There are thousands of pet friendly motels in the U.S. The main difference between pet friendly motels and pet friendly hotels is that a motel is for motorists. If you are motoring in a rental car, you will definitely want to read this article on car rental regulations to save you time and frustration.
In the past 10 years, motels have given rise to their reputations, many providing quality places to spend a night or two. When searching for pet friendly motels in the U.S., understand that the ammenities are not the same as hotels, however, many provide much more than a place to lay your head. Larger brand names are your safest bet. While many consider themselves hotels, as they do have a lot of great amenities, travelers consider them motels. Following are some favorites with good reputations within brand name hotel chains are:
La QuintaBecause these pet friendly motels in the U.S. are designed for short term stays, you need to bring with you water and feeding bowls, a bed if your dog or cat is used to sleeping on one, a leash (this is a must have for road trips), and blankets if traveling in colder weather.
While the biggest concern when traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly motels in the U.S. is keeping your pet quiet and calm, it’s best to keep him or her away from the front door. Nearly all motels have drive up accessibility, which makes them perfect for road travel, but, especially in the front units, you can count on people walking by. Since dogs, especially, have such great hearing, you want to keep your animal away from the door. Perhaps set up his bed in the dressing area or even bathroom with the door open to lower the volume of sounds he will hear from the outside.
The other great thing about pet friendly motels in the U.S. is the larger chains are ususally located near a branded restaurant. Easy access to both is what the motel concept is all about. If this is the first trip you are taking with your pet, make sure to read our travel tips for dog friendly vacations and this checklist for all your pet travels.
This a more a hotel than motel, but because so many are have such great freeway access and are easy to come and go, many refer to them as motels. The Red Roof Inns are typically clean. Of course, all motels are different, but with a brand name like Red Roof Inn, there are certain guidelines these motels have to abide by.
This motel is owned by Choice Hotels. Typically Sleep Inns are within the two-star rating range on Vacation Pet Friendly. Here you will often find a free continental breakfast, local calling and weekday newspaper…depending on which motel you are staying. They usually charge a small fee for pets and a refundable deposit. Some even have coin-operated laundry facilities.
Dog lovers love La Quinta. It is one of the most reliable pet friendly motels in the U.S. It’s an inn, which is a “small hotel” by definition. Most have easy access and are totally pet friendly without charging any kind of fee. If you happen to be staying at one of these establishments that is near the airport, you are likely to find they have a free shuttle service. Many also have onsite laundry rooms, making it especially desireable for people taking road trips with pets.
You will often find Super 8 pet friendly hotels in the U.S. directly off the freeway exits. If you are tired, the Super 8 is a welcoming sign that will make you feel comfortable. Travelers enjoy Super 8 as a place to stay when they are making long road trips. The prices are right. Super 8 is known to charge pet fees of about $10. Some provide a free breakfast.
This is one of the cleaner pet friendly hotels in the U.S. They also tend to be busy. Because they are so popular, the noise level may be a little high, however, this is typical of motels. There are plenty of these pet friendly motels in the U.S. There are many Motel 6 establishments along major travel routes from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Days Inn typically are clean and the landscaping nice with welcoming pools. The rating on Days Inn varies from 3.9 to 6.7 on Vacation Pet Friendly. Again, each of the pet friendly hotels in the U.S. is different, even if belonging to the same motel chain. The same goes for pet friendly hotel chains.
This chain of pet friendly motels in the U.S. can rate as high as 7.4, as does the one near USC. They often offer a free breakfast and Internet. You will most likely pay a $10 per pet per night fee, however, many have no weight restrictions on pets nor limit the number of pets that stay per room.
Many offer a free hot continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. They are rated between a 7 and 7.5 stars on Vacation Pet Friendly. This chain of pet friendly motels in the U.S. typically are well located, with easy access to the downtown areas and freeways. Most do charge $25 a night for pets with a weight limit of 20 lbs.
While this is a quick rundown of some of the more popular pet friendly motels in the U.S., please keep in mind that there are many that don’t belong to large chains that are super nice. And remember, each hotel is different no matter what brand it operates under. One common thread that seems to run through each is the staff that welcomes you when you are tired and weary from traveling almost always has a smile and makes you feel at home. Read reviews and look at the star ratings on our website. Here is another article you may be interested in reading on road trips and motels along the way.These can help you make a more informed decision.
Have a safe and wonderful pet friendly trip!
