The Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains in 2022
Whether you’re traveling cross-country with Fluffy or taking Mittens along on a weekend getaway, finding accommodations that allow pets can be tricky. From my experience traveling with pets, it’s crucial to book ahead with chains that are truly pet-friendly. In this article, I’ll break down the top hotel brands that make bringing your furry friends along a breeze.
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels, which includes brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and EconoLodge, has long been one of the most pet-friendly hotel companies. Nearly all of their locations allow pets and have basic pet policies in place. While individual properties set pet fees, you can typically expect to pay $50-75 per stay. Some negatives – older properties may not be as clean or updated. But the abundance of locations and lax corporate pet policies make Choice a safe bet if you’re road tripping across America with Rover.
Best Western
Similar to Choice, Best Western has a wide footprint and allows pets at the vast majority of its hotels. As with Choice, individual properties set fees which average around $75. Best Western gets points for having a dedicated “PetStay Superpage” on its site with property listings filtered for pet policies. One caution – fees aren’t always listed up front, so confirm with the hotel before booking. Otherwise, Best Western is a very pet-friendly and budget-friendly national chain.
La Quinta
La Quinta transformed themselves in recent years from a budget option to a very solid mid-scale chain, and they’ve embraced pets along the way. Nearly all La Quinta locations allow up to two pets and charge just $30-50 per stay with no size or breed restrictions. They also provide dog biscuits! Rooms tend to be updated with modern amenities. Drawbacks are limited locations in some smaller markets. But for consistent quality and pet policies, La Quinta earns high marks.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn makes things very straightforward for pet parents – all of their participating locations allow up to four pets. While individual properties set their own fees up to $75, Red Roof does a great job displaying fees on each property page up front. Rooms are basic but clean, and Red Roof is virtually everywhere in the US, making spontaneous road trips a breeze. Drawbacks are limited amenities and dated decor at some hotels. But for sheer nationwide coverage and clarity on pet policies, Red Roof is tough to beat.
Motel 6
Motel 6 has built a reputation as one of the most budget-friendly chains around. And while rooms are no-frills, they allow up to two pets for just -25 per night with no size or breed restrictions. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper pet-friendly option. Drawbacks are that some locations are in less desirable areas, and cleanliness/quality can vary. But if you’re on a tight budget with pets in tow, Motel 6 is an excellent low-cost choice with very lenient pet policies.
Residence Inn
For those wanting an extended stay or small apartment-style suites, Marriott’s Residence Inn is one of the top pet-friendly chains. Nearly 90% of locations welcome dogs and cats and charge just $100 or less per stay. What’s great is fully equipped kitchens in every room – perfect for preparing homemade meals. Drawbacks are price – you’ll pay considerably more vs budget brands. But the apartment-style suites and nice amenities make Residence Inn a great higher-end pick for longer trips with pets.
Other Notable Pet-Friendly Hotel Brands
While the chains above are some of the most consistently pet-friendly, here are a few other brands worth considering that allow pets at many or most locations:
- Hyatt House – All-suite extended stay brand from Hyatt usually charges $100-150 pet fee.
- Fairfield Inn – Pet-friendly Marriott brand with solid amenities and average $75 fee.
- Homewood Suites – Another solid pet-friendly extended stay Hilton brand.
- Country Inn & Suites – Pet-friendly with most locations and $50-75 average fee.
- Microtel – Very pet friendly budget brand with limited locations.
Tips for Staying with Pets
No matter what chain you book with, here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to ensure a smooth trip with Fido or Fluffy:
- Always call ahead to double check pet policies and fees before booking online.
- Request a ground floor room to avoid any pet accidents on carpeted stairs.
- Bring supplies like plastic for waste and paper towels for any accidents or muddy paws.
- Check if the hotel has pet amenities like bowls, beds, or outdoor areas.
- Be extra courteous to staff and other guests if your pet barks or behaves poorly.
And remember, while pets are usually welcome, it’s always at the discretion of individual hotels. So be prepared for an occasion “no” if things get booked up. But with diligent research on pet policies, you can typically find great options no matter where the road may lead.
A Personal Experience
Let me share a real-life example from one of my family road trips. We were traveling cross-country with our dog Buddy from SoCal to New Jersey. After 10 hours of driving day 1, we pulled into a Quality Inn that allowed pets but didn’t disclose any pet fee online. To our dismay, they tried charging a $150 fee at check-in! Thankfully, I was able to negotiate it down to their standard $75, but it totally put a damper on the trip. It’s a lesson I’ll never forget – always confirm pet policies up front to avoid nasty surprises on the road!
Do you have any other questions about pet-friendly chains or other aspects of traveling with pets? Feel free to reach out – I’d be happy to offer more tips from my own experiences. Safe travels out there with your fluffy companions!
Top Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains 2022
| Hotel Chain | Number of Properties | Pet Fees | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Hotels | 7,000+ | $25-75/night | Food/water bowls, beds, treats, bags |
| La Quinta | 900+ | $25-100/night | Food/water bowls, beds, treats |
| Best Western | 4,500+ | $10-25/night | Food/water bowls |
| Motel 6 | 1,100+ | $10-50/night | Food/water bowls |
| Red Roof Inn | 650+ | $10-50/night | Food/water bowls |
FAQ
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Which hotel chains are pet-friendly?
Some of the major hotel chains that allow pets include Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Best Western, and Hyatt. At the same time, pet policies can vary by specific hotel location, so it’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s website or contact them directly to confirm pet rules before booking a room.
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Do pet-friendly hotels charge extra fees?
Most pet-friendly hotels will charge an extra fee per pet per night, usually between to 0 or more. The fee is used to basically deep clean the room after a furry guest checks out. Some hotels also limit the number, size, or breed of pets allowed.
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What restrictions do hotels have on pets?
Hotels may require pets to be leashed, crate trained, or prohibit them from certain areas like the pool or breakfast room. Noise, allergies, and cleanup are big concerns, so some ban puppies under 6 months, aggressive breeds, or animals over a certain weight. It’s sort of a hassle to plan around all the rules, but keeping Fido happy is worth it!
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Can I request a pet-friendly room?
Yes, be sure to mention you’ll be traveling with a pet when booking your reservation. Some hotels set aside special pet-friendly floors or sections of the building. However, rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so it’s always a good idea to book as early as possible if you want to secure a pet room. But perhaps they’ll take pity on you and help if it’s fully booked!
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What amenities do pet-friendly hotels offer?
The best pet-friendly hotels provide things like food and water bowls, bedding, waste bags, shampoo and treats. A few even have dog-walking services or treats at check-in. The Ritz lets Fido relax in style with pet massages! Now that’s living in the lap of luxury. On the other hand, some budget places may only offer the basics.
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Is it worth paying extra for a pet-friendly room?
It can be amazing what a good night’s sleep in a comfortable room does for our mood. Surely pets deserve the same. While extra pet fees aren’t cheap, avoiding stress over whether hotels allow animals seems worth it to me. What do you think – is comfort and peace of mind worth shelling out some extra dough? Let me know your thoughts!
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What if my pet causes damage?
If poor puppy has an accident on the carpet or claws the furniture, you may face additional cleaning or repair costs. Most pet-friendly hotels require a pre-authorization on your credit card. So it appears they aim to cover their bases in case of mishaps. However, as long as Fido is well-behaved, you’ve got nothing to worry about!