Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Enrichment
  4. The Best Dog Friendly Hotel Chains in the United States

The Best Dog Friendly Hotel Chains in the United States

Haley photo

Haley

April 11, 2023

Dog Enrichment

The Best Dog Friendly Hotel Chains in the United States thumbnail

Every dog lover knows that going on vacation can be challenging when you have to leave your pup behind. Fortunately, many hotel chains now welcome well-behaved furry friends with open arms!

We’ve put together a list of some of the most dog friendly hotel chains in the United States, along with information about what to bring and do beforehand. Get ready for a comfortable stay with your companion in tow.

Know Before You Go: Dog Friendly Hotel Checklist

What to bring with you to a pet friendly hotel stay

  • A familiar blanket, dog bed, or crate: This will help your pup feel more at home even while in a new environment.
  • Food and water along with bowls: Maintaining your dog’s regular meal schedule will make traveling transitions easier on them — mentally and physically. Some hotels provide food and water bowls, but others don't, so it's a good idea to be prepared.
  • Tasty treats: Your pup's favorite treats (or toys) can be a great way to reward them for good behavior during your hotel stay.
  • Collar or harness with ID tags: This is especially important when traveling far from home, where your pet could get lost in an unfamiliar area.
  • Leash: Your pup will need to be under physical control when on business property, and you’ll want to follow local leash laws too.
  • Poop bags: Always pick up your dog’s poop! Some pet friendly hotels provide doggie bags in special designated walking spots, but you should pack plenty of your own just in case.
  • Fan or white noise machine: Some dogs are better able to relax when hallway noises or nearby traffic sounds are muffled. If your pup is territorial, sound sensitive, or otherwise reactive, this might be a good idea.

What to do before checking into a hotel with your dog

  • Polish your pup’s manners: Prepare your dog to handle distractions in a new environment. Loose leash walking and general impulse control are great things to focus on!
  • Confirm all pet rules: You can double check what to expect online or via phone call directly to a hotel’s front desk. This way you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any surprises.

Common dog friendly hotel pet policies

  • Dogs usually need to be leashed at all times when outside of your assigned pet-friendly rooms, such as in hallways, elevators, and other common spaces. This makes sure you're respectful to other hotel guests.
  • Many pet friendly hotels charge one-time fees per dog. Some have a refundable pet deposit to safeguard against potential damages from four-legged friends.
  • Select hotels require dogs to be safely crated if ever left alone inside the hotel room. Others don’t have this policy so long as pets won’t be destructive.

The Best Dog Friendly Hotel Chains in the United States

Here are some of the hotels known for welcoming pets at their properties. Be sure to always call ahead to confirm room availability and dog friendliness before arriving!

Best Western

Best Western says they’re pleased to welcome dogs to many of their hotels — along with cats, birds and other small animals. They have over 1,200 pet-friendly hotels with dog-friendly rooms in North America.

According to their website, “Best Western pet-friendly hotels allow up to two domestic dogs in a rented room, with a maximum size of 80 lbs. per animal. There may be a maximum charge of $30 per day for each room with a pet or multiple pets, or a maximum charge per week of $150. A refundable damage deposit of up to $150 per stay may be required of all guests with a pet.”

Choice Hotel Chains

Choice Hotels has more than 3,500 pet-friendly hotels across the country, including brands like Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge, and Rodeway Inn. The pet policies can vary from location to location.

Extended Stay America

Extended Stay America properties are happy to welcome pets in dog-friendly rooms, recognizing that our dogs are part of the family too.

According to their website, “A maximum of two pets are allowed in each suite. A $25 (+ tax) per day, per pet non-refundable cleaning fee for the first six (6) nights. Each day thereafter is a $10 non-refundable fee (+tax) per day, per pet. This fee is to cover the cost of cleaning and fumigating the guest room. The first seven (7) nights are payable the first night of your stay and is charged at check-in. Height and length restrictions apply: pets can be no longer than 36 inches and no taller than 36 inches. Larger animals or more than two pets requires property manager’s approval.”

Four Seasons

Some Four Seasons hotels provide accommodations for dogs without any additional fees! Many properties even offer a dedicated dining menu for pets and concierge services for grooming and walking (which may incur an extra charge). Check with each individual hotel ahead of time to confirm what their policies and amenities are for dog-friendly rooms.

Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn allows dogs, cats, birds, and fish under 50 pounds to stay, with a maximum of two pets per room. Many hotels have a dedicated pet walking area and a waste receptacle for furry guests.

Typically, there is a non-refundable pet fee of $75 plus tax per stay, which is charged before check-out to cover the cost of additional cleaning. Additionally, an extra damage deposit might be required and returned if no room damage is found.

Hilton DoubleTree

According to their website, DoubleTree “welcomes four-legged guests at hotels across the U.S. and Canada with open arms and belly rubs.” Exact pet policies and fees vary by location, so it's a good idea to check with the front desk of the property you're interested in to confirm they're dog friendly.

Home2 Suites

In general, Hilton's Home2 Suites welcomes pets, with a maximum of two dogs allowed per room. The maximum weight limit for four-legged friends varies by hotel — so it's important to check your specific hotel's website for information on size and pet fees!

Marriott

Marriott provides over 1,500 dog-friendly locations across the United States at their hotel brands like Renaissance Hotels, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, and more. For exact pet fee, weight restriction, and breed restriction information, contact each hotel directly.

Motel 6

Motel 6 is a completely pet-friendly chain, meaning all of its locations welcome pets. Motel 6 doesn't charge a pet fee and doesn't enforce weight limits on dogs. The hotel allows two pets per room.

Red Roof

Red Roof hotels are generally pet-friendly, with most locations allowing one dog or cat to stay in a guestroom free of charge. At Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ hotels, pets up to 80 pounds are allowed, while at The Red Collection hotels, the weight limit for pets is 40 pounds.

Some IHG Brands

According to their website, IHG brands are committed to “transparent guidelines for dogs, cats, and other pets, so you can travel more easily with your favorite companion.” Each individual hotel brand and location might have varying policies, so check with individual management teams ahead of time or use their online filtering feature to find your stay.

Westin

The Westin brand has multiple properties that are dog-friendly, although specific terms and conditions vary between individual hotels. This includes weight restrictions or whether there is a nightly fee for pets. At check-in, pet owners are required to sign a waiver, and they are accountable for any excessive damage or cleaning caused by their pets during their stay.

Some additional hotels

Some typically not-pet-friendly properties do welcome dogs who have proven that they’re well behaved, like those who have passed the Canine Good Citizen test or a similar variation.

When in doubt, reach out to your hotel ahead of time to see what their policies and potential exceptions are.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

FAQ About Dog Friendly Hotels

Why do some hotels not allow dogs?

One of the most common reasons is due to concerns about potential damage to hotel property. Dogs may scratch or chew on furniture, carpets, or other hotel amenities, which can result in costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, some guests may have allergies or aversions to dogs, and allowing them on the premises could lead to discomfort or health issues.

Hotels may also have restrictions due to local laws or regulations, such as zoning or health codes. For instance, certain areas may have noise ordinances or other regulations that prevent hotels from accommodating pets. Additionally, some hotels may be located in areas where there is a high risk of wildlife encounters, and dogs could potentially disturb or be harmed by local wildlife.

Lastly, some hotels may simply choose not to allow dogs due to their own policies and preferences. They may cater to a specific clientele, such as business travelers or individuals seeking a peaceful and quiet environment, and may not wish to allow pets as they could be disruptive to their guests' experience.

Are service dogs allowed to stay at all hotels?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hotels are required to allow service dogs to accompany their handlers in all areas of the hotel where guests are allowed, including rooms, lobbies, restaurants, and pools. This includes both public and private areas of the hotel.

A service dog is a specially trained animal that provides assistance to a person with a disability. They are trained to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability, such as guiding individuals who are blind or alerting those who are deaf. Service dogs are not considered pets, but rather medical equipment, and are protected under the ADA.

Hotels cannot charge additional fees or deposits for service dogs, nor can they require documentation or proof of the handler's disability. They can, however, ask two questions to determine if the animal is a service dog: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

It's important to note that emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and do not have the same rights to access as service dogs. Some hotels may allow ESAs and therapy animals with proper documentation, but it is not required under the ADA.

How can I find the most up-to-date information about pet friendly hotel policies?

To find the most up-to-date information about pet-friendly hotel policies, there are several resources you can use:

  • Hotel websites: Many hotel chains have information about their pet policies on their websites. Look for a section about pet-friendly accommodations or services, and check the details to see what types of pets are allowed, any size or breed restrictions, and any associated fees or requirements.
  • Travel websites: Travel websites such as Expedia, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com often have filters for pet-friendly accommodations. Use these filters to narrow down your search and find hotels that allow pets. These websites also typically have customer reviews that can provide insight into the pet policies and experiences of other travelers.
  • Pet-friendly travel websites: There are also travel websites that specifically cater to pet owners, such as BringFido and GoPetFriendly. These websites have extensive databases of pet-friendly hotels, and you can search by location, price range, and other criteria.
  • Social media: Check social media sites like Facebook and Instagram for posts from hotels or travelers about pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels have social media accounts and may post updates or photos of their pet-friendly amenities.
  • Call the hotel directly: If you have specific questions about a hotel's pet policies, it's best to call the hotel directly. The staff can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information and answer any questions you may have.
Haley photo

Haley

April 11, 2023

Dog Enrichment

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

All categories

Most recent articles

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2023

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

Related articles
Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023

Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023

City dog parks guides