Beautiful Pet Friendly Hotels
My husband and I have been traveling with our pups for years.
Dogs are with us for such a limited time, their lives are short, and they do so much for us every day, be sure to bring them on your adventures!
In this article, you will learn about beautiful pet-friendly hotels in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine. I also included pet-friendly hotels in New York City where pets can stay for free.
Here is the list of pet-friendly hotels and the photos that I took during our stay.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Best Pet Friendly Hotels
The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island
Location: Newport, RI
Pet Policy: The pet fee is $150 per pet (a one-time fee). Dogs must be under 75 pounds.
This historic, 5-star Newport mansion was once owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and is one of the most iconic on the East Coast. We stayed here for three nights and enjoyed an early breakfast overlooking the garden terrace, dinner in The Dining Room, and our spacious suite.
Regarding our dogs, upon arrival, we were provided with two beds and two water bowls. We felt that both of our pups were incredibly welcomed by the hotel’s friendly staff during our entire stay.
The Vanderbilt is located on Mary Street, within walking distance from many of Newport’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions including Downtown Newport, Bowen’s Wharf, Newport Harbor, Trinity Church, The International Tennis Hall of Fame, and St. Mary’s Church.
This upscale hotel was built in 1909 and has 33 guest rooms and suites that were reimagined and refreshed in Spring 2022, after our stay. The rooms range from 400 – 2,000 sq ft, and the guest suites feature a stylish sitting area.
The Vanderbilt is home to two restaurants, The Dining Room, and The Roof Deck. After a busy day exploring Newport, you can unwind in The Garden with a chilled glass of Aperol Spritz.
See Rooms at The Vanderbilt here.
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The Brenton Hotel, Newport, Rhode Island
Location: Newport, RI
Pet Policy: There is a $40 pet fee, per pet. Two dogs per guest room.
The Brenton Hotel debuted in 2020 and is one of the best hotels in Newport, Rhode Island. We’ve stayed at this hotel twice in recent years, and I must say that their location is unbeatable.
This luxury boutique hotel offers beautiful views of Newport Harbor, along with nautical-inspired rooms that face the marina and historic Newport. The hotel has 57 rooms and an environmentally sensitive green rooftop where we enjoyed sipping on cocktails at sunset! We stayed in room 410 overlooking the marina.
Regarding our dogs, we took them for walks along the harbor, four times a day! Staying by the harbor was a beautiful experience for all of us (the pups included).
Take a walk to the Drift Cafe and pick up their delicious Acai bowls for breakfast, or walk to the White Horse Tavern, a historic restaurant dating back to 1673, where we enjoyed their farm-to-table cuisine and a lovely romantic dinner.
Be sure to visit the hotel’s restaurant, The Living Room, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner when they serve delicious “small plate” dishes, artisanal beers, fine wine, and the best craft cocktails.
The Brenton Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Newport that you don’t want to miss.
Check availability at The Brenton Hotel here.
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Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, Vermont
Location: Woodstock, VT
Pet Policy: The Garden Level Wing accommodates pets in rooms near a dog-walking area. There is a $150 pet fee.
The Woodstock Inn is a New England gem that has been cherished for decades. The original property, Richardson’s Tavern, was built in 1793 and renamed The Eagle Hotel in 1830. Years later, during the tourism boom of the mid-19th century, the new Woodstock Inn was built on the tavern’s original site, quickly becoming Vermont’s first winter sports center for tourists.
Regarding our dogs, we stayed in a room in the Garden Level Wing reserved for guests who are traveling with pets. The area has easy access to an outside garden.
The Woodstock Inn is located in the heart of the historic town of Woodstock, within walking distance from shops and restaurants, including The Prince & The Pauper and Au Comptoir. We loved trying the maple creeme at Woodstock Scoops, and I bought goodies from several of the local shops in the village that I know I’ll cherish forever. Be sure to check out F.H. Gillingham & Sons, a market that has been in business for 130 years!
This luxury resort has 142 elegant rooms and suites that embrace Vermont’s style, a Forbes 4-Star Rated Spa with therapy rooms, and two swimming pools.
The Woodstock Inn is home to two restaurants, The Red Rooster, a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Richardson’s Tavern, a bar featuring local craft brews and spirits.
Book a Room at Woodstock Inn & Resort here.
The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport, Maine
Location: Kennebunkport, Maine
Pet Policy: One of Maine’s most pet-friendly hotels. There is a night fee.
The Colony Hotel closes seasonally: from late October, until mid-May. See below for another pet-friendly hotel in Kennebunkport.
This hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Originally the site of the Ocean Bluff Hotel 1872, the current hotel opened in 1914 as The Breakwater Court. We stayed here for three nights (in room 343), and we appreciated the homemade-style breakfast, the views from our room, and everything about the hotel.
The Colony Hotel is located on Ocean Avenue, within walking distance from Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, shopping, and restaurants. One day we explored Goose Rocks Beach (a beach bordered by Cape Porpoise), had lobster rolls in the dining room at Pier 77 with excellent views, and drinks with snacks at Batson River Brewing & Distilling – all were highly recommended to us and we loved them!
At this hotel, you will find 125 rooms located in five separate buildings. As soon as you enter the hotel’s main building, you will notice the classic New England charm to be admired. If you are traveling with a small group or family, there are two private houses to stay at as well.
With regards to eating and dining at the hotel, breakfast is complimentary to guests, and served daily on the Porch and Grand Dining Room. The Marine Room has a menu that is available daily (the ravioli were delicious!) until 9:00 PM.
Reminder: Restaurants in Kennebunkport close very early, so be sure to make dinner plans early!
Check availability at The Colony Hotel here.
PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL KENNEBUNKPORT
(I have not stayed at the hotel below but it is pet-friendly)
Yachtsman Lodge & Marina – “Two dogs per room. A nightly fee of $50 per dog, per night. There are only 2 dog-friendly Harborfront Bungalows. Dogtober: in October the pet fee is waived”
Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada, Florida
Location: Islamorada, FL
Pet Policy: Guests bringing dogs will be charged a $50 non-refundable fee per pet per day, a maximum of two dogs per room.
Amara Cay Resort is a hidden gem located in Islamorada, one of six villages of the Florida Keys. The hotel is located 90 miles from Miami, and 80 miles from Key West. We stayed here for five nights, and I recommend walking out to the resort’s private beach immediately upon arrival (especially if you arrive during sunset as we did!).
At this tropical resort, you will find 110 rooms, each with a private balcony. Our oceanfront suite was on the top floor, it had a living room, a balcony, and a spacious bedroom with large windows, perfect for watching the sunrise. Overall, this hotel was ideal for us with dogs.
Amara Cay Resort’s amenities include bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and board games on their outdoor lawn. The resort also offers a heated pool and a private beach for guests to enjoy.
We ate at the resort’s outdoor Tiki Bar multiple times because we loved their key lime pie and piña colada. We also went out to dinner at Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar and had some of the best appetizers ever. We picked the baked spinach artichoke fonduta, and their prosciutto-wrapped shrimp. For dinner, my husband and I had the mahi-mahi.
See the rooms at Amara Cay Resort here.
The Westin Harborview, Portland, Maine
Location: Portland, Maine
Pet Policy: Two dogs are allowed per room, for no additional fee.
The Westin Portland Harborview is a historic hotel that originally opened in 1927 as the Eastland Park Hotel. We stayed here for four nights, appreciated that there was no pet fee, and loved how easy it was to access the popular points of interest. I’ve stayed at several Westin hotels over the last decade, and their beds are heavenly!
Regarding our dogs, upon arrival at the hotel, they each got a plush Heavenly Dog Bed that was fluffy and comfortable. The hotel and its staff are extremely dog-friendly, so that was amazing. Taking our dogs to walk at Bug Light Park during sunset was one of the highlights of our trip!
If you are a foodie, then Portland is for you. While visiting Portland you must try the donuts at either 88 Donuts, Hifi Donuts, or The Holy Donut. I was impressed with Portland’s standout donut shops, and couldn’t believe the variety of flavors available. And if you love lobster, head over to Highroller Lobster Co. or Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier, for one of the freshest lobster rolls you’ll ever try. On our last night, we had drinks at ViA VECCiA and dinner at Scales, a spacious seaside venue for local seafood – I highly recommend both!
Portland’s must-see lighthouses are located within 5 miles of this hotel.
Because of its location in the heart of Portland’s downtown area, its excellent customer service, and no pet fee, this is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Portland – hands down!
See the Rooms at The Westin Harborview here.
RELATED ARTICLES:
20 Things To Do in Portland, Maine
Epic Lighthouses You Need to Visit in Portland
Glover Park Hotel, Georgetown, Washington DC
Location: Washington DC
Pet Policy: Pet-friendly rooms with a one-time fee of $125 per stay.
This boutique hotel is located near Georgetown University, and many international embassies that are situated on Embassy Row, less than a mile from the hotel. Georgetown is a historic area known for its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings. Near this hotel, you will also find American University and National Cathedral Gardens with a botanical garden and horticultural sanctuary.
Regarding our dogs, we received many goodies for them! We stayed here one night, and it was our first time visiting Georgetown. I was impressed with the beautiful homes in the Georgetown area and had an enjoyable walk with our dogs in the morning.
The Glover Park Hotel has one restaurant, Glover Park Grill, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to its guests. We had dinner here and ordered chicken parmesan.
See the rooms at Glover Park Hotel here.
Indigo Inn, Charleston, South Carolina
Location: Charleston, SC
Update: As of September 2022 Indigo Inn no longer accepts pets. See below for pet-friendly hotels in Charleston.
This historic hotel is located in Downtown Charleston, a short walk from the Holy City’s treasures such as Charleston’s City Market, Rainbow Row, King Street, College of Charleston, Waterfront Park, and The Battery.
We booked this hotel one hour before arrival. We were having an impossible time locating a hotel in Downtown Charleston that allowed medium-sized dogs. We stayed here for five nights, and the hotel’s excellent location helped us maximize our time in the city.
The Indigo Inn has 40 historic guest rooms and onsite parking – which was a plus since the majority of hotels in the historic area of Charleston do not have a parking option. The hotel offers a daily wine & cheese reception for its guests.
Two spots that I recommend are The Watch Rooftop where we enjoyed drinks with a friend and Indaco on King St. where we had wood-fired pizzas with my husband’s cousin.
If you’d like to see Charleston’s highlights in 24 hours, see my 1 Day Itinerary of Charleston here.
Check availability at Indigo Inn here.
MORE PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN CHARLESTON
The Charleston Place – “Pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome”
Wentworth Mansion – “Dog-friendly accommodations for an additional fee of $40 per day”
John Rutledge House Inn – “Dog-friendly accommodations for an additional fee of $40 per day”
Hotel Emeline – “A cleaning fee of $100 per stay applies with a pet weight limit of up to 40 pounds, max. Limit two pets per guest room. No cats permitted”
RELATED ARTICLE:
1 Day in Charleston Itinerary (What To See in 24 Hours)
One Ocean Resort, Atlantic Beach, Florida
Location: Atlantic Beach, FL
Pet Policy: Pets must be a cat or a dog. There is a two-pet limit per room. The non-refundable pet cleaning charge is $150 per stay.
One Ocean Resort & Spa is Northeast Florida’s only artfully-inspired boutique resort. Regarded
as the “Nantucket of the South,” Atlantic Beach is known for its shingle-style mansions and cottages along Beach Avenue and Ocean Street and boasts the most expansive stretch of sand between Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine.
This AAA Four-Diamond Award property is located on Ocean Blvd, and the amenities include a luxury oceanfront spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. We stayed here for four nights, witnessed unbelievable pink sunsets, enjoyed morning and afternoon walks on the beach with our dogs, and had a room with an excellent backdrop of the ocean. If you’re looking for a laid-back, beach-chic atmosphere, this hotel is for you.
During the day you can stroll the Beaches Town Center and its various local shops. For breakfast, we grabbed a cup of coffee, tea, and pastries at Southern Grounds Co., and at night we enjoyed live music and dinner at The Local. If you love custards, you must try a scoop of Whit’s Frozen Custard right across the street from the resort – it was so good we went daily.
One Ocean Resort is home to Azurea Restaurant, featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the property – we had some of the best cocktails here!
It is arguably one of the best hotels Northeast Florida has to offer, with 193 beachfront and beach-view rooms with luxurious beds custom-designed specifically for the resort.
If you are interested in visiting St. Augustine, this resort is 32 miles away from St. Augustine’s historic district, a 40-50 minute drive via Florida A1A.
See the Rooms at One Ocean Resort here.
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The Top Things To Do in St. Augustine | 2-Day Itinerary
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The Residences at Biltmore Asheville, North Carolina
Location: Asheville, NC
Pet Policy: Two pets in select pet-friendly condos. There is a $100 nonrefundable pet fee.
The Residences at Biltmore is a condo hotel located on 700 Biltmore Avenue, just 1/2 mile from the gates of The Biltmore Estate, and 2 miles from Downtown Asheville. Asheville is pretty well-known for its breweries and craft beer industry – there are more than 30 breweries!
Every room at The Residences at Biltmore has a full-sized kitchen, gas fireplace, private patio or balcony, and at least one large bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower. We stayed here for three nights, in a suite that had everything we needed.
We took our dogs with us to the following dog-friendly spots in Asheville: breakfast at the Sunny Point Café, a family-owned restaurant serving American comfort food with a covered outdoor dining area, beer tasting at Green Man Brewery, an award-winning beautiful brewery with a great layout (we sat outside in the upper bar), and dinner at The Funkatorium, a rustic pub with an amazing menu, a barrel room, and a dog-friendly patio – I highly recommend all of these!
Check availability at The Residences at Biltmore here.
RELATED ARTICLE:
3-Day Itinerary at Biltmore in Asheville NC
31 Amazing Photos of Biltmore in Asheville NC
More Pet-Friendly Hotels
We’ve often booked a pet-friendly hotel for a quick stay or only for the night, to rest and continue with our drive the following morning.
The five pet-friendly hotels below turned out to be good options for us.
Hotel Zena Viceroy Washington DC – Located next to Thomas Circle Park. The hotel is a 13-minute walk from the White House.
- Two dogs per room. Pets stay free.
Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Uptown NC – In the Uptown area, a 2-minute walk from the Spectrum Center sports and events venue. Large fields on both sides of the hotel.
- Maximum two pets per room. Nonrefundable $100 pet fee per stay.
Hotel Indigo Jacksonville FL – Adjacent to a beautiful walking path by a lake, we really enjoyed it. A 15-minute drive from both downtown Jacksonville and the beach.
- Two pets are allowed, with a $75 fee per stay.
Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park FL – Modern and clean rooms with a cool vibe. A 5-minute walk from Hotel Indigo Jacksonville (mentioned above).
- Two dogs of any size. No additional fee.
The Landon Bay Harbour Miami Beach FL– Adjacent to the upscale Bal Harbour neighborhood, shops & restaurants. A 12-minute walk from the beach. 14 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA).
- An additional fee of $50 per stay.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in New York City
If you are visiting New York City, here are dog-friendly hotels you can book a room at:
The Plaza Hotel – Iconic hotel in a landmark 19th-century building opposite Central Park.
- Maximum two pets per room. Accepts dogs of all sizes.
- No additional fee!
- Book here.
The Muse New York – Located four blocks from Rockefeller Plaza and Times Square.
- Two pets of any size. Dogs and cats are allowed.
- Pets stay free!
- Book here.
The Standard High Line Hotel – In the Meatpacking District, 100 feet from the High Line.
- Welcomes dogs of every shape and size. Cats are allowed.
- No additional fee!
- Book here.
M Social Hotel Times Square New York – Located a 5-minute walk from Times Square.
- Pets under 75 pounds are welcome.
- Non-refundable pet fee of $100 per stay.
- Book here.
Loews Regency New York – Located a 5-minute walk from Central Park.
- The first national hotel chain to launch a pet program “Loews Loves Pets” in 2000.
- One-time fee of $50 per stay (dogs and cats allowed).
- Book here.
The Benjamin Royal Sonesta – 3 blocks from Rockefeller Center.
- No breed or weight restrictions. Up to two pets are permitted per room or suite.
- Fee: $75 per stay.
- Book here.
Interactive Map of Pet-Friendly Hotels
Tips for Traveling with Pets
If you are traveling with dogs in a car, I suggest to pack the following items:
- Gallons of water (potable water is not always available)
- collapsible dog bowls
- non-slip dog bowl
- blankets (I purchased 29 in by 30 in)
- round cotton balls
- self-adhesive first aid gauze with scissors (this is a must)
- We bring our Furbo with us, to watch the dogs if we step out.
Wooden Pet Barrier
We also always travel with a wooden pet barrier that we use to block the entrance to our hotel room. This is an absolute must for us because one of our dogs likes to open doors. The wooden pet barrier we have is lightweight, has three panels, is 30 inches tall, and stays permanently right in front of the hotel room’s door, as close to the door as possible.
Our dogs are a bit afraid of it, so they do not get close to it. When we are not traveling, we use our wooden pet barrier daily at home to keep the younger dog from bothering the older dog while they eat their food.
Shop: Wooden Pet Barrier
See what else I’ve purchased for my dogs here!
A final note!
We enjoyed the pet-friendly hotels that I mentioned above in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and Washington DC.
I hope that this post inspires you to bring your dogs along with you on your adventure.
As much as I update and stay on top of this article, please always double-check each hotel’s pet policy as they are subject to change.
Where will you travel with your pets next?
SHOP FOR YOUR PETS
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