properly outside.
- Request ground floor rooms to avoid noise disturbances.
- Request paper towels to wipe paws upon entering rooms.
- Pay attention to cleaning deposits to avoid extra charges.
- Bring bed, crate, toys to make pup feel at home.
Above all, be mindful of other guests who may not appreciate dogs as much! With a bit of planning and courtesy, Columbus makes for a great dog-friendly getaway. Let me know if you have any other questions before hitting the road with your pack.
“Dog Friendly Hotel Options in Columbus, Ohio”
| Hotel Name | Address | Dog Fee | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Columbus Downtown | 401 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 | $50/stay | Outdoor seating, dog beds provided, waste bags |
| Hyatt Place Columbus/Downtown | 65 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 | $25/night | Outdoor patio, bowls and towels provided, waste disposal |
| The Blackwell Inn | 21 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 | $25/night | Large outdoor grassy area, luxury suites, doggie menu |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Dublin | 395 W Bridge St, Dublin, OH 43017 | $50/stay | Complimentary breakfast, outdoor seating, dog beds |
FAQ
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Are there any dog friendly hotels in Columbus Ohio?
Yeah basically there are quite a few hotels that allow dogs. Some of the bigger chains like Best Western, La Quinta, and Holiday Inn Express usually let you bring your pooch. You’ll want to double check their pet policies and fees though.
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Do I have to pay extra fees to bring my dog?
Most hotels will charge some kind of pet fee, usually anywhere from – per night. Sometimes it varies based on the size of your dog. A few properties might waive the fee if your pup is smaller. Anyway you’ll need to pay up if you want to bring rover along.
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Are there any hotels with dog parks or amenities?
A few places have dog parks on site which is awesome if you need to let fido run around. The TownePlace Suites in Hilliard apparently has an indoor dog gym space which sounds amazing! The Hyatt House in Dublin also has an outdoor yard area for pups. So you might want to check for extra pup amenities when booking your stay.
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What size dogs are allowed?
Most hotels have a weight limit, usually around 25-30 pounds. However policies can vary so you’ll want to confirm with the specific property. Smaller dogs are generally more alright though some places allow big ones too. Just don’t try sneaking in a Great Dane unless you know for sure they allow larger breeds.
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Are there any dog friendly hotels downtown?
A few downtown Columbus hotels welcome furry friends. The Morrison, which is in a great location, allows pets under 30 lbs for a fee. The Graduate hotel near the arena district also takes dogs. And the AC Hotel by Marriott downtown doesn’t have breeding restrictions. So you do have some options if you need to be close to downtown events or attractions with your pup.
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What rules do hotels have about dogs?
Most places require canine guests to be leashed, crate trained if left alone, and have updated vaccinations. Noise, barking, and damage are big no-nos too. Some properties ask that you pick up after your pup outdoors for cleanliness. Basically be a responsible pup parent and consult each hotel’s individual policies to make sure Fido follows the rules there.
While traveling with pets takes some extra planning and prep, Columbus has a decent selection of dog-friendly hotels to choose from. Be sure to book ahead of time since availability may be limited. And don’t forget pup’s essentials like food, water, toys, poop bags, and possible clean-up supplies. With a little research you can find just the right home base for your canine adventure in the capitol city. Safe travels and happy howls!