Traveling with your beloved pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience, creating lasting memories as you explore new destinations together. However, the logistics of pet travel can sometimes be stressful, especially when it comes to accommodation. One significant concern for many pet owners is the added cost of pet fees at hotels. While it’s becoming increasingly common for hotels to welcome furry companions, those extra charges can quickly inflate your travel budget. Fortunately, finding Cheap Hotels That Allow Pets without hefty fees is absolutely possible. This guide will walk you through hotel chains that understand pets are family and welcome them without charging extra, ensuring your trip is both enjoyable and affordable.
In the past, pet fees were often justified as a means to cover the additional cleaning required after a pet’s stay. A reasonable charge of $10 to $20 per night seemed understandable. However, the landscape of pet-friendly accommodation has shifted. Many hotels now appear to be leveraging pet fees as a substantial revenue stream, with some charging exorbitant rates ranging from $50 to $100 per night! These costs can make traveling with pets prohibitively expensive for many.
But don’t despair! Several hotel chains are taking a genuinely pet-friendly approach, recognizing that pets are valued members of the family. These establishments are rolling out the welcome mat for your animals, allowing them to stay completely free of charge. Let’s explore some of the top cheap hotel options that allow pets to stay without adding extra fees to your bill, making pet travel accessible and budget-friendly.
Top Hotel Chains With No Pet Fees
Red Roof Inn: Budget-Friendly and Pet-Loving
For travelers seeking truly cheap hotels that allow pets, Red Roof Inn stands out as a fantastic option. This chain has long embraced pet travelers, not only waiving pet fees but often providing discounts for guests traveling with their furry friends. With over 600 locations across 36 states under the Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, and The Red Collection brands, you’re likely to find a convenient and economical option wherever your travels take you. Red Roof Inn is a solid choice for pet owners looking for affordable accommodation without sacrificing pet-friendliness.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for promotions! Red Roof often offers special discounts, such as 15% off your stay when traveling with your pet using specific promotional codes. This can further reduce the cost of your pet-friendly accommodation.
Red Roof Inn Pet Policy: Generally, Red Roof Inn welcomes one well-behaved dog or cat per room at most locations. While the standard policy is one pet, some locations may allow additional pets at the manager’s discretion, potentially with added fees. It’s worth noting that Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations typically have a pet weight limit of 80 pounds, while The Red Collection locations may have a lower limit of 40 pounds. Always confirm the specific pet policy with your chosen location, especially as some exceptions exist, like the Oxon Hill, MD, and Queensboro, NY, locations that cannot accommodate pets due to specific circumstances.
For detailed information, refer to the Red Roof Inn Pet Policy.
Kimpton Hotels: Luxury and Pet Pampering Without the Extra Cost
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale experience among hotels that allow pets for free, consider Kimpton Hotels. Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, Kimpton is renowned for its exceptional pet-friendly approach. They welcome all types of pets – furry, feathery, or scaled – of any size at every single one of their hotels. Kimpton goes beyond simply allowing pets; they actively cater to them with fantastic amenities. Expect to find comfortable pet beds, food and water bowls in your room, gourmet treats at check-in, and even pet-friendly “yappy hour” receptions in the evenings at many locations. Some Kimpton hotels even have a dedicated “Director of Pet Relations” to ensure both you and your pet receive a warm welcome. While not strictly in the “cheap” category, the value and pet-centric services Kimpton offers without pet fees make it an attractive option.
Kimpton Hotel Pet Policy: Kimpton’s policy is remarkably straightforward and generous: all pets are welcome with absolutely no additional fees, regardless of size, breed, or weight. They also don’t impose restrictions on the number of pets you can bring per room at any of their properties across North America. This consistent and welcoming policy makes Kimpton a top choice for pet owners seeking a worry-free and comfortable stay.
Explore the full Kimpton Pet Policy for more details.
Element Hotels by Westin: Home Comforts for Extended Pet Stays
For those planning longer trips or seeking a more home-like environment, Element Hotels by Westin are excellent pet-friendly hotels to consider. Element Hotels are designed for extended stays, offering in-room kitchens, 24-hour laundry facilities, and spacious rooms. Importantly for pet owners, most Element Hotels welcome dogs up to 40 pounds and, crucially, many do not charge pet fees, aligning them with the category of cheap hotels that allow pets by eliminating extra costs. As part of their “Love That Dog” program, Element Hotels further enhance the pet experience by providing dog beds, bowls, and clean-up supplies, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your canine companion.
Element Hotel Pet Policy: While the general policy is pet-friendly with no fees at many locations, it’s essential to confirm the specific pet policy with your chosen Element Hotel before booking. Pet policies can vary slightly by location, especially regarding weight limits and potential fees at some properties. Always a good practice to call ahead and confirm.
Review the Element Hotels Pet Policy for complete information.
Aloft Hotels: Stylish Stays for You and Your Pet
Aloft Hotels, part of the Marriott family, offer a trendy and modern hotel experience. Many of their locations are pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and providing amenities to make your pet’s stay comfortable. While the pet policy can vary between Aloft locations, and it seems some are starting to introduce pet fees, many still maintain a no-fee policy, making them worth considering when searching for cheap hotels that allow pets. Aloft Hotels are known for their Arf® (Animals are fun) program, which caters to canine guests with beds, bowls, treats, and toys, ensuring your dog feels right at home.
Aloft Hotel Pet Policy: The key takeaway with Aloft is that pet policies vary significantly by location. While dogs up to 40 pounds are welcomed at most Aloft hotels, it’s crucial to check with the specific hotel you plan to book regarding pet fees and weight limits. Some locations might allow cats as well, and the number of dogs permitted per room can also differ. For those with larger dogs or other types of pets, it’s recommended to contact the hotel directly to inquire about possible waivers or accommodations.
For detailed information, check the Aloft Pet Policy and always confirm with your chosen location.
Virgin Hotels: Modern Luxury Welcomes Pets of All Sizes
Virgin Hotels, a newer chain with a growing presence in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Nashville, and New Orleans, has quickly gained a reputation for its inclusive pet policy. Virgin Hotels openly embraces pets, considering themselves “fans of fuzz.” They welcome dogs with open arms, without breed or size restrictions, and, importantly, without any pet fees. This commitment to pet-friendly hospitality makes Virgin Hotels a standout choice for pet owners looking for quality accommodation without added costs. To further enhance your pet’s stay, Virgin Hotels provides dog beds, bowls, and even a stylish bandana, ensuring your canine companion travels in comfort and style.
Virgin Hotels Pet Policy: Virgin Hotels boasts one of the most generous pet policies in the industry: every Virgin Hotel welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes with no additional fees whatsoever. This consistent and welcoming approach across all their locations eliminates any guesswork and makes Virgin Hotels a reliable option for pet travel.
Explore the Virgin Hotel Pet Policy for complete details.
Motel 6: The Original Budget-Friendly Pet Pioneer
For truly cheap hotels that allow pets and offer widespread availability, Motel 6 remains a classic choice. Motel 6 holds the distinction of being America’s first national pet-friendly motel chain, welcoming pets since 1962. Focused on providing basic, affordable accommodation, Motel 6 offers a no-frills experience. While room quality can be inconsistent across their extensive network of over 1,400 properties in the US and Canada, Motel 6’s affordability and consistent pet-friendly policy make it a reliable option for budget-conscious pet travelers. If you’re seeking a simple, inexpensive place to stay with your pet, 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 limit of 150 pounds, and, crucially, does not charge any additional pet fees. Their affiliated Studio 6 hotels do charge a pet fee, so be sure to book at a standard Motel 6 to avoid extra costs.
Review the Motel 6 Pet Policy for full details and any location-specific exceptions.
A Note on La Quinta: Policy Changes to Consider
Experienced pet travelers might notice the absence of La Quinta Inns & Suites from the list of hotels that allow pets for free. For many years, La Quinta was a favorite among pet owners, known for welcoming up to two pets per room without charging extra fees. However, since being acquired by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in 2018, La Quinta’s pet policy has changed. Many La Quinta locations have now implemented pet fees, shifting away from their long-standing no-fee approach.
La Quinta Hotel Pet Policy: Currently, most La Quinta hotels welcome up to two cats or dogs per room, but they now typically charge pet fees. These fees are often around $20 per night, with a maximum charge of $40 per stay per room. Pet policies can still vary by location, and some may impose size restrictions on pets. Therefore, it’s essential to contact the specific La Quinta hotel you are considering to confirm their current pet policy and any applicable fees before making a reservation.
View La Quinta’s Pet Policy for the most up-to-date information.
Hit the Road with Your Pet Without the Extra Fees
Finding cheap hotels that allow pets doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. By focusing on hotel chains like Red Roof Inn, Kimpton Hotels, Element Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Virgin Hotels, and Motel 6, you can ensure your pet travels comfortably without incurring unexpected pet fees. Remember to always double-check the specific pet policy of your chosen hotel location before booking to guarantee a smooth and budget-friendly trip for you and your furry companion. Now you’re equipped to pack your bags, gather your pet supplies, and embark on your next adventure, knowing that affordable and pet-welcoming accommodation awaits!
