Dog Friendly Hotels: The Brands That Make Your Stay Special

Planning your next family vacation? With the rise of pet policies in hotels across the country and abroad, you won’t have to leave your pup with a sitter or at a boarding facility. Learn how to find the best dog friendly hotels and plan your getaway with your furry friend by your side.

Dog Friendly Hotels: Why They’re a Safe Choice

If you haven’t traveled with your dog before, you may be wondering what exactly qualifies a hotel as pet-friendly. Dog friendly hotels do, indeed, welcome dogs with open arms—and sometimes with treats! Policies and accommodations vary not only between hotel chains but also by individual location.

It’s a good idea to choose a dog friendly hotel with a pet policy that suits your travel needs, and that includes pet safety. For example, at certain hotels, you will need to ensure your dog is leashed outside of your hotel room at all times—a good practice with or without a pet policy. If all pet parents follow this protocol, you won’t need to worry about unrestrained run-ins with other animals in the hotel lobby.

Along with enhanced safety, hotels with pet policies may also offer amenities, such as pet beds and treats, to keep your pup happy and comfortable. They may also have specific cleaning protocols, only using pet-safe products.

Our Top 5 Dog Friendly Hotel Chains

1. Kimpton

Kimpton Hotels, owned by InterContinental Hotels Group, has at least 75 locations around the world. This very pet-friendly chain welcomes pets no matter their size or weight, and often at no extra charge. Not only are pet beds, food, bowls, and mats available; you also receive courtesy bags for when you walk your dog. The hotel staff can also provide a list of pet-friendly restaurants and additional places nearby.

If that wasn’t enough, Kimpton offers complimentary access to professional pet caregivers through Wag! Premium. So, if you and the family want to go to a dog-free dinner or event, you can safely leave your pup in the hands of an expert. Highlights: Often no fees or weight restrictions Lots of pet amenities Things to Consider: Only 75 locations worldwide 2. La Quinta

Another popular stay option but with fewer pet amenities, La Quinta, a Wyndham chain, has over 900 locations in North, Central, and South America. This chain allows cats and dogs at most locations and, conveniently, lists the few locations on the website that do not accept pets. We appreciate that La Quinta also very clearly outlines their pet policy online, including where pets are allowed in the hotel and clean-up recommendations and policies.

Permitting up to two pets per room, La Quinta locations may charge $25 per night for a maximum of $75 per room. Highlights: Clear pet policy Cats welcome, too Things to Consider: Likely no pet amenities, such as beds or bowls

3. Aloft Hotels

A Marriott International chain, Aloft Hotels offer a modern, high-tech staying experience, with amenities like platform beds, rainfall showerheads, and beautiful outdoor communal spaces. There are 240 locations across the world and 169 in North America.

Aloft’s Arf (standing for “animals are fun”) pet program provides a bed, bowl, treats, and toys, ensuring your dog will enjoy their stay, too. Many locations welcome dogs without a fee, and have a 40-pound limit, but make sure to check with your location before booking. Highlights: Pet essentials (bowls, beds) provided Things to Consider: Fees vary, and some locations may be too high 4. Element

Another Marriott name, Element Hotels prioritize sustainability and guest well-being with bright, spacious rooms and natural design features. Similar to Aloft, Element has their own pet program, Love That Dog, where pups receive an Element bed, food, bowls, and clean-up supplies. Most locations have a pet fee of $50 per night and only allow dogs that weigh up to 40 pounds. Highlights: Pet essentials (bowls, beds) provided Things to Consider:

• $50 per night might be too expensive a fee for some
• 5. Hampton

Hilton welcomes pets at thousands of its hotel brand locations, and that includes many of the more than 3,000 Hampton by Hilton locations worldwide. Offering comfort and convenience, Hampton hotels are often a more affordable hotel option, but many do charge pet fees—one cost for a one- to four-nights stay, and more for five nights or over (the most we’ve seen in our research is $125).

Likewise, the size and number of pets you can bring vary, so check individual locations’ policies as you’re planning your getaway. Highlights: Lots of locations nationwide and worldwide An affordable, pet-friendly option Things to Consider:

• Some locations charge extra pet fees for longer stays

Dog Friendly Places to Stay: How to Find Your Hotel

Your hotel choice should check every box on your list. Here are some key considerations as you embark on your hotel search:

• Destination: If you are set on a particular destination, start your search there. You might also consider researching dog-friendly events and activities in that area.
• Cost: The biggest expense will be the hotel stay itself (not accounting for airfare), but make sure to factor in any pet fees. This will help you budget effectively for your trip.
• Amenities: Does the hotel provide a pet bed and food and water bowls? Double check before packing up your pup’s necessities.
• Pet Policy: Policies vary, and if your concern is pet safety, choose a place that has detailed guidance on how to care for and keep your dog safe in the hotel.

With these factors in mind, you can use BringFido, PetsWelcome.com, or another search site to find the most suitable dog-friendly hotel.

Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains: How We Choose

Our research for this roundup involved extensive research into each hotel chain’s pet policy as well as a deep dive into real-life reviews. It’s important for us to account for real experiences and to ensure that previous guests and their dogs had enjoyable stays with no hiccups. ***

Featured photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Photo by Alfred Lee on Unsplash