What I Wish I Knew Before Checking Into a Hotel With My Dog

As a travel writer, my dogs (Luna and Radar) probably stay at more hotels in a year than the average traveler. Each hotel experience highlights both the joys and challenges of traveling with pets. I've encountered some wonderful pet-friendly hotels that truly rolled out the red carpet—complete with Pendleton dog beds and gourmet treats—while others made me feel like I was sneaking in an unruly guest, despite having paid the significant pet fee. On one occasion, I stayed at a boutique hotel that provided a special pet welcome kit, which included toys and a guide to local dog-friendly locations. In contrast, another hotel required me to sign a two-page list of strict rules (including a prohibition against our dogs drinking from the ice bucket, which we would never allow anyway), leaving me questioning whether my dogs were truly welcome.

Regardless, taking your pet to a hotel demands more preparation than a standard getaway. Hotel pet policies can differ widely from one establishment to another, so here are some general tips I've gathered over the years to help you navigate your next trip with your beloved canine companion.

Verify the hotel’s pet policy before booking—and check for availability

According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, about 75 percent of hotels in the United States accept pets. However, it’s crucial to confirm not only that the hotel allows dogs but also that they have pet-friendly accommodations available for your travel dates. Many hotels offer a limited number of pet-friendly rooms (to assist guests with allergies), which can fill up quickly, particularly during busy travel seasons. For instance, Antlers at Vail only permits pets in 20 percent of their units. To avoid any last-minute surprises, it’s best to call ahead or check the hotel’s official website. Don’t depend on third-party booking sites, as they may have outdated information regarding pet accommodations.

Be mindful of extra restrictions—like your dog’s size

Having two large dogs, one of my biggest challenges when traveling with them is that hotels often cater more to small dogs than being genuinely dog-friendly. Many hotels enforce weight limits—Washington School House in Park City, Utah, permits dogs up to 50 pounds, while the Conrad Los Angeles has a maximum limit of 25 pounds—claiming that larger dogs can contribute to more wear and tear on furniture, carpets, and other hotel features due to their size and strength.

Sometimes, hotels will have additional restrictions on specific types of dogs—often referred to as “aggressive breeds”—though they typically avoid naming exact breeds by setting a maximum weight limit that is well below the size of those dogs.

Moreover, some hotels limit the number of pets allowed per room. For example, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Virginia permits two pets, while Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, Texas, allows only one. So, in addition to confirming that pets are welcome, check for any other restrictions.

Be prepared for a fee

Fees for bringing your dog are quite common, unless you have a service dog (which, under ADA laws, cannot incur extra charges). These pet fees typically cover the added costs of accommodating animals, such as additional cleaning services to ensure the room is sanitized after your stay. Pets can leave behind fur, dander, and odors that require more thorough cleaning than a standard room turnover. Some fees may also cover repairs for any damage pets might cause, like scratched furniture or stained carpets, and can help provide amenities like dog beds, bowls, or treats to enhance your pet's experience.

Some pet-friendly hotels charge a flat rate per stay (for instance, MacArthur Place in Sonoma, California, has a fee of $150 per stay). Others impose a per-night or per-pet fee (like St. Regis Aspen, which charges $75 for the first dog per night and an additional $25 for any extras), which can add up quickly for longer stays or multiple dogs. Rates can range anywhere from $30 to $150 per night. However, some hotels, such as Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, Virgin Hotel’s locations in New York and Chicago, and all Kimpton hotels, allow dogs to stay free of charge.

Avoid leaving your dog unattended

Leaving your dog unattended in a hotel room is typically discouraged. Some establishments, like Gravity Haus in Breckenridge, Colorado, and The Garland in North Hollywood, California, outright prohibit it, while others, such as Hotel Healdsburg in California, permit it if the pet is crated. Even well-mannered dogs can feel anxious in a new environment, which may lead to excessive barking, scratching at doors or furniture, or attempts to escape—causing disturbances for other guests and possibly damaging the room, which could incur additional fees.

Recently, my fiancé and I encountered a new reason to avoid leaving our dogs alone in a hotel room: a fire alarm went off during our stay in Denver, and it took the fire department about two hours to silence it. Although our dogs are great guests, the loud noise was terrifying for them (thankfully, we were in the room at the time and could evacuate together).

If you must leave your dog in the room and it’s allowed, be sure to put up a “do not disturb” sign. Even if the front desk is aware of your dogs, housekeeping might not be informed. If they enter for cleaning or turndown service, there’s a risk of your dog escaping (or startling an unsuspecting housekeeper). You could also inquire about a dog-specific tag for the door—The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs has one that reads “Best Friend In Residence” with a space to write your pet's name, alerting staff that there are pets in the room.

Make sure to bring everything your dog requires.

There are two categories of dog-friendly hotels: those that simply allow pets and those that go the extra mile to create a memorable experience for both the dog and their owner.

During a recent visit to The Rally Hotel in Denver, our dogs enjoyed their own beds, bowls, and branded bandanas (which still receive compliments). At The Art Hotel, also in Denver, they were treated to a palette adorned with peanut butter and colorful treats instead of paint. Beyond just in-room amenities, some hotels provide dog menus for an extra fee. For example, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco offers a special Ruff Service menu with canine delights like Steamed Tasmanian Salmon and Banana Peanut Butter Donuts, while Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in San Diego features a Doggie Tapas menu with dishes like Shepherd’s Pie and Rin Tin Tin Tartare. Additionally, Cloudveil in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, even serves Bowser Beer for dogs to enjoy après-ski.

While such experiences are delightful, they are not the standard. At a minimum, be sure to bring food, bowls, treats, and waste bags, along with any optional items like beds or toys to help your dog feel comfortable. Additionally, remember that hotels usually require pets to be leashed in hallways and common areas, so don't forget one.