Are pet friendly hotels really more expensive than regular hotels?
On the base room rate, no. Pet friendly hotels charge the same nightly rate as their non-pet-friendly equivalents. The cost difference comes entirely from pet-specific fees layered on top.
In 2026, the average US pet fee is $25–$50 per night or $50–$100 per stay. The average UK pet fee is £10–£20 per night. Many luxury and budget brands charge nothing at all. The brands that charge the most are mid-market urban hotels in NYC, London, San Francisco, and other high-cost cities.
Across a 3-night stay, the all-in pet premium is usually 5%–15% of the room cost.
What types of fees do pet friendly hotels charge?
There are four distinct pet fee structures used by pet friendly hotels in 2026:
Per-stay flat fee: a single charge regardless of length, typically $50–$100. Best for longer stays. Common at Hilton-branded hotels and Hyatt Place.
Per-night fee: charged for each night of the stay, typically $25–$50. Adds up fast. Common at Best Western and Choice Hotels.
Refundable deposit: held against potential damage, typically $100–$250, released 7–10 days after checkout. Common at boutique and luxury properties.
Zero fee: no charge, no deposit. Common at Kimpton, Loews, Virgin, Motel 6, Red Roof, and many luxury chains for suite bookings.
Which pet friendly hotels charge the most?
Urban luxury hotels in Manhattan and Central London top the pet fee charts. Per-stay fees of $150–$250 are common at Plaza-class NYC hotels. Some Mayfair hotels in London quote £100–£150 per stay.
Resort properties in Hawaii, Aspen, and select Caribbean destinations often combine a refundable deposit ($250) with a non-refundable cleaning fee ($75–$150). This is the most expensive structure — guests effectively pay both.
Independent boutique hotels in destination markets (Napa, the Cotswolds, Mallorca) frequently charge €30–€50 per pet per night. The fee covers boutique amenities like in-room dining for pets.
Which pet friendly hotels are the cheapest?
Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn lead the US budget-pet-friendly market with $0 fees, up to two pets per room at Motel 6. Kimpton Hotels is the cheapest premium option, also at $0 with no size or breed limits.
Extended Stay America has the best long-stay pet pricing: roughly $25 for the first night and $10 per night after, with a cap. For a 7-night stay this works out to under $100 total.
In Europe, many independent UK and Irish pet friendly hotels charge £10–£15 per pet per night, often including a dog bed and welcome treat. Pet friendly hotels in rural Cornwall, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands are particularly affordable.
How do you avoid pet fees at pet friendly hotels?
Five practical strategies: (1) book with a zero-fee brand like Kimpton or Loews, (2) join loyalty programs — Hilton Honors Diamond members get reduced or waived pet fees at select properties, (3) book longer stays where per-stay fees beat nightly fees, (4) ask politely at check-in whether a returning-guest waiver is available, and (5) book directly with the property using a fee-waiver promo code.
Booking through impt.io lets you filter for zero-fee pet friendly hotels in any destination, so you don’t have to read the fine print on dozens of listings.
Avoid third-party aggregators that hide pet fees until check-in — these are the most expensive bookings on average.
Is the cost worth it versus a pet sitter?
Average US pet sitter cost: $25–$50 per night for in-home care, $40–$70 per night for boarding. A 3-night trip means $75–$210 in pet care if you leave the pet behind.
Most pet friendly hotel fees fall below that threshold. Bringing the pet usually breaks even or saves money — especially with a zero-fee brand. The non-monetary benefit (no separation anxiety for the pet, no logistics for the owner) tips the math further in favor of bringing the pet.
Where it doesn’t add up: ultra-luxury urban hotels with $200+ per-stay fees combined with restrictive policies. In those cases, a sitter is often cheaper and less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pet friendly hotels more expensive?
Pet friendly hotels add fees to cover deeper cleaning between guests, replacement of damaged linens or furniture, and the cost of pet amenities like beds and treats. Most properties also carry higher insurance premiums to cover pet-related incidents.
Are pet fees per night or per stay?
It depends on the property. Roughly 40% of pet friendly hotels charge per-stay flat fees, 40% charge per-night fees, and 20% use refundable deposits. A small but growing share — about 15% of major brands — charge zero fees.
Is the pet deposit refundable?
Yes, in almost all cases. Refundable pet deposits — typically $100 to $250 — are released back to your card 7 to 10 business days after checkout, assuming no pet-related damage was found. Always confirm the deposit policy in writing.
Can I negotiate pet fees with a hotel?
Sometimes. Loyalty program members, returning guests, and long-stay bookings have the best leverage. Politely ask the front desk or the reservations manager at booking. Independent boutique hotels are more flexible than corporate chains.
Are luxury pet friendly hotels worth the cost?
If you’re traveling for special occasions or with anxious pets, yes. Luxury pet friendly hotels — Four Seasons, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental — offer pet-sitting, room service for pets, and in-room amenities that justify the higher fee. For routine travel, mid-tier zero-fee brands deliver better value.
Filter for zero-fee and budget pet friendly hotels in any destination on impt.io — no hidden fees, just the real price upfront. Book now →
