Pet friendly hotels are increasing in number and are now available in many parts of the world.
This could be just the ticket either as a stop-over on a long journey or as a holiday in itself.
Before you book your hotel, you might want to consider the following points:
Is there a weight or size restriction for the dog in your life?
Some pet friendly hotels only allow small dogs; others don't allow puppies; in other establishments I've seen, your dog has to weigh under 50 pounds. Do read the small print or ask the management before you book!
Are there any no-go areas for your dog?
If dogs are allowed in the hotel, it might be worth finding out exactly where they can go. Some pet friendly hotels are quite happy to let your dogs wander around with you. Others simply provide a kennel for the night.
What happens at meal times?
It's common practice in the UK not to allow dogs in the restaurant so it might be the case that while you eat your meal they go in the garden. But what if it's raining cats and dogs? (sorry, couldn't resist that one!). The last hotel we stayed in brought us up a tray of food so we could eat in our bedroom and keep the dogs company. Now that's what I call room service!
Are dogs allowed to stay in the room on their own?
In some pet friendly hotels, dogs are only allowed in the hotel room unsupervised if they are in a crate or cage of some sort. Many dogs travel in their own crate so this might not be a problem but it's best to check to make sure.
Has your hotel got a decent-sized garden or exercise area?
You may not feel like taking your dog for a walk as soon as you arrive. Instead it might be nice to go straight into the garden and let your dog let off some steam - after all it's likely that you've been travelling for a while. Don’t forget to pick up everything your dog leaves behind (I think you know what I mean!)
Is there an off-lead walk near-by?
If you’re undecided as to which hotel to book, a deciding factor could be whether there is an off-lead walk close-by. This may mean a phone call to the proprietors.
On one holiday we had a disused railway track opposite the hotel that was frequented by dog-walkers. It was so convenient and meant we could pop out before breakfast and let the dogs stretch their legs for half an hour or so.
Do you have a territorial dog?
One word of caution about pet friendly hotels. Our youngest is a rescue dog and very territorial. In spite of telling her before-hand what to expect, she ignored our advice and insisted on barking at every sound outside our room.
We had a very stressful evening trying to keep her quiet so as not to disturb the whole house - and then as people started getting up in the morning it all started again. This was a stop-over for us on our way to Scotland and we were pretty shattered by the time we left the following day. Only you will know if your dog might behave in this way.
Pet friendly hotels in the UK
First of all, a special mention should go to
White Topps
in Bournemouth. Unless you have a dog, you're not even allowed to stay here! Maybe not the most glamourous of hotels but somewhere you and your dog will be very welcome even in the dining room! (very rare in the UK) They're open from March to October only. Just say, 'Out And About With Your Dog' sent you!
Pet Friendly Hotel Chains Before booking any rooms, please make sure your hotel accepts pets. The management of a particular establishment may have the final say in spite of the company's general policy.
Travelodge seems to be leading the pack in terms of pet friendly hotels in the UK. Dogs and cats can stay in their establishments and have been welcome for a while now.
The latest offering however is in the form of a pet bed. Wayne Munnelly, Travelodge's sleep director, said,
"Now we are adding a little bit extra for those who want to spoil their furry friends by giving them their very own bed."
Check with Travelodge to make sure this is available in the hotel you've chosen. We approve of the idea very much :)
Ibis Hotels, a member of the French-owned Accor Group, offer good value rooms where pets are allowed.
Etap Hotels, also part of the Accor group, have a few units in the UK. Pets are welcome at no extra charge.
Best Western Hotels allow pets at the discretion of the hotel itself and, apart from Guide Dogs, are usually not allowed in public areas.
Ramada Jarvis offer some rooms for pets and their owners, and usually there is a charge. For more information, check the specific hotel's 'Travel, arrival and access' page.
Holiday Inn - from a visitor to our site: (Aug 2010) "Just an addition to your Dog friendly hotels section, Holiday Inn allow dogs in rooms and reception areas. They are not allowed to be left on their own in rooms however.
We recently found the Holiday Inn, Nottingham very accomodating. Also, the staff were excellent to the two legged guests!" Thank you Andrew :)
UK Pet-friendly directories Dog Friendly.co.uk is a very useful database of establishments in the UK that offer dog friendly hotels, beaches, bed and breakfast, pubs and inns. The site contains details on more than 10,000 venues that will welcome you and your pet(s).
Pet Holiday Finder - UK Holiday accommodation, dog friendly hotels, cottages, B&Bs, caravans where pets are always welcome.
Dog friendly hotels in the US
Hotel Chains
The following are known as pet friendly hotel chains. Please check to make sure however. Policies can change and hotel managers can wield considerable power!
Best Western Pet Friendly Hotels
Choice Hotels offer more than 2,500 pet-friendly lodging options.
