Have you ever been excited about a road trip but discouraged by the lack of pet-friendly or affordable options once you factor in pet fees? The struggle is real. With just over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels available in the United States, you would think it wouldn’t be as difficult as it actually can feel, trying to find a hotel you can afford (pet fees add up) and your furbaby can feel comfortable in.
This is why I've put together a quick list of six hotel brands that I (and my Shih Tzu, Pyper) personally vouch for, from budget to luxe, with a few bonus tips and resources worth noting. Pin or save this article for the next time your travels involve pet stays.
Challenges of Traveling with Pets
In today’s day of pet-centric US cities like Austin and Asheville which boast pet-friendly businesses, you would think finding pet-friendly hotels would be easy to secure. While that might be true, it usually comes at a steep cost depending if pet fees are charged by the day or the stay.
Here are the three challenges pet owners often face when selecting hotels:
Limited Pet-Friendly Options: Many hotels have strict pet policies (maximum number of pets or weight restrictions) or do not allow pets at all, limiting the options for such travelers. Some hotel brands require travelers with pets to stay in smoking rooms, even if they are non-smokers or have health concerns surrounding smoke inhalation for pets and humans. Be sure to read reviews, utilize ‘pet-friendly’ filter features on sites like Booking.com, Trip.com, or other preferred search engines, and bookmark BringFido.com so you don't find yourself surprised by the pet-policy fine print.
Additional Fees: Some hotels charge hefty pet fees or deposits, adding extra expenses to the travel budget. It’s important to confirm if these fees are charged at a daily rate or per stay as this variance can add up quickly, especially on road trips when you’re traveling between hotels frequently.
Lack of Pet Amenities: Finding hotels that offer pet-friendly amenities such as pet menus, designated pet areas, or pet-sitting services can be challenging if not impossible. On one road trip, my husband and I asked if the hotel had a water bowl we might borrow during our stay (for which we were being charged a $75 pet fee per night) and were informed the hotel had no amenities they could provide. This was eye-opening and sobering and has taught me to carefully consider our accommodations when traveling with our dog.
It’s easy to feel like “pet-friendly” hotel marketing is a money grab designed at best to dupe or at worst punish pet lovers for traveling with their furbabies. The good news is there are some pretty fantastic pet-friendly hotel brands across the US, to fit all budgets. Below are six brands that I love when it comes to pet stays.
Six Pet-Friendly Hotels
From Pampered Pooch to Bougie on a Budget
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Loews Hotels: “Loews Loves Pets!” and it shows! In addition to being welcomed with treats, bowls, and a pet placemat, you have access to a chef-curated pet menu that can be tailored to your baby’s dietary preferences, specialized bedding, dog-walking routes, and recommendations to local pet-friendly dining establishments. They allow a maximum of two (2) pets per room and require current proof of up-to-date vaccinations. While Loews doesn’t charge a standard pet fee, it’s advised you call the property you plan to stay at to confirm.
Salamander Hotel: Traveling through Washington DC? The Salamander Hotel will “Welcome You With Open Paws!” With a pet policy that allows a maximum of two (2) dogs per guest room, per stay and should not exceed 60 pounds each and a non-refundable $150 cleaning fee per stay, it's quite an affordable option for a pampered pooch experience. $$ - $$$
Kimpton Hotels: I love Kimpton Hotels so much. They are famous for their pet-friendly policies, welcoming pets of all sizes without extra fees or deposits. Perks may include complimentary pet beds, bowls, treats, and even pet-friendly happy hours. You should not skip these. Once I stayed at a Kimpton without Pyper, and was allowed to rent a pet (it was a Siamese fighting fish) that we named Sashimi! Another time, I stayed at a Kimpton in Vero Beach, FL where they hosted a pet adoption and it took everything not to leave with another animal.
Aloft Hotels: If I can’t stay at a Kimpton, I usually look for an Aloft. With pets welcome at more than 130 Aloft locations around the world, including dogs up to 40 lbs (usually) for no additional fee, it’s a great option. Check with the property before finalizing your reservation to confirm if there is a fee or if your pet is approved. $ - $$
Motel 6: Welcoming pets since 1962, Motel 6 is a budget-friendly option that often welcomes pets at no additional charge. Pet-friendly amenities may include designated pet walking areas and easy access to outdoor spaces.
Red Roof Inn: When it comes to budget, cleanliness, and comfort, Red Roof Inn does it right. They even allow pets to stay for free! Some locations may also offer pet-friendly amenities such as pet beds and treats upon arrival. With pets welcome at more than 670 Red Roof Inn locations around the world this is a fantastic and affordable option!
Before booking, pet owners should always check the hotel's specific pet policies and any additional fees or restrictions that may apply. It's also essential to inform the hotel in advance about traveling with pets to ensure a smooth check-in process.
What to Look for in Pet Policies
Digging into the fine print of hotel pet policies is about as fun as a flea bath, but trust me, it’s essential. Keep an eye out for weight limits, the number of pets allowed per room, and if there are breed restrictions. Some hotels might also charge extra fees per night or require a refundable deposit. BringFido.com is one of the best resources around when it comes to where to stay and each hotel's pet policy. You can filter down by breed, weight, price and more.
Tips for a Smoother Stay with Your Pet
Before you pack up the pet carrier, here are some quick tips for smooth staying:
Call ahead and confirm the hotel's pet policy details.
Bring your pet's comfort items (toys, blanket, bed) to help them settle in faster and reward them with treats.
Keep a copy of vaccination records handy, as some places require up-to-date documentation.
Plan for pet potty breaks by researching nearby parks or walking areas. If you’re planning a US road trip check out these new dog parks and pet-friendly attractions opening in June.
Additional Resources
Safety First: Check out this article Making a Dog Emergency Kit easily adoptable for each member of your fur family.
Travel Training: This article will teach you How to Train Your Dog for Travel something I should still try and apply to Pyper. My biggest regret was not getting her comfortable in a crate when we first rescued her. This is why my husband and I drive 10 hours to leave her with family when we travel for long stretches and not take the 1-hour flight. I’m still traumatized from our first attempt.
Trusted Reviews: Sites like TripAdvisor and NerdWallet (I know, right?) are great options for reading first-hand reviews when searching for affordable pet-friendly hotels.
Do you have any preferred hotels or pet-friendly travel advice you’d like to share? I’m paw ears! Yeah—even Pyper cringed at that pun.
Happy Travels!
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