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10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains in the US for 2024

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

woman with her dog at the reception of hotel

With so many disruptions and limitations over the past years of the global pandemic, the travel industry finally seems to be getting back to normal. Many people looking to travel now that they feel safe are also new pet owners looking to take their furry family members along on the trip.

Traveling with pets can be an adventure in many ways, including finding pet-friendly lodging. Thankfully, the hospitality industry recognizes the growing role that pets play in our lives and has responded accordingly. More hotels than ever now welcome pets so choosing the right place to spend the night can be tricky. To help you out, we’ve gathered reviews of what we think are the 10 best pet-friendly hotel chains this year. Check out our thoughts before you make a reservation and hit the road with your pet!

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Kimpton Boutique Hotels Kimpton Boutique Hotels
  • Accepts any type of pet
  • No size, weight, or number restrictions
  • No pet fee
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Motel 6 Motel 6
  • Pets are allowed at almost all Motel 6 hotels
  • No pet fees
  • Over 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Four Seasons Four Seasons
  • Pets are allowed at many locations worldwide
  • One of the most pet-friendly luxury hotel chains
  • Human amenities and activities are generous
  • Homewood Suites Homewood Suites
  • Pets are allowed at most locations in the U.S. and Canada
  • Cats are typically allowed
  • Mars Petcare partnership, offering access to virtual services for pet parents
  • Best Western Best Western
  • Pets are allowed at many locations worldwide
  • Dog walking sites and waste bags are available at some locations
  • Some locations allow cats and exotic pets, call for approval
  • The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains

    1. Kimpton Boutique Hotels – Best Overall

    Kimpton Boutique Hotels logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Any, must “fit through the door”
    Pet Fee: None
    Weight Restrictions: None

    Our pick for the best pet-friendly hotel chain is Kimpton Boutique Hotels, owned by IHG. This chain tops our list because they literally allow any type of pet who can fit through their front door, including exotics. Kimpton never charges a pet fee and has no restriction on the number of pets in your room either. The chain also goes out of its way to cater to pet parents, offering amenities like plush pet beds in the rooms. You’ll also find information about pet-friendly dining and excursions near your hotel. Some locations even welcome pets to the evening wine meet-up. Kimpton offers top-of-the-line amenities for humans too, including spas, wellness options, and a complimentary yoga mat in every room. Unfortunately, Kimpton is a small chain, with only about 75 locations worldwide, although they are expanding rapidly. As a boutique hotel, they won’t be the most affordable option on our list either.

    Pros
    • Accepts any type of pet
    • No size, weight, or number restrictions
    • No pet fee
    • Offers pet-friendly amenities and perks
    Cons
    • Small chain with only about 75 locations
    • Not the most cost-effective option

    2. Motel 6 – Best Value

    Motel 6 logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs and cats (check with individual hotels to confirm)
    Pet Fee: None
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    Our pick for the best pet-friendly hotel for the money is Motel 6. Founded in 1962, Motel 6 is one of the most well-known budget hotel chains. They have over 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Motel 6 accepts pets at all locations, except where they aren’t allowed due to state or local laws. The chain generally allows both dogs and cats, but some locations operate as independent franchises and may have different policies. Weight restrictions vary by location as well.

    Two pets are allowed per room and there is no pet fee at standard Motel 6 locations. Motel 6 does not allow pets to be left alone in the room, however, so you’ll need to make other arrangements for your furry family members if you have plans for the day. If you’re making international travel plans, Motel 6 isn’t an option for lodging outside the U.S. or Canada.

    Pros
    • Pets are allowed at almost all Motel 6 hotels
    • No pet fees
    • Over 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada
    • Two pets per room
    Cons
    • Weight limit varies by location
    • No locations outside of the U.S. or Canada
    • Pets can’t be left alone in rooms

    3. Four Seasons – Premium Choice

    Four Seasons hotel logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs, some locations may allow cats
    Pet Fee: $75/pet per day, may vary by location
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are found worldwide and well-known for their upscale accommodations. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel that also welcomes pets, the Four Seasons might be a good chain for you to consider. Individual locations set their own pet policies, so double-check with the hotel management before you book your stay.

    The size and number of pets allowed at a Four Seasons location also vary, although most aren’t as friendly to large dogs. Many locations only allow one pet and not all accept cats. The Four Seasons doesn’t let you leave pets in the room unattended either, although some locations offer access to petsitting services.

    There are a limited number of Four Seasons worldwide, but they tend to be located in some of the most popular global destination spots. Human and, often, pet amenities are generous and luxurious at these hotels, but you should expect nothing less at this price point.

    Pros
    • Pets are allowed at many locations worldwide
    • One of the most pet-friendly luxury hotel chains
    • Human amenities and activities are generous
    • Some locations offer access to petsitting services
    • Some locations accept cats
    Cons
    • Weight limit varies by location, typically not as friendly to large dogs
    • Pets can’t be left alone in rooms
    • Limited locations worldwide

    4. Homewood Suites

    Homewood Suites logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs/cats
    Pet Fee: Vary by location
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton family of hotel chains, which only recently has taken steps to become more pet-friendly. The U.S. and Canadian locations of this chain are almost entirely pet-friendly, although policy specifics vary by location. Pet fees may run as high as $125 and weight restrictions tend to be more suitable for small pets.

    Homewood Suites are designed for long-term stays, with spacious accommodations and kitchenettes. Hilton formed a partnership with Mars Petcare as they worked to make their hotels more accommodating to pet parents. Hotel guests can access online services by Mars Petcare, including finding local veterinarians and other services. For humans, Homewood Suites offer such perks as a 24-hour fitness center and free breakfast.

    Pros
    • Pets are allowed at most locations in the U.S. and Canada
    • Cats are typically allowed
    • Mars Petcare partnership, offering access to virtual services for pet parents
    • Larger rooms, designed for long-term stays
    • Generous amenities for humans
    Cons
    • Weight limit varies by location, typically not as friendly to large dogs
    • Pet fees can be expensive

    5. Best Western

    best western hotel logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs, some locations allow cats and exotic pets
    Pet Fee: Maximum $30/day, damage deposit may be required
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location, maximum 80 pounds/pet

    Best Western offers more than 1,200 pet-friendly locations in North America, with a total of 2,100 worldwide. Their individual pet policies vary by location when it comes to weight and type of pet. Some locations do allow cats and exotic pets, including snakes and birds. Call the hotel you’re considering directly to find out if you’re allowed to bring your specific pet and get prior approval.

    Best Western is one of the largest budget hotel chains so your chances of finding a pet-friendly location wherever you’re headed are high. You’ll also find dog walking areas and waste bags at many Best Western hotels. Some locations may charge a refundable damage deposit.

    Pros
    • Pets are allowed at many locations worldwide
    • Some locations allow cats and exotic pets, call for approval
    • Dog walking sites and waste bags are available at some locations
    • One of the largest hotel chains
    Cons
    • Some locations charge a refundable damage deposit
    • Weight restrictions and type of pet aren’t consistent at every location

    6. Sheraton Hotels

    Sheraton Hotels logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs, some locations may allow cats
    Pet Fee: Varies
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location, typically 40 pounds

    Sheraton is one of the dozens of hotel chains owned by Marriott. Marriott operates more than 7,000 hotels and resorts worldwide across all brands and many are pet-friendly, especially in the United States. Sheraton hotels are good for both families and business travelers, with a range of amenities.

    Pet policies vary by location, especially in the number of pets allowed per room and weight restrictions. You may be able to find a Sheraton that allows cats, but they are not as common. Not all locations charge a pet fee but many do. Sheraton Hotels typically offer perks like pet beds, bowls, and a welcome packet that includes information on pet-friendly spots in the area. However, pets can’t be left alone in your hotel room.

    The Marriott company offers many other pet-friendly hotel chains as well, making them one of the best brands for pet parents overall.

    Pros
    • Pets are allowed at many locations, mostly in the United States
    • Some locations may allow cats
    • Not all locations charge a pet fee
    • Pet perks are available, such as dog beds and bowls
    Cons
    • Policies vary by individual location
    • Pets can’t be left alone in your room

    7. Comfort Inn and Suites

    Comfort Inn and Suites logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs and cats, policies vary by location
    Pet Fee: Varies
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites are part of the Choice Hotels brand, which operates more than 7,000 locations around the world. About 2,500 of all their hotels are pet-friendly, including many Comfort Inn and Suites locations in the United States. The official pet policy allows up to two pets, but the specifics are left up to individual hotels. Because of this, you won’t find a consistent policy at every Comfort Inn, which can be a bit frustrating. Restrictions on size, breed, and type of pet are all set by each hotel.

    Call ahead to find out whether your furry friend is allowed, especially if you have a large dog. Pets aren’t allowed on the bed or in common areas of the hotel.

    Pros
    • Reasonably priced hotel chain with locations across the country
    • Some locations may allow cats
    • Up to two pets per room
    Cons
    • Pet policies may vary widely between individual hotels
    • No pets on the bed or in common areas of the hotel

    8. La Quinta Hotels

    La Quinta Hotels logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs and cats
    Pet Fee: Optional $25/night
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    La Quinta is a budget hotel chain operated by the Wyndham corporation across North, Central, and South America. Most La Quinta hotel locations are pet-friendly, offering hundreds of options to those traveling with dogs or cats. You can bring up to two pets per room, with weight restrictions determined by the individual hotel. Cat owners will need to provide their own litter boxes.

    Pets aren’t allowed in common areas of the hotels and you’ll need to work with the housekeeping staff to arrange a time for cleaning when you and your pet are out of the room. Pet fees are optional, so you may not need to pay extra for your dog or cat to share your room.

    Pros
    • Most locations are pet-friendly
    • Both dogs and cats are typically allowed
    • Pet fees are optional
    • Up to two pets per room
    Cons
    • Size restrictions vary between hotels
    • No pets in the common areas
    • Bring your own litter box
    • Housekeeping won’t clean unless you and your pet are out of the room

    9. Loews Hotels

    Loews Hotels logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs and cats
    Pet Fee: Vary by location
    Weight Restrictions: Vary by location

    Loews is a small chain of 4 and 5-star hotels that not only allows pets but welcomes them with such perks as custom room service menus and specialized beds. There are only 26 Loews locations currently, which is one reason they’re so far down our list. Pet fees vary by location, but they can get pricey, as much as $200 per day. Loews hotels will provide you with all the pet gear you need for a comfortable stay, including litter boxes, toys, and scratching posts.

    You can leave your pet alone in the room and they provide a special sign for the door, so housekeeping knows there’s a pet in residence. Weight restrictions vary by location as well. Curious about the best local spots to walk your dog? Loews will provide that information, along with pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and pet-sitting services in the area. The hotel requires proof of up-to-date vaccinations for pet visitors.

    Pros
    • Dogs and cats are allowed at all locations
    • Pets can be left alone in rooms
    • Many pet perks are available, including room service menus
    • Up to two pets per room
    Cons
    • Size restrictions vary between hotels
    • Pet fees can be expensive
    • Limited locations

    10. Hyatt Place

    Hyatt Place logo

    Types of Pets Allowed: Dogs
    Pet Fee: $75
    Weight Restrictions: 50 pounds, combined weight of 75 pounds if bringing two dogs

    Hyatt Place, one of the Hyatt hotel brands, recently began accepting dogs at many locations. Unfortunately, cats and other pets are not permitted. There are over 400 Hyatt Place hotels around the world, mostly in major cities. You can bring up to two dogs per room, but their combined weight must be 75 pounds or less. A single dog must weigh 50 pounds or less.

    Most locations offer designated dog walking areas and a door hanger to alert housekeeping that you have a pet in your room. If you stay at a Hyatt Place longer than 7 days, there is an additional cleaning fee on top of the non-refundable pet fee. Dogs can’t be left alone in your room.

    Pros
    • Up to 2 dogs are allowed per room
    • Locations are available worldwide
    • Designated dog walking areas are usually available
    Cons
    • Non-refundable pet fee
    • Weight restrictions
    • No cats or other pets are allowed

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    Points to Consider

    Before you book your stay at one of these pet-friendly hotel chains, here are some specific points to consider as you select the one that works best for you.

    What Type of Pet Do You Have?

    cat staying in a hotel
    Image Credit: Victor Katikov, Shutterstock

    We did our best to focus on hotel chains that accept pets other than dogs, but the truth is our canine friends will always have the most accommodation options. If your cat loves to adventure with you, you likely will be able to find a hotel, but they won’t be as widely available and some chains may not allow kitties at all.

    Exotic pet owners will find even fewer options available. Given how sensitive to stress many exotic pets are anyway, you’re probably better off leaving them at home and hiring a pet sitter instead.

    What Size Is Your Pet?

    The only hotel chain on our list that doesn’t have at least some weight restrictions is Kimpton Boutique Hotels. For the others, you’ll be limited in your choices by the size of your pet. Large and giant breed dog owners will often have a hard time finding a hotel that allows their pets.

    Individual hotels generally can be flexible in certain situations so give them a call if your dog is on the bigger side. And, of course, make sure your large dog is well-trained and always on their best behavior when you are allowed to bring them.

    What Are Your Vacation Plans?

    Even if they allow pets, most hotel chains won’t let you leave your dog or cat in the room unattended. Depending on what you have planned for your vacation, you’ll need to make plans for pet care if that’s the policy at your chosen hotel.

    Some of the hotels on our list make that easy by offering information on local pet care services. However, you’ll need to factor these additional costs into your travel budget. If you are allowed to leave your pet alone, remember that you’re still responsible for any damages your unsupervised pet may cause. Bring your crate if you need it!

    What’s Your Travel Budget?

    Traveling tends to be expensive no matter how you do it and traveling with pets adds even more costs. Unfortunately, several of the most pet-friendly hotels don’t exactly qualify as budget options. Pet fees, damage deposits, and other costs can also add up as you make travel plans with your pet. Your available travel budget will certainly factor into whatever hotel choice you make.

    female guest with dog and baggage at hotel reception
    Image Credit: stockfour, Shutterstock

    What Other Pet Care Options Are There?

    We stuck to reviewing larger and more well-known hotel chains for this article. You’ll also find independent, boutique, or family-owned hotel options in nearly every destination that may accept pets. Short-term rentals are another possibility for pet-friendly lodging.

    Boarding or hiring a pet sitter are options if it turns out you need to leave your pet at home. Remember, you might love the idea of traveling with your pet but that doesn’t mean they feel the same way. If your pet is stressed by car travel or unfamiliar locations, it may be kinder to leave them at home.

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    Conclusion

    As our pick for the best overall pet-friendly hotel chain, Kimpton Boutique Hotels welcomes any type of pet for no extra fee. Our best value pick, Motel 6, offers widespread availability for dog and cat owners in the U.S. and Canada at a reasonable price. As more and more pet owners choose to include their pets in travel plans, hotel chains are expanding their pet-friendly lodging options as well. We hope our reviews of these 10 hotel chains serve as a useful resource as you plan your next vacation with your pet.

    See Also:


    Featured Image Credit: RossHelen, Shutterstock

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