Enjoying a vacation is hard enough when you don't have pets to worry about. But for those who can't bear to leave their best friend behind, you'll be happy to know that more and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly. Finding pet-friendly hotels near you can be a challenge. There are many factors that go into finding the best pet-friendly hotel chains for your vacation. The most important step is to find accommodations that allow pets in their rooms, usually with an added pet fee.
Choosing a Pet-friendly Hotel
Finding a hotel near you can be as simple as searching for one using Google Maps or BringFido, but if you are searching "finding a pet-friendly hotel near me," you will want to double-check the information that's available. Also, note that if you are traveling by plane, you need to check with your airline about flying with your pet.
Motel 6
The first nationwide hotel chain that allowed pets was Motel 6, and it is now one of the most well-liked. This chain remains among the most popular choices for hotels that allow pets. Kemmons Wilson opened a motor court in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962, marking the start of the company. Using the name Motel 6, he launched the first cheap hotel chain in the country in 1967.
There are currently more than 1,300 locations around the country for the brand, which Choice Hotels International purchased in 1997. In fact, all states but Alaska have one or more of their pet-friendly establishments.
This hotel chain does not charge for up to two pets that weigh a combined 150 pounds in the United States and Canada. Some local ordinances may not allow pets in the hotel, so although the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, the town you are staying in may not. It's wise to call ahead of time to check. Each Motel 6 reserves the right to refuse a dog that is aggressive or unruly.
Best Western
Best Western offers more than 1,600 pet-friendly locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Select hotels also offer areas to walk your dog, as well as recommendations for pet-friendly parks, stores, and restaurants. Up to two dogs are permitted in each room with a maximum weight of 80 pounds per dog. Cats and other animals are permitted on a case-by-case basis and require prior approval from the management of the hotel you are considering.
There is a maximum charge of up to $30 per night or $150 per stay, depending on the hotel. A refundable damage deposit may be required depending on the individual hotel.
Travelodge
There are 300 pet-friendly Travelodge locations around the nation. Travelodge is one of the chains owned by parent company Wyndham Resorts & Hotels, and these value option hotels charge $10.00 per pet each night. There are select rooms that are pet-friendly, so calling ahead to reserve a room is recommended to save your place. Cats are often not permitted in this hotel chain.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Another Wyndham Hotels property, Microtel Inn accepts two pets of any size for an additional $20.00 per pet each night. This hotel chain allows both dogs and cats, but neither are permitted to be left unattended in the room. The hotel also charges an extra cleaning fee in some locations, which may be added to your reservation. Some hotels will also give you a discounted cost for each extra dog or cat you are traveling with.
Econolodge
Econolodge's pet policy varies based on location, but many of the company's hotels do allow pets. The fee, on average, is $10 to $20 per pet with a maximum of two pets per room. Based on the individual hotel, there may also be a weight or breed restriction. You can find one in almost any location across the country, making it a great choice for those traveling with their pets on a budget.
Red Roof Inn
At Red Roof Inn, guests are permitted to have one well-behaved pet, dog or cat, per room. If you are traveling with more than one pet, additional pets may be permitted free of charge, at the discretion of the hotel's management. Call ahead to check if you have more than one pet with you.
There are exceptions to this; At Red Roof in and Red Roof PLUS+ locations, dogs cannot exceed 80 pounds. At Red Collection hotels (with locations in Times Square, Wildwood, N.J., Virginia Beach, and Orlando), dogs who exceed 40 pounds at not permitted. There aren't generally any breed restrictions, but there may be a cleaning fee added to your reservation.
La Quinta
La Quinta allows as many as two dogs to stay in a room, at more than 800 hotels across the country. A pet policy that allows up to two dogs per room means you don't have to choose which four-legged friend you'd like to bring on vacation with you. The chain also allows cats. The only requirements are that the pet is well-behaved, wears a collar with ID tags, and is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
They do not allow pets in the lobby or other public spaces. If your pet causes a disturbance or becomes aggressive, they will ask you to remove your pet from the property.
Hilton Hotel
The Hilton is now allowing dogs at more than 5,000 locations nationwide. Dogs are permitted not only in the guest room but are valued as pampered guests and permitted in other areas of the hotel, as well. Some hotels have recommendations for local hiking trails, pet-friendly locations for you to travel to in the area, and a menu tailored to your dog so they can also have fine dining during their stay. Fees vary from $50 to $75 per dog, which is non-refundable.
More Amenities in Pet Hotels
There is no pet fee for trained service animals. Pet-friendly hotels often have more amenities than regular hotels, including complimentary dog walking services or on-site dog spas where you can drop off your pet for a day of pampering and spa treatment.
Pet-friendly hotels also tend to have larger rooms than regular hotel rooms, which means you're less likely to be cramped up with your furry friend if you book a room at one of these establishments.
Finding a Pet-friendly Hotel
With a range of hotel options for travelers with cats and dogs, accommodations are easier to find than ever. Dog owners should check each hotel's website before booking a reservation to ensure that it is pet-friendly and there aren't any restrictions on breeds or size limits. Also, note if any additional pet fees are required along with the standard deposit amount you'll pay when making your reservation. While dogs are commonly allowed at hotels, other pets may be restricted by the specific property's rules and regulations, so it's essential to ask before making your reservation.
