Finding a pet-friendly hotel can be a daunting task for many travelers. Pet-friendly hotels do more than just allow pets—they offer various amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for the pet and its owner. These perks range from plush bedding and special treats to dog-walking services and pet sitting. With the growing number of people traveling with their pets, knowing which hotel brands offer the best accommodations for furry friends is crucial.
IHG
IHG’s Kimpton brand is renowned for its pet-friendliness, largely due to its founder, Bill Kimpton, who brought his dog to work. Kimpton hotels do not charge additional pet fees and have no size restrictions, allowing guests to bring as many pets as they want, as long as they fit through the door. This brand goes above and beyond to provide pet-friendly amenities, including plush pet beds, bowls, mats, waste bags, and door hangers to alert others that a pet is in the room. Such comprehensive pet policies make Kimpton a favorite among pet owners.
Other IHG brands also offer good pet accommodations. Staybridge Suites accepts pets under 50 pounds at all locations, though fees and restrictions on pet roaming vary. Candlewood Suites is another IHG brand that welcomes pets under 80 pounds and charges up to $75 for stays of six nights or fewer. Overall, IHG’s average pet fee across brands is $60, which is lower than the average pet fee of $76 across seven major hotel brands. This affordability and their pet-friendly policies make IHG a top choice for pet travelers.
Hilton
Hilton has improved its ranking among pet-friendly hotels by implementing more transparent and consistent pet policies. The chain has partnered with Mars Petcare to offer pet owners extra amenities. Hilton has several pet-friendly brands, including Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Home2 Suites by Hilton. Each brand offers varying levels of pet accommodation, but all have made strides to be more inclusive of pets.
Canopy by Hilton, for example, commonly charges a $50 fee per stay and has a weight limit of 75 pounds. It provides dog beds, bowls, and a bark bag filled with toys and treats. Embassy Suites by Hilton generally charges $75 for stays of four nights or fewer and $125 for longer stays, with policies varying by location. Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and Tru by Hilton joined the pet-friendly ranks in April 2022, though each property may have different restrictions and fees. Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton are pet-friendly across the U.S. and Canada, though each property sets its fees and size limitations rules. This extensive network of pet-friendly options makes Hilton a solid choice for pet owners.
Marriott
Marriott offers several pet-friendly brands but has inconsistent policies and high fees. Among the pet-friendly brands are Aloft Hotels, Element by Westin, Moxy Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott, W Hotels Worldwide, and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Each of these brands offers varying degrees of pet accommodation, but inconsistencies in policies and fees can make planning a stay challenging for pet owners.
Aloft Hotels, for example, has an Animals R Fun (ARF) program that includes an Aloft bed, bowl, complimentary treats, and toys. However, pet fees can be as high as $75 per night at some locations, and dogs have a 40-pound weight limit. Element Hotels offers dog beds, bowls, and clean-up supplies with a similar weight limit and varying fees. Moxy Hotels allow pets and provide bowls and beds, but policies on pet size and fees differ widely. Some Moxy properties limit pets to two per room, weighing no more than 100 pounds each, while others have a combined weight limit of 70 pounds. Despite these inconsistencies, Marriott’s commitment to accommodating pets makes it a viable option for travelers with pets.
Hyatt
According to NerdWallet’s analysis, Hyatt is the most likely hotel brand to accept pets, with 94% of its properties being pet-friendly. While brand policies may be inconsistent, Hyatt offers unique pet experiences, often exceeding typical pet accommodations. Hyatt’s properties are known for their high pet fees, which average $105, but the exceptional amenities and services can make up for the cost.
At the Andaz Mexico City Condesa, guests can visit the Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club, where humans can enjoy crafted beer and cocktails while their pets drink a special “dog beer.” Another standout property is the Hyatt Centric Park City, home to Ellie, a Golden Retriever “Canine Concierge” who greets guests and joins them in outdoor activities. Similarly, the Park Hyatt Chicago is famous for its one-eyed pug named Parker, who recently retired from her role as Bark Hyatt Director. Despite high fees, these unique and thoughtful amenities make Hyatt a top choice for pet owners looking for an extraordinary stay.
Other Pet-Friendly Hotel Brands
Several boutique hotels and smaller chains also offer excellent pet-friendly accommodations. Red Roof Inn, for example, allows pets to stay for free, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Most Red Roof Inn locations allow one domestic pet under 80 pounds with no fees unless there is property damage. Loews Hotels offers luxurious pet amenities, including room service menus for pets, leashes, collars, litter boxes, and more. These hotels also provide local dog-walking routes and doggie pick-up bags.
Some boutique hotels are specifically designed with pet owners in mind. The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, Utah, offers built-in dog beds, self-serve washing facilities, and a fenced-in park. Palihouse West Hollywood treats pets with organic treats, luxurious dog beds, and plush toys, though there is a $150 pet registration fee per stay. Staypineapple, a brand with properties in major cities like Boston, Chicago, and New York, allows pets for an additional fee and offers packages that include water bowls, dog beds, and treats. These boutique hotels provide specialized services and amenities that cater to pet owners, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.
Important Pet Policies to Consider
When booking a hotel with your pet, it’s essential to understand the specific policies and amenities offered. Not all hotels allow the same types of pets, and there may be restrictions on breeds, sizes, and the number of pets per room. For instance, Best Western allows up to two domestic dogs per room, with a maximum size of 80 pounds per animal, but other pet types are allowed at the discretion of each property.
Knowing if the hotel allows pets to be left unattended in the room is also crucial. Some hotels permit pets to be left alone in a crate or if signs indicate a pet is present. Additionally, there may be restrictions on where pets can roam within the hotel, such as common areas and pools. Understanding these policies can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for you and your pet.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with pets can be a rewarding experience, and choosing the right pet-friendly hotel can make all the difference. Brands like IHG, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt offer a range of pet-friendly accommodations with varying policies and amenities. Boutique hotels and smaller chains also provide excellent options for pet owners, often with specialized services tailored to pets. Understanding each hotel’s policies and offerings allows travelers to find the perfect lodging for their furry companions and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
