Top 10 Cat Friendly Hotels in America
Traveling with pets isn’t always easy, but pet-friendly hotels can make it a little easier. Whether you’re moving across the country or simply visiting your family for the weekend, cat-friendly hotels are here to save the day.
There are many cat-friendly hotels throughout the US, but some have more amenities and considerations for your furry friend than others. And after all, you only want the best experience possible for you and Mr. Whiskers.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about the 10 best cat-friendly hotels in the US, including their pros, cons, and expense level. We’ll also share some cat travel tips and other things to consider when looking for a hotel.
Cost Guide:
🐱 = least expensive
🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱 = most expensive
1. Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton hotels are some of the most popular pet-friendly hotels around! Under IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton prides itself on its friendliness towards all guests – with and without fur.
In fact, their website even says, “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” So you may even see some pet species beyond just cats and dogs!
These hotels offer several amenities for your cat, including bowls, mats, food, beds, scratching posts, custom door hangers, and lists of local pet-friendly services. Some even have complimentary litter boxes, so you can pack light!
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Offers several amenities specifically for your cat
- Embraces pets of all species, regardless of size or weight
- No added pet fee or limit on number of pets allowed
- Evening events, such as wine receptions, are open to pets as well!
- Reasonably priced for the included amenities
Cons
- Only around 60 locations nationwide
- Skittish cats might be overwhelmed by so many other species in the building
2. Sonesta Hotels of New York
If you plan to stay in New York, there are three hotels perfect for you and your kitty. Sonesta Hotels of New York have three locations heavily welcoming of pets, including cats. In fact, they have a program called PAWS: Pets are Welcome at Sonesta, and have a partnership with the Best Friends Animal Society.
Visiting cats will get a PAWS welcome letter and treats at the front desk. They also offer food bowls and a waterproof mat for your room. No matter how long your stay, Sonesta is ready for you and your sweet cat.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Cat-specific amenities including treats, bowls, and a mat for your room
- Brand is committed to local animal-friendly initiatives
- Low pet fee compared to other hotels
Cons
- Higher nightly cost than other hotels
- Mostly caters to dogs, but does still welcome cats
- Only 3 locations, all in New York
3. Best Western Hotels
For those looking for a more affordable stay, Best Western is a good option. Best Western has over 1,200 pet-friendly locations across the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. While some of these are dogs-only, some are proud to welcome animals of all species, including cats, birds, and even monkeys!
You’ll have to call ahead to check with your specific hotel to see if they allow cats, as it’s up to each specific location.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱
Pros
- One of the most affordable cat-friendly hotel brands
- Over 1,200 pet-friendly locations
Cons
- No cat-specific amenities
- Not all pet-friendly locations accept cats
4. Loews Hotels
If you want something more cat-focused, Loews hotels are some of the best choices out there. Loews loves to spoil their feline guests, giving each visitor treats, bowls, door tags, and placemats upon check-in. They also have optional amenities to offer for light travelers, including bedding, litter boxes, and scratching posts!
As if that wasn’t enough, these locations also offer gourmet room service menus specifically for cats. That’s right – at Loews hotels, you can order your cat room service!
Plus, their staff knows all the best cat-friendly places in town. Each location has a list of local recommendations for cat families looking for their next big adventure.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Several cat-specific amenities
- Gourmet cat room service options
- Trained staff know local cat-friendly activities and sitters
- Reasonably priced for the included amenities
Cons
- Only 26 locations across the US and Canada
Marriott Hotels
Marriott owns some of the most popular hotels nationwide, but did you know over 1,500 of them allow pets? In fact, Marriott is proud to welcome several different types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and even fish.
You’ll have to call ahead to make sure the hotel you’re interested in welcomes cats, as not all Mariott locations are pet friendly. You can also specifically search pet-friendly Mariott locations on their website, where they have other information about pet amenities life gift boxes, or locations with pet-friendly activities on-site.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Over 1,500 pet-friendly locations across the US and Canada
- Some locations offer amenities like treats, toys, bedding, door tags, and gift boxes.
- Some locations have pet-friendly activities like cafes on-site
Cons
- Not all properties allow pets
- Marriotts can range significantly in price depending on the type of hotel you book
6. Motel 6
The most affordable option on this list, Motel 6 is actually quite pet-friendly, especially for cats. Most of their over 1,400 locations allow up to two cats to stay with you at no additional charge, which is pretty uncommon. They even have a playlist online that you can play in the room to keep them relaxed as they get accustomed to their new surroundings!
Really, it’s the best budget-friendly option for those taking a last-minute trip with their cat.
Cost Level: 🐱
Pros
- Extremely affordable compared to other hotels
- Most of their over 1,400 locations are pet-friendly
- Up to 2 cats stay free at pet-friendly locations
Cons
- No cat-specific amenities
7. Hilton Hotels
While all Hilton hotels differ, several of them are friendly toward cats. For those that do allow your furry feline, some may offer additional amenities such as food, water bowls, and a pet bed. However, this varies by location, and you should always call ahead to ensure your cat is welcome there.
With so many different types of Hilton hotels out there, they also vary greatly in price per night, depending on how basic or luxurious of a hotel you pick. With over 250 hotels and resorts across the US, you have lots of choices.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Some cat-friendly locations offer cat-specific amenities
- Wide range of hotel types from basic to luxurious
- Over 250 locations nationwide
Cons
- Not all properties are pet-friendly
- Not all properties offer cat-specific amenities
8. Red Roof Inns
Red Roof Inns are another affordable hotel option for those traveling with their cat. There are over 670 Red Roof Inns across the US, Brazil, and Japan, most of which allow one cat or dog to stay in your room at no extra cost.
Always make sure you call ahead to ensure that the one you’re looking to book at accepts cats. Though there are no amenities specific to cats, it’s a good option for those wanting a cheap stay overnight.
Cost Level: 🐱
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Over 600 locations in the US
- No added cost for one cat to stay
Cons
- Only allows one cat at a time
- No cat-specific amenities
- No room cleaning while your pet is in the room
9. Drury Hotels
Drury hotels aren’t as common as Hiltons or Marriotts, but they love to serve pet families. There are over 150 Drury hotels across 27 states that cater to pets including cats. You can have a maximum of 2 cats for an additional fee per night of your stay.
Drury hotels offer amenities to your cat including beds, bowls, and treats, helping them feel at home.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱
Pros
- More affordable than many other pet-friendly hotels
- Some locations have cat-specific amenities available
Cons
- Higher pet fee charge per night than other hotels
10. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Wanting to really pamper your spoiled cat? Take them along to a Four Seasons hotel or resort!
Though the Four Seasons is one of the most prestigious hotel brands in the US, many of their locations allow cats on the property. Those that do also have several pet amenities to offer, including bowls, beds, complimentary litter boxes, bandanas, and gourmet treats. They also have a special cat menu, so you can order your feline friend room service during the day!
Some locations also have grooming services or pet sitting services available, so be sure to check out all the details at the specific hotel you’re looking at.
Cost Level: 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱
Pros
- Several cat-specific amenities available, including gourmet room service
- Some locations offer on-site pet grooming and sitting
- Pet-friendly lounging areas available at some locations
Cons
- Extremely high cost for a luxury hotel
Why You Need a Cat-Friendly Hotel
No matter why you’re traveling, you need to make sure the place you’re staying at is safe for your cat. While some hotels advertise themselves as “pet-friendly,” some are really just talking about dogs!
Cat-friendly hotels will know all of the special needs you and your cat have that dogs just don’t. From litter boxes to special food, luxury cat hotels know exactly what your kitty needs.
And even if you aren’t staying somewhere luxurious, knowing that your cat is safe and welcome is the key to a stress-free trip.
Always remember to call ahead and inquire about the cat-friendliness of any hotel you plan to book at. While some hotel brands pride themselves on their pet-friendliness, some locally-operated hotels may not be pet or cat-friendly.
Being Ready for Travel With Your Cat
Taking your cat on vacation isn’t just tossing them in the car! There are a few things you need to prepare to get you and your cat ready for the trip. Repeat after me: Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Get a Carrier
Whether you’re traveling in a car or plane, you need to get a carrier for your cat. There are lots of different options out there, from hard-sided carriers to cloth carriers. Hard-sided tends to be more protective, but aren’t as cozy unless you add a bed and other materials inside it.
Make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to fit comfortably both sitting and standing. It may also have to meet certain size requirements to fit well in your car or on your flight, so be sure to look up requirements before making a purchase!
Pack Extra Supplies
If you think you have enough for your cat, think again.
It’s tempting to pack light for any trip, but traveling with your cat is a different story. If your hotel doesn’t supply certain things like bowls or food, you’ll have to bring it yourself.
Some things you may need to pack:
- Food and treats
- Bowls
- Litter
- Litter box and scooper
- Cat toys
- Pheromone sprays
- Leashes or harnesses (if your cat is an adventurer!)
- Medication
- First aid supplies
- Necessary paperwork
You don’t want to be caught unprepared, so be sure to pack everything your cat needs for a comfy trip.
Update Their Vaccines
Just like boarding locations, some hotels don’t allow your cat to stay with you unless they’re up to date on their latest vaccines. While this isn’t always the case, you should always check with your specific hotel to see if they have any of these requirements.
Keep Them Comfortable
Travel can be extremely stressful for your kitty, especially if this is their first trip. Try to make the trip as easy as possible for them.
Bring familiar toys, blankets, and bedding to keep them cozy and entertained. You can also try pheromone sprays or plug-ins in your hotel room to help your cat calm down after a long day of travel.
Things to Watch Out for in Cat-Friendly Hotels
Here are just a few things to pay attention to when considering a cat-friendly hotel.
Pet Limitations
All hotels are different, which means they all have different rules and regulations. Some hotels may only allow you to bring one pet at a time, or put a cap at two. They may also state that there is a combined size or weight limit that your pets must adhere to.
While this is normally less of an issue for cats, it’s still important to be aware of any of these regulations.
Added Pet Fees
While some pet-friendly hotels are kind enough to not tack on an extra pet fee to your room charge, others definitely will. Lots of hotels charge this added fee due to the extra cleaning that goes into the room after you and your pet have left. Removing pet fur (or other gnarly stains) is much more time-consuming than simply changing the sheets for pet-free visitors.
Though these charges make sense, it doesn’t mean you have to like paying them. Finding a cat-friendly hotel may mean finding one that doesn’t have added pet costs, saving you a bit more money up-front.
Availability of Pet Amenities
If you want to travel light, you should find a hotel with pet amenities for your cat. Bowls and litter boxes can take up lots of space and weight in your luggage, so hotels that offer these to you will make your life a little easier.
Plus, it feels nice to spoil your kitty with gourmet treats or luxury pet beds, when available.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your reason for travel, cat-friendly hotels make it much easier on you. They know how to treat your feline friend, and many also have amenities to make their trip (and yours) a little more special.
Always be sure to do your research by calling or looking up the website of a hotel you plan to stay at with your cat. As long as they say you’re welcome, get ready to pack up Mr. Whiskers’ belongings and head off on a new adventure!
Thanks to Lex Leigh for This Article!
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