The best pet-friendly hotels in the U.S.

If you've ever tried to book a pet-friendly hotel, you know the drill: high fees, size and breed restrictions and seemingly more rules than a totalitarian government. Who wants to pay an extra $100 per night just to be yelled at when you walk your well-trained dog through the lobby?

But there are truly pet-friendly lodging options, from chains that virtually every industry expert recommends to independent hotels that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your dog. Ana Prodanovich, cofounder of Welltayl and a frequent dog-accompanied traveler, says the hospitality industry has truly evolved in this sense. "Pets are being treated as part of the guest experience, not an exception to it," she explains.

If you're planning a trip with your pet, here's what industry experts say you should look for, followed by lodging options that go above and beyond for our furry family members.

What makes a hotel pet-friendly? 

Ten years ago, most hotels that allowed animals were pet-tolerant at best. Today, pet- welcoming hotels offer perks that go well beyond "simply allowing pets in the room without truly making them part of the stay," says Jennifer Dombrowski, publisher and editor in chief at Luxe Adventure Traveler , who often travels with her Samoyed, Coco.

When looking for lodging for you and your pet, she says to search for places that "have amenities like bowls and beds, welcome treats and/or toys and recommendations for nearby pet-friendly attractions, pet stores, parks and veterinarians." Some properties, she says, "even offer dog menus and unique amenities like on-site dog parks and stick libraries."

Christi Scofield, founder and CEO of Jet Set Pets , notes that a property's pet policy often clues you in to how dedicated it is to pet-friendly accommodations. "If, for example, only one small dog is allowed, the cost is $100 per night, and the policy lists all sorts of restrictions, then the hotel is most likely merely pet-tolerant." If, however, a hotel offers specific pet-focused programs — such as the Loews Loves Pets program — that's a good sign. 

The best hotel chains for pets

Most hotel franchises' pet policies vary by location. Unless a chain specifically states that 100% of its properties welcome all pets of all sizes, it's best to call ahead or check the policy online to confirm specifics.

Best overall: Kimpton 

This IHG-owned brand comes up frequently when talking to industry experts and pet lovers. It's "truly synonymous with pet travel," says Animal Fair Media 's Wendy Diamond. All Kimpton properties have no size restrictions, no fees and no limit on the number of pets allowed — a true industry rarity. "They make it effortless. It's just a warm, genuine welcome for both of you," Diamond adds. "There are treats at the front desk, cozy in-room touches and even their wine hour becomes this fun, social moment where dogs are part of the experience."

Amenities include beds, bowls and courtesy bags for dog walks. The concierge can provide a list of nearby dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, groomers and pet boutiques. Kimpton is also one of the few hotel chains that allows you to leave a (well-behaved) pet alone in your room, though some properties do require crating.  

Note: Many other IHG properties — notably, Candlewood Suites and select Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo locations — welcome pets, but policies and fees vary by location, so call ahead or search its pet-friendly destination guide . 

Best budget: Motel 6

Motel 6 welcomes "well-behaved pets" at all locations, up to two per room, at no additional cost. Most locations have designated pet-walking areas, though you'll need to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier when outside your room. In the budget travel realm, its policy is tough to beat. Econo Lodge, for example, charges an extra $10 to $25 per pet, per night, and Red Roof Inn lets one pet stay free, but additional pets will run $15 per night.  

Also worth considering

1 HotelsThis chain only has nine U.S. locations (and one in development), but many are located in prime travel destinations like San Francisco, Miami, Seattle and Nashville. Though policies vary, many locations welcome one or two pets for no fee. A "canine concierge" is available to help guide you to dog parks, pet shops and more. Also, Prodanovich says its "nature-driven environments tend to be calmer and more comfortable for animals."

SonestaThough policies vary widely by location, many Sonesta properties allow two pets, provide beds and bowls, are OK with large dogs and charge reasonable fees ($150 was the highest we saw, but many were considerably less).  

MarriottMarriott has over 1,500 locations that allow a furry companion, though policies and fees vary widely. Many Aloft locations, for example, charge no fee, but size restrictions differ across those same properties. Amenities vary as well and, again, Aloft shines here, with many offering beds, bowls, treats and toys.

Loews
The Loews Loves Pets program allows two pets per room and offers loaner beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, toys and more at check-in. Other perks include gourmet room service (yes, for pets), dog-walking route maps, pet waste bags and recommendations for local pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants. Another thing we like? Many locations welcome big dogs, though some cap that at 75 lbs. What we don't like: Most Loews hotels charge a pet fee of around $50-$150 per night. 

The best independent and boutique hotels for pets

There are countless smaller U.S. hotels that go out of their way to welcome and even pamper pets. Here's a short list of recommendations, including some industry-expert favorites. 

Hoxton Hotels
Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Chicago and Portland, Ore.

With four U.S. locations in prime tourism destinations, Hoxton locations allow one dog per room, up to 40 lbs., at no cost. "They provide beds, bowls and treats," says Prodanovich. You'll also receive waste bags and a "Mutt Manual" with the area's best dog-friendly spots.

The LINE Hotels Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Austin

Prodanovich notes she's had "great experiences" at LINE, which lets pets stay for free, doesn't have size restrictions and lends out beds and bowls for use in your room. Each location's front desk also offers neighborhood recommendations for "walks, parks and pet-friendly bars and restaurants" as well as pet waste bags and treats.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Monterey Bay, Calif.

Dombrowski recommends this seaside property, noting it's among the "growing number of hotels that offer on-site dog parks and spaces designed especially for dogs." The Sanctuary provides each dog owner with a take-home Frisbee, loaner water bowls, waste bags and more. Pups are also welcome at the on-site restaurant, and a stick library awaits those who like a game of fetch.

Paséa Hotel
Huntington Beach, Calif.

Though it charges a $150 fee, this beachside property sends you and your pup home with a collar, leash and toy, plus it provides loaner beds and bowls. There are no weight restrictions, and leashed dogs are allowed in many of the hotel's public spaces. There's also a dog beach just 2 miles away.

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Honolulu

You know a hotel is pet-friendly when its "canine concierge" is an actual dog (in this case, meet Jack ). Located in Honolulu's Waikiki neighborhood, the hotel offers free stays for dogs of any size and provides complimentary poop bags. Leashed dogs are allowed in many of the hotel's public spaces, including the on-site restaurant.

Paws on Pelham
Newport, R.I.

Scofield says this inn "caters as much to canine guests as humans." Much of the decor is dog-themed, and pet owners can expect to be provided a bed, bowls, treats and plenty of dog-welcoming common areas, including a "rufftop" deck — all for no fee. Also pretty cool? It's up for a 2026 USA Today Readers' Choice Award for best pet-friendly hotel.

Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
Montauk, N.Y.

Prodanovich calls Gurney's a "standout," noting it's her dog Olli's "favorite place in the world." The experience, she adds, "doesn't feel like an add-on. You arrive and there's already a sense that your dog is expected. … The Montauk location is right on the beach, so you have immediate access to open space and nature, which changes the entire experience for a dog." Gurney's charges a $75 nightly fee and has a weight limit of 40 lbs.

What about pet-friendly vacation rentals?

A final consideration: A hotel, even a pet-welcoming hotel, might not be your best option, especially when traveling with a dog. "If you want a safe neighborhood for walks, a kitchen to keep feeding routines consistent, a yard for the zoomies and a little more separation from strangers, a rental often makes the trip feel simpler and more relaxed," says John Bradford, CEO of PetScreening .

If a vacation rental feels like the right choice, Bradford recommends looking for properties with:

• A fully fenced yard or proximity to safe walking routes, parks and low-traffic outdoor spaces

• Hard-surface flooring for easy cleanups

• A defined space for a crate and/or a mudroom for wiping down paws

He also suggests "looking for listings that are specific about rules, fees, limits and what's provided, because that level of clarity usually signals an experienced host." Ask questions before you book if anything is unclear, he adds, "especially around noise expectations, where the pet can and can't go and what happens if there's damage." Finally, he recommends sharing important details like breed, weight, whether your dog is crate-trained or has separation anxiety, "because surprises create friction. Hosts are usually far more flexible when communication is proactive."

Finally, make sure you "pet-proof" the property soon after arriving, including putting away anything breakable and establishing a potty routine before it becomes urgent.