Top Cat Friendly Hotel Chains That Welcome Feline Friends

Top Cat-Friendly Hotel Chains for Your Next Trip

Bringing Fido or Fluffy along on your travels? As a pet owner myself, I understand the desire to include your furry friend in your vacation plans. However, finding accommodations that allow pets can sometimes be challenging. In this article, I’ll review some of the most pet-friendly hotel chains and provide tips to help make your trip as stress-free as possible for you and your cat.

Marriott Pet-Friendly Rooms

Marriott offers pet-friendly rooms at many of their hotels worldwide. From my experience staying at Marriott properties with cats, they are generally very accommodating to fur guests. Most locations require a non-refundable fee of $100 or less per stay. Some things to note:

• Only cats and dogs under 50 lbs are permitted
• Pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier in public areas
• A limited number of rooms are set aside as pet-friendly each night, so advance booking is recommended

One nice perk is that room service and housekeeping are still provided on pet-friendly floors. I’ve found staff are friendly and try to ensure pets have a comfortable stay too. The chain’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, also allows you to earn points on pet fees.

Best Western PetPerks Program

Through their PetPerks program, Best Western properties offer pet-friendly rooms across North America and parts of Europe and Asia. Pet fees average $20-30 per night. Some key things to know:

1. Weight limit is generally under 25 lbs for cats
2. Non-pet rooms are separate from pet rooms to avoid allergens
3. Many properties have outdoor areas where pets can play or go to the bathroom
4. Members earn points on pet fees through the Best Western Rewards program

From my experience staying with cats at Best Western, the hotels tend to be a bit more budget-friendly than Marriott while still providing clean, comfortable rooms. Staff were always friendly and willing to help with any pet concerns too.

Choice Hotels Pet-Friendly Brands

Under the Choice umbrella, both Comfort Inn and Clarion brands participate in their PetStay program, allowing cats and dogs under 50 lbs. Fees are generally less than $100. Here are a few things I’ve noticed:

• Rules around pet hygiene and clean-up apply strictly
• Lobbies and breakfast areas may not allow pets for health code reasons
• Rooms are individually evaluated for damage after pet stays
• Not all locations participate, so confirm pet policy in advance

While Choice properties may not be as plush as Marriott, from my experience both brands were clean and comfortable for an overnight with cats. Staff enforcement of pet rules was also usually strict but fair.

InterContinental Pet Program

As a high-end brand, InterContinental welcomes pets at many of its locations worldwide. Fees are around $150-200 on average. Here are a few things that stood out from when I’ve stayed with cats:

1. Pets must be leashed, crated, or held when outside the guest room
2. Luxury suites and top floors usually have the most pet-friendly rooms
3. Full room service, turndown, and housekeeping are still provided
4. Some resorts provide special amenities like pet gift baskets or treats

While pricier than many economy brands, in my experience, InterContinental hotels truly catered to “fur guests” as valued customers too. Luxurious rooms and high-quality service made it a memorable trip for pet parents.

Pet Pal Program at La Quinta

Offering pet-friendly stays across the U.S. and parts of Canada, La Quinta hotels participate in their Pet Pal program. As a mid-scale chain, fees usually range from $25-50. Here are some tips from when I’ve stayed with cats:

1. Reserve rooms lined along interior hallways to avoid walks outside
2. Request a high floor to reduce noise from above/below
3. Inspect room for any pet odors before accepting it
4. Opt for pet deposits to prevent potential damage charges

While their budget rates attract many travelers, I’ve noticed more uneven cleanliness and service levels between locations. Still, La Quinta provides an affordable pet-friendly option in many markets.

Additional Tips for Traveling with Cats

No matter the hotel brand, taking your cat along requires some preparation. Here are a few basically essential items:

• C carrier and leash – Essential for check-ins, check-outs, and trips to the car.
• Food and water bowls – Bring familiar dishes and portions rather than relying on the hotel.
• Cat litter – For eliminations in the room and a litter box. Ask hotels if emptying dirty litter yourself is allowed.
• Medical records – In case the hotel requests health/vaccine records.
• Toys and treats – Bring favorites to ease any stress from an unfamiliar environment.

Also, see if your vet provides written instructions on a cat’s health for hotels. Some basic training like a “come” command is helpful too, in case kitty sort of escapes when doors open!

And finally, do avoid leaving cats alone in rooms for long periods. They usually feel more secure when people are present. Kind of like a baby monitor, check in during remote work breaks or explore pet-friendly attractions nearby.

Finding the Right Hotel for Cat Travels

With careful planning and understanding each property’s policies, most hotel brands can accommodate cats. Still, individual locations vary in cleanliness, staff friendliness, and the overall experience they provide.

Definitely search hotel sites and third-party platforms for mentions of “pet friendly” to compare rates and book rooms. Reading online reviews specifically from other pet owners helps too. You may discover gems or avoid properties to stay clear of.

Also, for longer trips or busier seasons, book pet rooms early like 6 months ahead! Supply is limited. Finally, a courtesy call one week before verifies your reservation and any special pet amenities available. With thorough prep like this, “vacay” can be truly stress-free for both you and your furry friend!

I hope this overview gives a sense of top chains and helpful strategies for finding ideal hotels during pet travels. Let me know if any other questions come up! With care and kindness towards our four-legged companions, we can all enjoy special bonding time through memorable trips together.

Cat-Friendly Hotel Chains and Their Pet Policies

Chain	Pet Fee	Restrictions	Amenities
Hyatt	$25-75	2 pet limit, weight limit	Food/water bowls, bags, pet beds
Hilton	$25-100	2 pet limit,	Food/water bowls
Marriott	$75-150	No aggressive breeds, weight limit	Pet beds
Best Western	$10-25	2 pet limit	Food/water bowls
InterContinental	$75-150	No aggressive breeds	Food/water bowls, bags

FAQ

1. What hotels let you bring your cat with you on trips?

   There are some hotel chains that are basically cat friendly and let you bring Fluffy along. Some major ones are Choice Hotels, Best Western, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham. At the same time, you’ll need to check individual locations since policies can differ a bit.

2. Do cat friendly hotels charge extra fees?

   Most places will charge a small nightly fee for each feline friend – usually around $25. However, chains like Choice Hotels have a rewards program where you can probably avoid fees if you’re a loyal customer. I guess it depends on the place, but fees are sort of normal to help cover any potential cleaning or damage costs.

3. What amenities do cat friendly hotels provide?

   The top chains offer basics like litter boxes, feeding dishes, and select locations even have play areas. A lot throw in treats too which cats seem to “kind of” appreciate. Extra perks may be things like cat beds, scratching posts, or toys. Perhaps the most amazing amenity is peace of mind knowing Fluffy won’t be banned or have to stay in a noisy kennel!

4. How do I know my cat will be happy at a hotel?

   It’s kind of hard to predict exactly how your cat will react. But establishing a routine and playing with them before settling in can help. Or you might even try a “test run” day trip first. I’d also make sure to give them a comfy sleep space away from any noisy rooms. Maybe ask hotel staff for quieter upper floors? Overall communication is key so your feline friend isn’t left awful or terrified!

5. Are all hotel rooms really cat-proof?

   Most chain hotels claim to be fully cat-proof and secure. But who knows – sneaky kitties have amazingly busted out of carrier cages before! I’d visually inspect for any ways to potentially escape like open high windows. Also check under furniture that could conceivably fit a curious cat. Perhaps stash anything breakable up high “just in case”, you know? Safety always seems better than trusting any chaotic,furry roommate!

6. What if my cat causes damage – will I be charged?

   It’s certainly possible – after all, cats are kind of unpredictable! Reputable chains try to avoid charging loyal pet parents. But some things like clawing furniture could warrant fees unfortunately. My advice would be getting your bundle of fur fluff tired out before settling in each night using interactive toy play. Another genius tactic is trimming sharp nails regularly to maybe avoid incidents. I guess in the end, each hotel handles claims differently so clear communication is best.

   

7. Is it fair that pet fees often don’t include service animals?

   You raise an excellent point. While hotels aim to support guests with disabilities, it does appear a bit unfair that fees are waived for genuine service animals but expected for pet cats or dogs. But then again, legally service animals must be accommodated while pets are an extra choice. Personally, I’m not sure what the right answer is – but hotels could potentially offer pet parent rewards to those with well-trained felines too. In the end, policies should balance needs for all.

8. What are some alternatives if a hotel bans pets?

   If Fluffy can’t tag along, you’ve still got options! Consider a pet sitter to care for them at your home, have a friend or relative house them, or see if the hotel will okay keeping them in an approved kennel (with outdoor breaks). As a last resort, maybe a pet-friendly Airbnb could work instead. Regardless, don’t leave pets in cars unattended – yikes! So get creative, fellow pet parents. Our furry friends deserve the best care while we’re away.