Traveling with your beloved pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The thought of exploring new places with your furry friend by your side is exciting, but finding accommodations that welcome pets can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re an avid traveler and a pet parent, you might be wondering, Are Avid Hotels Pet Friendly? The short answer is: it varies, but many avid hotels locations do indeed open their doors to four-legged guests!
avid hotels, part of the expansive IHG Hotels & Resorts family, is known for providing “everyday travel at a fair price,” focusing on essential amenities and modern comfort. This makes them an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers. But what about those of us who consider our pets essential travel companions? Let’s dive into the pet policies of avid hotels and explore what you need to know before booking your stay.
Decoding avid Hotels’ Pet Policy
avid hotels operates under the IHG umbrella, which boasts 17 distinct brands, each with varying pet policies. While IHG has several brands that are decidedly pet-friendly, like Kimpton Hotels and Candlewood Suites, avid hotels falls into a category where pet-friendliness is determined at the property level.
This means that not every avid hotels location will welcome pets. However, many do, and they often do so with reasonable fees and clear guidelines. To answer the core question directly:
Avid hotels can be pet friendly, but it is not a brand-wide guarantee. You must check the specific pet policy of the avid hotels location you are interested in.
Avid hotel Beaumont showcasing its modern exterior, a location where pets are welcomed, reflecting the brand’s variable pet-friendly policy.
Key Aspects of Pet Policies at Pet-Friendly avid hotels
For avid hotels that do welcome pets, here’s what you can generally expect based on available information:
- Pet Types Allowed: Primarily dogs and cats are accepted. Other types of pets might be considered at the discretion of individual hotels, but it’s best to confirm directly.
- Weight Limits: A common weight limit for pets at pet-friendly avid hotels is around 50 pounds (approximately 23 kilograms). This is to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.
- Pet Fees: Expect to pay a pet fee at pet-friendly avid hotels. Based on available data, this fee is often around $20 per night, which is quite reasonable compared to some other hotel brands. This fee typically covers additional cleaning and potential wear and tear associated with pet stays.
- Number of Pets: The number of pets allowed per room might be limited, often to a maximum of two. Always clarify this with the specific hotel.
- Leash and Supervision: Like most pet-friendly hotels, avid hotels will expect pets to be leashed in public areas of the hotel and never left unattended in rooms. This is for the safety and consideration of all guests and staff.
- Designated Pet Relief Areas: Some avid hotels may offer designated outdoor areas for pet relief. Inquire about this at check-in for convenience and to keep the hotel grounds clean.
How to Find Pet-Friendly avid hotels
Since pet-friendliness isn’t uniform across all avid hotels, it’s crucial to take these steps to ensure a smooth trip with your animal companion:
- Check the Hotel’s Official Website: The most reliable source of information is the specific avid hotels location’s website. Look for a “Pet Policy” section, often found under “Hotel Details,” “Amenities,” or “Policies.”
- Use IHG’s Search Filters: When searching for avid hotels on the IHG website (ihg.com), use filters to narrow down your search. While there isn’t a specific “pet-friendly” filter for avid hotels, you can generally look for pet policies within the hotel details after selecting a location.
- Call the Hotel Directly: The most direct and recommended approach is to call the avid hotels location you are interested in. Speak to the front desk and ask explicitly about their pet policy, fees, and any restrictions. This allows you to get up-to-date information and address any specific concerns you might have.
- Read Recent Reviews: Travel review websites (like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, etc.) can sometimes offer insights from other pet owners who have stayed at the hotel. Search for reviews mentioning pets to get firsthand accounts.
Comparing avid hotels to Other IHG Brands for Pet Travelers
To give you a broader perspective, let’s briefly compare avid hotels to some other IHG brands in terms of pet-friendliness:
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: The Gold Standard: Kimpton is renowned for being exceptionally pet-friendly across all locations. They have no breed restrictions, no size limits, and no pet fees. They even have Directors of Pet Relations at some locations, offering amenities like pet beds, water bowls, and treats. If pet pampering is a priority, Kimpton is unmatched within IHG.
- Candlewood Suites: Consistently Pet-Friendly: All Candlewood Suites locations are pet-friendly, making them a reliable choice for pet owners. They typically charge a non-refundable pet fee per stay, with weight limits often around 80 pounds.
- Holiday Inn Express: Widely Pet-Friendly: Many Holiday Inn Express locations are pet-friendly, often with reasonable pet fees (around $50) and weight limits (around 50 pounds). They offer a good balance of value and pet-friendliness.
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: Luxury with Pet Policies Varying: Some InterContinental locations are pet-friendly, but policies are very property-specific and can come with higher fees and stricter size limitations, catering more to smaller pets.
- Other IHG Brands (Crowne Plaza, EVEN Hotels, Hotel Indigo, voco): These brands also have locations that may be pet-friendly, but like avid hotels, it varies. Always check the specific hotel’s policy.
Holiday Inn Express Suites Atascadero, highlighting its proximity to pet-friendly outdoor spaces, showcasing another IHG brand that often welcomes pets.
Tips for a Pawsitive Stay at a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Regardless of which IHG brand or avid hotels location you choose, here are some general tips for a successful and enjoyable hotel stay with your pet:
- Pack Pet Essentials: Bring your pet’s food, water and food bowls, leash, waste bags, favorite toys, and a comfortable bed or blanket to make them feel at home.
- Confirm Pet Policy in Writing: After confirming pet-friendliness over the phone, try to get a written confirmation (email or booking confirmation) of the pet policy and fees to avoid any surprises at check-in.
- Be a Responsible Pet Owner: Clean up after your pet, keep them leashed in public areas, and ensure they are not disruptive to other guests.
- Consider Hotel Amenities: Look for hotels with amenities like nearby parks, walking trails, or even on-site pet relief areas for added convenience.
- Inform Housekeeping: Let housekeeping know if your pet will be in the room and if there are any specific instructions for cleaning.
- Be Mindful of Noise: Hotel environments can be stimulating for pets. Be aware of barking or other noises and take steps to minimize disruptions.
Final Verdict: Avid Hotels and Your Furry Friend
So, are avid hotels pet friendly? Many are! While avid hotels doesn’t have a uniform, brand-wide pet policy like Kimpton or Candlewood Suites, numerous locations do welcome pets, often with reasonable fees and pet-friendly amenities. The key is to do your research: always verify the specific pet policy of the avid hotels location you plan to stay at.
By taking the time to check policies and plan ahead, you can confidently choose an avid hotels for your travels and enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay for both you and your beloved pet. Happy travels!
