Updated: October 2021
Originally Published: February 2016

With pet travel on the rise, more hotels are rolling out the red carpet for our four-legged companions. But some charge pet fees that will break the budget! Find out which pet friendly hotel chains welcome pets with no fees.

German Shepherd Dog and orange kitten laying together on a white background
 

For years, it was common to see pet friendly hotels charging a pet fee of $10 to $20 per night to allow the staff additional time to clean the room. But recently that model has changed, and some hotels appear to be relying on pet fees to boost their bottom line.

These days, it’s not uncommon to see “pet friendly” hotels charging an additional $50 to $100 per night for bringing your pet along!

But there are a handful of hotels bucking that trend. They’ve taken a truly pet friendly approach. Today we’re celebrating the pet friendly hotels were pets are welcome to stay for free!

READ MORE ⇒  Pack Your Pet’s Overnight Bag

Woman With Cat and Computer on Bed

Pet Friendly Hotels Without Pet Fees

Red Roof Inns

Red Roof Inns take pet friendly travel to a new level. Not only do they not charge additional pet fees – they’ll give you a 10% discount for bringing your pet along! Under the Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, and the Red Collection brands, the chain offers 600+ pet friendly hotels in 36 states and is an economical option for pet travelers.

Enjoy 15% off your stay at Red Roof when you travel with your pet using code 604673. (Some restrictions apply.)

Red Roof Inns Pet Policy: Red Roof welcomes one well-behaved cat or dog per room at most locations*. At management’s discretion, additional pets may be allowed and fees may apply. Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations limit pets to no more than 80 pounds. At the Red Collection locations, pet must weigh 40 pounds or less.

*Due to specific circumstances, the Oxon Hill, MD and Queensboro, NY locations cannot accept pets.

View the Red Roof Inn Pet Policy

READ MORE ⇒ Pet Friendly Hotels Chains that Welcome Cats

Red Roof Inn - one of the pet-friendly hotel chains where pets stay free!
 

Kimpton Hotels

The Kimpton Hotel chain is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, and is known for its animal attraction. Every one of their hotels welcomes furry, feathery, and scaly pets of all sizes with special amenities like comfy pet beds, bowls, treats at check in, and pet friendly “yappy hour” receptions in the evening. Some locations even have a Directors of Pet Relations on staff to give you and your travel buddy a tail-wagging welcome!

Kimpton Hotel Pet Policy: Every Kimpton hotel welcomes all pets with no additional fees, regardless of their size, breed, or weight. Kimpton also puts no restrictions on the number of pets per room at any of their 63 properties in 41 cities across North America.

View the Kimpton Pet Policy

READ MORE ⇒  Tips For A Great Hotel Stay With Dogs

Ink 48 in New York - a Kimpton Hotel. One of the pet-friendly hotel chains where pets stay free!
 

Element Hotels by Westin

With in-room kitchens, 24-hour on-site laundry, and longer available stays, the pet friendly Element Hotels provide you with all the comforts of home. And with 78 locations in North America, you can choose from a great selection of destinations!

Element Hotel Pet Policy: All Element Hotels welcome dogs weighing up to 40 pounds and most do not charge pet fees. As part of their “Love That Dog” program, they also provide dog beds, bowls, and clean up supplies. Pet policies vary by locations, so confirm with the property before making your reservation.

View the Element Hotels Pet Policy

Element by Westin Hotel
 

Aloft Hotels

Aloft hotels are part of the Marriott family, and many of their 155 pet friendly properties across North America are pet friendly. Pet policies vary by location, so contact the hotel before booking.

Aloft Hotel Pet Policy: Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome at MOST (but not all) Aloft hotel locations. It appears more Aloft locations have begun charging pet fees, so it’s important to check with the hotel before making a reservation.

The number of dogs allowed per room varies by location, and some properties also allow cats. Through their Arf ® (animals are fun) program, Aloft provide canine guests with beds, bowls, and complimentary treats and toys. Guests with larger dogs and other types of pets are also encouraged to contact the hotel directly for a waiver.

View the Aloft Pet Policy

Aloft Hotel - one of the pet-friendly hotel chains where pets stay free!
 

Virgin Hotels

With locations in Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Nashville, and New Orleans the Virgin chain is relatively new among pet friendly hotels. The staff admits to being fans of fuzz, and canine guests will find the accommodations every bit as welcoming as their humans.

Virgin Hotels Pet Policy: Every Virgin hotel welcomes dogs with no breed or size restrictions and no additional fees. Dogs are also provided a bed, bowls, and a stylish bandana.

Keep your nose to the ground, because Virgin Hotels will soon be appearing in New York and Miami!

View the Virgin Hotel Pet Policy

Virgin Hotel in Chicago, IL - one of the pet-friendly hotel chains where pets stay free!
 

Motel 6

Welcoming pets since 1962, Motel 6 was America’s first national pet friendly motel chain. With a focus on providing affordable, “no frills” accommodations, the quality of the rooms at Motel 6 can be inconsistent, and brand’s popularity has suffered. But, with 1,400+ properties across the US and Canada, if you’re looking for a basic, inexpensive, pet friendly hotel room, you’ll almost always find a Motel 6 nearby.

Motel 6 Pet Policy: Motel 6 allows up to two dogs or cats per room with a combined weight of 150 pounds or less and does not charge additional pet fees. (The affiliated Studio 6 hotels charge a $10 per night pet fee, up to $75.)

View the Motel 6 Pet Policy

Motel 6 - one of the pet-friendly hotel chains where pets stay free!
 

What About La Quinta?

Experienced pet travelers might be surprised that La Quinta hotels are not included in this list of pet friendly hotels where pets stay free. Welcoming up to two dogs or cats per room, La Quinta was the most popular pet friendly hotel chain for years.

But, in 2018, the chain was purchased by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Shortly thereafter, many La Quinta locations began charging pet fees.

La Quinta Hotel Pet Policy: Most La Quinta hotels welcome two cats or dogs per room and charge pet fees of $20 per night with a maximum of $40 per stay per room. Pet polices vary by location, and some limit the size of the pet, so call the hotel directly before making your La Quinta reservation.

View La Quinta’s Pet Policy

Brindle dog laying on a blanket on a bed
 


Now that you’ve got the scoop on all of the pet friendly hotels where pets stay free, all that’s left to is pack a bag and hit the road! Waggin’ trails!

(Visited 437,517 times, 62 visits today)
  • I travel with a toy yorkie 4lbs. I stay at different chains and notice that some do not charge me and some charge the full amount dog fee. I do find this unfair as she basically stays in my pocket

  • Category: Travel Resources / Tagged with: Pet Friendly Lodging