Knowing hotel policies is crucial for a smooth experience when travelling with pets. Italy is the most dog-friendly country, featuring robust animal protection laws and numerous pet-friendly hotels and restaurants. In contrast, the UK, especially London, has a low percentage of pet-friendly accommodations, with only 4.43% welcoming dogs.
Globally, hotel pet policies vary significantly, influenced by cultural norms, regulations, and hotel chains’ specific guidelines. This article will explore the pet policies of various hotel chains worldwide, highlighting the best choices for pet owners.
Pet Policy of Dog-Friendly Hotel Chains Worldwide
1. IHG Hotels’ Pet Policy - Pawsitively Welcoming
When moving with your furry friend, IHG Hotels ensures your stay is as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you need to know about their pet policy.
- Weight Limitations: The maximum pet weight can vary by property, so it’s best to check directly with your chosen hotel for specific details. This way, you can avoid any surprises on arrival.
- Health Requirements: To keep everyone safe and healthy, IHG requires proper medical certification. Be ready to present proof that all vaccinations are up to date upon request.
- Non-Refundable Fees: You’ll receive a Pet Policy Letter at check-in, and a non-refundable fee will be added to your account. Fees vary by hotel, so confirm beforehand for budgeting.
- Suite Magnet: You’ll receive a “Pet In Suite” Magnet once checked in. This must always be displayed on your suite door, letting staff know you have a furry guest.
- Unattended Pets: You may leave your pet unattended in your suite. However, if you leave the hotel, ensure your pet is in a crate or carrier while you’re away.
- Public Area Restrictions: Pets aren’t allowed in public areas like the Great Room, Fitness Centre, Food Service Areas, or Swimming Pool. This ensures a pleasant experience for all guests.
- On a Leash: Pets must be on a controllable leash outside your suite. IHG hotels have designated walking areas, and you’re responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
- Housekeeping Arrangements: Before housekeeping service, remove your pet from the suite. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to coordinate with hotel management.
2. Hilton Hotels’ Pet Policy - Paws and Relax
Hilton Hotels & Resorts welcomes your furry companions at over 585 locations across six continents. Their pet policies are designed to ensure a comfortable stay for you and your pets.
- Room for Two: Most Hilton hotels allow up to two pets weighing 75 lbs each. However, not every location is dog-friendly, so checking specific property rules is essential. Fees and weight restrictions can vary.
- Pampered Pets: Many Hilton hotels feature on-site pet relief areas equipped with waste stations. Several even go the extra mile with amenities like tasty treats, water bowls, and plush blankets for your pets. In the UK and Ireland, you can indulge your pooch with the special Bone Appetit Dog Menu for in-room dining.
- Non-Refundable Fees: Bringing your pet incurs a non-refundable fee, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per stay. Confirm the exact charges with your reservation, as these can differ by property.
- Leashed and Clean: Pets must be kept on a leash in public areas. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals in all common areas. At check-in, guests must sign a form confirming they have read and understood the pet policy.
- Extra Comforts: Hilton offers pet-specific services, including beds, bowls, and treats or toys upon request. Some hotels even provide pet walking and sitting services.
3. Marriott Hotels’ Pet Policy - Paws and Stay
At Marriott Hotels, your well-mannered pets are more than welcome. They embrace all furry, feathered, and finned friends, from dogs and cats to birds and fish.
- Two-Pet Limit: Guests may have up to two pets per room. Pets must be leashed, caged, or firmly held in all common areas to ensure a harmonious environment. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed in the breakfast area during service, the gym, or the laundry room, except for guide and assistance dogs.
- Signage Matters: Remember to display the "Pet in Room" sign on your door when your pet is in the room. This helps hotel staff and other guests know a pet is inside.
- Unattended Pets: For your pet's safety, it’s best not to leave them unattended in your room. If you must leave, ensure your pet is secured in a proper crate or carrier.
- Clean-Up Responsibilities: Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Waste must be disposed of in designated outdoor bins. Marriott also requires that your room is made available for housekeeping and maintenance needs, so arrange to have your pet out during these services.
- Security Deposit: A pre-authorisation of £100.00 will be taken from your card for security at check-in. Your account will cover any repair or replacement costs for damages caused by your pet. The hotel may conduct a damage inspection during your stay and upon checkout.
4. Hyatt Hotels’ Pet Policy - Paws in Paradise
Hyatt Hotels welcome your furry friends with open arms. Their pet policies ensures a comfortable stay for you and your beloved pets.
- Non-Refundable Fees: For stays of 1 to 6 nights, a non-refundable pet fee of $75 applies. If you're planning a more extended visit of 7 to 30 nights, there’s an additional $100 cleaning fee on top of the $75. For stays exceeding 30 nights, it’s best to check directly with the hotel regarding fees.
- Pet Limits: Hyatt allows a maximum of two household pets per room weighing 50 lbs or less. However, the combined weight of both pets must not exceed 75 lbs. All pets must be housebroken, and the hotel reserves the right to refuse any pet that doesn’t meet customary standards based on species, odour, or behaviour.
- Supervised Pets: Pets cannot be left unattended in your room during your stay or while housekeeping services your suite. If you need to step out, please make arrangements to be present when your suite is serviced.
- Leash Policy: Dogs must be on leashes in public areas and are prohibited in food service and pool areas. Hyatt provides designated dog walk areas with pet signage, collection bags, and trash receptacles for your convenience.
- Room Maintenance: Remember to hang the "Pet Door Hanger" on your guest room door to alert staff of your pet's presence. Rooms with pets require housekeeping service at least every three days.
5. Wyndham Hotels’ Pet Policy - Pet-Friendly Comfort
Wyndham Hotels warmly welcomes your furry companions! Their pet policies are designed to ensure a comfortable stay for you and your pets.
- Pet Limitations: Only domestic pets, specifically cats and dogs, are permitted. You can bring up to two pets per room. Some locations may have weight limits, so it’s wise to confirm these details by calling the hotel when you book.
- Check-In Requirements: When you check in, inform the front desk staff about your pet and provide your contact number. An optional pet fee may apply at check-in, costing $25 per night, with a maximum charge of $75 per stay. Good news: authorised service animals are exempt from this fee.
- Control and Supervision: Your pets must remain under control at all times. They should be on a leash or in a carrier outside your room. With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the breakfast area, fitness centre, or pool.
- Housekeeping Arrangements: For room cleaning, please contact Housekeeping to make arrangements. Be sure to clean up after your pets during your stay. If you’re bringing a cat, you’ll need to provide a litter box.
- Pet Behaviour: Keep your pets from being excessively noisy or disruptive. Hotel management reserves the right to require you to find alternative accommodations if your pet is deemed dangerous or disruptive. Should your pet cause damage, additional fees for repairs and cleaning may apply.
6. Best Western Hotels’ Pet Policy - A Warm Welcome for Pets
With over 1,200 pet-friendly hotels in North America and more than 2,100 worldwide, Best Western ensures you and your furry friends find a cosy home away from home.
- Diverse Pet Policies: Best Western is thrilled to welcome dogs at many of their hotels. Some locations also accept cats, birds, and other small animals. However, verifying the specific pet policy with the hotel before your stay is essential, as these can vary.
- Pet Limitations: Most pet-friendly Best Western hotels allow up to two domestic dogs per room, each weighing a maximum of 80 lbs. Other pets, such as cats, birds, and even exotic animals like monkeys or snakes, require prior approval from management and may not be permitted at all locations.
- Fees and Deposits: Expect a maximum charge of $30 per day for each room with pets, capping at $150 per week. A refundable pet deposit of up to $150 may also be required at check-in. It’s advisable to call the hotel directly when making your reservation to address any specific pet-related inquiries and to confirm the availability of pet-friendly rooms.
- Safety Measures: For the safety of housekeeping staff, pets cannot be left unattended in your hotel room. Many Best Western locations go the extra mile by welcoming you and your pet with a blanket and a treat, making your stay even more enjoyable.
7. Choice Hotels’ Pet Policy - Comfort for You and Your Pets
Choice Hotels offers a variety of pet-friendly locations across the country, providing a warm and inviting experience. You and your furry friends can enjoy a comfortable stay with modern upgrades and designs.
- Pet Guidelines: Choice Hotels typically welcomes up to two pets per room, but pet policies can vary by property. Each hotel may impose specific weight limits, so checking directly with your chosen location is essential. Large dogs must receive approval before arrival, and breed restrictions may apply.
- Nightly Fees: Depending on the hotel, a nightly fee applies for each pet, ranging from $10 to $75. A refundable deposit may also be required at check-in to cover any potential damages. Remember, policies differ across the Choice Hotels chain, so it’s wise to inquire about the specifics when you book.
- House Rules: While your pets are welcome, there are a few essential rules to remember. Pets are not allowed on beds, and common areas of the hotel are off-limits to them. This helps maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all guests.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Pet Policies of Dog-Friendly Hotels Worldwide
Here’s a comparison table summarising the pet policies for hotel chains IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham, Best Western, and Choice Hotels:
Hotel Chain | Pet Types | Weight Limit | Fees | Deposit | Pet Areas |
IHG | Dogs (typically), cats, small animals | Varies by property | Non-refundable fee varies by hotel | May require a deposit | Designated pet areas |
Hilton | Dogs, cats, birds, small animals | 75 lbs per pet | $50 to $150 per stay | Not specified | On-site pet relief areas |
Marriott | Dogs, cats, birds, fish | 50 lbs per pet (combined 75 lbs) | $75 for 1-6 nights, $75 + $100 for 7-30 nights | £100 pre-authorisation | Designated pet areas |
Hyatt | Dogs, cats | 50 lbs per pet (combined 75 lbs) | $75 for 1-6 nights; $75 + $100 for 7-30 nights | Not specified | Designated dog walk area |
Wyndham | Dogs, cats | Varies by property | $25 per night, max $75 per stay | Not specified | Designated pet areas |
Best Western | Dogs, cats, birds, small animals | 80 lbs per pet | $30 per day, max $150 per week | Up to $150 refundable | Designated pet areas |
Choice Hotels | Dogs, cats, small animals | Varies by property | $10 to $75 per pet per night | May require a refundable deposit | Common areas off-limits |
Notes:
- Fees and limits can vary significantly by property. It’s essential to check directly with the hotel to confirm specific policies.
- Some chains may provide additional pet services or amenities, such as treats or pet walking services.