Top 5 Pet Friendly Hotel Chains in America

While traveling with a pet can be rough, some hotels and resorts across the U.S. are more than happy to accommodate the needs of their four-legged guests. There are plenty of lodgings that forbid pets, but many great big-name hotel chains and resorts are actually quite fond of animals.

For those of you who like to travel with a dog, cat, or even a tarantula or lizard in tow, here’s a list of the top five hotels in America to stay with your pet.

1. La Quinta

As far as pet-friendly hotels go, La Quinta is one of the best around. With very few exceptions, every single one of La Quinta’s 800+ hotels are open to pet owners and their animal companions. And unlike most pet-friendly hotels, this chain doesn’t require pet owners to make a damage deposit or pay an extra fee before checking in. However, they do require pet owners to sign a pet policy form, and ask that you not bring more than two domestic pets (like a cat or a dog) with you into your room.

2. Kimpton Hotels

The only reason this isn’t my top pick is because Kimpton Hotels doesn’t have as many locations as other chains on this list. With only 66 hotels in 35 cities, it’s a lot harder to find a Kimpton than it is to find, say, a Hilton or La Quinta.

However, when it comes to their pet policy, Kimpton is by far the most pet-friendly hotel chain around. According to their website, every single one of their locations is pet-friendly. On top of that, they welcome all species, breeds, and sizes of pets—their website even states that “if it fits through the door, we’ll welcome your pet in.” Whether you’re traveling with a dog, cat, lizard, fish, parrot, or other, Kimpton Hotels is a great place to stay in luxury with your animal friends at no extra charge!

3. The Marriott

On their website, the Marriott states that they don’t just offer pet-friendly accommodations, but treat their four-legged guests to the same outstanding service as their human guests. With 1,686 pet-friendly hotels in a variety of locations across every U.S. state, as well as in many other countries across the world, the Marriott is a fantastic place to stay with your furry friends.

4. Best Western

In many Best Western hotels across the U.S. and Canada, you and your pet can enjoy the luxurious amenities of this well-known and highly-rated hotel chain. According to Best Western’s website, they have over 1,600 pet-friendly hotels in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Many Best Western hotels also provide special areas for walking dogs, disposing of pet waste, and will even offer recommendations for nearby dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants.

However, Best Western’s website also recommends that, before booking a room for you and your pet, you call the hotel you’ll be staying at and ask if the hotel has special rules or preferences when it comes to their animal guests. Best Western’s pet policy also makes it clear that each animal must be under 80 pounds in weight, and owners staying in a room with their pet will have to pay a pet fee, as well as a refundable damage deposit before settling into their room.

5. The Hilton

Although the Hilton didn’t allow animals in their hotels for many years, recently they changed their policy. Now “well behaved” animals can stay in Hilton hotels all across the Americas. While pets aren’t allowed in the dining areas, they are welcome in other public places if their owners have them leashed. In addition to that, all pet owners must pay a fifty-dollar service fee before moving in to their room. Another requirement of the Hilton’s pet policy is that pets weigh less than 75 pounds, and that there be no more than two pets staying in a room together at any given time.

Have you ever stayed at a hotel or resort with your pet? Where did you stay, and what was the experience like for you and your animal friend? Leave a comment and let us know!