Does Pet-Friendly = Dog-Friendly? Not always, but there is certainly more information available about traveling with dogs. And there are many hotel properties that allow dogs but don’t allow cats. I don’t know if hotels are not aware that many people travel with their cats, or if hotel managers somehow see Tabby as more destructive than Fido. Rest assured that there are hotels where “pet-friendly” really means just that. We just have to do a little extra work to be sure our feline travel buddies will be welcome. No one wants a surprise when checking in. These listings are some of the best hotels for traveling with cats.
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What to Look for in a Cat-friendly Hotel
Attitudes of hotel managers toward their furry guests cover a real range. Some hotels are over-the-top accommodating and pamper their pet visitors as much as they do the humans that accompany them. Others are barely tolerant of hosting pets. They want pets to stay in crates in the rooms and do not allow them in common areas at all.
How can you be sure the pet-friendly hotel you choose will meet your needs and make you and your cat feel welcome? Ask the manager the following questions, and you’ll have all the information to make the best decision!
- Does the hotel accept cats?
- How many cats are allowed per room?
- Are there pet fees? Are they charged per night, per stay, or per pet? Is any of the fee refundable if your room isn’t damaged?
- Do you need to bring proof of your cats’ vaccinations?
- Can you leave Kitty in the room alone while you use hotel amenities like the pool or fitness center? Step out to dinner? Longer? Most places don’t want you to leave Kitty unsupervised. I’ve found that you can usually get around the rule even in restrictive properties if you are in the hotel using their services. Leave your information with the front desk.
- Do my cats have to be crated?
- Are the doors to the rooms inside or outside? Personally, I prefer having a first floor room that opens to the parking lot. It’s easier to get all our gear in and out. But my cats aren’t door darters. If your cat is likely to try to get out, stay in a hotel where your room opens into an inside hallway.
- Will staff know there’s a pet in my room? Can we decline service? I always opt for the “green” service so they don’t come in and clean. I leave the “do not disturb” sign on the door. Not all places allow that, but may have a “pet in the room” notice to put on the door instead. Try to set a time for housekeeping to come service your room if you aren’t able to decline service. You can choose a time when you’ll be there to supervise or when Kitty will be out of the room.
- Does the hotel put pets into smoking rooms? Can you request a specific room? You don’t want to end up in a smoking room or a room that has damage or needs renovation. I don’t have a desire to climb stairs or be stuck in the back 40 because I came with a pet.
How to Find a Cat-Friendly Hotel
Tripswithpets.com is my favorite site for previewing the specific hotels I’m considering. They have a thorough list of links to hotels across the country. Definitely call the specific property you want to visit, though. Many hotel brands aren’t consistent with their pet policies. They leave it up to the property manager to set the rules for their specific location.
Best Budget Motels for Traveling with Cats
Budget doesn’t mean sketchy or uncomfortable. Budget hotels and motels are my go to for my show circuit travels. I have had no problems staying in budget properties. I just need a clean room and a comfortable bed at a decent price. You can usually find a budget hotel right off the highway.
An important part of choosing a budget hotel in an area you aren’t familiar with is to do your due diligence on the neighborhood. I use Google maps. Put your map app into explore mode and search around the area. You can get an idea of the area around the hotel. Bonus, you can find the food options in the area.
Read reviews on Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Facebook. I don’t stress if I see critical reviews about rude front desk staff or noise, but if I see no hot water, terrible water pressure, Wi-Fi doesn’t work over and over and over I’ll keep looking.
Red Roof Inn
The Red Roof Inn and Red Roof Plus are “upscale economy” listings. Red Roof is my favorite place to stay when taking my kitties on a trip. The price is reasonable, in fact you even get a discount when traveling with a pet. Red Roof really does love pets. And what you get is a clean, comfortable room, free Wi-Fi, and extended cable package. I usually opt for the superior room so we get a microwave and mini fridge. There’s typically free coffee in the lobby.
I appreciate the fact that they rarely have carpeting. I’m more confident my kitties won’t catch fleas from a prior guest. And it’s so easy to sweep the floor if the cats kick litter around. Most of Red Roof Inns don’t have lots of extra amenities like pools or fitness centers, business centers, or restaurants on site. But they are typically in downtown areas with food available nearby.
Motel 6
Motel 6 is the original pet-friendly property. Like the Red Roof, Motel 6 is a budget motel line. They have a more bare bones “budget” feel than the Red Roof, but they provide a solid option for a place to sleep when you’re on the road. Your cat stays free and their room rates are reasonable.
You get a clean, comfortable room, free Wi-Fi, and extended cable package. Some Motel 6 properties have snack bars and limited room service menus. There is usually a shared microwave and coffee in the lobby. They have a laundry facility too, which can be helpful when traveling with cats.
Econolodge
Econolodge is the Choice brand’s largest line. Property managers set the policy for their individual motel. Some are dogs only. They charge a small fee. All have refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Visitors have complimentary wireless internet access, microwaves, complimentary breakfast buffet.
La Quinta
LaQuinta has been a favorite among pet parents, similar to the Red Roof, as they were reliably cat-friendly. Since Wyndham purchased the brand, the pet policies are up to the management of each hotel. LaQuinta is still a solid choice hotel for traveling with cats, as most hotels kept their pet-friendly status. I often stay at LaQuinta if a Red Roof isn’t available.
LaQuinta offers free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. The rooms are comfortable for you and your furbaby. Start your morning off with the Bright Side Breakfast included in your room rate and end it with a wine and appetizers reception. Kitty can’t join you in the dining room, but you can bring a plate to your room. Some properties offer meeting rooms for business, pools, and fitness centers.
Days Inn
Days Inn is another Wyndham brand. Not all properties allow cats. Days Inn motels are comfortable with pillow top beds. They also provide free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout the hotel. Some locations offer fitness centers and pools. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of room service. They serve free breakfast daily. Some have ATMs on site.
Traveling With Cats at Mid-Range Hotels
Mid-priced hotel chains are usually more centrally located than their budget counterparts, near airports and major attractions. They usually offer full services, including things like shuttle service to the airports or attractions, high-end bedding, pools and hot tubs. Many have on-site restaurants, room service, minibars, and refrigerators in the rooms. Some even have video game consoles for rent. Usually these hotels have fees in the $25-100 range for guests traveling with cats.
Choice Properties:
Choice Hotels has brand lines in every range. Their property lines include Comfort Inn, Clarion Hotel, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Rodeway, and more. Not all properties are cat friendly, or even pet-friendly.
- Quality Inn offers comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, in-room fridge, and free hot breakfast.
- Many Comfort Inns accept pets and offer all the comforts of an upgraded hotel with plush bedding, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, some have pools and meeting centers.
- The Clarion is a solid high mid-range hotel. They offer lounges, bars, and full-service restaurants. You can work out in the fitness center and take a dip in the pool. Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected.
Doubletree/Hilton
One of my favorite places to stay is a Doubletree by Hilton. Doubletree is a full-service hotel chain. They have everything you could need: friendly staff, comfortable beds, coffee service in your room, fitness centers, pools and hot tubs. They have restaurants, bars, and room service. Doubletree suits the modern traveler with fast Wi-Fi, extended cable package, and lots of charging outlets in your room. Oh, and they give you warm chocolate chip cookies when you check in.
Hilton’s other brands include Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. Not all are pet friendly. Both lines are comfortable places to stay. The Hilton Garden is a more upscale yet affordable property. Mid-range Hampton Inn provides consistent service. Some rooms even come with jacuzzi tubs. Wi-Fi, free breakfast, pools, room service are other amenities that vary by property.
Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn is a full-service hotel with a fitness center, pool, restaurant, and room service. Perks include Wi-Fi, free newspapers in the lobby, mini markets for snacks and necessities. Pet fee varies by property and not all Holiday Inns accept cats.
Hyatt
Not all Hyatt Hotels allow you to bring your cat along. Those that allow it have varying pet policies. Most charge a fee. Hyatt offers upgraded bedding for you and some offer pet beds for your furry traveler. Hyatt hotels have restaurants, some offer room service, some have refrigerators or minibars in the room.
One thing to keep in mind is that Hyatt requires that their staff enter all rooms every 24 hours even if you request privacy so plan accordingly to keep your furbaby secure.
Residence Inn/TownePlace Suites
Residence Inn and Towne Place Suites are Marriott brand extended stay hotels. They offer spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom suites. Every suite comes with plenty of space, fully equipped kitchens, free hot breakfasts in the dining room, complimentary Wi-Fi, and many more amenities. Some have pools and playgrounds. All Residence Inns welcome pets. However, each individual location determines its own specific pet policies. Fees vary. Cats are not welcome at all locations.
For more tips on making your cat’s hotel stay a success, click here.
Best Luxury Hotels for Traveling with Cats
Pamper yourselves and your furbaby with a stay at a luxury hotel. Luxury hotels might have special packages for your cat like beds or bowls. Some properties offer Kitty her own room service menu. Your room might have a minibar, turndown service, room service, bathrobes, and massage services for you. You might consider these hotels attractions in themselves.
Kimpton
Kimpton is a boutique style hotel. All Kimpton Hotels welcome pet guests! Pets always stay free. Unlike many properties, Kimpton accepts any number of pets regardless of size, weight, kind, or breed. Cozy beds, food, water bowls, mats, a list of other pet-friendly businesses near the hotel, and a special door hanger alerting staff to your pet’s presence are included in your room rate.
Certain locations have a Canine Director of Pet Relations to greet pet guests. Kitty might not appreciate the welcome up close and personal. Some properties have wine and cheese receptions at night – and Kitty can come with you.
Loews
The Loews Loves Pets program offers feline guests welcome gifts like a bowl, placemat, and treats. Kitty’s amenities include beds, litter boxes, and scratching posts. The hotel offers specialized room service menus with delicious vet-approved options. You can’t leave Kitty in the room alone. She must be on a leash and supervised when anywhere on the property outside your guest room.
You’ll be pampered at a Loews property too. The food services feature local flavors. Most destinations feature free Wi-Fi, full concierge services, pools, fitness centers and business lounges. Some have spas. Remember, as you explore the amenities that you can’t leave Kitty alone in the room.
InterContinental
InterContinental Hotels are pet friendly but not all properties accept cats. ICH properties are designed for the traveler looking for distinctive destinations and luxurious settings. You’ll have a personal concierge to help you find the perfect experiences for you and your Kitty.
There’s plenty to enjoy, even if you don’t want to do more than relax in the bathrobes provided by the resort. You’ll access free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and extended cable programming on the 42 inch flat screen in your room. Your room will be complete with a coffee and tea service, a minibar, and a turndown service.
Make it Easy to Travel with Your Cat with Our Free Guide
You will also get access to our exclusive, subscriber-only, Resource Library full of free and paid ebooks, guides and printables; as well as our “mews”-letter with current posts, cat-related news, and a monthly calendar of activities and adventures for you to share with your special feline friend.
Algonquin
If you’re going to NYC and have a budget for a $400 a night hotel, you can’t miss the Algonquin.
The historic hotel is a one of a kind property now under the Marriott label. The Algonquin is home to the Blue Bar, one of the most famous hotel bars in NYC, the Round Table Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge.
Not only is the Algonquin cat-friendly, but they have a cat on staff! Even if you aren’t staying there, drop by to visit the lobby and meet the cat.
Summary
Hotels have learned that being pet-friendly is good for business. Now we need to convince them that including cats as routinely as they include dogs is a bigger business boost. Hopefully, this list of my choices for the 14 best hotels for traveling with cats will make your next trip with your feline friend easier to plan.
