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For many of us, pets — particularly our pooches — are family. We love them, care for them, pamper them, and some of us even travel with them!
I love hitting the road with my dog, but it can get expensive depending on where we stay. Just because a property is pet-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean it’s budget-friendly. Those extra cleaning fees that come with having your pup tag along can really add up.
But there are some great pet-friendly hotels out there — from value-conscious to luxe level — that won’t just welcome your dog, but will welcome them for free.
In celebration of National Dog Day, here are eleven options that don’t charge pet fees. You might want to consider these pet-friendly hotel chains the next time you hit the road with your furry or fluffy best buddy.
Top 11 Pet-Friendly Hotels Where Dogs Stay Free
- Kimpton Hotels
- Four Seasons
- Magnolia Hotels
- Virgin Hotels
- Element By Westin
- Aloft
- Red Roof Inn
- Motel 6
- Best Western Hotels And Resorts
- Standard Hotels
- Sheraton Hotels
11 Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Where Dogs Stay Free
1. Kimpton Hotels
I recently had the chance to stay in Milwaukee’s Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. While I was without my Cavalier King Charles spaniel Marvel, I saw plenty of other four-legged friends at the property. That’s because each of its 68 locations allows precious pups — and any other pet — to stay for free. No pet fees whatsoever. Not all pet-friendly hotels offer this perk.
This pet-friendly hotel chain had large, lovely rooms with plush high-end amenities, and I was delighted to see a charming and adorable ceramic bull terrier standing guard over a corner in my suite. Several people brought their puppies to the nightly wine reception, which made me miss my Marv even more! Kimpton really rolls out the welcome mat for doggos with extras including plush pet-bed loaners, food and water bowls with mats, and some locations even have a Director of Pet Relations in residence! There’s nothing cuter than an in-person (or in-paws) ambassador.
One more recently added perk in this hotel for your pup: Kimpton offers guests a free month of Wag! Premium, a service that gives on-the-go pets and their owners everything they need while traveling — from dog walking to vet access. The membership gives you discounts for services booked, waived booking fees, and 24/7 access to advice from licensed veterinary professionals through the Wag! app.
This pet friendly hotel provides boutique-level rooms and service, and it’s all the sweeter knowing your dog will be catered to and cared for during your stay!
2. Four Seasons
The Four Seasons brand is well-known for its posh accommodations. It turns out that at many properties, those perks extend to pooches with no pet fees and no extra charge. At the Four Seasons in Austin, Texas, pups are invited to join their owners for outdoor dining, and may even order off a special gourmet puppy menu. The chain’s Washington, D.C., location also allows dogs to stay for free, and they’re welcomed with pet beds, bowls, and even personalized treats made by the hotel’s pastry team — yum!
At the Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, resident lab mixes Hank and Freddy keep staff and guests delighted, while the dogs staying at the property can enjoy two designated dog parks — both enclosed in greenery and outfitted with pet stations! Keep in mind, you’ll want to call ahead to see exactly which Four Seasons locations have gone to the dogs — and to get an exact feel for their amenities. But this hotel definitely spoils it’s guests and their pets!
3. Magnolia Hotels
Another boutique hotelier that has your pup’s best interest at heart is Magnolia. Part of the Marriott brand, pets of all sizes and breeds are welcomed at the chain’s six locations at no extra cost. Magnolia’s half-dozen hotels are housed in grand, historic buildings in terrific cities, and all are close to cultural hotspots and other tourist attractions.
Expect a treat bag for your dog once you walk in the door at check-in and expert assistance from the concierge who can assist you with finding dog-friendly places nearby. Magnolia staffers adore pups, and it shows. Your buddy is guaranteed to get lots of special attention, including plenty of head pats and belly rubs during your stay.
4. Virgin Hotels
Virgin, the booming travel brand built by Sir Richard Branson, has a suite of seven hotels located in the U.S. and the UK. All will welcome both you and your dog with open arms and with no pet fees. Virgin encourages its four-legged guests to sniff out the surroundings — and they will stay for free with zero breed or size restrictions.
Upon arrival, dogs can expect treats, lots of love, and even a Virgin-branded bandana! When you and your best bud reach your chamber, you’ll find a comfortable pet bed, bowls, clean-up bags, and even a ceramic canine standing watch! This pet-friendly hotel chain offers everything you need for a posh, luxe, and comfortable stay with your pup.
5. Element By Westin
Element by Westin, a hotel brand focused on eco-conscious and healthy extended stays, welcomes dogs weighing up to 40 pounds at all of its 60-plus locations around the world. Many of them are fee-free!
Each Element room offers an in-unit kitchen and plenty of space in an airy, neutral design. There’s lots of room for you and Rover to make yourselves at home for the short or long term. There’s a focus on well-being here as well, with bikes to borrow and nutritious options for breakfast. As part of their Love That Dog program, Element provides a signature dog bed, food and water bowls, clean-up supplies, and more for visiting pups! It all adds up as a great option to consider when traveling with your best furry friend.
6. Aloft
Aloft — the funky, fun, and tech-forward brand in the Marriott portfolio — is a place where your pup might be able to stay without those pesky pet fees. Many of Aloft’s 163 locations across North America offer fee-free stays, including those in great cities such as Orlando, New York, New Orleans, and Miami. You’ll still want to call ahead as the pet fees policy and weight limits may vary across individual Aloft properties.
ARF — or “Animals Are Fun” — is Aloft’s pet program. It truly rolls out the red carpet for your pup. This pet-friendly hotel is committed to making the pups who visit feel as great as the people. Dogs under 40 pounds will get a branded bed and bowls, clean-up bags, plus treats and toys all for free! That’s some serious swag.
7. Red Roof Inn
Budget-conscious travelers take note: Red Roof, with more than 670 properties in the United States, Brazil, and Japan — across four separate brands — provides a caring, clean, and comfortable environment for all of its guests, including doggos with no pet fees! Yup, there are no additional charges associated with bringing a well-behaved dog along to the Red Roof Inn.
Red Roof Inn is a great no-fuss road-trip option, as many locations are situated off interstates and provide easy access to them. So no matter if it’s a quick overnight stop while you’re on your way, or your extended home away from home while on your vacation, Red Roof Inn will have you and your dog covered!
8. Motel 6
Motel 6 is well-known for keeping the lights on for you, and they’ll also keep them burning bright for your fur baby, too. Dogs stay free at the value-priced chain’s properties, and have been doing so since Motel 6 was founded back in 1962! So if you’re hitting the open road with your pack, you might want to consider one of its 14,000 motels or studios located across the U.S. and Canada. The rooms are comfortable and a welcoming place to rest your head — and paws — after a day of adventure.
In fact, Motel 6 loves dogs so much, that it’s partnered with Patriot PAWS to sponsor the training of service dogs for disabled veterans. That’s something both you and your pooch can be proud of when you stay at the chain!
9. Best Western Hotels And Resorts
Best Western has more than 1,600 pet-friendly hotels across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, and many of them do not charge extra fees for bringing along your dog. Some locations offer dedicated places for walking and potty stops, and will provide recommendations on pet-friendly parks, stores, and even pet-friendly restaurants! It all adds up to a tail-wagging good time for you and your favorite pup.
Pro Tips: Traveling With Your Dog
A few other things to keep in mind as you venture out on vacation with your dog: Always declare them at check-in even if there are no pet fees. Many properties have pet-friendly rooms to protect all guests, particularly those who might have pet allergies. Make sure you’re in one of them!
No matter how well-trained your dog might be, it’s just not a great idea to leave her or him unattended in a hotel room. Travel can be stressful for all of us, and anxious barking from a left-behind dog can disturb (and tick off!) nearby guests.
A favorite blanket or bed is a must when you hit the road — the smell of home is comforting to even the most seasoned canine travelers. And finally, it’s good to remember that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, there’s never a pet fee for service animals, anywhere you choose to stay.
10. Standard Hotels
When The Standard recognized the significance of allowing guests to be able to bring their pets, they changed their policy. Now, pets of any size or breed can stay with you with no pet fees at Standard hotels in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
However, it doesn’t stop there. The Standard collaborated with a pet accessory company called ‘‘Found My Animal’’ to create an exclusive line of products that includes a collar, a handmade leash, a water bowl, and a pouch. Everything is in Standard red color, and available at the Standard Shop.
- Book Now on KAYAK
11. Sheraton Hotels
The Sheraton hotel chain is mostly pet-friendly, but some hotels won’t charge pet fees for your furry companions. Sheraton hotels in Albuquerque, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and other major cities allow a dog or cat for under 40 pounds without any charges. However, this varies from location to location, so it’s best to call to confirm their pet policy.
Sheraton likes to indulge pets with a range of pet amenities such as plush custom pet beds as well as ID tags, floor mats, food bowls, and more. At the check-in, pet guests receive a pet welcome kit which includes helpful local pet info and goodies.
- Book Now on KAYAK
FAQs
What Is a Pet-Friendly Hotel?
In a pet-friendly hotel, your dog can stay in the room with you. However, not all pet-friendly hotels have the same policies. Size and breed restrictions and the number of dogs allowed in one room all vary depending on the hotel. Plus, pet-friendly hotels may charge additional fees.
Do Pet-Friendly Hotels Let You Leave Your Dog in the Room?
It depends on your dog and the hotel. Many pet-friendly hotels won’t have a problem with you leaving your dog alone, but be aware that they might ask you to leave if your dog is loud or destructive while you’re out.
Where Do Dogs Sleep in Pet-Friendly Hotels?
In most cases pet-friendly hotels allow dogs to sleep in their owners’ rooms. Specialized dog beds or even litter boxes may be provided. To make your dog more comfortable, a pet-friendly hotel may give extra pet-friendly amenities such as food bowls, treats, or toys.
How to Make Your Dog Feel at Home in a Pet-Friendly Hotel?
You should bring items your dog is familiar with, like dog beds or a blanket that smells like home. You can also bring chew toys with you to prevent furry friends from chomping on the furniture.
What Are the Standard Pet-Friendly Hotel Rules?
Most pet-friendly hotels don’t allow aggressive dogs. Your dog should be toilet trained and clean – imagine a nightmare the hotel staff would go through if your dog had fleas. Lastly, you would probably have to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations.