The Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains with No Fees
If you and Fido are planning a vacation together, finding an accommodating hotel chain that won’t charge extra for pets can save you some dough. As someone who has traveled with pets myself, I’ve scoped out several top options that welcome furry friends free of charge. Let me break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide which suits your situation.
Best Western
The folks at Best Western know that when it comes to vacations, pets are family too. At most Best Western locations in North America, your pooch can stay for free as long as you stick to your room. Don’t expect room service or housekeeping while Fido’s snoring away though! They also have a 30-day cancellation policy if your plans change.
From my experience, Best Western properties tend to be a bit more dated than other chains. You get what you pay for there, ya know? But the rooms are usually spacious and the staff is usually friendly towards dogs. Just be prepared for some barking in the halls since Fido won’t be the only pup pal around. Basically, it’s a solid budget-friendly option if you value quality time with your pup over fancy furnishings.
La Quinta
La Quinta has been one of the most pet-friendly hotel chains for ages. At over 900 locations across the US and Canada, they happily welcome dogs under 35 pounds with no added fees. An occasional bone-shaped doggie treat awaits your pooch at check-in too!
The rooms tend to feel more modern and open than Best Western. From my stays there, I found the beds very comfortable. Basically, you get good value without scrimping on comfort. Pets are also allowed in public areas of the hotel, so your furball can join you for breakfast sans leash. Just be sure to clean up any accidents right away!
On the downside, some locations have limited outdoor space if your pup needs to stretch their legs. The website dog-travel-dot-com also says dog barking complaints have increased at certain La Quinta properties. So it depends what your priorities are – spacious grounds or a calmer environment. Either way, it’s a solid mid-range option for pet parents.
Motel 6
You literally can’t get a cheaper overall rate than Motel 6 if your pet is in tow. At just $10-$15 per night extra after taxes, it’s an absolute steal compared to most competitors. And unlike snooty hotels that judge you for your dog’s size, Motel 6 allows all breeds under 50 pounds.
Now don’t expect luxury – I’ll be real, Motel 6 rooms tend to be on the small and shabby side. Think paper-thin walls, stained carpets, and questionable stains on the curtains that you really don’t wanna know the source of. The overall vibe is more “last resort” than “vacation”, if you feel me.
However, it gets the job done in a pinch without emptying your wallet. And in my experience, Motel 6 staff tend to be super chill about dogs – some properties even provide poop bags at check-in. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times outside your room since barking complaints could be an issue. Overall, it’s a budget win if cleanliness isn’t a top priority for you and your pup.
Choice Hotels
The Choice brand encompasses quality chains like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, EconoLodge, and more. Most allow pets up to 25 lbs for $25-$50 per stay. And unlikeMotel 6, the rooms tend to be nicer overall. From our stays, we found the beds especially cozy and bathrooms well-maintained.
Where Choice hotels really shine is amenities for pets. At many locations, there’s an outdoor area just for dogs to do their business and play. I even saw dogs get gift baskets of treats upon check-in at a Comfort Inn once – it was sweet! Staff also tend to be more knowledgeable about local dog parks and vet services versus other chains.
On the downside, booking may require notice since not every property participates. As someone who’s traveled last-minute with dogs before, this was kind of a pain. You also lose out on the truly unlimited pet policies of chains like Best Western. But if you don’t mind paying a nominal fee and advanced planning, Choice delivers reliability and pup perks.
Additional Factors to Consider
Beyond pet policies and fees, here are a few other things I’d recommend weighing when choosing a hotel chain:
- Noise level – Barking, whining dogs can be stressful. Consider busier chains like Best Western or La Quinta may mean more canine commotion.
- Outdoor space – Does your dog need room to play/potty, or will lounging in the room suffice? Factors like outdoor space vary widely by property.
- Housekeeping entry – Will staff clean your room if Fido’s present? At most chains, answer is no. Make sure to inquire about specific pet policies.
- Locations – Consider options within pet-friendly destinations like pet parks versus isolated spots. MotelsDOTcom ratings are also helpful for amenability to pets.
Remember, chains have variable pet policies by locale. Check hotel websites or call ahead to confirm luggage and weight limits too. Oh, and don’t leave pooch unattended – stuff could get chewed that you’d kinda rather keep intact, if you feel me!
Some Final Tips
No matter which chain you go with, be respectful of other guests. Use leashes at all times outside your room, pick up accidents promptly, and keep doggie play dates quiet after dark. A little kindness towards your fellow humans (and canines) always helps ensure Fido gets welcomed back again next trip too!
If you’re itching for a staycation close to home first to test the travel waters, check if extended stay brands like Homewood Suites allow pets without fees. From my experience, they’re usually chill about fur balls as long as any messes get cleaned pronto. Could be a lower stakes introduction to hotel life with your pup.
Hope this guide helps you and your four-legged friend find the perfect pet-friendly hotel chain for your next getaway! Feel free to reach if you have any other questions – I’m always stoked to chat travel and dogs. Bon voyage and happy howls!
Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains With No Fees
| Hotel Chain | Number of Locations | Maximum Pet Size | Pet Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | 1,100+ | Most dogs below 60 lbs | No pet fees |
| Red Roof Inn | Over 650 | Most dogs below 50 lbs | No pet fees |
| La Quinta | Over 900 | Most dogs below 110 lbs | No pet fees |
| Super 8 | Over 2,500 | Most dogs below 50 lbs | No pet fees |
| Days Inn | Over 1,500 | Most dogs below 50 lbs | No pet fees |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains are pet-friendly with no fees?
A few major hotel chains that are basically pet-friendly with no extra fees are Best Western, Motel 6, and La Quinta. They allow most pets in most locations and don’t charge by the animal. However, some locations may have size or number limits, so it’s wise to check the policy for a specific hotel you’re considering.
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Do pet-friendly hotels charge a deposit?
While they waive per-night pet fees, some pet-friendly chains like Best Western and La Quinta may require a refundable deposit in case of damage from furry guests. This is kind of standard practice. The deposit amount tends to be somewhere between $50-100 depending on the hotel. Nevertheless, the deposit is returned upon checkout if Fido was on his best behavior.
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What restrictions do pet-friendly hotels have?
Most pet-friendly places say pets must be crated when guests aren’t in the room. Some also have weight limits, typically around 25-50 pounds. At the same time, some won’t accept pets like birds, reptiles or potbellied pigs due to cleanliness or noise concerns. However, basic dog and cat pets are usually no problem if they’re well-behaved. Be sure to ask about any possible size or species restrictions for the hotel you’re considering.
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Is it hard to find pet-friendly rooms?
It could be tough to find pet rooms during busy seasons or weekends. Despite hotels that allow pets, demand is high. You may have better luck booking further in advance – perhaps a month ahead rather than a week. On top of that, some chains have limited pet-friendly rooms in each location. One option is calling hotels directly versus online searches that don’t always show current availability. With some planning, pet-friendly accommodations are there – you just have to be proactive.
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What happens if a pet causes damage?
If Fido decides to use a corner of the room as his personal restroom facility – oops! The hotel has a right to charge for professional carpet cleaning or replacement of ruined items. At the same time, they can’t just slap on outrageous fees. Most require estimates and will work to remedy issues reasonably. However, you’re still accountable for deliberate damage, not just average pet wear-and-tear. So it’s wise to bring your pet’s favorite toys or blanket to keep them happy and minimize the chances of issues.
In summary, there are basically several major hotel chains that make traveling with pets easier and more affordable. Some planning is needed to accommodate pets, but restrictions are reasonable and aimed at keeping furry guests happy and rooms pet-friendly for subsequent visitors. With a little precautions, hotel stays don’t need to be limited without pets. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that some allow animals at no added cost – who knew, right?