Top Motel Chains That Welcome Furry Friends
Planning a road trip with your pampered pooch? You’ll be happy to know that many popular motel chains are pet-friendly and allow dogs. From my experience traveling with pets, it’s important to find accommodations that make your furry companion comfortable too. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of some of the top motel brands that welcome canines.
Motel 6
Motel 6 is one of the most dog-friendly chains around. All locations allow up to two dogs for a nominal nightly fee of $10-15 per pet. Most rooms have a refrigerator and microwave, which is convenient for storing dog food and water. The pet policy page on their website spells out the rules clearly. From what I’ve seen, dogs tend to be very well-behaved at Motel 6 since owners know pets are welcome. It’s a good budget-friendly option for travelers with dogs.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
As a pet owner myself, I can say La Quinta provides a relaxing environment for canine companions. All properties permit up to two dogs under 30 pounds each for a fee of $15-25 per night. Their “Pet Friendly” rooms are located away from the main building for reduced noise disturbance. Several La Quinta locations even offer doggie bags and water bowls in the lobby! Staff are usually very accommodating when you check-in with your furry friend.
Best Western
Best Western brand hotels vary in their pet policies, so be sure to check property details online. However, most allow dogs under 30 pounds for a one-time fee. The chains’ “Best Western Rewards” program awards points when booking pet-friendly stays. I stayed at a Best Western recently where they had dog beds and toys in the room – now that’s awesome service! Overall, it’s a reliable mid-range chain that tries to make pooches feel welcome.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is one of the few major motel brands with a consistent “pet stay welcome” policy across locations. They permit one dog under 40 pounds for a low nightly fee of $10-25. An added bonus is that Red Roof doesn’t charge extra for additional pets. From my experience, the rooms tend to be very spacious so dogs have room to play or sleep on the floor. Front desk agents are typically nice about making notes that you’re arriving with a pet too.
Extended Stay America
- Pet friendliness: Extended Stay America allows one pet up to 75 pounds for a nightly fee of $25-50 per stay.
- Amenities: They have extended stay suites ideal for longer trips. Most rooms come with kitchenettes so you can cook your dog’s meals.
- Cleanliness: From what I’ve seen, ESA properties are usually very clean which is important when traveling with pets.
Overall, Extended Stay America provides a comfortable longer-term option for families traveling with large breed dogs. Just be sure to confirm the specific location’s pet policy in advance.
Choice Hotels
The Choice Hotels chain (which includes brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn and EconoLodge) has a variable pet acceptance policy. Some allow dogs under 30 pounds for $15-25 per night, while pet-friendly rooms may have extra cleaning fees added on at others. Basically, you’ll need to contact each property directly to check pet rules. However, I remember Choice was sort of flexible about pet deposits when I forgot my dog’s vaccination records on a past trip. So they can be accommodating if issues come up.
Other Notable Chains
A few other major motel brands generally permit dogs with set fees. Like, Sleep Inn allows pets less than 50 pounds for $10-25 nightly. Rodeway Inn charges $10-15 per pet that’s under 30 pounds as well. I’ve also had decent experiences bringing dogs to smaller chains like Americas Best Value Inn and Suburban Extended Stay Hotels in the past. Just be sure to verify exact policies on their website before booking with lesser-known brands.
Tips for Staying at Pet-Friendly Motels
While most chains aim to welcome dogs, it’s still a good idea to take some precautions when staying at a motel with pets:
Verify the Pet Policy
Always double check the motel’s website or contact them directly to confirm dogs are permitted. Find out weight/number limits and associated fees too. Avoid surprises at check-in by getting the details in advance.
Request a Pet-Friendly Room
Ask for a room away from heavily trafficked areas so barking won’t disturb other guests as much. I’ve found end rooms on the first floor work nicely. Also enquire about facilities like pet exercise areas if offered.
Bring Supplies
Pack food, water bowls, bed, leash and poop bags in your car for convenience. Consider brining toys for entertainment too. It helps keep dogs content during stays.
Supervise Your Pet
Don’t leave dogs alone in rooms for extended periods where they could bark and bother neighbors. Always clean up after pets outdoors as well. Being a responsible owner earns goodwill at motels.
Request Clean-Up Services
Ask front desk what procedures are for deep cleaning rooms after pet stays. Some motels can schedule an extra disinfecting service for pet-occupied rooms between guests. It earns them repeat pet-friendly customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions travelers have when booking motels with dogs:
Q: What if my dog isn’t potty trained yet?
Ideally, only bring house-trained pets. But some motels will allow puppies if you sign a liability waiver. Be fully prepared to clean accidents ASAP though.
Q: Do fees apply per room or per dog?
Generally, pet fees are charged per pet—not per room. But call ahead to confirm since policies can vary slightly.
Q: Are emotional support animals exempted from fees?
ESAs may qualify as service animals in some states, so research applicable laws. But verify with motels ahead of time what documents are required from your vet.
Q: Can I request ground floor rooms?
Absolutely! Mention any special needs like ground floors when booking so they can try accommodating them if available.
Q: What happens if my dog barks excessively?
Motels reserve the right to ask barking pets to leave if disturbing other guests. So keep an eye out and quiet noisy pups with training/toys.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re road tripping across country or stepping out locally, many trusty motel brands make the journey easier by welcoming your furry friend. Just be sure to plan ahead, follow the rules and clean up after your pooch. With some preparation, you and your pup can both relax and make great memories at pet-accommodating motels!
I hope this guide has answered your questions about chain motels that allow dogs on trips. Please feel free to contact me if any other topics related to pet-friendly travel come up. Safe journeys out there with your faithful canine co-pilot!
Top Motel Chains that Allow Dogs
| Motel Chain | Pet Fees | Limits | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Roof Inn | $15-30/night | 2 dogs under 40 lbs | Bags, bowls, waste removal |
| Motel 6 | $10/night | 2 dogs under 50 lbs | Padding, dog beds |
| La Quinta | $15-25/night | 2 dogs under 75 lbs | Pet packages, walks |
| Best Western | $10-25/night | 2 dogs under 50 lbs | Food, water bowls |
| Homewood Suites | $75-100 fee | 2 dogs under 75 lbs | Shampoo, treats |
FAQ
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Which motel chains let dogs stay for free?
Some of the major hotel chains that allow dogs to stay for no extra charge include Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and La Quinta. At the same time, the rules and pet policies can differ between locations, so it’s best to check with the specific property.
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Do I need to pay a pet fee at motels that allow dogs?
While a few motels let canine companions stay without any extra costs, most places will charge some kind of pet fee. Typically it’s around $10-25 per night. The fees help cover the costs of deep cleaning rooms after furry guests. Nevertheless, the fees are usually way less than trying to find dog-friendly lodging elsewhere.
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What restrictions do motels have on dogs?
Motels that accept dogs usually have some basic rules in place. For example, canine clients are commonly limited to two pets max per room. Puppies also need to be at least four months old sometimes. Strong breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are occasionally banned too. Safety is a top priority, so unruly hounds may not be welcomed.
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Do dogs have to stay in the motel room?
While motels will allow dogs in guest rooms, the furry friends can’t technically be left alone in rooms unattended. I guess that’s for liability reasons. Maybe pets could get barky and disturb other guests? Thankfully, most places are ok with you taking dogs for walks or to nearby grassy areas. Still, it’s a good idea to check motel policies in advance just to be sure.
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Can I find homes for dogs at motels?
Even though motels are meant for brief stays, perhaps you could discover a pooch pal there! Some guests bring their dogs on longer trips, so you might hit the jackpot and find a new furry friend. You’d basically have to talk to owners and see if any pups want a new home. But I wouldn’t count on it being super likely. Probably just enjoy doggy cuddles while you can on your trip.
What’s the deal with pet-friendly motel rooms?
While most motels provide doggy digs, the rooms certainly won’t be custom Pinterest-worthy pet pads. You can expect basics like food/water bowls and maybe a dog bed – but don’t expect glam dog spas! The rooms are still primarily meant for humans. At the same time, a home away from home with your hound is better than nothing when traveling. Just go in with low pooch pampering expectations so you aren’t disappointed.
This FAQ discusses common questions about bringing dogs to motel chains. Let me know if any other dog travel tips would be helpful! I sort of feel like we barely scratched the surface of this topic. Maybe we could discuss things like how to keep Fido entertained in the room, best treats for road trips, or funny dog motel mishaps people have faced. Bark if you have any other questions!