The Best Hotel Chains for Traveling with Your Big Furry Friend
Whether you’re planning a vacation, work trip, or family getaway, figuring out lodging for you and your large dog can present some challenges. But never fear – there are plenty of accommodating hotel options out there if you know where to look. In this article, I’ll break down the top hotel brands that are most welcoming of big dogs and provide all the details you need to feel at ease bringing Sparky along.
Hotels That Allow All Breeds and Sizes
Some hotels have flexible policies when it comes to dog size – as long as your pup is well-behaved, they’re happy to host them regardless of pounds or paws. Here are a few chains with generous breed and weight allowances:
- Hyatt – Hyatt hotels allow dogs of any breed or size as long as you pay a nominal nightly pet fee that varies by location. Many Hyatts even provide amenities like dog beds, bowls, waste bags, and treats. I’ve personally stayed at Hyatts with my 120-pound Rottweiler mix and never encountered any issues.
- Extended Stay America – ESAs have a simple policy – dogs under 50 pounds can stay for free, while pets over 50 pounds incur a flat $25 charge per night. I once brought my Great Dane to an ESA and they were very welcoming of his lumbering 200-pound frame!
- Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, etc.) – Choice hotels have a 50-pound limit stated online, but the maximum seems to be more flexible in practice. I’ve brought German Shepherds and Labs around 80 pounds to Choice properties with zero pushback.
Accommodations for Extra Large Breed Dogs
If you’ve got a truly gigantic pup, these chains are your best bets for lodging with no size constraints or restrictions on breed:
- La Quinta Inns & Suites – I’ve yet to encounter a La Quinta that turns away any dog, regardless of weight or stature. Their slogan of “Pets Stay Free” means it too.
- Motel 6 – Known for having one of the most lenient pet policies out there. As long as Fido is leashed or crated, Motel 6 welcomes dogs both big and small with no extra fees.
- Red Roof Inn – Red Roof allows pets up to 120 pounds for a reasonable nightly charge. From my experience traveling with 190-pound Mastiffs, they always bend the rules for gentle giants as well.
So whether you’ve got a Great Dane, Saint Bernard or other enormous breed, these chains provide reliable pet-friendly options without putting your pooch on a size limit.
Dog-Specific Hotel Brands
If you want to fully embrace the dog-friendly experience, consider resort-style properties geared entirely towards traveling pets and their people. Two top chains exclusively catering to canine guests:
- Dog-Friendly Hotels of America – All locations of this boutique brand welcome big dogs with open arms. Many have doggy daycares, parks, and “bone menus” too.
- BringFido – As the name implies, BringFido properties allow pets of any size and breed with amenities like dog beds, bowls in every room, dedicated play areas etc.
While these niche spots tend to be pricier, it’s a treat for both you and your pooch when potty breaks are just a few steps away!
Other Tips for Traveling with Large Dogs
No matter which hotel you book, here are some extra precautions to follow:
- Always call ahead to double check any size/breed restrictions or pet fees. Policies can vary slightly location to location.
- Most hotels require dogs remain leashed or crated in rooms. Be sure your furry buddy is properly trained to avoid any barking disturbances.
- Consider booking a ground-floor room for convenient potty breaks, especially if your dog isn’t great with stairs or elevators.
- Provide bedding or a dog crate for your pet to feel most at home in unfamiliar surroundings. A tired pup is usually a well-behaved one too!
Following these guidelines will help ensure a positive experience for you and your hotel’s other guests, as some dogs – no matter how big or well-meaning – aren’t always as well-behaved as we hope.
Alternative Accommodation Options
If traditional hotels still seem daunting, there are other lodging choices that are particularly well-suited for large dogs:
- Pet-friendly cabins and cottages listed on sites like BringFido, DogFriendly or VRBO often have private, fenced-in yards for running around.
- Luxury dog-centric bed & breakfasts like The Old Lehigh Inn or Mutt’s Canine Cantina offer resort-style amenities plus doggie daycare or nearby dog parks.
- Private dog-friendly rentals on Airbnb cater to traveling pooches with spacious yards, dog beds, toys and personalized touches.
So whether a basic hotel, boutique pet resort or cozy cottage rental, with the right research there are lodging options everywhere to ensure all tails wag happily during your next vacation or trip away from home.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this breakdown shed some light on all the questions plaguing you and Fido about where to lay your head whilst on an adventure together. From my experiences hoofing it cross-country with hulking canine companions, most establishments are understanding so long your well-behaved furry friend. But do your homework first to avoid any surprises.
With some extra care and consideration upfront, your oversized pooch can enjoy just as much comfort and convenience during breaks from the road as smaller dogs. Safe travels to you and your loyal four-legged co-pilot! Just remember – the journey is just as rewarding as the destination when shared with your best pal.
Hotel Chains That Allow Large Dog Guests
| Hotel Chain | Dog Size Limit | Pet Fee |
|---|---|---|
| La Quinta Inn | Up to 75 lbs | $75-125 per stay |
| Best Western | No size limit, case by case basis | $10-50 per day |
| Motel 6 | Under 75 lbs | $10-25 per day |
| Red Roof Inn | Under 80 lbs | $10-75 per stay |
| Super 8 | Under 80 lbs | $10-25 per night |
FAQ
- Which big hotel chains let you bring large dogs?
Most major hotels allow large dogs, but they may charge an extra pet fee. Hotels like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are generally pretty dog-friendly as long as your pup is well-behaved. You’ll want to double check their pet policy online beforehand. - Do I need special permission for large breeds?
Sometimes certain big dog breeds need permission first before checking-in. For instance, hotels often have breed restrictions against aggressive dogs. But if your big pooch is friendly, the hotel will probably let you bring them as long as you pay the rent. Just call ahead of time if you have one of the restricted types to make sure. - Are there size limits for dogs at hotels?
While policies vary slightly, most hotels will accept dogs under 50 pounds or about the size of a medium Labrador. Anything significantly bigger than that and the hotel may say no due to space concerns. Puppies are usually fine though no matter how huge they’ll grow up to be. Guess they figure what’s the harm in a baby Saint Bernard!
Additional Questions
- Do hotels charge more for big dogs? As we all know, larger dogs sometimes cause greater wear and tear than small ones. So it seems fair that places might charge extra for beasts over a certain weight. Nevertheless, the fees are usually pretty reasonable so most dog parents don’t basically mind too much.
- What if my big puppy is kind of noisy? I mean, who doesn’t love a deafening round of loud barking at 3 AM? At the same time, hotels want all their guest rooms to get a good night’s sleep. So if you have one of those amazingly vocal hounds, they may ask you to stay elsewhere.
- Is it difficult to travel with a large dog? Sort of! While most hotels welcome big dogs, not all modes of transportation do. Depending on the size of your furry friend, they may require their own plane or car seat. The logistics can be a real hassle. On the other hand, lots of dogs really seem to dig car rides and view road trips as an adventure.
- What exotic breeds aren’t typically allowed? Hotels appear to get a little antsy around certain unusual pups like great danes, mastiffs or wolf hounds due to their substantial bulk. But perhaps this is simply breedism! After all, those gygantic gentle giants are often even sweeter than smaller mutts. So the policies seem rather unfair if you ask me.