The Top Dog-Friendly Hotel Chains for Your Four-Legged Travel Companion
Whether you’re hitting the road for business or pleasure, taking your canine companion along can make travel more enjoyable. However, finding accommodation that welcomes both you and Fido can be challenging. In this article, I’ll explore some of the most pet-friendly hotel chains and what they offer loyal guests on four legs.
Marriott Pet-Friendly Hotels
From my experience, Marriott is one of the most dog-loving chains. They allow pets in most hotels (restrictions may apply at certain resorts) and charge a nominal nightly fee of $25-50 depending on the location. As a pet owner, I appreciate their flexibility – they even waive the fee for service animals. At check-in, they provide bags, bowls, and a dog bed to ensure a comfortable stay for your pup. Some hotels also offer pet daycare services if you want to treat your dog while exploring the local area.
Here’s a real-life example: When traveling with my Labrador Marley for a work convention, the Marriott staff welcomed us warmly. They offered treats at check-in and knew all about the best nearby parks and dog shops. Marley was so relaxed that he barely stirred from his bed all trip!
- Most locations are pet-friendly
- Reasonable pet fees and waivers for service dogs
- Pet amenities like beds, bowls, and daycare at some hotels
- Staff usually know the dog-friendliest areas nearby
Hyatt Pet-Friendly Hotels
Hyatt is another chain that ranks high for pet policies. The fees tend to be slightly higher than Marriott at around $30-75 per night depending on the specific hotel. However, they provide the same quality pet amenities and have a great rewards program where you earn points on pet fees too. I’ve stayed at Hyatts across the US and Asia, and in every case, they made my lab feel like royalty.
On one trip, my dog Daisy suddenly took ill and the Hyatt staff rushed her to an emergency vet without hesitation. Thanks to their help, she recovered quickly and we could continue our vacation. The caring service definitely left a good impression as a pet parent.
- Welcoming pet policies at majority of hotels worldwide
- Higher nightly fees than competitors but top-notch amenities
- Earn valuable rewards points on pet fees
- Staff often go above and beyond to aid furry guests
Best Western Pet-Friendly Hotels
As a more budget-friendly chain, Best Western stands out for their affordable pet fees of $10-25 per stay. They allow dogs under 50lbs in most locations, which covers the majority of companion breeds. While amenities may not be as plentiful as pricier hotels, dog bowls and beds are usually provided. I’ve found their pet policies very fair and about on par with my expectations at the price point.
In one instance, my friend wasn’t charged any pet fee for his greyhound despite exceeding the weight limit. The friendly staff said “he’s mostly legs anyway – we’ll let it slide this time”. Such flexibility definitely builds loyal customers as a pet parent.
- Inexpensive nightly pet charges between $10-25
- Dogs under 50lbs permitted at majority of locations
- Basic pet amenities like bowls and beds provided
- Occasional leeway given with size limits by accommodating staff
Pet-Friendly Hotels to Consider Based on Location
While the big brands above cater well to pets generally, the best choices may depend on where you’re traveling. Here are some other chains known for dog-welcoming policies in different regions:
Hilton: Extremely pet-friendly in Hawaii and the southeast US with facilities like doggy daycamps.
La Quinta: Allows pets nationwide with no size restrictions and usually has the lowest nightly fees at $15-25.
Choice Hotels: A good budget option in major western US cities like Seattle, Portland and Denver.
InterContinental: Five-star luxury and outstanding spa services for pooches in their European and Asian locations.
Ultimately, researching hotel pet policies in advance and verifying details like fees and breed limits is wise. But hopefully this overview provides a starting point for the most dog-loving accommodation wherever the road may lead.
Tips for Ensuring a Great Hotel Stay with Your Pet
While most chains aim to make visitors and their pets comfortable, keeping a few best practices in mind can help avoid issues:
- Book rooms on lower floors away from elevators if noise sensitive
- Confirm pet fee and weight/breed policies upon booking
- Be considerate of housekeeping and other guests
- Provide crate training if leaving dog alone
- Bring supplies, medication, vet records when traveling
- Request ground floor rooms in case of emergency exit
- Consider pet sitting over long stays for better potty breaks
Following these simple courtesies goes a long way with staff and ensures a relaxing trip. Remember, hotels accommodate pets only by good policy – so responsible owners secure better pet travel opportunities for the future too.
With the growing trend of pet-friendly travel options, taking your dog along no longer means the stress of finding accommodations last minute. By focusing on chains implementing animal welfare, you can turn hotel stays into quality bonding time with your furry family member or friend too.
Whether relaxing on the road or stayingcationing close to home, hopefully these suggestions help select hotels where your tail-wagging travel buddy always feels welcome. After all, they really are our best friends – so we aim to include them wherever life’s journeys may lead.
Most Dog Friendly Hotel Chains
Hotel Chain | Number of Dog Friendly Hotels | Allow Large/Small Dogs | Fees | Amenities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Western | Over 2,000 | Both | $20-30 per night | Water bowls, food/toy bowls Beds/mats, outdoor areas |
La Quinta | Over 900 | Both | $15-25 per night | Water bowls, dog beds Outdoor areas, treats |
Red Roof Inn | Over 600 | Both | $15-25 per night | Water bowls, outdoor areas |
Choice Hotels | Over 450 | Both | $10-20 per night | Water bowls, outdoor areas |
Country Inn & Suites | Over 400 | Both | $15-25 per night | Water bowls, beds/mats Food/toy bowls, treats |
FAQ
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What hotel chains are most dog-friendly?
Hotels like Hilton and Marriott basically allow dogs in certain spots, but Hyatt and Best Western are generally more open to having your furry friend stay.
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Do these hotels charge a fee for dogs?
While it differs at each place, most chains will charge an extra amount for bringing your pup along. The fees are usually around $25-$50 per night depending on the hotel size. At the same time, some pet-friendly properties don’t have any additional charges.
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Are there weight limits for dogs?
Certain hotels set weight restrictions, typically around 20 pounds or less. But many top chains nowadays allow all dog sizes. Apparently bigger pups are becoming quite popular guests! As long as your pooch is well-behaved, size shouldn’t be too much of an issue at the more welcoming places.
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What rules do hotels have for dogs?
Most require dogs be leashed, avoid barking, and not be left unattended in rooms. Cleaning fees often apply if any messes are made. However, accidents can happen! Be sure to check each hotel’s guidelines carefully before booking with your friend. Communication is key to ensuring a hassle-free stay.
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Which hotels are best for traveling with nervous dogs?
Hyatt and Best Western tend to have bigger rooms and feel more like home. Their staff also seem to really understand dogs’ needs, which can help scared pups feel comfortable. Perhaps ask about ground floor rooms too, as elevators sometimes make dogs nervous. The extra space and attention could work wonders for anxious canine companions.
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How can I find the most dog-friendly hotels in a certain area?
Sites like BringFido.com gather reviews on where pups are welcome. You can search by chain, location, or read stories from other pet owners. Some hotel sites let you filter for “pet-friendly”. Also check Facebook feeds – dog devotees love to share insider tips! With a little digging, you’re sure to uncover awesome options wherever your next road trip leads.
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Should I call hotels ahead of time when traveling with a dog?
Always contact the property in advance if bringing a furry friend. That way there are no surprises or complications upon arrival. Double check all their rules and see if your pup requires approval first. Communication makes everyones’ stay more stress-free. So don’t wait – pick up the phone and give them a ring!