Dog Friendly Hotels Near Me: Amazing & Adorable Stays

Planning a trip and dreading the idea of leaving your dog behind? You’re not alone. Millions of pet parents face this dilemma every year, and frankly, it stinks. The guilt of boarding your best friend, the worry about how they’ll handle separation, the astronomical costs—it all adds up to one frustrating reality: traveling with your dog feels impossible.

But here’s the good news: finding quality dog friendly hotels near me is easier than ever, and more accommodations are opening their doors to four-legged guests than at any point in history. The hospitality industry finally gets it—dogs are family, and families travel together.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country road trip, or a quick business trip where Fido simply can’t stay home, this guide will help you navigate the world of pet-friendly lodging like a pro. I’ll walk you through what to expect, how to find the best options in your area, what questions to ask before booking, and how to make sure your dog’s hotel experience is actually enjoyable (not stressful).

What Actually Qualifies as a Dog Friendly Hotel

Not all pet-friendly policies are created equal. Some hotels slap a “pets welcome” sticker on their website and charge you $75 for the privilege of your dog sleeping on a concrete patio. Others go all-in with dog beds, water bowls, treat baskets, and staff who actually know how to interact with anxious dogs.

A truly dog-friendly hotel should offer:

• Designated pet rooms with easy-to-clean flooring (tile, vinyl, or sealed concrete—not carpet)
• Ground-floor access so you’re not hauling your 80-pound retriever up four flights of stairs
• Nearby relief areas with designated potty spots (not just “anywhere on the lawn”)
• Water and food bowls in the room or readily available
• Clear pet policies that specify size limits, breed restrictions, and additional fees upfront
• Staff trained in pet safety who won’t let your dog roam unsupervised in common areas

The best dog-friendly hotels near me go beyond bare minimum. They understand that traveling with a dog is stressful for both pet and owner. They get that your dog might be anxious, that accidents happen, and that a little extra kindness goes a long way. Look for places that offer pet beds, food/water service, and even play areas—these are the spots worth the premium price.

According to the American Kennel Club, traveling with your dog can actually strengthen your bond when done right. The key is choosing accommodations that prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety.

How to Find Dog Friendly Hotels Near You

The search landscape has changed dramatically. You’re not stuck calling hotels one by one anymore. Here are your best bets for finding dog-friendly hotels near me:

• BringFido.com – The gold standard. This site is exclusively for pet-friendly travel. You can filter by location, dog size, breed restrictions, and even amenities. User reviews are gold because they’re from actual dog owners who’ve stayed there.
• GoPetFriendly.com – Another solid dedicated site with extensive listings and honest reviews. They partner with thousands of hotels nationwide.
• Airbnb – Filter for “pets allowed” and you’ll find everything from cozy cabins to luxury condos. Often cheaper than hotels, and you get more space for your dog to move around.
• Booking.com and Hotels.com – Both let you filter for pet-friendly options. Call the hotel directly after booking to confirm their current pet policy (policies change more often than you’d think).
• Google Maps – Search “dog friendly hotels near me” and check reviews. Look for mentions of pets in the comments section for real intel.
• Hotel chain websites directly – If you have a preferred chain, check their site. Many have dedicated pet-friendly programs with consistent policies across locations.

Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on online filters. Call ahead. I can’t stress this enough. A hotel listed as “pet-friendly” might have changed their policy, raised their fees, or had a bad experience with a dog that makes them suddenly strict about size or breed. A five-minute phone call saves you from showing up with your pup only to be turned away.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Dog Friendly Hotels Near Me

When you call or chat with a hotel, here’s exactly what you need to ask:

1. “What is your current pet policy?” – Get specifics: weight limits, breed restrictions, number of dogs allowed, and any restrictions on certain breeds (even though breed discrimination is outdated, it still happens).
2. “What are the pet fees?” – Is it a flat fee per night? Per stay? Per pet? Some hotels charge $15/night; others charge $150 for your entire stay. Know before you book.
3. “Are there any breed or size restrictions?” – Be honest about your dog’s size and breed. If there’s a restriction and you try to sneak around it, you could be asked to leave or charged extra.
4. “Where can my dog go potty?” – Is there a designated relief area? Do you have to walk them on the street? Is there a fenced yard? This matters for anxious or elderly dogs.
5. “What’s provided for my dog?” – Water bowl? Food bowl? Dog bed? Pee pads? Treats? Don’t assume anything.
6. “What’s your cancellation policy if my dog gets sick?” – This is important. If your dog has diarrhea or anxiety issues and you need to cancel, will they refund your pet fee?
7. “Are there any ground-floor rooms available?” – Request this when booking. Ground floor is easier for potty breaks, especially for senior dogs or those with mobility issues.
8. “How do you handle barking or other issues?” – What’s their policy if your dog has separation anxiety or barks? Will they ask you to leave? Charge extra?

Write down the answers. Screenshot the confirmation. You want documentation in case there’s a dispute later.

Preparing Your Dog for Hotel Life

Even the best dog-friendly hotels near me can be stressful for dogs who’ve never stayed in one. Hotels are loud, unfamiliar, and full of strange smells. Your dog might have accidents, refuse to eat, or bark at every noise. Here’s how to prepare:

Start with shorter trips. Don’t book a week-long vacation as your first hotel experience. Try an overnight stay somewhere close to home. This lets you test your dog’s anxiety level and figure out what works before you’re six hours away from home.

Bring familiar items. Pack your dog’s own bed, blanket, or crate if they sleep in one at home. Familiar scents are incredibly calming. Bring their regular food and water bowls. Bring high-value treats and toys. These items make the hotel room smell and feel like home.

Exercise before arrival. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Plan a long walk, run, or play session before checking in. This helps them settle down and reduces anxiety-related behaviors.

Consider anxiety support. If your dog has separation anxiety or is generally anxious, talk to your vet about options. Some vets recommend calming supplements or medications for travel. This isn’t about sedating your dog—it’s about taking the edge off so they can actually relax.

Practice crate training if applicable. If you plan to crate your dog while you’re out, make sure they’re comfortable in a crate before the trip. A stressed dog in a crate is a recipe for disaster.

Update ID tags and microchip info. Before any trip, make sure your dog’s microchip information is current and your phone number is on their collar. Hotels are unfamiliar, and accidents happen. You want to be findable if your dog escapes.

Safety Warning: Never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room, even for “just a few minutes.” Dogs can destroy rooms, escape, or get into dangerous situations. If you need to leave, arrange pet-sitting or use the hotel’s pet-sitting service if available.

Hotel Etiquette for Dog Owners

This is real talk: some hotels have stopped accepting dogs because of bad experiences with irresponsible owners. Here’s how to be the kind of guest hotels actually want to welcome:

• Keep your dog in your room when you’re not there. Don’t let them roam the hallways or lobby.
• Clean up immediately. If your dog has an accident, clean it up right away with enzymatic cleaner (bring your own if the hotel doesn’t provide it). Report it to housekeeping anyway.
• Manage barking. If your dog barks, work on it. Take them for walks, exercise them, use calming aids. Don’t ignore it and hope the neighbors don’t complain.
• Don’t bathe your dog in the hotel tub or shower. Use the designated pet wash area if available, or bathe them before arrival.
• Pick up poop immediately. Every single time. Bring waste bags and dispose of them properly.
• Don’t let your dog jump on or approach other guests. Not everyone loves dogs, even if they seem friendly. Keep your dog close and ask before letting them interact with other people.
• Tip housekeeping extra if your dog was there. They’re cleaning up after a pet. A $5-10 extra tip is reasonable and appreciated.

Hotels remember bad guests. Be the opposite of that. Be the guest they tell other staff about: “That couple with the golden retriever was so respectful. We’d love to have them back.”

Best Hotel Chains for Dogs

Some hotel chains have genuinely embraced dog-friendly travel. Here are the standouts:

La Quinta – Probably the most dog-friendly chain in America. They allow dogs to stay free at most locations (seriously, no pet fee). Their rooms are designed to be easy-to-clean, and they have designated relief areas. This is a solid budget option.

Kimpton Hotels – The luxury option. They welcome dogs with no fees and offer amenities like dog beds, bowls, and treats. They’re pricier, but if you want your dog treated like royalty, this is it.

Red Roof – One dog stays free per room. Budget-friendly and reliable. Their pet policy is straightforward and consistent across locations.

Motel 6 – Similar to Red Roof. One dog stays free. No-frills but dependable.

Best Western – Many locations are pet-friendly, though policies vary. Check individual properties.

Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s loyalty program includes pet-friendly options at many properties. If you travel frequently, this is worth exploring.

Airbnb – Not a traditional hotel, but worth mentioning. You often get more space for your dog, and many owners are genuinely dog-lovers themselves.

Keep in mind that even within chains, individual properties vary. A La Quinta in Denver might have a beautiful dog park while one in rural Montana has just a small yard. Always check the specific property’s reviews.

Understanding Costs and Pet Fees

This is where surprises happen. Pet fees vary wildly and can significantly impact your trip cost. Here’s what you need to know:

Flat fees per stay: Some hotels charge one fee for the entire stay regardless of length. This can be $25-150. If you’re staying multiple nights, this is often the better deal.

Per-night fees: Others charge per night ($15-50/night). For a week-long stay, this adds up fast.

Per-pet fees: If you have multiple dogs, ask if the fee applies to each dog or if there’s a discount for additional pets.

Refundable vs. non-refundable: Most pet fees are non-refundable, but some are. Ask specifically.

Damage deposits: Some hotels require a refundable deposit ($50-200) in addition to pet fees. This protects them if your dog damages the room. If there’s no damage, you get it back.

Budget-conscious tip: La Quinta and Red Roof’s free-dog policies can save you hundreds on a longer trip. Do the math. Sometimes paying for a slightly cheaper room with a free dog policy beats paying for an expensive hotel with high pet fees.

Also, don’t be shy about asking if they’ll waive or reduce pet fees. If you’re booking multiple nights or returning as a repeat customer, some hotels will negotiate. It never hurts to ask politely.

One more thing: if your dog gets sick and you need to cancel, ask about their cancellation policy for pet fees specifically. Some hotels will refund the pet fee if you cancel due to pet illness. Others won’t. Know this upfront.

Special Considerations for Different Dog Types

Senior dogs: Ground-floor rooms are non-negotiable. Senior dogs need frequent potty breaks and have trouble with stairs. Look for hotels with easy access to relief areas. Consider what you can give a dog for upset stomach before traveling, as stress and dietary changes can cause GI issues in older pups.

Dogs with separation anxiety: These dogs struggle when left alone. Some options: book a pet-sitting service through the hotel, hire a local dog walker to visit during the day, or plan your itinerary so someone is always with your dog. Alternatively, choose hotels with day-care or play facilities.

Puppies: Puppies need frequent potty breaks (every 2-3 hours) and lots of supervision. Make sure the hotel has a designated relief area nearby. Be prepared for accidents and have enzymatic cleaner on hand. Puppies also need more exercise, so plan accordingly.

Large or giant breeds: Some hotels have weight limits. Be honest about your dog’s weight. Large dogs also need ground-floor rooms and easy access to relief areas. Their size makes navigation harder in tight spaces.

Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.): These breeds are sensitive to heat and stress. Ensure the hotel has good air conditioning and quiet rooms. Avoid peak travel times when hotels are chaotic. These dogs also have higher anxiety levels, so plan extra downtime.

Dogs with medical conditions: If your dog requires medication, special food, or has specific health needs, call the hotel ahead and explain. Ask if they can accommodate refrigeration for medications, special feeding schedules, etc. Most hotels are accommodating if you give them a heads-up.

Understanding your dog’s specific needs makes the difference between a successful trip and a stressful disaster. Be honest with yourself and the hotel about what your dog can handle.

Making the Road Trip Part of the Adventure

The drive to the hotel is part of the experience. Here’s how to make it less stressful:

• Take breaks every 2-3 hours. Your dog needs to stretch, pee, and move around. Plan stops at dog-friendly rest areas.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside cars spike dangerously fast. If you need to stop and your dog can’t come inside, wait in the car with them or skip that stop.
• Bring plenty of water. Pack a collapsible bowl and offer water at every stop. Traveling is dehydrating.
• Don’t feed right before driving. Feed 2-3 hours before departure to reduce car sickness.
• Use a crash-tested carrier or harness. Your dog should be secured in case of sudden stops. A loose dog in a car is dangerous.
• Keep the car cool. Dogs overheat easily, especially during travel stress.

Road trips with dogs can actually be fun. Many dogs love car rides once they get used to them. The key is patience and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a pet-friendly hotel and a dog-friendly hotel?

– A pet-friendly hotel technically allows pets but might have minimal accommodations or strict policies. A dog-friendly hotel actively welcomes dogs with amenities, understanding, and policies designed specifically for canine guests. Dog-friendly hotels are what you want. They’re the ones that actually get it.

Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room while I go out?

– Technically yes, but it’s risky. Dogs can get anxious, have accidents, or destroy the room. If you must leave, keep it under 4 hours, ensure they’re exercised beforehand, and consider using the hotel’s pet-sitting service. For longer absences, hire a local dog walker or pet sitter. Your dog’s stress isn’t worth saving money.

Are there breed restrictions at dog-friendly hotels?

– Unfortunately, yes. Some hotels have breed restrictions despite evidence that breed doesn’t predict behavior. Pit bulls, German Shepherds, and other “dangerous” breeds are often restricted. This is frustrating and outdated, but it exists. Always ask about breed restrictions upfront. If your dog is restricted, look for hotels that don’t discriminate (many don’t).

How much should I tip housekeeping when I have a dog?

– At minimum, $5-10 extra per night. If your dog had an accident or the room needed extra cleaning, tip more ($15-20). Housekeeping does extra work when dogs are involved. Acknowledge that with appropriate tips.

What if my dog gets sick at the hotel?

– Call the front desk immediately and ask for a vet recommendation. Most hotels have relationships with local emergency vets. Get your dog treated. As for the room, clean up any accidents and inform housekeeping. Most hotels understand that sick dogs happen. Don’t hide it—transparency prevents bigger problems.

Can I find dog-friendly hotels that allow large dogs?

– Yes, but options are more limited. La Quinta, Kimpton, and Airbnb are your best bets for large breeds. Some independent hotels also welcome large dogs. When booking, always confirm size limits and ask specifically if they’ve hosted dogs your size before.

Do I need to book dog-friendly hotels in advance?

– It’s smart to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays). Pet-friendly rooms are limited, and they fill up fast. Booking ahead also gives you time to call and confirm their current pet policy.

What should I pack for my dog’s hotel stay?

– Bring: food and water bowls, their regular food, medications, bed or blanket, favorite toys, waste bags, leash, collar with ID tags, vaccination records (sometimes required), and enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Are there dog-friendly hotels that offer pet amenities like play areas?

– Yes, especially at higher-end chains like Kimpton and some Airbnb properties. Some independent hotels also offer dog parks or play areas. Check reviews and call ahead to ask about specific amenities. These are nice-to-haves but not essential.

What if I’m traveling with multiple dogs?

– Most dog-friendly hotels allow multiple dogs, but confirm the number allowed and whether fees apply per dog. Some hotels charge one fee for all dogs; others charge per dog. Ask about discounts for multiple pets. Make sure all dogs are comfortable together in one room.