by: Mary Johnson 07.22.24

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cat-Friendly Hotels

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Our cats aren’t just pets, they’re family. They sleep with us, play with us, and follow us around the house. They're so much a part of our lives that we wish we could bring them with us everywhere, including on vacation. However, we know finding cat-friendly hotels can be challenging for pet parents, which is why we’ve put together list list of upscale, budget, and extended-stay options that welcome every member of your family, including your beloved cats.

Traveling with cats, although it's still not as common as traveling with dogs, is becoming more popular. However, the term "pet-friendly" often refers to places that are dog-friendly. To ensure your cat will be welcomed with open paws, you need to know which hotel chains genuinely accommodate our feline family members before booking your room.

Traveling with Your Cat: Finding the Purrfect Hotel

Traveling with a cat requires a bit more research compared to traveling with a dog. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it's extremely important to confirm a hotel's pet policy directly with the specific location. We strongly recommend calling the specific hotel you'd like to book for your vacation, not just the corporate number, to verify that your feline friend is actually welcome to stay as your plus-one during your trip.

Cat-Friendly Hotel Chains

Here’s a guide to some hotel chains known for their cat-friendly policies. As always, you'll want to speak directly to the hotel manager. Sometimes, they're willing to make an exception, even if that specific location technically doesn't allow cats. Some of our favorite feline-friendly hotels are:

• Drury Hotels
  Policy: Drury Hotels allows two pets per room, as long as their weight doesn't exceed 80 pounds combined
  Pet Fee: At $50 per stay, the longer your vacation lasts, the more value you get for your money.
  Locations: Drury maintains over 150 hotels in 26 states.
  Additional Notes: Cats must be leashed or in a carrier outside your hotel room; no pets are permitted in the hotel's common areas. (Sorry, but Miss Mittens can't join you for breakfast.) Learn more

• Extended Stay America
  Policy: Participating hotels allow two pets per suite.
  Pet Fee: With $25 per day for the first six days, then $10 per day, this is one of the more affordable fees we've seen.
  Locations: Extended Stay America has over 700 locations in the U.S.
  Additional Notes: If you're also traveling with your family dog, you should be aware that Fido must be less than 36 inches long and 36 inches tall to stay. Additional pets may be allowed with permission, so make sure you ask before you book. Learn more

• Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
  Policy: The Four Seasons generally allows small pets, weighing between 15–25 pounds.
  Pet Fee: There's usually no pet fee, but we recommend calling to confirm with your specific hotel.
  Locations: Boasting over 100 locations worldwide, Four Seasons invites you and your fur babies to enjoy your vacation in the lap of luxury.
  Additional Notes: Not all locations allow pets; confirm in advance. Cats must be confined. Learn more

• Hilton Hotels
  Policy: Pet policies vary by location, so call ahead to make sure your cat is welcome. The Hilton Hotels chain includes brands like Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, and Homewood Suites.
  Pet Fee: Fees vary by location and brand.
  Locations: The Hilton Hotels chain offers over 5,000 pet-friendly locations in the U.S. and Canada.
  Additional Notes: Contact individual hotels to confirm their cat policy prior to booking. Learn more

• Kimpton Hotels
  Policy: Pets of all sizes and types, including cats, are welcome to stay in Kimpton Hotels.
  Amenities: Leaning into their "boutique hotel that feels like your home away from home" reputation, Kimpton provides beds, food bowls, and other kitty comforts for your fur baby.
  Pet Limit: If you're traveling with more than one cat, Kimpton might be your best bet; there's no limit on the number of pets you're allowed to bring along for your journey.
  Locations: While not as widely available as larger chains, Kimpton has over 70 locations across North America.
  Additional Notes: Cats can be left alone in your room, so you're free to explore the local area without worrying about your feline family members. Learn more

• La Quinta Inns & Suites
  Policy: The Wyndham chain permits two pets per room.
  Pet Fee: Pet fees start at $25 per night, totaling up to $75 per stay.
  Locations: Ideal for global travelers, La Quinta has over 900 locations worldwide.
  Additional Notes: Some locations don't allow pets; we highly recommend confirming a location's pet policy in advance. Bring your own litter box, food, and toys, as La Quinta doesn't provide them. Learn more

• Marriott Hotels
  Policy: Like with many hotel chains, pet policies vary by brand (e.g., Westin, W, Aloft, Courtyard By Marriott, Residence Inn).
  Pet Fee: The pet fee is subject to variation based on the location.
  Locations: Marriott Hotels have over 1,500 pet-friendly hotels in the U.S.
  Additional Notes: Please confirm their cat policy with individual hotels before you book. Many locations will provide amenities for your cat, but we recommend bringing along the essentials just in case. Learn more

• Motel 6
  Policy: The brand allows two pets per room, with a combined weight of up to 150 pounds.
  Pet Fee: As Humane Society partners, Motel 6 and Studio 6 don't charge pet fees, but any damages to the room will be charged.
  Locations: Motel 6 has over 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
  Additional Notes: Sadly, your cats can't be left alone in rooms… most of the time. As per usual, we advise you to confirm the brand's cat policy with individual locations. Learn more

• Sonesta Hotels
  Policy: Most U.S. and Canadian properties allow cats; please call your preferred location in advance to verify their policy.
  Pet Fee: With one of the steepest fees on our list, Sonesta charges $75 per night minimum, but fees vary by location.
  Locations: Sonesta has over 1,200 locations worldwide.
  Additional Notes: Sonesta Hotels partners with Best Friends Animal Society to support homeless pets. Learn more

These hotel chains provide a variety of options, from budget to luxury. No matter where your travels take you, there’s a hotel that will welcome you and your feline family!

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about traveling with cats:

When a hotel says "pet-friendly," what does that mean? Unfortunately, "pet-friendly" tends to mean "dog-friendly" for many hotels. Unless the hotel's website explicitly states that all fur babies are welcome at every location, we recommend giving the individual hotel a call.

Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room? Once again, this depends on the individual hotel. While some chains, like Kimpton, don't mind if you leave your cats unattended, others are strongly against it. Having a chat with the hotel manager can help tip the scale in your favor, so don't give up hope.

How many pets can you have in a hotel room? Generally speaking, most pet-friendly hotels put their limit at two pets per room, but some don't have a limit. Other hotels still are willing to give a bit more leeway if you need it, so it's always worth talking to someone.

When staying at a hotel with your cat, remember to bring essentials like a litter box, food, bed, and carrier. Following the hotel's pet policies is also important to avoid additional charges and ensure a pleasant stay for everyone involved. With proper planning and preparation, both you and your feline friend can enjoy stress-free hotel stays across the country.

Happy travels!