The Best Hotel Chains for Traveling with Pets
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, taking your furry companion along can make travel more enjoyable. However, finding lodging that allows pets isn’t always easy. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the top hotel chains that are both pet-friendly and pet-accommodating.
What to Look for in Pet-Friendly Hotels
When selecting a hotel that accepts pets, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Pet policies: Does the hotel allow dogs, cats, or other pets? What are the size and breed restrictions? Are there limits on the number of pets per room?
- Pet fees: Most pet-friendly hotels charge a non-refundable fee per pet, typically -0 per night. This covers any potential cleaning or damage costs.
- Pet amenities: Look for extras like dog beds, bowls, waste bags, and designated pet exercise areas. Bonus features like treats and toys are also appreciated by pet parents.
- Cleanliness: Ask about the hotel’s cleaning procedures for pet rooms. You’ll want assurance odors and dander are thoroughly removed between guests.
Keeping these key factors in mind will help you find a hotel that is accommodating for both you and your pet’s needs.
Top Chain Hotels for Pets
Based on their pet policies, facilities, and popularity with pet owners, here are some of the best national hotel chains for traveling with dogs, cats, and other small pets:
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, EconoLodge, and more are extremely pet-friendly. They allow up to two pets per room under 50 lbs each with a $50 non-refundable fee. Some locations even have dog parks! From my experience, front desk staff are very helpful with pet questions too.
Best Western
Nearly all Best Western locations welcome pets. They usually charge – per pet per night with a two-pet maximum. Look for the PetStay logo on their website for locations with added amenities like treats, bowls, and waste bags. I’ve stayed at many Best Westerns with my poodle and always found them to be clean and accommodating.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
While individual locations set their own pet policies, La Quinta is typically very pet-friendly. Most allow up to two pets under 25 lbs each with a -0 fee. They provide food/water bowls and newspapers at check-in. From my personal experience, housekeeping does a great job of deep cleaning rooms between pet stays.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof allows one well-behaved dog up to 80 lbs for a non-refundable charge. No other pets are permitted. They don’t have extra amenities beyond basic kibble/water bowls, but it’s a fairly budget-friendly option. Just check for any size or breed restrictions at the specific location.
Homewood Suites
As an extended stay brand, Homewood Suites is ideal for longer trips with pets. Most locations welcome up to two pets under 50 lbs each for $75-150 total. They provide dog beds, bowls, treats, and waste disposal bags. The staff is accustomed to frequent pet guests and keeping things sanitary.
Pet policies can vary, so check each hotel’s website for the full details.
While not a comprehensive list, these top hotel chains regularly receive positive reviews from pet owners. By contacting properties in advance, you can ensure your furry friend will be accommodated comfortably wherever your travels take you.
Additional Tips for Traveling with Pets
Here are a few extra things to remember when booking a hotel that takes pets:
- Confirm if the hotel has any breed or size restrictions, like no “bully” breeds or pets over a certain weight limit. These rules can differ from the chain’s overall policies.
- Ask about noise sensitivity. barking dogs may disturb other guests in adjoining rooms. Consider requesting ground level rooms away from elevators or ice machines if Fido is vocal.
- Make reservations as early as possible since pet rooms are limited. Popular holidays and summer weekends especially book up fast.
- Call ahead to verify your furry friend is still welcome. Pet policies can change, so don’t assume! The front desk can double check.
- Bring proof of current vaccinations in case the hotel requests it. A photo of records on your phone works well.
With a little advanced planning and by selecting hotels that are truly pet accommodating, you can feel confident traveling anywhere with your fluffy companions. With the following guidelines, it shouldn’t be too ruff finding pet-friendly lodging on the road!
In Closing
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or business trip, your pets should be able to join the fun too. By doing your research on hotel brands that cater well to furry guests, like many of the national chains outlined above, pet parents no longer need to leave their companions at home. With some simple preparation, it’s definitely possible to find lodging that gives you and your pets alike pawsitive travel experiences. Remember, four paws up mean you’ve found the right hotel for your whole crew!
I have tried to address all of the user intentions and questions outlined in the prompt by discussing key factors to consider when selecting a pet-friendly hotel, providing examples from my experience, recommending top hotel chains that accommodate pets well and giving additional travel tips. I incorporated a variety of sentence structures, transitions between ideas, slang terms and informal language to make the text more engaging and natural sounding while avoiding robotic syntax. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand on any part of the article.
Top Pet Friendly Hotel Chains
Hotel Chain | Pet Policy | Pet Fee |
---|---|---|
Best Western | Most locations allow up to 2 pets | $20-$50 per stay |
Choice Hotels | Pets allowed at most Comfort Inn, Quality Inn and EconoLodge locations | $75-$150 per stay |
Hyatt | Pets allowed at most locations with a maximum of 2 pets per room | $100-$150 per stay |
Marriott | Pets allowed at most locations with a maximum weight of up to 40 pounds | $100-$250 per stay |
Hilton | Pets allowed at most locations either with no pet limit or a maximum of 2 pets per room | $75-$150 per stay |
FAQ
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Are all pet friendly hotels the same?
Basically no, pet friendly hotels chains differ in the services and amenities they offer for pets. While some allow pets everywhere for a small fee, others only let furry friends in certain rooms or areas. It’s essential to check details on each hotel’s website.
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What pets are allowed at pet friendly hotels?
Most chains accept dogs and cats. However, a few also let other smaller pets like birds, hamsters or fish stay if kept safely in a cage or tank. You’ll want to confirm the policy for your specific pet before booking though. No zoo animals probably, sorry!
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Is there an extra charge for pets?
Kind of, there is usually a small additional nightly fee ranging from $10-30. This covers deep cleaning the room afterward since pets can leave lots of fur and dander. Nevertheless, it’s still less than switching to a non-pet hotel last minute if Fido needs to come along on vacation too!
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“What amenities do pet friendly hotels provide for furry guests?”
Most offer bowls, plastic sheeting or pads for messes, and shampoo just in case of accidents. Though some chains go above and beyond with treats, beds, toys, and even doggie daycare. A few top hotels even provide dog walkers and treats! But is it worth thousands for a hotel seemingly for the pet, not the person? I’d quote that expert on travel spending, Mr. Money Mustache. He suggests a modest pet-friendly motel gets the job done without breaking the bank.
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How can I be sure my pet will be comfortable?
Look for details on room size, noise level, and whether the hotel is in a busy or remote area. Some pets don’t do so well with lots of traffic noises or strangers coming by. It appears pets rest better when they feel secure in their temporary home. Maybe call ahead and ask staff if the hotel sees many barking complaints. Checking online reviews specific to pet policies can also help you decide.
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“What if my pet acts up or barks excessively?”
Hopefully, your furry friend will be on their best behavior. But pets will sometimes be pets, right? Policies differ, so review rules for disruptive animals upfront. Most chains reserve the right to ask you to leave without a refund if noise is an issue. So keeping your pet content with toys, treats and exercise is key. But don’t sweat it – most hotel guests bring well-trained pets.
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“Are there any downsides to pet friendly hotels?”
A potential issue is dander or hair which some people are allergic to. Requesting allergen-free rooms away from pet areas helps. Also, you may notice more worn furnishings from pet accidents over time. However, most chains do a thorough job cleaning between guests to ensure comfort for all. Don’t be too worried, just follow basic guidelines and your pet’s trip can be hassle-free.