How To Avoid Pet Fees At Hotels

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun, but hotel pet fees can be a real headache. I know how hard it can be to find a place that welcomes your furry friend without charging you extra. Over the years, I’ve picked up some helpful tips on how to avoid pet fees at hotels and make sure both you and your pet have a great stay.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about hotel pet policies and seven easy steps to help you save money on your next trip.

Understanding Hotel Pet Policies

What Does “Pet-Friendly” Mean?

When you see “pet-friendly,” it doesn’t always mean the same thing everywhere. Here are some important things to know:

• Types of Pets Allowed: Most hotels mainly allow dogs. If you have a cat or another type of pet, it might be harder to find a place that accepts them.
• Fees: Many pet-friendly hotels charge extra fees. This could be a one-time fee for your entire stay or a nightly charge that can add up quickly. On average, pet fees are around $76, but some hotels, like Marriott, can charge more.
• Leaving Pets Alone: Most hotels don’t let you leave pets alone in the room. This can make it tricky if you want to go out without your pet.

Researching Hotel Policies

Before you book a hotel, it’s important to check their pet policy:

• Use Helpful Websites: Sites like BringFido and Petswelcome give detailed information about different hotels and their pet rules. They also include reviews from other travelers.
• Call the Hotel: If you have questions about their pet policy, don’t hesitate to call. Talking directly with someone at the hotel can help clear up any confusion.

How to Avoid Pet Fees at Hotels | 7 Quick Steps

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at seven easy steps on how to avoid pet fees at hotels:

1. Call Ahead

Before making any reservations, call the hotel. This is a great way to confirm their pet policy and make sure your type of pet is welcome. You can also ask if they can make special arrangements for you.

2. Reserve a Pet-Friendly Room

Many hotels have only a few rooms that allow pets. By calling ahead and reserving one of these rooms, you increase your chances of getting a spot for your furry friend. I once assumed there would be availability and ended up with no pet-friendly options when I arrived, don’t let this happen to you!

3. Check for Breed or Weight Restrictions

Some hotels have rules about what kinds of pets they allow or how much they can weigh. If you have a larger dog or an unusual pet, ask about these restrictions before booking. For example, Hilton often charges around $85 for pets and may have specific breed restrictions.

4. Look for Hotels with No Pet Fees

Some hotel chains are known for being very welcoming to pets without charging extra fees at all. For example, Kimpton Hotels allows all pets without any fees. Other good options include Red Roof Inn and Motel 6, which allow pets for free up to certain weight limits.

5. Negotiate the Pet Fee

Don’t be afraid to ask if the hotel can lower or waive the pet fee! When booking your room, simply ask if there’s any flexibility on the fee, especially if you’re staying multiple nights. I’ve had success getting fees reduced just by asking nicely.

6. Be Honest About Your Pets

Always be upfront about your pets when booking. If your dog is bigger than their weight limit or if you’re traveling with more than one pet, explain your situation honestly. Many hotels appreciate honesty and may make exceptions if they think your pets will behave well.

7. Explore Alternative Accommodations

If hotel fees are too high, consider other places to stay like vacation rentals through sites such as Airbnb or Vrbo. These often have more flexible pet policies and sometimes don’t charge extra fees at all! I’ve found some great places this way that welcomed my pets without any hassle.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

Besides these seven steps on how to avoid pet fees at hotels, here are some more tips that can help make traveling with pets easier:

Preparing for Your Stay With Your Pet

Before heading out with your pet:

• Pack Essentials: Bring your pet’s food, water bowl, bed, toys, and any medications they need. Having their favorite items can help them feel more comfortable during the trip.
• Crate Training: If your pet is used to being in a crate, bringing it along can help them feel safe in an unfamiliar place, and it prevents any damage if they’re left alone.

During Your Stay

Once you arrive at the hotel:

• Inform Staff at Check-In: Letting the staff know you have a pet can help them assign you to a designated pet-friendly room and provide any additional help they might offer.
• Leash Policy: Keep your dog on a leash in public areas of the hotel for everyone’s safety—this keeps things stress-free!

Handling Accidents

Accidents happen; it’s part of being a pet owner! Here’s how I handle them:

• Notify Housekeeping: If your pet has an accident in the room, let housekeeping know right away so they can clean it up without charging you extra later.
• Bring Cleaning Supplies: Having basic cleaning supplies on hand can help manage minor messes easily.

Read also: Why Is It Illegal To Pet a Manatee

Understanding Negotiable Policies

One thing many travelers don’t realize is that some hotel policies are negotiable! Here’s how to work this out:

Pet Fees

When calling hotels about their policies, don’t hesitate to ask if there’s room for negotiation regarding fees:

• Ask About Discounts: Some hotels might lower their per-night fee based on how long you’re staying or during less busy times when they have more rooms available.
• Cap Fees for Longer Stays: For longer visits, see if they would consider capping the total fee instead of charging per night, for example, asking if they would cap it at $50 instead of $100 for ten nights at $10 per night.

Weight Limits

Many hotels have weight limits for pets but may not enforce them strictly:

• Be Honest About Your Pet’s Size: If you’ve found a hotel you’d love to stay at but it has a low weight limit, call them up and explain that your dog is larger than their stated limit but well-behaved, they might make an exception!

Type of Pet

While most policies focus on dogs, some hotels may not clearly state whether they accept other types of pets like cats:

• Ask Directly: If you’re traveling with cats or other animals not mentioned in their policy, don’t hesitate to call and ask directly, especially if you’re willing to keep them in a carrier during your stay.

Number of Pets Allowed

Most hotels will place limits on how many pets can accompany you:

• Inquire About Multiple Pets: Even if there isn’t an explicit limit stated online, reach out and let them know how many pets you’re bringing, especially if they’re small or well-behaved.

Read also: Home Remedies for Dogs Who Ate Chicken Bones

Conclusion

Traveling with our beloved pets doesn’t have to break the bank! By understanding what “pet-friendly” truly means and following these seven easy steps on how to avoid pet fees at hotels, calling ahead, reserving appropriate rooms, checking restrictions, seeking out no-fee hotels like Hilton properties where applicable (which may waive fees under certain conditions), negotiating where possible, being honest about our furry friends’ needs, and exploring alternative accommodations.

FAQs on How To Avoid Pet Fees at Hotels