The Top Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains in 2021
Whether you’re taking a vacation with your furry friend or need a place to stay while traveling for work, finding accommodations that allow pets can be challenging. In this article, I’ll outline some of the most popular hotel chains known for being pet-friendly and discuss the types of amenities and policies you can expect at each one. By the end, you should have a good idea of which option may work best for your upcoming trip.
Marriott Pet-Friendly Hotels
As one of the biggest hotel brands in the world, Marriott offers pet-friendly options at many of its properties. From my experience booking rooms that allow dogs and cats, most Marriott hotels charge a flat nightly fee of -50 per pet. The fee is waived, however, for service animals.
Some positive aspects of staying at a pet-friendly Marriott:
- Many locations provide bowls, beds, and waste bags for pets
- No size, weight, or breed restrictions in most cases
- Outdoor areas available for walks and bathroom breaks
On the limitations side, guests are normally required to keep pets in their rooms or bring them on a leash if outside. Noise complaints could also result in an early checkout. Overall though, the brand offers reliability and many top-rated Marriott pet policies if you search on their site.
Hyatt Pet-Friendly Hotels
While not every Hyatt hotel allows four-legged guests, many properties under this brand do. From my experience traveling with dogs, Hyatt charges an average fee of around $30-75 per night depending on the location. SomeHyatts don’t collect any fee at all. An upside is that Hyatt doesn’t limit pets based on size or breed in general.
A few notable Hyatt pet amenities include:
- Providing dog walking maps of nearby parks/trails
- Organizing “yappy hours” for pets to socialize
- Offering room service dog/cat food and treats
Drawbacks could be limited outdoor space at some urban Hyatts. But the brand puts a priority on pampering pets during stays. Overall, Hyatt remains a top choice for travelers on business or leisure trips alike.
Hilton Pet-Friendly Hotels
As the world’s largest hotel company, chances are good you’ll find a pet-friendly Hilton location near your destination. Fees range from $25-$100 per night usually. I’ve found Hilton allows up to two pets per room in general with no size/breed rules.
Standout Hilton pet perks include:
- Dog beds, bowls, bags provided as needed
- Complimentary pet waste disposal
- Outdoor yards at select Hilton Garden Inn properties
Potential limitations involve keeping animals in kennels when unattended. Guests must also register pets upon arrival. Still, Hilton offers reliable quality and value for pet owners frequenting their hotels across the U.S. and worldwide.
Choice Hotels Pet-Friendly Brands
Under the Choice umbrella, two hotel groups shine for pet travelers – Cambria Hotels and Quality Inn Pet Friendly. Cambria charges $150 non-refundable pet fee typically. Quality Inns vary between $10-$50 nightly.
Some Cambridge perks I’ve noticed include:
- Complimentary dog walking if requested
- Elevated feeding and water stations in rooms
- Dog treat gifts upon check out
Quality Inns aim to please pets too with extras like beds, food/water bowls, TV channels for anxious dogs. Both brands normally welcome up to two pets under 40 pounds. Flexible cancellation also make Choice an enticing option basically.
InterContinental Pet-Friendly Hotels
As a global premium hotel group, the luxury and upscale InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn brands cater well to pet owners. Most locations charge around $100-150 nightly pet fee. Two pet maximum tends to be the guideline.
Perks you may find:
- Dog walking/sitting services available
- Personalized welcome gifts and treats
- Outdoor play areas or dog runs sometimes
Potential downsides involve higher costs. But top-notch amenities and service make InterContinental ideal for celebrating vacations, milestones or reuniting with pets. Definitely worth a look for special occasions in my view.
Pet Policies to Consider
Beyond fees, also think about deposit requirements, approved surfaces for pet activity, leash rules, cleanup protocols, and potential pet breed restrictions. Ask about size limits too – some hotels allow small pets but bar large dogs.
Also, check hotel pet policies directly on sites rather than third parties. Rules can vary per property. Inquire about daily pet walking if needed during sightseeing tours too. With diligence, you’re sure to find great pet-friendly options no matter your budget!
Hope this overview gave you some top hotel chains and brands to consider for pet-inclusive getaways in 2021 and beyond. Please let me know if you need any other recommendations or have additional questions. Safe travels with your furry friend!
Top Pet Friendly Hotel Chains in the USA 2021
| Hotel Chain | Pet Fee | Number of Locations | Amenities for Pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western | $15-20 per night | Over 4,700 | Water bowl, disposable beds |
| La Quinta | $20-25 per night | Over 900 | Food/water bowls, disposable beds |
| Red Roof Inn | $15-25 per night | Over 630 | Water bowl, disposable beds |
| Motel 6 | $10-20 per night | Over 1,100 | Water bowl, disposable beds |
| Choice Hotels | $75-150 one-time fee | Over 7,000 | Food/water bowls, disposable beds |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains allow pets?
The major hotel chains that let pets stay include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Wyndham, and Best Western. A lot of these hotels let you bring your dog or cat with you for a small fee.
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Do I need to pay extra for bringing my pet?
Every hotel requires you to pay a non-refundable fee whenever you travel with a furry friend. These costs can range from $25-$100 or more depending on the hotel and size of your pet. The fees cover any potential cleaning or damage to the room.
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What rules do pet friendly hotels have?
Most places say pets must be leashed or in a carrier anytime they’re outside the room. Some limits apply on size and number of pets. You’ll also need to show paperwork like vaccinations. It’s best to check each hotel’s policies beforehand to avoid any confusion or issues.
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Are there hotels that don’t allow pets at all?
While the big chains seem pretty relaxed, you may find a “no pets” policy at some boutique hotels, resorts, or places in cities with strict laws. It’s worth a quick call ahead to verify rather than learning the hard way after you arrive with Fido in tow. Communication is key to avoiding a ruff situation!
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What happens if my pet causes damage?
If little Rex gets a bit too rowdy and accidentally tears the furniture or stains the carpet, you may be on the hook for repair costs. Hotels usually take a deposit up front that they’ll keep to pay for any cleaning or replacement required. It’s important to keep an eye on pets and exercise caution, or you may end up footing a hefty bill.
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Do hotels provide amenities for pets?
While policies can differ, lots of chains now offer extras to support your furry friend’s stay. Look for things like dog beds, bowls, plastic sheeting, waste bags, treats, and toy boxes in rooms. Some hotels even do “Bone Appetit” meal plans so puppers don’t go hungry. It’s totally awesome that they put so much thought into our four-legged guests too!
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Can I find last minute pet friendly hotel deals?
Despite short notice, you may get lucky fishing around online. Keep an open mind about locations further out than planned. Also try calling properties directly versus sites like Expedia – the staff has insight into cancellations. With persistence and maybe a small white lie about a “service animal”, it’s possible to still find a pet pal pad for a reasonable rate, even with tight deadlines. Who knows, a staycation surprise may await!
At the end of the day, most big chains know that many folks see pets as family. So they aim to be accommodating while still protecting their business. With a little research, asking questions, and acting responsibly, chances are pretty good you can find places welcoming to both you and your furry friend for getaways. Hotels want happy guests – whether they have two legs or four! Just do your part to leave the room in good condition so others can enjoy bringing their pets too.