Summer is here – we were planning our vacation and really hate kenneling our dog. My husband said, why don’t we take little Suzy along with us – we’ve traveled with her in the past and she handled the road trip well, I said hmm let me get back to you on that. Thinking more on it, there had to be some hotels near where we were going in Orlando that could accommodate dogs. A quick search revealed that there are many hotel chains that welcome your dog as well as your family. Here’s our top five picks:
La Quinta is one of the biggest chains that welcome dogs. With more than 800 U.S. locations the hotel allows up to two dogs or cats per room at no extra charge. The rates are good, and since there are other pets they often have areas nearby where you can walk and play with your pet.
With hotels in 18 cities in the U.S. and Canada—Lowes has a pet program called Loews Loves Pets - Fees vary by hotel, but a one-time service fee of $25 is common. Amenities (for up to two pets per room) include pet mats, food and water bowls, treats, and beds. There's even a special pet room service menu with vet-and-chef-developed recipes for cats and dogs. This might be the best spa for Suzy and they have a location in Orlando!
With more than 1,600 hotels that accommodate pets, Best Western is a leader in pet-friendly travel, This dog friendly favorite keeps costs low and options open. You can bring up two dogs (up to 80 pounds each) in each room Western hotels charge a maximum of $20 per day, with a maximum per-week charge of $100. Some properties also charge a refundable damage deposit. It’s not a bad deal considering what kennel’s cost these days.
Fairmont loves dogs so much, pet owners can bring their own four-legged best friends along wherever they go. Policies vary by property are well detailed on the site. For example, the Fairmont in Washington, D.C., says dogs stay free and are lavished with treats handmade by the hotel's Executive Pastry Chef, while at the Battery Wharf in Boston, pets under 25 pounds cost $25 and receive a pet bed and food and water bowls. Considering the Fairmont’s reputation and rewards programs, both you and your dog can live in luxury during your stay. Did someone say massage?
Red Roof Inn is a friend to pets. The hotel chain has 360 pet-friendly properties The chain doesn’t charge a nightly fee or deposit for doggy guests. It’s not a fancy as the others - You won't find pet concierges or doggie room service, but you will find a welcoming community of pet lovers.
So, the decision was made. Suzy was coming along with us – the room was air-conditioned so we were able to leave her alone for a few hours (we left the TV on) which turned out to be a much better experience for Suzy since the kennel and separation is often traumatic for all of us and our family since our family stayed complete everyone was just a bit more peaceful and enjoyed the vacation.
