The Best Hotel Chains for Traveling with Your Fur Baby
Whether you’re planning a road trip around the country or a weekend getaway nearby, bringing your dog along can make the journey more enjoyable. However, finding accommodations that welcome canine guests can be challenging. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the most pet-friendly hotel chains and provide tips for making the most of your dog-friendly stay.
Top Dog-Friendly Hotel Chains
- Residence Inn by Marriott – Marriott hotels are generally very pet-friendly. Residence Inns often have kitchens in each room, allowing you to prepare meals for your pup. They also offer dog beds, bowls, and treats. Most locations charge a nominal pet fee of $100 or less. From my experience staying at Residence Inns, staff are very accommodating to guest dogs.
- Best Western – Many Best Western hotels allow dogs and have a designated “Pet Stay” program. They provide treats and other amenities like outdoor drinking stations. Pet fees typically range from $20-$50. I’ve found Best Western staff to be welcoming to well-behaved dogs. Just be sure to call individual locations to verify their pet policies.
- La Quinta – La Quinta is another major chain with many pet-friendly properties. It may charge up to $30-$50 per stay. La Quintas tend to have outdoor areas where pups can play. When booking, make sure the specific hotel you want has not opted out of the chain’s standard pet policy.
Other Pet-Welcoming Brands
While not quite as widespread, these hotel chains also accommodate furry friends well:
- Motel 6 – Very budget-friendly option with minimal pet fees around $10-$25. Ask about local rules on barking, cleanup, etc.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Upscale brand like Residence Inn but without kitchens. Offers amenities for pets.
- Super 8 – Budget brand where most locations welcome dogs at modest fees averaging $15-$25. May have usage restrictions.
- Rodeway Inn – Independent properties but reliably pet-friendly. Check for outdoor space suitability.
Consider Independent Hotels Too
Don’t overlook locally-owned hotels and B&Bs either. Sometimes the staff are huge animal lovers. I once stayed at a charming bed and breakfast where the owner brought homemade dog biscuits to welcome our pup! Do an online search for “pet friendly hotels near me” to find independent gems.
Tips for a Great Hotel Stay with Your Dog
Communicate Your Pet’s Info
Provide the hotel with a description, photo, vaccinations info when booking. Update on arrival if anything changes, like a pet sitting issue. This sets expectations and allows staff to best accommodate your pet.
Ask About Rules
Inquire about barking policies, allowed areas, training guidelines, room service protocols, etc. Avoid assumptions that could lead to issues. Know what’s expected of your pet from the get-go.
Bring Supplies
Packed dog bed, toys, bowls, poop bags, any medications are essential. Also bring documents in the off-chance staff need vaccination records. Consider having bedding your dog is used to for extra comfort. Be a Responsible Owner Always supervise and clean up after your pooch. Don’t leave pets unattended in rooms for extended periods. Get to know any house rules backward and forward. Responsible ownership leads to welcomed returns. In summary, many major hotel chains and independent properties are very accommodating of dogs these days. With some research and responsible preparation, you can find an enjoyable stay for you and your four-legged best friend. Safe travels and happy howls! Some of the top hotel chains that are pretty accommodating for dogs include: While many hotels let you bring your furry friend, there are usually some rules. Most require dogs to be leashed, and some have weight limits or breed restrictions. It’s always best to check the hotel’s pet policy in advance. At the same time, some places may have designated “pet-friendly” rooms or floors. Virtually all hotels that allow pets impose a non-refundable “pet fee” per night, usually ranging from $10-100. This helps cover any extra cleaning costs after your dog’s stay. However, some rooms have built-in dog amenities like bowls and treats included. It depends on the specific place. Things like closer parking, dog treats at check-in, poop bag stations, and nearby dog parks are kind of nice extras. Walking paths or trails nearby are great too if it’s raining. Extra costs aside, it’s awesome to find spots that really cater to our furry friends. Most experts advise against leaving dogs alone in hotel rooms for extended periods. They can get stressed out easily in an unfamiliar environment. It’s better to take your pup with you or have a friend stay back if you’ll be gone long. Their safety and comfort should be the top priority. Hotel policies vary, but excessive dog noise that disturb other guests is a no-no. You may face extra charges or even get asked to leave if complaints are made. So it’s good to check if your pup is well-behaved before traveling. Bring toys and training treats to keep them occupied if needed. While most furry friends are well-behaved, there’s always a slight risk of accidents, damage, or noise problems. You may also feel limited in activities like going to restaurants that don’t allow pets inside. Basically, it takes more preparation. Nevertheless, responsible pet owners can still have an enjoyable trip by doing their research. Top Dog-Friendly Hotel Chains
Hotel Chain
Dog Fee
Dog Restrictions
Amenities
Best Western
$15-20/night
Limit 2 dogs, <40 lbs each
Water bowls, treats, dog beds available
Red Roof Inn
$0-25/night
Limit 2 dogs, <50 lbs each
Outdoor areas for exercise
La Quinta
$15-25/night
Limit 2 dogs, <30 lbs each
Doggy menu with toys, bones
Motel 6
$10/night
Limit 2 dogs, any size
Access to dog parks nearby
FAQ
Which hotel chains are the most dog-friendly?
Do all hotels allow dogs or are there restrictions?
Is there an extra fee for bringing a dog?
What amenities should I look for in a dog-friendly hotel?
Is it okay to leave my dog alone in the room?
What if my dog barks or causes noise issues?
Are there any downsides to hotel stays with dogs?