Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Katrina
For a lot of travelers, taking a family vacation means taking Sparky or Fido or Spot. Happily, the most dog-friendly hotel chains increasingly welcome fur babies to their properties, though that welcome can come in different forms. Some chains show their love of pets through fun perks—beds, bowls, toys, or even turndown treats, while other chains prove their appreciation of pet owners by charging either low or no nightly pet fees.
When booking a hotel with your pet, always check any rules regarding breeds, weight, and number of animals, and find out which areas outside the room the pet is allowed, as well as what gear you should bring. Here are five chains that go above and beyond in welcoming dogs.
Aloft Hotels
This boutique offshoot of the Marriott brand has 210 hotels that welcome dogs of up to 40 pounds. Most (but not all) properties charge no extra fee. As part of its Animals R Fun program (as in, “ARF”) pet guests get use of an Aloft-branded bed and bowl and enjoy treats and toys. Rules about weight limits or number of pets vary by location.
Best Western
The huge chain—with nearly 2,000 franchised properties in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean—welcomes dogs and often cats, birds, or other small pets. Typically, the hotels allow up to two domestic dogs per room, with a maximum size of 80 pounds per animal. Nightly fees are low, and max out during longer stays; there may also be a refundable damage deposit. Many properties offer special areas for dogs to walk or do their business, while staff are ready to direct owners to pet-friendly parks, shops, and restaurants.
Kimpton Hotels
The chain of more than 60 boutique hotels throws down the gauntlet on welcoming pets. There are no fees for pets to stay, plus there are no rules about breeds or size. If they can fit in the door, as the owner has said, pets are welcome. The hotel company even boasts a Director of Pet Relations. Pets get goodie bags upon check-in and can enjoy loaners of beds, dishes, and mats. The front desk can direct you to nearby restaurants and attractions that welcome pets, and your fur baby is also welcome at the hotel’s nightly wine reception in the lobby.
La Quinta by Wyndham
This mainstream chain of 900-plus properties may not offer amenities like toys, beds or even litter boxes, but they offer one huge perk: low or non-existent fees or deposits. You may encounter a small, per-night fee for short stays, but any fee is capped after just a few nights (and service animals always stay free). The pet policy also allows well-behaved pets to stay in the hotel room unattended. Some locations have limits on pet weight or number of pets.
Loews Hotels
This national brand was one of the first to extend the welcome mat to pets. Its Loews Loves Pets program includes treats, bowls and place mats, as well as the standing offer for basics such as pet beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, and toys. Pets enjoy their own room service menu while owners can make use of dog-walking route maps. At some locations, dogs event enjoy perks—like surf lessons in San Diego. Nightly fees vary by property, but in general, there’s a two-pet limit.
Red Roof Inn
The overwhelming majority of Red Roof Inns allow pets, and most charge no fees—and service animals and Emotional Support animals stay free at all locations. Within the brand you can bring one pet of 80 pounds or less at Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations; at Red Collection locations, the pet must not exceed 40 pounds. Depending on the property, you may also be allowed to bring additional pets at no charge.
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