Have you ever had to leave your beloved pet behind while traveling, only to spend your vacation missing them and worrying about their care? That heartache is exactly why pet friendly hotel chains have become essential for millions of American travelers who consider their four-legged companions part of the family. Today, the hospitality industry has evolved to recognize that pets aren’t just animalsthey’re cherished family members who deserve to experience adventures alongside their humans.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most welcoming pet friendly hotel chains across the United States, detailing their policies, amenities, and those special touches that make traveling with your pet not just possible, but truly enjoyable. From luxury resorts that pamper pooches to budget-friendly options that welcome the whole family, this guide will help you navigate the expanding world of pet-inclusive travel.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Pet Friendly Hotel Chains For Your Travels
Traveling with pets transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary shared adventure. Pet friendly hotel chains have recognized this emotional connection and responded by creating truly inclusive experiences for four-legged guests. Rather than settling for basic tolerance of pets, the best chains now offer genuine hospitality with dedicated pet amenities and services.
These accommodations eliminate the guilt and logistical challenges of leaving pets behind. No more expensive boarding facilities or imposing on friends and family for pet care. Your companion can share in the discovery of new places, creating memories that include every family member. Many destinations now feature extensive networks of dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and hiking trails where your pet can experience the local culture alongside you.
The psychological benefits extend to both pets and owners. Traveling together reduces separation anxiety and maintains daily routines that keep pets happy and healthy. Hotel staff at pet-friendly properties are typically more understanding and accommodating of animal needs, creating a stress-free environment for your whole family.
Hotel Features & Amenities
Today’s pet friendly hotel chains have elevated their offerings far beyond simply allowing animals on the premises. The most progressive brands now feature specialized welcome packages for four-legged guests, often including treats, waste bags, portable water bowls, and detailed information about nearby pet services and recreation areas.
Many properties have designated pet relief areas with waste stations, making those essential bathroom breaks convenient regardless of weather or time of day. Some luxury brands have taken pet amenities to remarkable heights, offering specialized pet room service menus, professional dog walking services, and even pet massage therapies that mirror their human spa treatments.
Physical accommodations have evolved as well. Look for hotels with pet-dedicated floors or wings, ensuring you’ll be surrounded by like-minded travelers who won’t be bothered by occasional barking or pet noises. Premium pet bedding has become standard at many chains, with orthopedic options available for senior pets. Some hotels even provide pet-sitting services, allowing you to enjoy a pet-free dinner or excursion without worry.
The most forward-thinking pet friendly hotel chains have integrated pet needs into their property design, featuring scratch-resistant furnishings, easy-clean flooring, and sound-insulated rooms that prevent pet noises from disturbing other guests.
Best Travel Seasons & Booking Schedule
When traveling with pets, timing can significantly impact both comfort and cost. For most destinations, spring and fall represent the sweet spots of pet travel—temperatures are moderate, outdoor activities are plentiful, and pet friendly hotel chains often offer lower rates than during peak summer periods.
Summer travel with pets requires careful planning, particularly in hot-weather destinations where pavement temperatures can harm sensitive paws. Many coastal properties impose beach restrictions for pets during peak summer months but offer more access during shoulder seasons. Conversely, winter travel to snowy destinations may require additional pet gear like protective booties and coats.
Booking strategies for pet rooms differ from standard reservations. Pet-designated rooms are typically limited to 10-20% of a property’s inventory, making advance booking essential especially during holidays and peak seasons. Most pet friendly hotel chains require pet reservations be made directly through their websites or call centers rather than third-party booking sites, ensuring pet policies and fees are clearly communicated.
For maximum availability and potential discounts, book pet accommodations 2-3 months in advance. Many chains offer loyalty program benefits for pet travelers, including waived pet fees after multiple stays or pet welcome amenities for frequent guests. Always confirm the specific pet policy for your chosen property, as policies can vary between locations even within the same brand.
Top 12 Pet Friendly Hotel Chains
1. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants stands as the gold standard in pet hospitality, having pioneered the “pets stay free” policy that revolutionized the industry. This boutique chain welcomes pets of all sizes, species, and breeds with no additional charges or deposits—a rarity in the hospitality world. Each property provides plush pet beds, food and water bowls, and even hosts a complimentary evening wine reception where pets are welcome to socialize alongside their humans.
Kimpton’s commitment extends to thoughtful touches like pet names displayed on welcome boards, in-room pet massages at select locations, and a dedicated Director of Pet Relations (often a staff member’s dog) at many properties. Their “Guppy Love” program even provides in-room fish companions for travelers who couldn’t bring their own pets but still crave animal companionship.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: All pets welcome with no size, weight, or species restrictions
- Fees: $0 – truly pet-fee free at all locations
- Number of pets: No limit on number of pets
- Amenities: Plush pet beds, bowls, waste bags, door hangers alerting staff to pets
- Nearby opportunities: Staff provides curated list of local pet-friendly restaurants, parks and activities
Price Range: from $179/night
Traveler Rating: 4.8/5
Kimpton’s extraordinary pet program makes it the ultimate choice for travelers seeking a hotel experience where pets aren’t merely tolerated—they’re celebrated as honored guests.
2. La Quinta by Wyndham
La Quinta by Wyndham has built its reputation as one of America’s most dependable pet friendly hotel chains with a policy that welcomes up to two pets per room across nearly all of its 900+ locations. This midscale brand offers remarkable consistency for pet travelers with standardized policies that eliminate surprises at check-in. Their “Pets Stay Free” approach at most properties (with some locations charging a modest fee) makes them exceptionally accessible for budget-conscious pet parents.
The brand excels at providing convenient locations with grassy areas for pet relief, often situated near highways and travel corridors for easy road trip stops. Recent property renovations have introduced more durable, pet-friendly flooring and furnishings designed to withstand normal pet wear.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Dogs and cats welcome at most locations
- Fees: Most locations free; some charge $20/night per pet or a $40 per-stay fee
- Weight limits: Two pets with combined weight under 75 pounds
- Amenities: Designated relief areas, waste stations, some locations offer treats
- Nearby park: Most properties maintain lists of local dog parks and walking trails
Price Range: from $89/night
Traveler Rating: 4.2/5
For reliable, affordable pet-friendly accommodations across the country, La Quinta delivers consistency that pet owners can count on without breaking the bank.
3. Best Western
Best Western deserves recognition among pet friendly hotel chains for its remarkably flexible approach to pet policies. With over 1,600 pet-welcoming properties across North America, this chain empowers individual hotels to create pet programs that reflect their unique facilities and locations. While this creates some variability between properties, it also allows for specialized pet experiences that match local environments.
The brand’s three-tier hotel collection (Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier) provides options across price points, all maintaining pet-friendly options. Many locations offer dedicated pet walking areas, welcome treats, and rooms specifically designated for pet travelers with appropriate flooring and furnishings.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Most accept dogs, many accept cats, select locations accept other pets
- Fees: Varies by location, typically $10-30 per night with some locations charging per stay
- Weight limits: Varies by hotel, many allow up to 80 pounds
- Amenities: Designated pet areas, waste bags, water bowls, treats at most locations
- Nearby parks: Most front desks maintain lists of local pet-friendly recreation areas
Price Range: from $79/night
Traveler Rating: 4.0/5
Best Western’s widespread availability makes it a reliable choice for pet travelers seeking options in smaller towns and rural areas where other pet friendly hotel chains might not operate.
4. Aloft Hotels
Aloft Hotels has created one of the most progressive pet programs in the industry with its ARF (Animals R Fun) initiative. This hip, tech-forward Marriott brand targets millennial travelers who consider pets essential family members. Every Aloft property welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds with a complimentary pet bed, bowls, treats, and toys setting a new standard for included pet amenities.
The brand’s modern, open-concept lobbies and social spaces are intentionally designed to be pet-inclusive, allowing dogs to join their humans during the evening Remix social hours. Many locations feature outdoor spaces with artificial turf pet relief areas that include waste stations and sanitizing supplies.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Dogs up to 40 pounds welcome at all properties
- Fees: Most locations charge no pet fee
- Number of pets: One per room at most locations
- Amenities: ARF pet bed, food bowl, water bowl, treats, toys
- Nearby opportunities: Staff provides information on local dog-friendly restaurants and parks
Price Range: from $129/night
Traveler Rating: 4.5/5
For modern travelers seeking a stylish, social hotel experience they can share with their pet, Aloft delivers contemporary accommodations without excluding four-legged family members.
5. Loews Hotels
Loews Hotels pioneered luxury pet travel with its Loews Loves Pets program, offering upscale accommodations for discerning pet owners. This premium brand treats pets as VIP (Very Important Pets) guests, providing gourmet room service menus crafted by culinary teams specifically for cats and dogs. Each pet receives a welcome gift including a pet tag, bowl, and treats upon arrival.
The brand maintains detailed records of pet preferences, from preferred walking times to dietary restrictions, ensuring return visitors experience personalized service. Select properties offer specialty services including dog walking, pet sitting, and even appointments with local pet masseuses and psychics.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Dogs and cats welcome at all properties
- Fees: $50 per stay
- Number of pets: Up to two pets per room
- Amenities: Specialized pet room service menu, pet beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, leashes, collars, water bowls
- Nearby opportunities: Custom city guides with pet-friendly attractions and activities
Price Range: from $219/night
Traveler Rating: 4.7/5
Loews delivers a genuinely luxurious experience where both pets and humans receive equally attentive service and premium amenities, making it ideal for special occasions.
6. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn stands out among pet friendly hotel chains for its straightforward, economical approach to pet travel. Their consistent “one pet per room stays free” policy applies nationwide across their 650+ locations, eliminating surprise fees at check-in. This budget-friendly chain welcomes well-behaved pets under 80 pounds without requiring deposits, cleaning fees, or daily charges.
The brand’s redesigned NextGen rooms feature hard-surface flooring instead of carpet in many areas, making clean-up easier for pet travelers. Most properties offer convenient exterior corridors, allowing pet owners to access rooms without navigating lobbies or elevators a significant advantage for anxious animals or emergency bathroom breaks.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: One pet per room, typically dogs or cats
- Fees: $0 at standard properties (Red Roof PLUS+ may charge fees)
- Weight limits: Under 80 pounds at most locations
- Amenities: Relief areas, some locations offer treats at check-in
- Nearby park: Front desk typically provides maps to local walking paths
Price Range: from $59/night
Traveler Rating: 3.8/5
For budget-conscious travelers seeking no-frills accommodations with guaranteed pet acceptance, Red Roof Inn offers reliable, affordable options nationwide.
7. Marriott International
Marriott International offers pet travelers tremendous variety through its diverse portfolio of brands, with over 1,500 properties welcoming pets across its collection. While the parent company provides general guidelines, individual hotels customize their pet policies based on property type and location, creating experiences ranging from basic acceptance to comprehensive pet programs.
Higher-end Marriott brands like W Hotels and Westin often feature premium pet amenities including plush beds, welcome kits, and specialized concierge services. Courtyard, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites provide extended-stay options with pet-friendly suites featuring separate living areas and kitchens—ideal for longer trips with pets.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Varies by brand and property; most welcome dogs, select locations accept cats and other pets
- Fees: Range from $50-250 per stay depending on brand and location
- Weight limits: Typically 50-75 pounds with select properties allowing larger breeds
- Amenities: Vary by brand from basic relief areas to comprehensive welcome packages
- Nearby opportunities: Many properties provide pet walking maps and local recommendations
Price Range: from $99-399/night depending on brand
Traveler Rating: 4.3/5
With options spanning from budget to luxury across virtually every market, Marriott provides pet-friendly choices for nearly any travel need or preference.
8. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts has significantly expanded its pet offerings across multiple brands, with Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites standing out as especially pet-forward options. The company’s extended-stay brands excel at accommodating pets with studio and one-bedroom suites that provide ample space for pet beds and play areas, plus kitchenettes for preparing pet meals.
Canopy by Hilton, the brand’s boutique lifestyle offering, provides “Paws in the Neighborhood” welcome kits with information about local pet-friendly attractions, while many Embassy Suites locations offer spacious two-room configurations ideal for families traveling with pets. Hampton Inn & Suites provides reliable mid-range options with consistent pet policies across their extensive network.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Most properties welcome dogs; policies for cats and other pets vary
- Fees: $50-75 per stay at most properties, with select extended-stay locations charging additional cleaning fees
- Weight limits: Typically 75 pounds with some properties allowing larger pets
- Amenities: Relief areas, waste stations, pet beds at select properties
- Nearby opportunities: Many locations maintain partnerships with local pet services
Price Range: from $89-259/night depending on brand
Traveler Rating: 4.2/5
Hilton’s strong extended-stay options make it particularly appealing for longer trips where pets need more space and amenities that replicate home environments.
9. Drury Hotels
Drury Hotels has quietly built one of the most consistent and welcoming pet programs among midscale pet friendly hotel chains. This family-owned company allows up to two pets per room across all of its 150+ locations, with reasonable pet fees that don’t fluctuate by pet size or breed. Their standardized approach eliminates the policy variations that can frustrate pet travelers at other chains.
The brand’s free hot breakfast, evening reception with snacks and drinks (including their “5:30 Kickback” with complimentary adult beverages), and 24-hour coffee service provide exceptional value for pet travelers. Most properties feature well-maintained green spaces for pet relief, and many offer treats at check-in.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Dogs and cats welcome at all properties
- Fees: $35 per night per room (not per pet) with maximum of $175 per stay
- Number of pets: Up to two pets per room
- Amenities: Designated pet relief areas, treats at check-in at most locations
- Nearby opportunities: Front desk provides information on local walking trails and dog parks
Price Range: from $109/night
Traveler Rating: 4.6/5
With exceptional service ratings, consistent pet policies, and outstanding included amenities, Drury Hotels offers remarkable value for pet travelers seeking midscale accommodations.
10. Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels maintains one of the largest portfolios of pet friendly hotel chains through brands including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Cambria Hotels, and Sleep Inn. With more than 2,500 pet-welcoming locations, this network provides extensive coverage across highway corridors, rural areas, and urban centers alike.
Their varied brands allow pet travelers to select properties matching specific needs and budgets. Suburban Extended Stay and MainStay Suites cater to longer visits with kitchenettes and larger rooms, while Comfort and Quality Inns provide reliable overnight options for road-trippers with pets. Cambria Hotels elevate the experience with more upscale accommodations while maintaining pet-friendly policies.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Varies by brand and location; most welcome dogs with some accepting cats
- Fees: Range from $10-50 per night depending on property
- Weight limits: Typically 50-80 pounds with some locations allowing larger pets
- Amenities: Basic relief areas at most properties, select locations offer enhanced amenities
- Nearby opportunities: Front desk typically provides information on local pet services
Price Range: from $69-159/night depending on brand
Traveler Rating: 3.9/5
Choice Hotels’ extensive geographic coverage makes them particularly valuable for cross-country travelers seeking consistent pet friendly hotel chains along major travel routes.
11. Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels has steadily expanded its pet-friendly offerings, with brands like Hyatt Place and Hyatt House leading their pet initiatives. These contemporary brands welcome dogs at nearly all locations with standardized policies that remove guesswork from booking. The extended-stay Hyatt House brand particularly excels with apartment-style accommodations featuring full kitchens and separate living areas ideal for pet travelers.
Select luxury properties like Park Hyatt and Andaz often feature elevated pet amenities including plush bedding, gourmet treats, and occasionally pet room service menus. Hyatt’s increasing focus on outdoor spaces at newer properties creates more comfortable environments for pet relief and exercise.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Most properties welcome one or two dogs per room
- Fees: Typically $75-100 for stays up to 6 nights; $175+ for longer stays
- Weight limits: Usually 50 pounds per dog or 75 pounds combined
- Amenities: Relief areas, waste stations, beds at select properties
- Nearby opportunities: Staff can provide recommendations for local pet services
Price Range: from $99-299/night depending on brand
Traveler Rating: 4.4/5
Hyatt’s contemporary design aesthetic and increasing pet focus make them particularly appealing to modern travelers seeking stylish accommodations that welcome their pets.
12. Motel 6/Studio 6
Motel 6/Studio 6 rounds out our list of pet friendly hotel chains by providing the most budget-friendly nationwide option with a remarkably consistent pet program. Every one of their 1,400+ locations welcomes up to two pets per room without charging additional fees or deposits a policy nearly unique among economy lodging brands. Their extended-stay Studio 6 properties maintain the same pet-friendly approach while offering kitchenettes and weekly rates.
Recent renovations across the brand have introduced modern, clean designs with wood-effect flooring instead of carpet, making rooms more hygienic and manageable for pet travelers. Most properties feature exterior corridors allowing direct room access without navigating lobbies a significant convenience for pet bathroom breaks.
Key Features:
- Pet policy: Up to two pets per room welcome at all locations
- Fees: $0 at all properties (truly pet fee-free)
- Weight limits: No official weight restrictions at most locations
- Amenities: Basic relief areas, some locations offer waste stations
- Nearby opportunities: Limited but staff can typically direct to nearby parks
Price Range: from $49/night
Traveler Rating: 3.6/5
For travelers on tight budgets or those who prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than accommodations, Motel 6 delivers reliable pet-friendly rooms at the lowest price point of national chains.
Traveler Tips & Alternatives
While pet friendly hotel chains provide excellent accommodations for most travelers, preparation remains essential for a smooth experience. Always pack a portable pet bed that smells like home to reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments. Collapsible food and water bowls, favorite toys, and a pet first aid kit should accompany every trip. Consider bringing a sheet or blanket from home to cover hotel furniture, protecting both the hotel’s property and your potential deposit.
Digital resources have revolutionized pet travel planning. Apps like BringFido and GoPetFriendly help locate not just pet-accepting accommodations but also nearby dog parks, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly restaurants. For properties with weight restrictions, maintain current documentation of your pet’s weight from a veterinarian visit, especially if your pet approaches policy limits.
Alternative lodging options extend beyond traditional pet friendly hotel chains. Vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo often provide more space and privacy, with approximately 30% of listings accepting pets. Pet-friendly cabin rentals in outdoor destinations frequently feature fenced yards and direct trail access that hotels cannot match. For extended trips, consider pet-friendly corporate housing which typically offers more home-like environments with fewer restrictions than hotels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced pet travelers can encounter problems when booking pet friendly hotel chains without proper research. The most common mistake is assuming all locations within a brand share identical pet policies—while La Quinta generally accepts pets without fees, individual franchise locations might charge pet fees or have weight restrictions. Always call your specific hotel directly to confirm their current pet policy before booking.
Many travelers misunderstand pet fee structures, confusing per-night charges with per-stay fees or missing non-refundable deposits. Some properties advertise as “pet-friendly” but maintain extremely restrictive weight limits or breed restrictions that effectively exclude many common pets. Reading the complete pet policy rather than just seeing “pets welcome” prevents check-in disappointments.
Booking through third-party websites frequently creates complications as these sites often lack complete pet policy information and cannot guarantee pet-friendly room assignments. Booking directly through the hotel’s website or reservation line ensures proper documentation of your pet and appropriate room assignment.
Assuming similar pet policies across different properties in the same destination leads to problematic comparisons. A downtown Kimpton might charge no pet fee while requiring valet parking at $50/night, while a suburban Residence Inn might charge a $100 pet fee but offer free parking making total costs substantially different despite the apparent pet fee disparity.
Hotel Etiquette & Maintenance Tips
Respecting proper etiquette at pet friendly hotel chains ensures these properties continue welcoming our furry companions. Always disclose pets during reservation and at check-in, even at pet-friendly properties. This ensures you’re assigned appropriate rooms and staff are aware of all animals on premises.
Maintain consistent supervision of your pet or secure them safely when leaving the room. Many hotels provide “Pet In Room” door hangers to alert housekeeping staff. Respect designated pet relief areas and always clean up waste immediately using provided stations or your own supplies. Keep pets leashed in all public areas including lobbies, hallways, and elevators.
For extended stays, consider arranging housekeeping visits when you can remove your pet temporarily. Many pet friendly hotel chains will not service rooms with unattended pets inside. If your pet experiences anxiety with vacuums or strangers, request minimal housekeeping during your stay.
Control excessive barking or noise that might disturb other guests, particularly during early morning or evening hours. If your pet tends toward separation anxiety, use white noise machines or television to mask external sounds that might trigger barking. For accidents or damage, report incidents immediately to staff rather than attempting to hide problems—most hotels appreciate honesty and will work reasonably with guests who communicate proactively.
Conclusion
Traveling with pets has evolved from a challenging exception to a joyful norm, thanks largely to the welcoming policies of today’s pet friendly hotel chains. These brands recognize that our animals are family members deserving inclusion in our travel experiences. From luxury properties with specialized pet concierges to budget-friendly options with consistent policies, today’s accommodations offer unprecedented choices for every type of pet traveler.
The true value of pet-inclusive travel extends beyond convenience it’s about creating complete memories that include every family member. When your dog experiences their first beach sunrise or your cat curls up in a mountain cabin window, those moments become part of your shared story. By choosing properties that genuinely welcome animals rather than merely tolerating them, you contribute to an industry transformation that continues to improve travel for all pet owners.
Your adventures await, with no family member left behind. The perfect balance of pet amenities, human comforts, and reasonable policies exists among the diverse offerings of today’s hospitality landscape. Ready to plan your getaway? Compare prices and book your stay at the best pet friendly hotel chains today.
FAQs
What are typical pet fees at pet-friendly hotels?
Pet fees vary significantly, ranging from $0 at chains like Kimpton, Red Roof Inn and Motel 6 to $100+ per stay at luxury properties. Most midscale chains charge $20-50 per night or a flat fee per stay regardless of length.
Are there hotels with no weight restrictions for dogs?
Yes! Kimpton Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and many La Quinta locations welcome pets without weight restrictions, while other chains typically limit pets to 50-80 pounds.
Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room?
Policies vary by property, but most hotels allow pets to remain in rooms unattended if they’re crated or won’t cause disturbances. Many properties provide “Pet In Room” door signs to alert housekeeping staff.
What pet amenities do luxury hotels typically offer?
Luxury pet-friendly properties often provide pet beds, food and water bowls, welcome treats, waste bags, and sometimes pet room service menus. Some offer dog walking, pet sitting, and specialized concierge services for nearby pet activities.
Are there hotel chains that welcome cats and other pets beyond dogs?
Yes, Kimpton Hotels, Best Western, and Loews Hotels consistently welcome cats in addition to dogs. For exotic pets, policies vary significantly, with Kimpton being the most accepting of non-traditional pets.
