13 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels In The US, According To Guests
For dog parents, there's nothing quite like bringing your beloved pet along on a vacation with you, and it might even change your itinerary for the better — think less movies, more hikes. Thankfully, for all the dog lovers out there, there's a plethora of wonderful hotels that make staying there enjoyable for both humans and dogs.
Over 23 million American households adopted a dog during the pandemic, and many hotels are accommodating pet owners more now than ever before. We researched all types of dog-friendly hotels before making a "best" list, making sure to consider a variety of factors, such as nearby dog parks, weight restrictions, special amenities, and fees, among others, as well as reviews from past guests. More than just allowing our four-legged friends, these hotels also create five-star experiences for your pooch. It's the little things that can make a stay extra special.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort - Aspen, Colorado
Many dog owners may have heard of the St. Regis Aspen Resort. It's known for its grand accommodations to both guests and their four-legged friends. Dogs have always had a special place in the hotel chain's heart since the original St. Regis New York founder, John Jacob Astor IV, had his dog named Kitty. The five-star resort honors Kitty's legacy with their dog ambassador named Kitty, a Bernese Mountain dog. Guests can organize playdates with Kitty, join him for a nightly Champagne sabering, and if you're lucky, participate in the monthly Bark 'n' Brews event. Proceeds from the monthly event go to the Lucky Day Animal Rescue of Colorado. You can even email Kitty at his email!
There are plenty of dog-friendly and strictly people-friendly activities to do outside the hotel. The city is known for its world-famous skiing and a quaint downtown with swanky restaurants, chic boutiques, and relaxing spas. There are also plenty of things to do with your dog, including four off-leash parks and leashed hikes such as the John Denver Sanctuary and the Lost Man Trail, among others. The resort's dog fee is $100 for the first night and then $25 per day afterward. If you need some human time, dog sitting is offered for $50 per hour, and dog walking is also available at $20 for a 15-minute walk.
The Plaza - New York City, New York
New York City may not be the first city that pops into their head when they think of top destinations to bring their dog, but The Plaza Hotel offers some fetching dog perks. Similarly to the St. Regis, this five-star hotel makes dogs a priority, since their hotel group, the Fairmont, began incorporating a culture of Canine Ambassadors in 1907. Its special Canine Companions Package offers a bowl and a bed for no additional cost, and the hotel accepts dogs of all sizes with a maximum of two pets per room.
However, if you'd like to spoil your spaniel, the luxury hotel offers a Pampered Pup Package. For an additional $195 added to your stay, the lavish bundle includes a doggie treat tier with macarons, Evian water, and even a Plaza dog bathrobe with different sizes based on your dog's breed.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly activities nearby, and Central Park is directly across the street. While exploring the iconic park, you can take a photo with your canine next to the Husky statue or allow them to sniff their way through the North Woods. The park even offers off-leash times for dogs to run free, before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m., in certain park areas. The Big Apple is surprisingly dog-friendly, so bring them to a dog café or a dog ice cream parlor.
The Betsy Hotel - Miami, Florida
While some hotels stick to one (or no) dog ambassadors, the Betsy Hotel in Miami, Florida has not one, not two, but three doggo ambassadors, whom they refer to as their Canine Executive Officers. Betsy and Rosa are two golden retrievers who will most likely be there to greet you at all times, while Daisy stays behind the scenes. Katie was the first golden to grace the hotel but passed in 2019.
The Betsy makes sure its pup guests are treated just as well as their human guests. For example, dogs can get a massage alongside their owner at Betsy's Spa. Guests can also enjoy Betsy and Rosa's custom draft beer and explore the gallery featuring dog photographs taken by Carlos Andres Cruz. Dogs of all sizes are welcome at the four-star South Beach hotel, but the hotel requests you let them know their measurements beforehand. They charge $150 at the beginning of the stay, but half of that goes to the Miami-Dade Animal Rescue and the SPCA in Zimbabwe.
Located in the heart of South Beach, guests can escape with water activities like surfing, biking through the beaches, and exploring Old World Miami, while they can also bring their fluffy friends to visit the farmers' market, take a beachfront walk, or relax at a dog-friendly bar.
The Foundry Hotel - Asheville, North Carolina
The Foundry Hotel, a historic renovated boutique located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, has several unique amenities that'll make your pup feel like a true VIP. When staying at the Foundry, dogs can participate in the Pup-arazzi Adventure Package. The package includes a one-hour photography session with a local photographer using the local Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop and a custom-made, pet-friendly hike. Owners can choose between two hikes via Asheville Wellness Tour, depending on the level of rigor both of you can handle. Doggos also receive local Patton Avenue Pet Company goodies, including dog beer, treats, and a dog bath. The package runs for $150 per pet, per stay.
If you're feeling confident from the locally guided tour through the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are plenty of more hiking and walking opportunities through the sprawling landscape for both dogs and humans. Some of the most popular dog-friendly trails include the Craggy Gardens Trail, the Graveyard Fields Loop, and the Cascades Trail. In addition to the nature aspect, Asheville is also known for its cultural charms, so check out its Downtown Art District, tour the Biltmore, and jam out to some live Bluegrass music.
Cypress Inn - Carmel, California
Many dog owners can relate to feeling limited in where they can stay when traveling with their dogs. Often, owners settle for lackluster stays at any available hotel. However, the Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, allows both human guests and their puppy friends to feel special in vintage Hollywood charm. Actress and animal rights activist Doris Day co-owned the hotel for over 20 years, and she made it one of her missions to make the hotel as pet-friendly as possible. All 44 rooms are available to pet owners. Dogs can join their owners for a "Yappy Hour" at their restaurant and lounge, Terry's, and watch the evening linger alongside their owners in the library. Per night, the Cypress Inn charges a $30 fee for one pet, $50 per night for two pets, and $70 for three pets.
Outside of the property, dogs can frolic off-leash at Carmel Beach before leashing back up to explore dog-friendly downtown Carmel. Meanwhile, people can enjoy human activities like sampling at wine tastings, exploring the Historic Carmel Mission, and admiring pieces of art at top-rated art galleries.
Inn by the Sea - Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Dog owners always appreciate hotels that make dogs a priority, but it's even better when places like the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, give back and help make a difference for the dogs in their community. First of all, Inn by the Sea doesn't charge an additional fee for our four-legged friends (but they do ask you to let them know beforehand). The hotel gives you pup bowls, beach towels, blankets, and daily treats. It even has an outdoor bar and restaurant that offers a gourmet pet menu.
To make the stay even more special, the Inn by the Sea partners with a local dog shelter, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Instead of having the same doggy ambassadors, the hotel hosts a dog from the shelter to greet guests. The temporary ambassador is available for adoption. To date, the hotel has facilitated 150 adoptions in less than five years. You can also plan to be in town for their annual "Pool Pawty" where they allow dogs to run loose in the resort pool for the last week of summer.
In addition to all the amazing dog amenities onsite, the inn is also located on a pet-friendly mile of beach on the coast of Maine. Dogs must be on a leash, and they aren't allowed on Crescent Beach during the summer, but there's still a handful of dog-friendly beaches, walking trails, and off-leash parks nearby.
Scribner's Catskill Lodge - Hunter, New York
If you live in New York City or anywhere in the Northeast, the Catskills is probably a go-to getaway destination. With the stunning scenery around the Catskill Mountains, including its breathtaking fall foliage, and so many outdoor activities, the area is a dream destination for dogs. Scribner's Catskill Lodge offers a chic yet woodsy and vintage vibe that dogs are welcome to enjoy just as much as their owners.
The "Pupstarter" program runs at $50 per night, per dog for up to two dogs, and includes a dog tag, toys, and treats they can keep, as well as bowls. The lodge also offers custom bandanas to let others know how comfortable your dogs are with others. A green bandana means they're ready to meet and greet, while the red means they prefer their alone time. On the property, there's a massive lawn and meadow where dogs can roam on leashes while taking in the stunning mountain views.
While not staying on the property, guests can enjoy several dog-friendly hikes, like Mary's Glen Trail, Spruceton Trail, and the Codfish Point Trail. Scribner's is also located right off of Main Street, so there are several downtown activities for people — including sampling cider, shopping the historic stores, and dining at some of the classic eateries.
Woof Cottages - Nantucket, Massachusetts
When it comes to New England beach destinations, Nantucket is often what comes to mind. The island is off the coast of Cape Cod and is only accessible by plane or a ferry (both of which have dog accommodations). The Woof Cottages are part of the popular Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin on the downtown waterfront, and as the name suggests, the cottages treat dogs like royalty.
Upon arrival, dogs are welcomed with a bag of nautical-themed goodies like a chew toy and treats, a bed, bowls, and personalized pet tags. The Cottages charge a nightly fee of $65 and limit guests to two dogs per stay. You'll get the opportunity to socialize with Bailey, the hotel's black lab/Brittany Spaniel concierge. Bailey and his team will be able to help guide you to the most dog-friendly activities on the island.
Once you check into the Woof Cottages, there are plenty of fun things to do with your pup, starting with walking them alongside the scenic and historic wharf. They're also welcome at the popular Cisco Brewery, several cute boutiques, and of course, the pet stores. Note, that the Cottages are currently undergoing renovations and will be reopening in April 2024.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa - Cary, North Carolina
Who needs a park when you can have your own woods? At the Umstead Hotel and Spa outside Raleigh, North Carolina, both humans and dogs can live like superstars. The five-star retreat offers stunning views, as it's situated adjacent to a lake and inside an oasis of luscious trees. The hotel charges $200 for the total pet stay. The resort welcomes its furry guests with a custom pet toy, treats, and bowls.
In addition to its popular fine-dining restaurant, Herons, and lavish spa, the Umstead is also known for their signature DogWoods. DogWoods is the resort's enclosed playground where dogs can play off-leash and sniff all the smells. There are also walks around the property's gardens and lake for dogs to enjoy on-leash. For even more dog-friendly outdoor activities, the William B. Umstead State Park is located right next to the resort. Here, you'll find plenty of both dog-friendly and not-so-dog-friendly activities, including hikes, bike trails, boat rentals, and horseback riding.
Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club - Vergennes, Vermont
If you have a dog that loves to dig up the sand, prance through the beach, and swim, then the Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club may be the ideal choice. The 700-acre resort on Lake Champlain in Vermont stands out, as the hotel offers its own dog-friendly beach, Fanny's Beach. Dogs can roam off-leash while swimming, digging, and doing all the other things that dogs enjoy doing.
If that's not enough waterfront activities, fret not, because Basin Harbor even has a dog-friendly marina that lets pups participate in several experiences, including kayaking, setting sail on a sailboat, paddle boarding, and more. Of course, dogs also get homemade treats here. The fee is also only $25 per day, per pet.
When you're not making the most of the property opportunities, there's also a plethora of off-campus excursions. There are brewery tours for adults, shipwreck tours, and hikes through the Green Mountains, among other area activities. The property also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course.
The Paséa Hotel - Huntington Beach, California
Paséa Hotel in Huntington Beach, California, is no stranger to making your dog feel like a VIP (very important pup). The hotel and spa, which is part of the Meritage Collection, offers several special amenities that make the property stand out. In addition to the property being about two miles from Huntington Dog Beach, the hotel also has its own 1,100-square-foot outdoor play area with a lifeguard dog house and mural.
Once they're exhausted from playtime, doggos can dine on a custom menu of puppy parfaits, protein bowls, a banana split, and more. If you'd like access to all the above, Paséa charges one $150 pet fee per stay. You can also purchase a VIP Package that waives the fee and includes a keepsake collar, leash, toy, complimentary entreé from the dog menu, and a VIP Passport, which offers various guest perks. Fees for the VIP Package vary.
When exploring Huntington Beach with your pooch, there are several unique dog-friendly activities, including dog surfing, roaming off-leash at the famous Huntington Dog Beach, and nibbling on some goodies at the Top Dog Barkery. For people, Huntington Beach is also one of the best West Coast surfing beaches, so there are plenty of surfing and surf lesson opportunities. You can also go shopping at the Huntington Beach Pier, plan a whale-watching excursion, or just relax with an onsite spa treatment.
The Tides Inn - Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
The Tides Inn in the Chesapeake Bay region in Virginia is best suited for an outdoorsy dog who enjoys the water. The resort lies on a tributary that flows into the Chesapeake Bay, so there's no shortage of waterfront activities that are perfect for dogs and humans alike. The property charges $150 per stay with a maximum of two dogs (under 75 pounds) per room. Canine guests are greeted with a custom Harry Barker pet bed, custom pet bowls, a dog biscuit barrel, and flashlights for late-night walks. Similar to the other hotels, the Tides Inn also has a dog ambassador, aka a "resort retriever," named Riley.
The hotel offers lots of activities for pups, including kayaking and canoeing in Carter's Creek. Nearby Chippokes State Park also offers plenty of walking trails and swimming opportunities for both dogs and humans. Beyond dog-friendly activities, people can also have fun taking a class on oyster shucking, tasting wines, playing on the 18-hole Golden Eagle Golf course, and visiting nearby historic sites.
The XV Beacon Hotel - Boston, Massachusetts
There are many countryside oases for dogs to enjoy, but The XV Beacon Hotel is a great example of a property that makes bringing a dog to a big city manageable. The hotel is located in the heart of Boston in Beacon Hill, just a block away from the Boston Commons. The property charges a $50 pet fee, and 50% of those proceeds are donated to a local animal organization.
If you'd like to spoil your pup, the "Dazzle Your Dog" Package includes homemade dog biscuits on a personalized dish, a dog bed, bowls, complimentary breakfast, and a waived pet fee. However, rates for the package start at $430. If you don't feel like splurging on the package, you can still treat your dog to one of the items on the hotel's "Dawgone Menu," which includes goodies like German Shepherd's Pie, chicken, and even a Paw-ty cake. Did we mention you can even arrange for a dog's "Pawsh Spa Day?"
Boston is no stranger to dog-friendly opportunities and allows dogs to accommodate their owners at many attractions, including breweries, dog parks, and even on city cruises. When you're not with your pup, you can learn about our country's history on Boston's Freedom Trail, attend a Boston sports game, or kayak on the Charles River.
Methodology
There were several factors we took into account when making this list. First, we researched all the fees, restrictions, and above-and-beyond pet perks, so we didn't choose establishments that simply let dogs stay for a fee. We also considered ratings and personal anecdotes from past guests on review sites like Yelp and Google. Lastly, we thoroughly read through each hotel's policy to point out any restrictions or limitations in their policies.