Dog Friendly Hotels

Like all other public accommodations, hotels are required to allow persons with service animals in any room in the hotel, and provide equal accommodations to its guests with service animals. However, many hotels have realized that all dogs, not only service dogs, are part of the family, and vacations would not be the same without the family dog. Now, while I fully believe that service animals are a necessary accommodation and aide for a person with a disability, the goal for most accessibility should be universal accessible design in both architectural design and in policies and procedure. So, the hotels and resorts that I prefer roll out the welcome mat, bowl, and toys for the hardest working dogs in the business.

My favorite pet-friendly hotels is the Kimpton Hotels brand of hotels. According to Kimpton

OK, we admit it. We have an animal attraction. Can you blame us? At every Kimpton boutique hotel, we invite you to bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member — no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in. There’s more to our pet-friendly policy than just a no-fuss check-in and scratch behind the ear, though. We’ve got all the goodies you need to keep your pet pampered. Plus at certain properties our Directors of Pet Relations are on hand (or paw, as it were) to give you and your buddy a tail-wagging welcome.

Kimpton also has a blog with entries for pets – and a service animal was a finalist for their pet photo contest!

Some other luxury hotels allow dogs for free, such as Indigo Hotels, La Quinta or the Choice Hotel brand of hotels, some other charge per night for the dog. However, all service dogs must be allowed at no charge to the owner, and service animal users should receive the same choice of rooms as any other guest.