Top Motel Chains That Welcome Furry Friends
If you’re traveling with your dog, finding lodging can be challenging since many hotels don’t allow pets. However, there are several national motel chains that are very pet-friendly. In this article, I’ll outline some of the top options and provide tips on what to look for when booking a room with Rover.
Motel 6
Motel 6 has long had a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly chains. From my experience traveling with dogs over the years, Motel 6 has consistently allowed pets in most locations with only a modest pet fee. Some key things to know about Motel 6 policies:
- The pet fee is usually $10-15 per night and is non-refundable.
- There is a 2 pet maximum per room.
- Dogs must be leashed when outside the room.
- Barking dogs are not allowed to disturb other guests.
Motel 6 rooms tend to be basic but adequately sized for a human and small dog. Request a ground floor room to make bathroom breaks easier. The pet fees are reasonable and lower than most competitors. So if you’re traveling on a budget, Motel 6 is a reliably pet-friendly option with locations nationwide.
La Quinta Inns & Suites
La Quinta is another large chain that generally allows dogs in most rooms with some restrictions. From my experience, La Quinta amenities and cleanliness are a notch above Motel 6 while still very affordable. Here are the key La Quinta pet policies:
- The pet fee is $15-25 per night and non-refundable.
- A limit of 2 pets under 40 lbs each is allowed.
- Pets must remain in a kennel when left unattended in the room.
- Proof of current vaccinations is requested but commonly waived.
La Quinta rooms tend to be quite spacious with separate sitting areas that provide more room to spread out. However, they are often located near busy streets and highways, so request a room further from road noise if traveling with a sensitive dog. Overall, La Quinta is a solid mid-range option for accommodating you and your pooch.
Best Western
As a major brand with thousands of locations worldwide, pet policies can vary more between individual Best Western properties. However, on the whole, Best Western aims to strike a good balance of being pet-friendly while still respectful of other guests. Here are some generalized tips:
- Expect pet fees of $15-25 per night plus a non-refundable cleaning fee of $50-100.
- Most locations allow up to 2 dogs under 40 lbs each.
- Dogs must remain in kennels when left unattended in rooms.
- At busy urban hotels, dogs may only be allowed on lower floors.
One advantage of Best Western is that you can search their site and view individual property pet policies before booking. This allows screening out locations with stricter rules upfront. While fees tend to be on the higher side, Best Western properties provide more consistency in room amenities and quality compared to budget chains.
Proof of Vaccinations
Regardless of the chain, many motels will ask to see written proof that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Even if not formally required, it’s a good idea to bring vaccine records when traveling just in case. Most responsible dog owners know to keep their pet’s health documents readily accessible. Here are some tips:
- Scan vaccine records and keep the file on your phone or print copies to have on hand.
- Ask your vet to provide a vaccination certificate listing all shots given and expiration dates.
- Consider microchipping your dog which provides ID if they get lost while traveling.
While not legally mandated in most areas, having proof of vaccinations shows the motel you are being conscientious about your dog’s health and others’ safety. It can make the check-in process smoother by addressing any vaccine concerns upfront.
Other Dog-Friendly Amenities
Beyond just allowing dogs, look for motels that provide extra amenities catering canine guests. Here are some things that can make your stay more comfortable with Fido:
- Dog beds, bowls, or towels available to borrow.
- Grassy areas for bathroom breaks and exercise nearby.
- Staff who seem knowledgeable and accommodating to pets.
- Pet waste bags provided at check-in or in rooms.
- Complimentary treats upon arrival or doggie check-in gifts.
Going the extra mile for pets signals a property truly aims to accommodate man’s best friend. Ask about amenities when booking to ensure your pooch’s needs are met throughout the stay. Properties with outdoor space are ideal if your dog needs regular activity while traveling.
Expect the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, minor issues with dogs are inevitable. Here are some situations I’ve faced where flexibility was key:
- A room right by ice machines meant barking each time they came on in the middle of the night.
- Housekeeping accidentally entered the room while we were out and our nervous pup had an “accident” on the carpet upon return.
- Rover got car sick on a long drive and had an accident in the vehicle before arrival!
The best thing to do is communicate honestly with motel staff who are usually understanding, especially if you offer to pay any associated cleaning fees. Having contingency supplies like extra towels, stain/odor remover, and plastic sheeting can help resolve issues smoothly. When possible, request rooms away from noisy machines or foot traffic for dogs that startle easily.
In closing, with a little advance planning most major motel chains allow furry companions nowadays. While notluxury accommodations, budget options like Motel 6 offer reliability and value. Mid-range brands provide upgraded amenities without breaking the bank. Be respectful of policies, communicate needs upfront, and always have pooch supplies on hand. Then you and your canine companion can relax and enjoy quality time together on the road. Safe travels!
Top Motel Chains That Accept Dogs
| Motel Chain | Dog Fee | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | $10-25 | No limit | Most locations accept dogs but use blanket pet policy. |
| Red Roof Inn | $15-25 | No limit | Some locations have doggie day cares, treats for dogs. |
| La Quinta | $25-50 | 2 dog limit | Many locations offer treats and dog bowls for guests. |
| Best Western | $10-25 | No hard limit | Policies set by each location’s owner. |
| Super 8 | $10-15 | 2 dog limit | Must be leashed and clean up areas if accidents occur. |
FAQ
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Do major motel chains accept dogs?
Generally speaking, the larger motel groups will accept dogs. However, rules change pretty often so it’s good to check with the front desk whenever you plan on bringing your furry friend along.
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Are there any pet fees involved?
Nearly every place will charge a little extra fee for having an animal stay with you. It may be around $10-25 per night depending on the size of your dog. At least they’re nice enough to let you both kick back together!
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What size dogs are allowed?
Most motels let dogs under 25 pounds stay for free while bigger pups might cost extra. But size limits vary tremendously so the only way to know for sure is giving them a call ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to bring proof your dog is well-behaved.
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Do I need to show vaccination records?
Many lodging spots will ask to see paperwork proving your dog’s shots are up to date. Better safe than sorry! This is for the protection of all guests. Just keep records handy so there’s no problem checking in together.
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Are there any that don’t allow dogs at all?
Some hotels have strict no-pet policies for sanitation or allergy issues. Chains like Best Western and Days Inn usually welcome dogs though. Your best bet is searching online reviews mentioning “pets allowed” to find dog-friendly options near your destination.
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Anything else I need to know?
Most importantly, be respectful of other visitors who didn’t sign up to be around animals. Keep your pup leashed, pick up after them outdoors, and try to keep barking to a minimum. As long as Fido is well-behaved, motels want both of you to have a perfect stay! Just follow the rules so everyone feels comfortable.