Top Hotel Chains That Welcome Furry Friends
Traveling with pets can be stressful, but the good news is that several major hotel chains are pet-friendly. As someone who frequently travels with my dog, I’ve had both positive and negative experiences finding accommodations. In this article, I’ll outline some of the top chains that accept pets, as well as some things to keep in mind when booking a room.
Marriott
Marriott has a dedicated “Pet-Friendly” section on their website to help travelers find pet-accepting hotels. While individual properties set their own pet policies, many Marriott brands allow dogs under 50 pounds for a modest fee that is usually waived for loyalty program members. From my experience, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites have consistently been the most welcoming to pets. Be sure to book directly through Marriott to get key pet perks like complimentary waste bags and bowls. Another plus is that you can often find last-minute rooms, which is ideal if you have an impromptu trip with Fido.
Hilton
As the second largest hotel brand, Hilton has locations worldwide and is generally pet-friendly. Most Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, and Hampton properties will accept up to two pets under 50 pounds for a non-refundable fee. The fee tends to be higher at Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, and Curio brand hotels. I’ve found cleanup deposits are rarely charged as long as you clean up after your pet. Request a room away from elevators or ice machines so your pet doesn’t disturb other guests. Be sure to review individual hotel pet policies before booking as acceptance varies.
Hyatt
Hyatt hotels have a strong commitment to pets. While individual Andaz, Hyatt Centric, and Hyatt House properties set their own policies, many welcome dogs under 35 pounds for a fee waived for World of Hyatt members. I’ve stayed at Park Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels across the country with no issues. The staff is very well-trained on pet procedures. My furry friend even gets a welcome bag full of treats! Always contact the hotel directly for information on number/size limits or other restrictions that may apply.
Choice Hotels
The Choice Hotels family of brands, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, EconoLodge, and more, are typically pet-friendly. Policies vary by location but most allow up to two pets under 50 pounds for a one-time fee. I’ve found that suburban extended stay properties tend to be the most gracious about pet guests. From my experience, clean-up charges are uncommon if you scoop diligently. As with any chain, double check the specific property’s pet rules on their website before checking in with Scruffy.
Best Western
Nearly all Best Western branded hotels permit domestic pets, with some restrictions on exotic animals and aggressive breeds. Most allow two pets maximum weighing under 50 pounds for a non-refundable fee. I’ve found staff at Best Western Premier and Best Western Plus properties to be quite accommodating to fur babies. Pets are usually limited to first-floor rooms so barking doesn’t disturb upstairs guests. Be sure pets are leashed or crated in public areas like the lobby. Overall, Best Western is quite “dog-friendly” based on my positive stays there.
Extended Stay America
If you need longer-term lodging with your pet, Extended Stay America suits both you and your furry friend well. Their trademark studios welcome most breeds under 30 pounds for a reasonable fee. Cleanup deposits are not standard practice here. There are rarely issues with multiple night stays. My Yorkie and I find the kitchenettes perfect for meal prep without restaurants. Staff are upbeat about pets and don’t blink an eye at your pup’s presence. A great place when traveling means extended time together with your pet pal.
Additional Considerations When Booking Pet-Friendly Hotels
- Verify if hotel allows pets: Not all properties within chains are automatically pet-friendly so check each hotel’s website for their individual policies.
- Plan ahead and book early: Top-rated pet hotels fill up fast, so reserve your room promptly. Many limit number of pet-friendly rooms per night.
- Inquire about pet fees and deposits: Be prepared to pay a non-refundable pet fee, usually $25-$100 per pet, per night. Some tack on a refundable pet deposit as well.
- Request ground-floor room: Avoid having Fido worry barking might disturb guests upstairs. Ground floor makes potty breaks easier too.
- Ask for late checkout if possible: Extra time takes pressure off an early morning getaway that could stress an already anxious pup.
Some Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains To Consider For Future Travels
While the major brands above are usually safe bets, here are some other chains generally amicable towards pets:
- La Quinta Inn & Suites: Many locations welcome dogs under 25 lbs for $15-25 fee per night.
- Motel 6: Certain pet-friendly properties allow one pet under 25 lbs for $10-20 fee.
- Red Roof Inn: Most Red Roof locations permit up to two dogs under 40 lbs for $10 extra per night.
- Super 8: Numerous Super 8 motels take pets under 25 lbs for $10 fee per stay.
- Homewood Suites: Extended-stay brand is fine with dogs under 50 lbs paying daily $75-100 cleaning fee.
Hopefully these tips and chain recommendations help you securely travel with your furry BFFs going forward! But is it worth the extra costs and hassles? No matter the circumstances, unconditional love from a loyal companion seems to outweigh any fees. Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions!
Top Hotel Chains That Allow Pets
| Hotel Chain | Pet Fees | Deposit Required | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt | $25-$100/night | No | Most allow up to 75lbs |
| Hilton | $15-$100/night | Varies by location | Up to 100lbs usually |
| Marriott | $75-$150/stay | Sometimes | Usually 50lbs limit |
| Best Western | $10-$50/night | Rarely | 50lbs usually |
| Wyndham | $25-$100/night | Sometimes | Up to 150lbs at some hotels |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains let you bring pets?
There are several large hotel chains that allow pets in certain rooms. Major ones include Best Western, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. However, some smaller boutique hotels also let furry friends stay. You’ll need to check each hotel’s pet policy though, as rules can vary by location.
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Do I have to pay extra pet fees?
Most hotels will charge an extra fee if you bring pets. Typically this is around $25-$100 per stay. The fee helps cover any potential cleaning or damage costs. At the same time, it’s to be expected since pets require special accomodations. Nevertheless, a few hotels might waive fees for service animals. So check on that too if your pet provides medical assistance.
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What size pets and what breeds are allowed?
Hotel chains usually have size and breed restrictions. Pets are commonly limited to just dogs and cats weighing under 30 pounds. Some places won’t take dogs known to bark loud like huskies. Additionally, “dangerous” breeds like pit bulls may be banned. You want to confirm exactly what types and sizes are cool with each hotel before reserving a room with pets.
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Do I need any documents for my pet?
Yeah basically you’ll need to show a current vaccination certificate for your pet. That proves they have had their routine shots to stay healthy. Plus if your pet provides medical help, you may need documentation for a service animal. Documentation is necessary so everyone knows your pet doesn’t pose a health risk. It’s also a good idea to bring their ID info in case they get lost while visiting the hotel!
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Can my pet stay alone in the room?
Hotel policy might not allow leaving pets unattended in rooms for long periods of time. That’s for safety concerns if your pet gets distressed being by itself. However, pets can be left alone for reasonable times like when dining out. The rule of thumb appears to be don’t leave pets for over 6 hours at a time without bathroom breaks. Kind of a bummer but it protects both pets and hotel property.
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What amenities do hotels provide for pets?
Most pet-friendly chains provide basic pet amenities like food/water bowls and sometimes bedding. A few luxury places go further with neat extras for furry guests. The Ritz Carlton Orlando allegedly offers gourmet treats, toys, and a separate dog menu! Now that’s amazing service. You’ll have to ask each hotel exactly what they provide though to meet Fido’s needs.