Pet Friendly Hotels Guide: How to Find and Book the Best Stays for You and Your Pet
This pet friendly hotels guide answers the question every pet owner asks before a trip: where can I stay with my pet without surprises, fees I didn’t expect, or a rejection at the front desk? The short answer is that thousands of hotels across the country welcome pets, but policies vary wildly. Some chains cap pet weight at 25 pounds. Others charge $150 per stay. A few, like Kimpton, charge nothing at all and even leave treats at check-in.
So, before you book, you need to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and which brands consistently deliver a genuine welcome rather than a grudging tolerance. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all of it. You’ll learn how to read pet policies the smart way, how fees work, which hotel chains treat pets best, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost travelers money and stress.
I’ve traveled with dogs for over a decade, from road trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway to city weekends in Chicago and Austin. Along the way, I’ve learned that “pet friendly” on a booking site means very little until you confirm the details directly with the hotel. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me on my first trip.
What “Pet Friendly” Actually Means at Hotels
First, understand that pet friendly is not a regulated term. Any hotel can use it, and the reality behind the label ranges from enthusiastic to barely accommodating. Generally speaking, pet policies fall into three tiers.
Genuinely pet friendly. These hotels welcome pets as guests. They offer dog beds, bowls, treats, and sometimes a designated relief area on the property. Kimpton hotels are the classic example. They impose no pet fees, no weight limits, and no breed restrictions, and they don’t limit the number of pets per room.
Pet tolerant. Most mid-range chains sit here. Pets are allowed, but you’ll pay a fee, face a weight cap (often 50 pounds), and sign an agreement waiving damage liability. Rooms may be limited to specific floors or wings. This tier works fine for most travelers, as long as you know the rules in advance.
Service animals only. Some hotels advertise as pet friendly on third-party sites but actually accept only service animals, which are not pets under the ADA. Always verify directly if a listing looks unclear.
Therefore, the single most important habit is this: call the specific property, not the chain’s national line. Pet policies are set franchise by franchise, so the Holiday Inn Express in one city may welcome your 80-pound Labrador while another location turns him away.
How to Read a Hotel’s Pet Policy Before You Book
Once you find a candidate hotel, dig into the details. Specifically, check these five factors before you enter a credit card number.
Pet fees and deposits
Fees fall into three common structures: a flat fee per stay (typically $25–$100), a nightly fee ($10–$35 per night, sometimes capped), or a refundable damage deposit. Moreover, some hotels charge a non-refundable “deep clean” fee regardless of whether your pet sheds. Ask for the total cost for your entire stay, not just the nightly rate.
Weight and breed restrictions
Weight limits of 25, 50, or 75 pounds are standard at many chains. Meanwhile, breed restrictions often target pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, regardless of your dog’s actual temperament. If you have a restricted breed, filter for hotels with no breed policy, such as Kimpton, Loews, or many independently owned inns.
Number of pets per room
Many hotels allow one pet only. Others allow two. If you travel with multiple animals, confirm this in writing before booking, because showing up with two dogs when the policy allows one can mean a last-minute scramble.
Pet type
Importantly, “pet friendly” usually means “dog friendly.” Cats, birds, and other animals face far more restrictions. If you travel with a cat, you’ll need to search specifically for cat-friendly hotels, and options will be narrower.
Left-alone rules
Most hotels prohibit leaving pets unattended in rooms, or require crating if you do. Consequently, if you plan to dine out or attend an event without your pet, you need a hotel that permits crate stays, or you need to line up local pet-sitting or doggy daycare.
Comparing Major Pet Friendly Hotel Chains
To save you research time, here’s a comparison of major chains and their typical pet policies. Note that individual properties can differ, so always confirm with the specific hotel.
| Hotel Brand | Typical Pet Fee | Weight Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimpton (IHG) | Free | None | No breed restrictions; treats at check-in |
| Loews Hotels | Free (Loews Loves Pets program) | None | Pet room service menu, bowls, beds |
| La Quinta (Wyndham) | Free at most locations | Varies by property | One or two pets; very dog friendly |
| Red Roof Inn | Free at most locations | Varies, often 80 lbs | Widely available on highway routes |
| Best Western | $20–$50 per night, capped | 80 lbs typical | Up to two pets at many locations |
| Marriott (select brands) | $50–$150 per stay | Often 50 lbs | Varies heavily by property |
| Hilton (select brands) | $50–$75 per stay | Often 75 lbs | Homewood Suites and Home2 often pet friendly |
| Motel 6 / Studio 6 | Free | None (usually) | Basic, but reliably pet accepting |
As the table shows, budget roadside brands often beat luxury chains on pet policy. Red Roof Inn and Motel 6 built their reputations on welcoming road-trippers with dogs, and they still deliver. On the other hand, if you want a genuinely pampered experience, Kimpton and Loews lead the premium tier.
How to Search and Book Pet Friendly Hotels the Smart Way
Booking smartly takes a few extra minutes, but it prevents nearly every pet-related travel problem. Follow this sequence.
Filter, then verify
Start with a major booking platform and filter for pet friendly properties. For example, Booking.com’s pet-friendly filter is reliable and covers global inventory. Similarly, the American Kennel Club’s travel resources list dog-friendly hotels and airlines with updated policy details. However, never rely on a third-party listing alone. Afterward, call the hotel directly, confirm the pet policy in detail, and ask the agent to note your pet on the reservation.
Book direct when possible
When you book directly after confirming the pet policy, the hotel can attach your pet’s information to the reservation record. Third-party bookings sometimes drop these notes. In addition, direct bookings often give you more leverage if something goes wrong, because the property owns the reservation.
Get the policy in writing
Ask the front desk to email you the pet policy, or screenshot the policy page with the date visible. If a desk clerk disputes the fee or the weight limit at check-in, documentation wins the argument.
Ask about the room location
Request a ground-floor room near an exit. This makes late-night relief walks faster and reduces hallway stress for anxious pets. Additionally, ground floor rooms mean fewer elevator rides, which many dogs dislike.
Tips for a Smooth Hotel Stay With Your Pet
Once you arrive, a few habits keep everything pleasant for you, your pet, and the hotel staff.
Bring the crate. Even if the hotel doesn’t require it, a crate keeps your pet safe and calm when housekeeping knocks. Furthermore, most housekeeping departments will not clean a room with an uncrated pet inside.
Pack a pet travel kit. Include food, a collapsible bowl, waste bags, a familiar blanket, medication, vaccination records, and a photo of your pet in case she slips out. Additionally, pack a lint roller, since some hotels assess cleaning fees for excessive fur.
Mind the barking. If your dog barks when left alone, book a room at the end of a hallway, use a white-noise app, or take your dog with you. Noise complaints are the fastest way to get asked to leave.
Use the relief area consistently. Locate the designated pet relief spot at check-in. If none exists, ask staff where local dog owners go. Never use landscaped beds near the entrance, because this frustrates hotel staff and fuels stricter future policies.
Leave it cleaner than you found it. Wipe muddy paw prints off floors, pick up all waste, and keep your pet off the furniture if the hotel requests it. Well-behaved pet guests keep policies generous for everyone.
If you’re weighing other options beyond traditional hotels, our guide comparing /airbnb-vs-hotel-pros-and-cons/ breaks down which choice suits pet travelers better. And if you lean toward a vacation rental instead, the tips in /airbnb-tips-for-guests/ apply double when a pet is involved, since rental hosts often have stricter house rules than hotels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Pet Friendly Hotels
Even experienced travelers slip up. Avoid these frequent errors.
Trusting the filter alone. Booking-site filters lag behind real policy changes. A hotel that dropped its pet program last month may still appear in search results. Always call.
Assuming the fee covers damage. Pet fees usually cover cleaning, not damage. If your dog chews a chair leg, expect a separate charge. For that reason, consider travel insurance that covers pet damage, or simply crate your dog when unsupervised.
Ignoring the fine print on length of stay. Some hotels limit pet stays to a maximum number of nights, particularly at extended-stay properties. Long trips need extra verification.
Forgetting to disclose the pet at all. Sneaking a pet in risks the harshest outcome: eviction without a refund, plus a cleaning fee. Honesty costs far less.
Overlooking the exit plan. Know the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic before you need one. Write the address into your phone on day one.
FAQ: Pet Friendly Hotels Guide
Do pet friendly hotels charge fees for pets?
Most do, yes. Fees typically run $10–$35 per night or $25–$150 per stay, depending on the brand and location. However, some chains, including Kimpton, Loews, Red Roof Inn, and many La Quinta and Motel 6 properties, charge no pet fee at all. Always ask for the total fee amount for your full stay before you book.
Can hotels legally refuse my pet?
Yes. Unless your animal is a trained service animal covered under the ADA, hotels can refuse pets, restrict breeds, and impose weight limits. Emotional support animals are generally treated as pets by hotels under current rules. Therefore, travelers with pets have no legal guarantee of access and must follow each hotel’s policy.
Can I leave my pet alone in the hotel room?
Policies vary. Many hotels allow it if your pet is crated, while others prohibit it entirely. Noise is the main concern. If your dog barks when alone, arrange doggy daycare or a local pet sitter instead. Ask about the policy at check-in so housekeeping knows what to expect.
How do I find pet friendly hotels on a road trip?
Chain consistency is your friend on road trips. Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and La Quinta have thousands of locations along interstate highways, so you can usually find same-brand rooms each night without repeating your research. In addition, apps and booking filters help you confirm availability in real time as your plans shift.
Are cats allowed in pet friendly hotels?
Sometimes, but not always. Many pet policies cover dogs only. However, brands like Kimpton and many independent inns welcome cats. Search specifically for “cat friendly” rather than “pet friendly,” and confirm the species policy when you call, since some hotels that accept dogs quietly refuse cats.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Pet Friendly Hotel
Finding a great pet friendly hotel comes down to one habit: verifying details directly with the property before you book. Confirm the fee, the weight limit, the breed policy, and the unattended-room rules. Get it in writing. Then pack the crate, the bowls, and the vaccination records, and enjoy the trip.
Chains like Kimpton, Loews, La Quinta, and Red Roof Inn make the process easy, but countless independent inns and boutique hotels welcome pets just as warmly. A little research turns a stressful stay into a genuinely fun part of the journey, whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains, or a weekend in the city.
Ready to plan your next trip with your four-legged companion? Explore more accommodation guides on Staylora, including our comparison of /airbnb-vs-hotel-pros-and-cons/, to make sure your next booking fits both your budget and your pet.
