Hipmunk did an interesting study on which US Cities and States are most pet friendly. Its interesting that at the top level, only 41% of US hotels are pet friendly. That’s actually higher than I expected, until I did some more digging of my own. In fact, I was quite surprised with how many big hotel chains are dog friendly. Here’s something of a roundup, for those of you, that like me, want to bring Fido (or in my case, Indy) on your next domestic trip.
The first place that I think of when I think of pet friendly hotels, is Hyatt, they have a pretty nice program. For Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, and Grand Hyatts, you would receive some special treatment, including a dog welcome letter and door hanger at check-in; this way Fido will get to experience your Hyatt Diamond status, because, it’s just not the same without the welcome letter. Additionally, Hyatt will provide a dog bed, bowl, ID tag, and a welcome amenity in the guest room — I can see it now: paw’s off the wine, Fido!
For Hyatt Place and Hyatt Houses, you can also bring Fido, but won’t get the Diamond experience. I will note, for all Hyatt’s, there will be a non-refundable cleaning fee which may vary by the hotel — I’ve seen anywhere between $75-100.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Unfortunately, not every Four Seasons embraces Fido as we would like. They do offer some nice amenities (see the above link for an example, courtesy of St. Louis), including beds and water bowls. Not really that Diamond experience that Hyatt boasts, but, still nice.. It’s also important to note that generally they are only accepting of smaller dogs (under 25 pounds), and unlike Hyatt, don’t charge a fee.
Ok, so I had to google this one (I’ve never stayed at a La Quinta hotel personally), apparently they are welcoming of pets, but, this is more your economy approach. It’s not clear that they provide pet beds or bowls, but, its also not clear that they assess an additional clean-up fee.
Kimpton’s perhaps the most generous that I’ve seen. If your pet can fit through the door, he or she is in. So if Fido is a Great Dane, then you are in luck with Kimpton! Some hotels even have Directors of Pet Relations! They provide plus pet beds, food and water bowls, door hangers, and here Fido can get his paws on the wine, as pets are welcome to join the nightly complimentary wine reception!
Not a big chain, but, Lowes Hotels and Resorts even have in-house Pet Chefs… So Fido will eat like the Dog American Prince (or Princess) (DAP) that they are.
Marriott has only 1411 pet friendly hotels in the US. Unfortunately, beyond that, and vague references to additional fees that vary by location, there isn’t a whole lot. You might want to bring Fido’s food and water bowls, just in case, if you’ll be staying at a Marriott.
Hilton Hotels
I can’t seem to find any overarching policy for Hilton, just hotel specific ones. I did however find a 5 year old post reviewing Hilton’s pet friendliness, but all the links seem to be gone. It is not clear to me, whether this is an about face in Hilton’s policy, or a casualty of ever changing websites.
You may need to create a cribsheet for Starwood. Rather than trying to summarize it, I’m just going to paste it in below, because it’s kind’ve complicated:
In order to determine the Pet Policy for an individual hotel, please visit the Customer Assistance Center and enter the Hotel Name or City in the search field. Pet Policy will be listed under the ‘Contact Us’ topic in ‘Announcements’.
Aloft accepts dogs up to 40 lbs. If your dog weighs more than 40 pounds, please contact the hotel directly to discuss a waiver.
Four Points by Sheraton does not have a standard policy regarding pets for our hotels. If you would like to have your pet join you, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can confirm the policy of the hotel where you will be staying.
Element accepts dogs up to 40 lbs and owners must sign a waiver upon check-in and are liable for costs related to any damage or extra cleaning needed..
Le Méridien does not have a standard policy regarding pets. If you would like to have your pet join you, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can confirm the policy of the hotel where you will be staying.
Luxury Collection does not have a standard policy regarding pets for our hotels. If you would like to have your pet join you, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can confirm the policy of the hotel where you will be staying.
Almost all Sheraton Hotels & Resorts welcome dogs as guests into their hotels, in accordance with local health codes. Some hotels may require an extra per night charge and/or a deposit. There is a weight limit of 80 pounds though dogs exceeding the weight limit and pets other than dogs may be accepted into the hotel at the General Manager’s discretion and should be confirmed before arrival. Pet owners will be responsible for their canine companions and for any excessive damage they may cause and you will be required to sign a pet waiver upon check in. Dogs may not be left in guest rooms unattended at any time for the duration of their stay. Individual hotels may also have additional restrictions. If you would like to have your pet join you, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can confirm the policy of the hotel where you will be staying.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts do not have a standard policy regarding pets. If you would like to have your pet join you, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can confirm the policy of the hotel where you will be staying.
W pampers pooches and, in some cases, other furry friends as well. The room rate with a pet will include an additional fee above the room charge plus a non-refundable cleaning fee. We allow only one pet per room at no more than 40lbs. However, dogs exceeding the weight limit and pets other than dogs may be accepted into the hotel at the Hotel Management’s discretion. Pet owners will be responsible for their canine companions and for any excessive damage they may cause. You will be required to sign a pet waiver upon check in. Additional restrictions may apply and full hotel details are available upon request.
Almost all Westin Hotels & Resorts, within North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific welcome dogs as guests into their hotels, in accordance with local health codes. Some hotels may require an extra per night charge and/or a deposit. There is a weight limit of 80 pounds (40 pounds at Westin). However, dogs exceeding the weight limit and pets other than dogs may be accepted into the hotel at the Hotel Management’s discretion. Pet owners will be responsible for their canine companions and for any excessive damage they may cause. You will be required to sign a pet waiver upon check in. Additional restrictions may apply and full hotel details are available upon request.
Fairmont has a great link that outlines what their pet policy by property. It looks like there are varying fees, but not all hotels even have fees. In fact, the Fairmont hotels in Washington DC have a Very Important Dog (VID) program, where Fido will be greeted with healthy treats made by the Executive Pastry Chef, as well as bottled water (because drinking out of the toilet bowl is so drawl), and will even donate 5% of the room rate to the Washington Animal Rescue League. Other hotels vary, but suffice it to say, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are pretty pet friendly.
Best Western has more pet friendly properties than Marriott, in fact, more than 1600 of them. There may be a fee of up to $20 per day, or $100 per week, and it isn’t clear to me what additional amenities Best Western provides. Fido may not be feeling as enjoy cherished as he would at some of the other hotels identified above.
IHG Hotels have policies for a bunch of countries, however, it isn’t entirely clear to me what the corporate level policy is. If you go to the links I’ve included here, it looks like it just continually drills down to the hotel, and things may vary by property.
Wrapping Up
Suffice it to say, when I started working this post, I didn’t think there would be as many pet friendly hotel chains as there ultimately ended up being.
Have you taken along your pet on a trip? Do you plan to in the future?
H/T to Elaine
