Long gone are the days when traveling with your dog meant staying in roadside motels with stained carpets and questionable odors. Today, hotels across the country welcome dogs with open arms, offering luxury experiences that pamper both pets and owners.
At the Bobby Hotel in Nashville and Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, resident dogs greet guests in the lobby. La Posada de Santa Fe in New Mexico and Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor, New York, offer fenced-in play areas and locally made treats. At Dream Hollywood, pups relax in mini bathrobes and snack on Sprinkles Pupcakes, while L’Auberge de Sedona provides cozy fireplaces and creekside walks.
What Makes the Best Dog-Friendly Hotels Special
When I took a cross-country road trip with my golden retriever, Cali, I realized what truly defines the best dog-friendly hotels in the U.S.
Here are the features that matter most:
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Proximity to parks and dog-friendly attractions
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Enclosed outdoor spaces for off-leash fun
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Pet amenities like beds, bowls, treats, and toys
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On-site or nearby dog-friendly restaurants
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Bathtubs or outdoor showers for easy clean-up
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A warm, pet-loving staff
Traveling with a pet adds extra joy to every journey. You meet more locals, spend more time outdoors, and see each destination through your dog’s eyes. Best of all, you always have an eager travel companion by your side.
Baron’s Cove: Sag Harbor, New York
Once a favorite retreat of author John Steinbeck, this waterfront Long Island getaway offers the Travels With Charley package — inspired by his own trip with his French poodle. The offer includes treats, a frisbee, a dog bed, and breakfast for two.
You can read Steinbeck’s book on your fenced-in porch while your pup explores the yard. Winter is the best time to visit Sag Harbor when the crowds are gone, and you can sit by the fire with your dog and enjoy the peaceful harbor views.
L’Auberge de Sedona: Sedona, Arizona
Located near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, this resort sits beside Oak Creek and offers breathtaking red rock views. Its Red Rocks & Ruff package includes a dog bed, bowls, leash, and a gift bag from a local pet store.
Each private cottage features an open-air shower, perfect for a quick rinse after a day by the creek. You and your dog can relax together on the scenic patio or dine at the outdoor tables of Etch Kitchen & Bar.
Bobby Hotel: Nashville, Tennessee
At the Bobby Hotel, the resident dog, Sasha, greets guests in the stylish lobby and helps raise funds for her rescue shelter. Rooms feature spacious balconies with skyline views and themed chew toys for your pup.
You can head up to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail while your dog lounges in a retro 1956 Scenicruiser bus. The nearby Riverfront Park dog area and lively downtown streets make this a great destination for pet owners.
Dream Hollywood: Hollywood, California
The Dream Hollywood hotel treats dogs like VIP guests. Each room includes a cozy bed, custom bathrobe, and delicious pet treats. You can walk to nearby attractions or relax by the rooftop pool while enjoying a perfect view of the Hollywood Sign.
The friendly staff and luxury amenities make this hotel an ideal choice for stylish travelers who love to bring their dogs along.
Final Tips for Traveling with Pets
Always confirm pet policies before booking, as some hotels charge small fees or reserve specific rooms for guests with animals. Most places ask that pets not be left unattended, so plan pet-friendly outings throughout your trip.
Traveling with your dog adds warmth and excitement to every vacation, especially when you stay at one of the best dog-friendly hotels in the U.S.
