Top Hotel Chains That Allow Pets to Stay for Free
Traveling with your furry friend can be challenging when looking for pet-friendly accommodations that don’t charge extra pet fees. From my experience traveling with dogs over the years, I’ve found several major hotel chains that often waive pet fees or have properties that allow well-behaved pets to stay for free. In this article, I’ll reveal the top chains to consider when bringing your pet along on vacation without breaking the budget.
Choice Hotels
The Choice Hotels chain, which includes brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and EconoLodge, has a very pet-friendly policy. While individual properties set their own pet rules, many Choice Hotels allow up to two pets to stay free of charge. I’ve stayed at Comfort Inns with my dog that didn’t charge any extra fees. Be sure to call locations ahead of time to check their pet policy. Choice Hotels also has a designation on their website to search for “pet friendly” properties.
Motel 6
Budget-minded Motel 6 is one of the most consistently pet-friendly chains. All Motel 6 locations allow up to two pets to stay for free. They also provide beds, bowls, and bags at the front desk for your furry companions. From my experience, Motel 6 staff are very accommodating to pet parents. There may be size or breed restrictions at some locations, so it’s still a good idea to call ahead.
La Quinta Inns & Suites
While pet fees vary between $15-75 per stay at La Quinta Inns & Suites, many locations waive fees for loyalty program members. As a Return guest, I’ve found free pet stays by booking through the La Quinta Returns app or showing my member ID at check-in. Be sure to ask about any size or breed restrictions too. The clean and spacious rooms make La Quinta one of the top hotel chains for traveling with larger dog breeds, in my opinion.
Super 8
As one of the major budget hotel chains, Super 8 has very pet-friendly policies. All locations allow up to two pets to stay free of charge. The rooms tend to be smaller but still accommodating for furry traveling companions. I’ve had great experiences bringing my pug to Super 8 hotels over the years without any added pet fees.
Extended Stay America
While Extended Stay America charges a nightly pet fee ranging from $25-75 usually, some locations have waived fees when I asked nicely at check-in. The suites have full kitchens, making it easy to prepare homemade meals for pets. There is also ample room to spread out and the pet policy allows multiple animals. Therefore, Extended Stay America is a top pick for longer trips with bulkier dog crates or multiple pets.
Other Hotel Chains to Consider
While they may charge nominal nightly pet fees generally, here are some other major chains with often lax enforcement of pet policies, so it’s worth a shot to ask for a fee waiver:
- Red Roof Inn: Usually $30-50 fee but may waive for loyalty members. Very friendly pet policy.
- Days Inn: Ranges from $15-50 fee typically but ask about discounts. Welcoming to pets.
- Ramada: -75 fee usually but look for cheap weekend rates that include free pets.
Additionally, consider checking chains like Budget Inn Express, Suburban Extended Stay, and Studio 6 for free-roaming pet policies. Budget chains are happy for all customers so may let well-behaved pets stay gratis.
National Brand Hotels With Variable Pet Policies
Larger chains like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG have specific “pet friendly” brands or even locations within brands that don’t charge pet fees. For example, some Homewood Suites by Hilton allow pets at no additional cost. Similarly, certain Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott properties waive pet deposits. Be sure to call ahead to ask about special offers or promos for traveling with pets.
After all these years of taking Fido on the road, I’ve learned hotel pet policies can kind of be “sort of flexible” depending on the staff. Basically, if a pet seems well-behaved, clean, and not a huge dog – showing some charm and friendliness at check-in never hurts when asking if there’s a pet fee waiver. Most chains want all customers to have a fun, amazing experience with as little hassle or cost as possible!
Tips For Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels
Here are some additional tips I’ve picked up over the years for locating hotels that let pets stay for free or discounted rates:
- Call ahead. Always contact properties directly versus online to ask questions and negotiate.
- Search outside weekend rates. Look for mid-week or off-season stays that may waive fees.
- Check loyalty programs. Enroll to take advantage of member perks like free pets.
- Book reward nights. Use points from credit cards for lux chains instead of paying extra pet charges.
- Get referrals. Ask frequent traveling pet owners which brands or locations never charge them.
With a little extra legwork, you too can find great hotel chains that will welcome your furry friend along for free. Safe travels and happy howls to all my fellow pet parents out there!
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
While many budget chains offer the convenience of free-roaming pets, there could be some potential downsides to ponder:
- Smaller room sizes may not be as spacious for kenneling dogs or multiple pets
- Thinner walls mean barking could disturb other guests
- Limited pet amenities versus higher-end pet-friendly properties
- Varrying cleanliness levels versus consistent name brand standards
- Fewer upscale perks like room service or indoor pools
So for some trips, the extra $25-50 fee per night at a nicer chain may be worthwhile for comfort and less stress when traveling. But budget brands are still a great affordable option!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve got one playful pup or an entire pack coming along, finding accommodations that let fur babies stay for free is hugely helpful for any pet owner’s travel budget. With a little online research and old-fashioned calling around, you should have no problem locating pet-friendly hotels in major chains from coast to coast.
Don’t be afraid to gently negotiate at check-in too if a place looks perfect aside from a fee. Most of the time, hotel staff appreciate furry guests just as much as their human companions! Now get out there and make vacation memories with your best furry friend.
Hotel Chains That Welcome Pets Free of Charge
| Hotel | Pet Policy | Locations | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western | Pets stay free | Over 4,500 locations | Beds, food/water bowls provided |
| La Quinta | Pets under 25 lbs stay free | Over 900 locations | Food/water bowls, treats on request |
| Motel 6 | One pet stays free | Over 1,100 locations | Food/water bowls, treats on request |
| Red Roof Inn | One pet stays free | Over 630 locations | Food/water bowls, pet beds on request |
| Days Inn | One pet stays free | Over 1,650 locations | Food/water bowls, pet beds on request |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains allow pets to stay for free?
Some of the major hotel chains that let furry friends stay for no extra charge are Motel 6, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Red Roof Inn. A lot of their locations are pet-friendly and charge no pet fees.
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Are there any restrictions on pets at pet-friendly hotels?
While pets can tag along at no cost, there are usually some basic guidelines to follow. Most places limit pets to 2 per room and ask that they remain leashed or in a carrier outside the room. Clean-up duties and damage fees still apply if an accident happens. I guess that’s fair enough, right?
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How do I find out which specific locations allow pets for free?
The hotel chain websites have a nifty tool to search by destination and filter to only show pet-friendly properties with no fees. Or you can call ahead to double check the policy at your selected location. I’d hate to get all the way there only to find out Fido has to wait in the car!
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Are there any downsides to choosing a budget pet-friendly hotel?
On the one hand, it saves money on pet fees. However, some cheaper chains may have thinner walls and floors. So barking or whining at night could cause issues. Perhaps consider booking an end room if vocal pets are joining you! The amenities also tend to be basic, without fancy perks for humans or animals.
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How do I know a hotel is truly pet-friendly and not just claiming to be?
Checking reviews on sites like TripAdvisor is super useful. Real folks will spill if the place is actually pet accommodating or if excessive hidden charges get tacked on. You might also consider posing as a “mystery shopper” and straight up ask employees about applicable policies. I mean, why take chances if you can get the full low-down, right?
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Are there any extra steps to take when traveling with pets?
Most definitely. It’s a good idea to pack doggy bags, leashes, bowls, favorite toys – the works! You’ll also want ids and vet records in case they’re needed. On long car trips, be sure to break up the drive with potty breaks. And don’t forget to give thanks to hotel staff for their hospitality towards your fluffy friend. They deserve praise for putting up with barking at 6am, if it comes to that!