These pet-friendly hotels in the USA don’t just allow dogs and cats, they treat them like VIPets
It’s a scenario every pet owner has experienced; you’ve planned the perfect trip but don’t know what to do with your dog (or cat) while you are away. Send them to a kennel? Too sad. Hire a dog sitter? Too expensive. Leave them with a friend or family member? Too risky. If only you could just bring them with you, right? Well, long gone are the days when traveling with your dog meant being forced to stay at sketchy roadside motels with stained carpets and questionable odors. Even before the pandemic, dogs had become more vital members of the family, with Americans spending record amounts of money on their four-legged children. This has included more travelers wishing to take their pets with them on vacations. Today, hotels at all price points are putting the "friendly" in pet-friendly by not only allowing dogs, but pampering them as much as (if not even more than) their humans.
At the properties such as Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, and The St. Regis Aspen Resort, a resident pooch oversees the lobbies and interacts with guests. At La Posada de Santa Fe in New Mexico and Baron's Cove in Sag Harbor, New York, dogs and their accompanying humans are greeted with local treats and private, fenced-in outdoor spaces perfect for frolicking. At L'Auberge de Sedona in Arizona, they'll snooze by the fire in a plush dog bed before a day of sniffing around by the creek.
If you are lucky enough to have a dog or cat who travels well, bringing them along can give your vacation a huge boost. Traveling with a pet gives you a built-in excuse to talk to the locals and to spend more time outdoors exploring by foot, and it guarantees you a more enthusiastic greeting — and cuter photos — everywhere you go. I have traveled all over the country with both of my dogs, Charlie and Sawyer, experiencing different amenities and pet-friendly perks during each stay. I must say, traveling with them is way more fun than traveling without them.
Note: some hotels charge an additional fee or deposit, block off specific rooms for guests with pets, or offer pet packages seasonally, so it's always important to call ahead if you're checking in with a four-legged guest. Typically, hotels do not allow pets to be left unattended in the room, so it's important to plan pet-friendly during your stay activities as well. Knowing all of this info ahead of time will help ensure both you and your pet have a great trip.
Below are my picks for the best dog-friendly hotels and resorts to stay at in the U.S:
1. Hotel Nikko, San Francisco, CA
One of the most welcoming dog-friendly hotels in San Francisco, or I should say, the world, is Hotel Nikko. This hotel is a haven for travelers and their canine companions. Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, only steps away from Union Square, Chinatown, and the city's dog parks, paths and restaurant patios. Hotel Nikko offers luxury dog-friendly rooms on the VIP (Very Important Pet) Floor with dog beds, food and water bowls, and mats. Walk out to their Pet Terrace, featuring an off-leash, fully-turfed dog run for play time and city views. Hotel Nikko is one of the original dog friendly hotels in the San Francisco Bay Area. Experience a dog friendly retreat in central San Francisco, surrounded by the city's most exciting attractions and natural wonders. The best part is: you can meet Buster, Canine Operating Officer, and Beau, Pawblic Relations Manager, at Hotel Nikko and discover the SF canine culture.
I have stayed at this hotel several times in the last few years with both of my dogs and thoroughly enjoyed the experience again and again. We were even lucky enough to be asked to be photographed and included in the hotel’s own coffee table book, 49 Dogs and One Cat, The Insider's Guide to San Francisco, showcasing iconic San Francisco locations, as well as hidden treasures throughout the city, told through the eyes of 49 dogs, and one cat, Nikko.
To book your stay: https://www.hotelnikkosf.com
2. Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, VA
Set on 340 acres nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid Virginia's famed horse and wine country, Salamander Resort & Spa is an opulent and homelike destination. In keeping with the country estate design, all 168 rooms and suites are comfortably spacious and include an outdoor patio or balcony. As a true dog-friendly property, you'll soon discover that Salamander caters to your dogs with the same level of exceptional personalized service you've come to appreciate and expect as one of their guests. They have designated Terrace level rooms to allow easy access to the beautiful grounds and your furry friends will receive in-room amenities that include a comfy bed, food and water bowls, organic treats, a special toy and waste bags. You can even catch my two pups on their website homepage, showcasing the pet-friendly rules and amenities.
To book your stay: https://www.salamanderresort.com
3. The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Aspen, CO
At the base of Aspen Mountain, this popular ski destination loves its pets. The pet offerings here include a dog bed and bowl, plus dog sitting and walking. The pet special menu includes a protein bowl, sushi roll, beef tenderloin, and more, and a monthly Bark'n'Brews patio "pawty"raises money for a local animal rescue. Most importantly, the hotel's Bernese mountain dog, Kitty Jacob Astor II, has his own Instagram and it is absolutely epic.
To book your stay: stregisaspen.com
4. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC
Between Savannah, GA, and Hilton Head Island, SC, Montage Palmetto Bluff sits on 20,000 acres of fiercely preserved Lowcountry land, making it the perfect place to get outside with your pet. Inn rooms, cottages, guesthouses, suites, Village Homes, and Signature Montage Residences are all dog-friendly, and dog beds, homemade treats (like sweet potato chews and minty oat cookies), and bowls are provided to all of the "preferred pups." Deep soaking tubs will keep your pup put if you need to clean up after time in the woods. Nearby restaurants aren't the most pet-friendly, but all the more reason to order in! You and your furry friend can enjoy room service, as the hotel has a full gourmet in-room dining menu just for pets.
To book your stay: montagehotels.com/palmettobluff
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5. ARRIVE, Palm Springs, CA
This hotel in the middle of Palm Springs is very pet friendly! The modern, ultra chic property has 32 guest rooms, a poolside restaurant and bar, and endless sunshine. Oddly enough, kids are not welcome at this resort, however, three dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee in each room. Well-behaved dogs may even be left unattended in rooms, which is very rare. During my stay, sans my own dogs sadly, I met many dogs staying throughout the hotel, even sitting by the pool relaxing.
To book your stay: https://www.arrivehotels.com/palm-springs
6. Scribner’s Lodge, Hunter, NY
Scribner's Lodge, located in The Catskills near Hunter Mountain, welcomes dogs as part of its unique Pupstater Program. Grown-ups will come for the nearby ski hills (Scribner’s is one mile from Hunter Mountain) and the lodge’s 20 acres, pool and fire pits. Four-legged travelers will give a tail wag to Scribner’s Pupstater Program (check out #sclpupstater on Instagram for inspo), which entitles your pooch to a toy, and water and food bowls. The restaurant offers a dog-friendly menu as well. Be sure to inquire about the hotel’s changing schedule of “pup-up” events, a series that often includes photo sessions, dog-friendly treat decorating, pop-up shops, an agility course, movie nights, and more. I have stayed at this wonderful property several times, taking advantage of the nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, and farm stands that all allow dogs to tag along.
To book your stay: http://www.scribnerslodge.com
7. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Scottsdale, AZ
Just a few minutes from Phoenix in posh Scottsdale, the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a haven for pets, with 23 acres of winding paths and sprawling green spaces. The property’s single-story layout and private patios make it easy for dogs or cats to spread out and get comfortable right alongside you.
The hotel’s restaurant, Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, offers Dinner With Your Dog on the patio with amazing views of Camelback Mountain, and a specialty doggie menu that includes dishes such as the Rover Easy (two scrambled eggs) and the Canine Chicken (a 7-ounce boneless grilled chicken breast). Order up for your pup: $1 from every doggy meal goes to Lucky Dog Rescue, a local pet shelter.
There are often specials that include stays without added pet fees, but there is, however, a weight limit of 50 pounds for one dog, with a cap of two dogs per room and a 75-pound combined maximum weight limit for both animals.
To book your stay: https://www.andazscottsdale.com
8. Kimpton Brice Hotel, Savannah, GA
Kimpton Brice Hotel is extremely pet friendly, as is the rest of Savannah! Two pets of any size are welcome for no additional fee. The Kimpton motto is “if it fits in our door, it’s welcome.” So they welcome dogs of any size and have no pet fees. Guests traveling with pets are assigned to rooms on the first two floors for easy outdoor access. Well-behaved pets may even be left unattended in rooms, but guests will be charged a penalty if a noise complaint is filed. Treats, beds, bowls, and doggie bags are available for all pet guests as well, and a designated pet relief area can be found right on the property.
One of the greatest amenities at this hotel was the daily social hour, from 4-5pm. At The Kimpton Brice Hotel, you’re invited not only to spend the night, but to unapologetically unwind. They encourage all guests, dogs too, to join them for their nightly hosted wine hour in their living room or backyard patio. All drinks are complimentary, and it’s a great way to meet people, engage with fellow travelers & dog owners, and include your pooch. You just sit back and relax.
To book your stay: https://www.bricehotel.com/hotel-homepage/
9. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, CA
On its blog, Loews Coronado Bay Resort calls itself a pet paradise, and I don’t disagree. Guests can stay with two pets (dogs or cats) up to 40 pounds each for an additional fee of $150 per stay. While pets can’t be left unattended in rooms, you can book pet sitters directly through the concierge. Every four-legged guest is welcomed with special gifts, including a signature pet tag, food and water bowls, and special treats.
Upon check-in, you will receive a detailed brochure with the gourmet pet room service menu and local dog-walking routes. In your pet-friendly hotel room, you’ll find specialized bedding, leashes, collars, rawhide treats, litter boxes (and litter), catnip, scratching posts, pooper scoopers, and everything else your best friend needs to have a great time.
Book your stay here: https://www.loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort/specials
10. The Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn, NY
A Brooklyn-centric experience, The Williamsburg Hotel offers luxury accommodations, signature dining experiences, a rooftop pool & bar, and more. Best of all: it’s VERY dog friendly. Their pet positive guest program, POOCH, is perfect for your four legged friend. The Williamsburg Hotel is proud to be the preferred choice for pet parents in search of a stress-free and sophisticated travel experience in the New York City area. Dogs aren’t just accepted here, they are celebrated! Greeted with a fanfare of treats and first-class pampering upon arrival, they will be excited to choose from a dynamic selection of savory dog treats and delicious baked goods that satisfy every K9's palate, plus a comfortable bed and luxurious bowls. Dogs are even welcome to join you in their lobby bar/restaurant.
To book your stay: https://www.thewilliamsburghotel.com
If this is your first time traveling with your dog(s), we hope this article serves as a great resource for you to book a pet friendly hotel room or learn more about what is involved when traveling with a pet. Remember, rules and regulations change all the time, so it’s best to contact the hotel(s) directly to find out about current rates, restrictions, special packages, and bonus pet-friendly accommodations year-round. Happy traveling!
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