Top Hotel Chains That Allow Dogs at No Extra Charge
As a frequent traveler with a fur baby in tow, finding accommodations that accept dogs for free is always a top priority for me. From my experience, having to pay steep pet fees on top of already expensive hotel rates can really put a dent in your travel budget. Fortunately, there are several major hotel chains that allow canine companions at no additional cost. In this article, I’ll outline some of the top dog-friendly brands and key details about their pet policies.
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels, which includes brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, EconoLodge and more, is generally very pet-friendly. Most of their locations allow up to two dogs under 50 lbs each for free. From my stays at various Choice properties over the years, I’ve found their hotels to be clean, affordable options that go above and beyond to welcome furry guests. They provide things like dog beds, bowls, waste bags and treats at check-in which is a nice touch.
One thing to note – individual hotels within the Choice portfolio have some discretion over pet policies, so be sure to confirm before booking. Also, there is usually a non-refundable cleaning fee of $25-$50 if bringing a dog. But overall, Choice is a solid budget-friendly chain for travelers with canine companions.
La Quinta
La Quinta is another large chain with an excellent reputation for being dog-friendly. All of their locations allow up to two dogs under 30 lbs each to stay for free. Like Choice Hotels, La Quinta properties provide amenities for furry guests and are generally very pet-welcoming. From my experience, the brand hits a nice balance of affordability while still offering updated, comfortable rooms.
One potential drawback is individual hotels can charge a pet fee if dogs display behaviors deemed disruptive by staff. But having stayed at La Quinta with my well-behaved mutt numerous times, this was never an issue. Their consistent pet policies across locations make La Quinta a top pick for traveling with dogs on a budget.
Motel 6
As one of the most affordable motel chains nationwide, Motel 6 has also stood out to me as remarkably pet-friendly. All of their U.S. locations allow up to two pets weighing under 50 lbs each free of charge. And Motel 6 properties tend to be very welcoming and accommodating when it comes to canine guests.
From my experience bringing my dog to various Motel 6s over the years, we always received friendly service and any pet issues were addressed promptly. Their budget rates allow you to bring your best furry friend along for less. Just be aware individual hotels have final say on pets and clean-up fees may apply.
Red Roof Inn
Another excellent budget-friendly option is Red Roof Inn, which allows one pet weighing under 50 lbs to stay free at any U.S. location. Red Roof consistently delivers clean, updated rooms at affordable rates. From traveling with my mini Aussie, I’ve always found Red Roof staff to be very pet-friendly and accommodating of canine guests.
My only complaint has been some locations have stricter rules around acceptable walking areas that dogs must be confined to. So it’s worth double checking details with the specific hotel before booking. But overall, Red Roof Inn provides a reliable pet-friendly stay without additional charges.
Best Western
As one of the largest hotel chains worldwide, Best Western properties vary greatly in amenities and policies. However, the majority of their nearly 5,000 locations in over 100 countries allow up to two pets under 50 lbs each for free or a nominal nightly fee.
From staying at various Best Westerns over the years, I can say pet policies tend to be very lenient. Most provide food/water bowls, have dog beds available, and are overall welcoming to furry guests. But it’s important to verify pet policy details with your specific hotel as some may charge nightly or cleaning fees.
For global travelers, Best Western’s widespread locations make them a reliable choice. And their consistency in allowing dogs with few restrictions earns them a spot on this list of chains friendly to both humans and hounds alike.
Other Options to Consider
While not quite as large and widespread, a few other chains offer notably pet-friendly policies including:
- Microtel Inn & Suites – Allows 1 pet 50 lbs or less for free at participating hotels
- Motel 6 – Also allows up to 2 pets 50 lbs or less with no hidden fees
- Rodeway Inn – Pets under 50 lbs stay free, with $10-25 cleaning fee possible
Additionally, brands like Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Homewood suites by Hilton, and Hyatt Place hotels often waive pet fees but require a nominal nightly charge of $25 or under. Be sure to verify specific property policies before reserving rooms with pets in tow.
Tips for Traveling with Dogs at Hotels
No matter which hotel chain you choose, there are some best practices I recommend when bringing furry friends along:
- Always call ahead to double check pet policies and fees for your dates of stay.
- Request a pet-friendly room near an exit in case an emergency bathroom break is needed.
- Bring all required supplies like food, water, waste bags, medications, toys and proof of vaccines.
- Minimize noise and disruptions from your dog that could impact other guests.
- Thoroughly clean any mess and check for stray fur before checkout to avoid fees.
By choosing chains with generous pet policies and following basic etiquette, you can feel good knowing both you and your four-legged family member are well accommodated during travels. With options outlined here, bringing your fur baby along needn’t break the bank either.
Whether you’re hitting the road for work or pleasure, many major hotels nationwide basically welcome dogs for free. So don’t leave your canine companion behind – having them by your side will make any trip way more amazing. I hope these recommendations help you and your furry friend enjoy quality bonding time on all your future adventures.
Top Hotel Chains That Allow Dogs at No Additional Fee
| Hotel Chain | No. of Hotels | Weight Limit | Pet Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | 550+ | Under 50 lbs | No additional fee |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites | Over 900 | Under 75 lbs | No additional fee |
| Red Roof Inn | Over 650 | Under 50 lbs | No additional fee |
| Best Western | Over 4,200 | Varies by location | No additional fee |
| Homewood Suites | Over 800 | Under 75 lbs | No additional fee |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains allow dogs for free?
Several major hotel chains basically let you bring your doggy without charging extra fees. Places like Best Western, La Quinta, and Motel 6 more often than not let Fido tag along at no cost. Of course, policies can differ by location, so it’s always smart to check first. At least these options give dog owners a chance to travel together without breaking the bank.
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Do all hotels allow any size dog?
Not exactly. While some hotels let you bring canine companions for free, they may have size limits or breed restrictions. Often smaller pups under 30 pounds can stay for nothing, but bigger dogs may incur daily pet fees. Certain breeds also get barred due to insurance rules. Pekingese? Probably fine. Pit bull? Maybe not. It pays to inquire about weight and breed rules before reserving a room with Rover.
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Are there cleaning fees if bringing a dog?
Most hotels will charge a non-refundable cleaning or “pet deposit” fee if you bring a pup, regardless of if regular pet fees apply or not. This helps cover any extra cleaning or potential damage to the room. Fortunately, these deposits tend to be reasonable, around $25-50. As a responsible owner, do your part by bringing a portable kennel or bed for Fido and cleaning up any accidents right away to avoid exceeding the deposit amount. Teamwork makes the dream work!
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Do dogs have to stay in the room the whole time?
Hotel policies differ on this, but in general, most places will allow you to take your pooch out for walks, runs to the car, or potty breaks during your stay. However, you’ll need to keep dogs leashed or crated any time they’re not in the actual rented room. Going forward, it’s a good idea to ask up front about outdoor access rules to avoid any surprises. The main thing is keeping your fluffy friend safe and others disturbance-free.
Is it rude to bring a dog if others may be allergic?
This is sort of a toss up. On one hand, allergic guests obviously wouldn’t appreciate sniffles and sneezes courtesy of someone’s fur baby. Nevertheless, many hotels are pet-friendly these days with rooms specially cleaned for allergies in between. Maybe leave a doggie bag of treats at the front as a sorry gift just in case, or request an isolated area away from other rooms? Basically, communication and compromise are key here.
What if my dog barks or disturbs other guests?
If an unruly pup causes problems, a request to keep it down or fix the issue is reasonable. Still, sometimes even well-trained dogs get antsy being cooped inside all day. Thankfully, most staff will try working things out before charging extra or asking you to leave. Perhaps bringing toys to entertain and tire out your furry buddy could help, or asking neighbors nicely if a quick play session out back would suffice. In the end, flexibility and consideration go a long way.
Should I bring my dog’s vaccination records when traveling?
As a wise veterinarian once said, “an ounce of paperwork is worth a pound of proof.” Having documentation that shows your pup is current on all required shots and treatments offers strong, uh, documentation if questions ever arise. Different states and countries can vary in pet travel rules too. So in short, while records probably won’t get checked in most cases, it can’t hurt to toss them in with Fido’s leash, toys and poop bags just in case. Being prepared saves hassle down the road.