The trend toward travelers with pets continues to grow, and hotels are responding by offering pet-friendly amenities. These may include pet rooms, pet fees, pet-friendly restaurants and more.
But before you book a hotel, it’s essential to ensure its pet policy is in place. Rules can change, and some hotels that used to be pet-friendly no longer are.
Pet Rooms
Many travelers have pets, and bringing them on vacation can be an excellent way to strengthen your relationship with your four-legged friend. However, traveling with pets can be difficult, as many hotels charge hefty pet fees or require a deposit.
One of the best ways to avoid these issues is by staying at a pet-friendly hotel. While it’s not always easy to find, click here to see plenty of options that allow pets in their rooms. Aside from this, you can take advantage of the vouchers in different hotels.
Several major hotel brands also have consistent pet policies across their properties. These include Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel, consider the Hilton brands (Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express). Other chains like Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Choice Hotels, and EconoLodge also offer pet-friendly accommodations.
Aloft Hotels, for example, are known for its Arf (r) (animals are fun) program that provides dogs with beds, bowls, treats and toys. The chain even offers a pet-friendly hotel shuttle service to help guests navigate the city with their canine companions.
Pet Fees
When it comes to pet fees, hotels have a lot of choices. Some charge a flat fee per night; others may charge more if you bring more than one pet.
Some also charge per stay, which makes it easier for a hotel to set prices based on demand during an area’s peak season. While these extra costs can add up, a few hotels don’t charge these fees, making them an excellent choice for traveling pets.
Kimpton Hotels: These boutique properties have pet-friendly rooms and even offer complimentary plush pet beds, food, water bowls, courtesy poop bags and a Director of Pet Relations to assist guests with their furry friends. They also offer a curated list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques to maximize your vacation with your pup!
Aloft Hotels: Most hotel locations are dog-friendly, but some have recently started charging pet fees. Depending on the area, these fees can be between $20 and $40 per night. Some places also have restrictions on the size of accepted pets.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Throughout the country, hotels at all price points are putting the “friendly” in pet-friendly by not only allowing dogs but pampering them as much as (if not more than) their humans.
These include exceptional amenities like doggie room service, loaner dog beds and curated local treats. Many have a resident pooch in the lobby who greets canines with a friendly handshake and a snack.
Some of the best hotels for pets also have a dedicated place to walk your furry friend, and some even have pet waste facilities on-site and recommendations for nearby pet-friendly parks, stores and restaurants.
Several major hotel chains have a variety of pet-friendly hotels throughout the United States, including Best Western, Choice, DoubleTree by Hilton, Homewood Suites and Marriott. But not all brands have consistent policies, so check with the individual property before booking.
Pet-Friendly Pool
While swimming is a popular pastime, it can be dangerous for dogs and other animals.
First, choose a pet-friendly pool material. Fiberglass pools are a great option, as they can withstand dog claws without damaging the pool’s surface. Concrete and vinyl liners, on the other hand, can be harsh on pets’ joints and pads.
Alternatively, opt for a natural pool that uses a biological filtration system to purify the water. These are eco-friendly and healthier for people and pets alike.
In addition, be sure to keep toys out of the pool area. Pets tend to go after their favorite toys around the pool, which can be dangerous.
Pet-Friendly Activities
Pet-friendly hotels offer plenty of perks for guests and their furry companions. These include pet-friendly restaurants, dog parks and more.
Luxury hotels with pet policies go the extra mile to ensure pets have a comfortable stay. These hotels prioritize pet-friendly amenities, from providing pet beds and bowls to arranging for grooming.
Additionally, these hotels go above and beyond by providing various experiences that canines and their owners can participate in, such as walking trails and trips on the city’s subway.
A hotel like the Lorien Hotel & Spa on one of Alexandria’s most charming streets in Old Town allows dogs of all sizes to explore the hotel’s outdoor terrace and dog park nearby. The concierge also provides a list of nearby dog-friendly attractions and pet-friendly restaurants to try.
In addition, The Bobby, in Nashville’s trendy downtown, makes pets a priority with its lobby pup Hairy greeting guests and providing dog bowls and beds. The hotel even arranges a luxury house car to get you to your favorite dog-friendly spots within a 15-block radius.
