is always left behind--the pet. But now, with more hotels and motels extending a friendly paw (and a free stay) to Fido and Felix, the family pet no longer has to be excluded. At some lodgings, animal companions even get such top-dog (or aristo-cat) treatment as complimentary munchies delivered on a silver tray and access to their own exercise parks.
Many hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts are advertising themselves as pet-friendly. But since rules and amenities vary considerably, always call ahead to check that your pet meets the hotels requirements. Some facilities take only a few pets per night, and others limit canine guests to those that are small, so ask about your pet specifically. For more information about traveling with your pet, click on the following links: Pets and Jets and Tips and Resources.
Here is a selection of the special programs and policies at major hotel and motel chains:
BEST WESTERN: Nearly 70 percent of these individually owned properties welcome pets, each with its own policy. At the Best Western White House Inn, in Bangor, Maine, there are 40 acres for kid and dog romping and a 100-year-old barn for catnapping. All Best Westerns have Family Plan packages that usually include giveaways for the kids and tickets to area attractions. For reservations and a guide listing Best Westerns that accept cats and dogs, call 800-528-1234.
MOTEL 6: Most of Motel 6's 760 properties welcome one small pet per room. With an average room rate of $32, this national chain offers budget lodging options. Kids ages 17 and under also stay free in their parents' room. Call 800-4MOTEL6.
FOUR SEASONS - REGENT HOTELS: These upscale hotels get an energetic wag from their four-legged guests. Although pet amenities differ at each property, some hotels offer a welcome tray of rawhide chews, Milk Bones, and toys, plus pet-sitters, dog walkers, and groomers. Litter boxes and gourmet kitty meals of chicken liver pate or chopped filet for dogs are also available. Participating hotels include Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C., and Boston; the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago; and the Pierre, New York City. Kids, as well as pets, stay free when sharing a room with their parents. Call Four Seasons - Regent Hotels, 800-332-3442.
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL SUITES: More than 1,000 Holiday Inns worldwide accept pets. At the Holiday Inn Main Gate East in Kissimmee, Florida, near Walt Disney World, the Pets Are Welcome (P.A.W.) policy usually comes with such amenities as catnip or dog snacks upon arrival, in-room pet beds upon request, and P.A.W. Park, a fenced-in grassy area complete with fire hydrants. Pet-walking services are also available for a fee, and a local veterinarian is on call for emergencies. Kids ages 12 and under and pets always stay free. Call 800-FON-KIDS for reservations. Call 800-HOLIDAY for a free directory of all the Holiday Inns welcoming pets.
LOEWS HOTELS: Most of Loews' 14 properties, including the Regency in Manhattan, accept small cats or dogs. Two hotels, the Loews Annapolis Hotel, Maryland (410-263-7777), and the Loews L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C. (202-484-1000), have a Very Important Pets program. The V.I.P. treatment features chewies and water bowls delivered on a silver tray, plus a donation of five percent of the room rate to a local humane society. In Annapolis, guests can also unleash their pets in a grassy Pet Park. In the Washington hotel, guests who stay with pets five times receive a free weekend night's stay. Pets and kids ages 18 and under stay free when sharing a room with their parents. For information on Loews Hotels, call 800-23-LOEWS.
Candyce H. Stapen is the author of GREAT FAMILY VACATIONS NORTHEAST, GREAT FAMILY VACATIONS WEST and SKI VACATIONS WITH KIDS.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 1999. Updated December 2000.
