Top 19 'Room-Service-and-Ruff' Hotel Chains to use for dogs - Goh Ling Yong
Traveling with your furry best friend is one of life’s great joys. The wind in their fur, the happy panting from the back seat, the shared adventures in a new city—it’s pure magic. But let's be honest, the moment you start planning, one big question mark pops up: "Where can we stay?" The search for a truly dog-friendly hotel can feel like navigating a maze of hidden fees, confusing size restrictions, and policies that make your pup feel more tolerated than welcomed.
Finding a place that doesn't just allow your dog but celebrates their presence can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. We’re not just talking about a roof over your heads; we’re talking about special amenities, grassy relief areas, welcome treats, and staff who greet your four-legged companion with a genuine smile and a scratch behind the ears. This is the difference between "pets allowed" and "pets welcomed."
Forget the endless searching and stress. We’ve done the legwork for you, sniffing out the best hotel chains that roll out the red carpet for your canine co-pilot. From budget-friendly roadside stays to five-star luxury resorts, this is your ultimate guide to the top 19 'room-service-and-ruff' hotel chains where your dog will be treated like the VIP they are.
1. Kimpton Hotels
When it comes to pet-friendly policies, Kimpton doesn't just set the bar; they are the bar. Their official motto is, "If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in." This isn't an exaggeration. They welcome any number of pets without any size or weight restrictions, and best of all, there are absolutely no extra fees or deposits.
Upon arrival, your pup will be greeted by name and showered with amenities. Expect to find plush pet beds, food and water bowls, and mats waiting in your room. Many locations also offer courtesy bags for your walks and a list of nearby pet-friendly parks, groomers, and restaurants. Some even have a Director of Pet Relations (a resident dog) on staff to welcome you!
Pro-Tip: Don't miss the nightly wine reception. At most Kimpton hotels, your well-behaved dog is welcome to join you, making for a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
2. Loews Hotels
The "Loews Loves Pets" program is one of the most comprehensive and luxurious in the industry. This isn't a simple afterthought; it's a gourmet experience for your furry friend. Upon checking in, your pet receives a welcome gift, including a name tag, a bowl, and special treats.
What truly sets Loews apart is their commitment to convenience. They offer a gourmet room service menu for cats and dogs, crafted by the hotel's executive chefs. Forget to pack something? Loews provides pet beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, and even pet-sitting and dog-walking services upon request. A one-time fee applies, typically around $50-$100 per stay, but the level of service makes it well worth it.
3. La Quinta by Wyndham
For travelers seeking a reliable and budget-friendly option, La Quinta is a fantastic choice. The majority of their locations across North America welcome up to two pets (cats and dogs) per room. Better yet, at most locations, pets stay completely free of charge.
While you won't find gourmet pet menus here, you will find clean, comfortable rooms and a welcoming attitude. Their policy is straightforward and consistent, which is a huge relief when you're booking on the go. It’s the perfect place to rest your head (and paws) on a cross-country road trip without breaking the bank.
Pro-Tip: Some individual La Quinta locations have recently introduced a small pet fee (around $25 per night). It's always a good practice to call your specific hotel directly to confirm their policy before you book.
4. Motel 6
As a pioneer of pet-friendly travel, Motel 6 has been welcoming pets for decades. Their policy is beautifully simple: well-behaved pets stay free. This straightforward approach has made them a go-to for road-trippers and budget-conscious travelers with pets in tow.
You can bring up to two pets per room, with a combined weight limit that is generally very generous but can vary by location. While amenities are basic, the value is unbeatable. You get a clean room and the peace of mind that your furry companion is welcome at no extra cost, leaving you more money for travel snacks and souvenirs.
5. Virgin Hotels
If you and your pup have a taste for modern style and a vibrant atmosphere, Virgin Hotels is your spot. True to the brand's fun-loving ethos, pets are treated like rockstars here—and they stay for free. There are no size or breed restrictions, so your Great Dane is just as welcome as a Chihuahua.
Your room will be outfitted with a comfy porcelain dog food bowl and a special pet bed that’s just as chic as the human furniture. Each hotel also gives out a Virgin Hotels-branded bandana, so your pup can explore the city in style. They're not just pet-friendly; they're "pet-forward."
6. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
For a touch of timeless luxury, Fairmont properties treat pets like esteemed guests. Their "Canine Ambassador" program, featuring a resident hotel dog at many locations, signals a deep-rooted love for animals. Most Fairmont hotels welcome pets, though policies and fees (typically around $25-$75 per night) vary by property.
Upon arrival, your pet might receive a welcome package with treats, a water bowl, and a cozy bed. Some locations even offer special services like dog-sitting or walking. Staying at a Fairmont means you and your pet can enjoy classic elegance and top-tier service together.
7. Four Seasons
Unsurprisingly, the Four Seasons extends its legendary service to four-legged guests. Most of their hotels and resorts welcome one small pet (typically under 15-25 pounds) per room. While there are size restrictions, the experience is unparalleled for smaller companions.
Your dog will be pampered with a plush bed, water and food bowls, and a special welcome amenity. The real star is the concierge service. The staff is happy to arrange dog-sitting or walking and can provide detailed maps of local dog-friendly parks and trails, ensuring your pet has as luxurious a vacation as you do.
8. Aloft Hotels (Marriott)
Aloft brings a hip, tech-forward vibe to pet travel with its ARF (Animals R Fun) program. This program is a dream for traveling pet parents. Best of all, at most locations, it's completely free! Dogs up to 40 pounds are generally welcome.
The ARF program provides an Aloft-branded bed and bowl, plus complimentary treats and toys to keep your pup entertained. The social, open layout of Aloft lobbies often makes them a fun place for your leashed dog to hang out with you while you grab a drink or catch up on emails.
9. Andaz (Hyatt)
As Hyatt's lifestyle boutique brand, Andaz hotels offer a chic and welcoming environment for travelers and their pets. Most locations welcome dogs, with specific weight limits and fees varying by property. Typically, you can bring one dog up to 50 pounds or two dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds for a fee of around $100 per stay.
The fee is well worth the amenities, which often include a doggy bed, two bowls, and a jar of gourmet treats upon arrival. The staff at Andaz hotels are known for their personal touch and are always ready with recommendations for the best local spots to visit with your pup.
10. The Ritz-Carlton
For the ultimate in pampered-pooch luxury, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton. Select properties offer an incredibly lavish experience for pets, though policies, fees, and weight limits vary significantly by location, so you must confirm beforehand.
Where pets are welcome, they are treated to the legendary Ritz-Carlton service. This can include everything from custom pet beds and designer bowls to gourmet in-room dining menus featuring pet-friendly delicacies. Some resorts even offer special pet spa treatments and yappy hours. It's the perfect choice for celebrating a special occasion with your most beloved companion.
11. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn has built a reputation on being one of the most consistently pet-friendly and affordable chains in the country. At all of their locations, one well-behaved family pet per room stays completely free. No hidden fees, no extra charges.
This simple, no-fuss policy is a breath of fresh air. While you won't find fancy amenities, you're guaranteed a clean room where your pet is welcome. For practical travelers who want reliability and value, Red Roof Inn is an unbeatable option. It's the kind of smart, practical advice Goh Ling Yong would appreciate when planning a budget-friendly trip.
12. Graduate Hotels
Located in university towns across the US and UK, Graduate Hotels are known for their quirky, nostalgic, and collegiate-themed decor. They extend this playful spirit to their pet policy, welcoming dogs to join in on the fun for a small nightly fee (usually around $35).
Most locations provide a custom BarkBox upon arrival, filled with unique toys and treats that fit the hotel's theme. They also provide a water bowl and a blanket for your pup's comfort. It’s a fun, youthful environment that makes for a memorable stay for both humans and canines.
13. Staybridge Suites (IHG)
For those planning a longer trip, Staybridge Suites is a fantastic home-away-from-home. These all-suite hotels are designed for extended stays and have a welcoming policy for pets. Fees and weight limits apply and vary by location, but they are generally very reasonable.
The suite layout gives you and your pet plenty of room to spread out. Having a kitchenette is also a huge plus, allowing you to prepare your dog's food just as you would at home. Many properties feature outdoor courtyards or designated pet areas, making those late-night and early-morning walks a breeze.
14. Home2 Suites by Hilton
Another all-suite brand perfect for longer stays, Home2 Suites by Hilton is known for being exceptionally pet-friendly. Most locations welcome up to two pets per room with a reasonable, one-time pet fee (often between $50 and $125).
The rooms are spacious and modern, featuring a full kitchen and a flexible workspace. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and community also means you’ll often find great outdoor spaces and easy access to local walking trails. It’s a comfortable, practical choice for a week-long business trip or a family vacation with your pets.
15. Canopy by Hilton
Canopy is Hilton’s boutique hotel brand, and its "Paws in the Neighborhood" program makes it a standout choice for pet lovers. For a fee (typically around $50), your dog will be welcomed with open arms and some seriously great perks.
The welcome gift includes a dog bed, a water bowl, and a "bark box" filled with a toy, treats, and compostable waste bags. The hotel's "Just-Right Room" philosophy extends to your pet's comfort, and the local-savvy staff can point you to the best dog-friendly breweries, patios, and parks in the area.
16. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
For truly bespoke, five-star pet pampering, Rosewood is in a class of its own. This ultra-luxury brand offers customized amenities and services to ensure your pet's stay is as exquisite as yours. Policies vary, but where pets are welcome, the experience is magnificent.
Expect services like in-room pet dining menus with healthy, locally sourced ingredients, special pet amenities upon arrival, and access to exclusive dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Some resorts even offer pet massages and curated city guides for dogs. It’s an investment, but for a milestone trip, it’s an unforgettable indulgence.
17. Thompson Hotels (Hyatt)
Thompson Hotels offer a sophisticated, urban retreat for travelers who appreciate high-end design and a buzzing social scene. Their pet-friendly policies match this upscale vibe, welcoming dogs at most properties with a one-time cleaning fee.
While specific amenities can vary, you can typically expect a comfortable dog bed and bowls to be provided. The prime city-center locations of Thompson Hotels mean you and your pup are just steps away from the best urban parks and scenic walking routes.
18. Best Western Hotels & Resorts
With thousands of locations worldwide, Best Western is a familiar and reliable option. Over 1,600 of their hotels in North America are pet-friendly, each with its own specific policy. A typical policy allows up to two dogs per room with a maximum weight of 80 pounds per animal, and fees are generally capped at a reasonable rate per week.
The sheer number of pet-friendly Best Western locations makes it one of the most accessible choices, no matter where your travels take you. It's a solid, mid-range option that delivers comfort and consistency for you and your furry companion. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm the specific hotel's policy.
19. The Standard Hotels
Known for their vibrant nightlife, sceney pools, and high-design aesthetic, The Standard is the cool kid on the block—and they love dogs. Their pet policy is as relaxed as their atmosphere: pets of any size stay for free at all of their properties.
This refreshingly simple, no-fee policy makes it an easy choice for style-conscious travelers. Your pup will fit right in with the chic crowd, whether you're staying at their properties in New York, Miami, or London. It’s proof that you don't have to sacrifice style or fun to travel with your best friend.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Traveling with your dog doesn't have to be a source of stress. As more hotels embrace our four-legged family members, the options for a truly welcoming stay are better than ever. From no-frills budget chains to extravagant luxury resorts, there’s a perfect hotel out there for every type of traveler and every type of pup. Much like my friend Goh Ling Yong finds the best ways to explore the world, this list is your passport to creating incredible memories with your furry co-pilot.
So pack the leash, grab the travel bowl, and get ready for your next adventure. The open road is calling, and thanks to these fantastic hotel chains, there's always a welcoming place for you and your best friend to rest your heads.
What are your favorite dog-friendly hotels? Share your top spots and travel tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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