Can I Bring My Dog to Best Western?

Posted by Zain Deane

Best Western's Pet Policy

Two dogs up to 80 lbs each are welcome at select Best Western properties across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Individual hotels may charge a fee of up to $30 per room, per day, for a maximum of $150 per week. A refundable damage deposit of up to $150 per stay may also be required.

Other pet types such as cats, birds, monkeys, snakes, and other animals are allowed at the discretion of each property and require prior approval. Some pet-friendly Best Western hotels offer additional amenities and perks like dedicated places to walk your dog, waste facilities, and on-site staff who will recommend nearby pet-friendly parks, stores and restaurants.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Bring Fido

With more than 3,000 hotels in nearly 100 countries, it seems you’re never too far from a Best Western or Best Western Plus hotel. Each property is independently owned and operated, which means no two Best Westerns are exactly the same, and their facilities, policies and quality standards can vary by location. The good news is that more than 1,600 of these typically dependable hotels promise comfortable accommodations for you and your pet.

More than 1,600 Best Western hotels welcome Fido. Photo by Best Western Hotels & Resorts

Ready to Make Best Western Your Home Away From Home?

Best Western hotels and resorts are often a solid choice for pet parents looking for an overnight stay on a dog-friendly road trip or a fun-filled weekend getaway with man’s best friend. Known for their welcoming hospitality and (usually) modest pet fees, Best Western’s portfolio of properties offers a good combination of value, comfort and location for the weary traveler.

Because Best Western hotels are independently owned and operated, there is no uniform pet policy applicable to all of the company-branded properties. Many locations will allow one or more dogs for an additional fee (which varies by hotel). Several Best Western properties will also accept other small pets, a valuable differentiator for cat and bird owners. Still, many Best Western hotels do not permit pets at all, so travelers should not assume that all of these properties will accommodate their pets.

Although Best Western’s pet policies vary across the chain, BringFido makes it easy to find and book the one that suits your needs. You can browse our site or mobile app to search pet-friendly Best Western properties around the world that will accommodate you and your furry companions. And we do all the legwork for you. Our canine concierge team contacts the hotel to confirm the assignment of a pet-friendly room and can even help with any exceptions or special requests that you may have (like asking the manager to waive a weight limit or accept other animals in addition to dogs).

Remember that when you book with BringFido, you enjoy the benefit of our Pet Friendly Guarantee, and you’ll never pay a booking fee. Whenever you are ready to book, call us at 877-411-3436 to speak to one of our friendly agents, or save some time and book online. Either way, our service is free.

Above and Beyond

Some Best Western properties take special pride in the welcome they give their four-legged guests. Among the most pet-friendly Best Western hotels in the world are:

The Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor, WA

World's fluffiest “Customer Relations Ambassador.”Photo by Best Western Hotels & Resorts

Every canine guest at The Best Western Plus Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor, WA is welcomed with a goodie bag that has a paw print on it and gifts including a dog chew and doggie bags. The paw print and treats come courtesy of Parker, a Shih Tzu who was the “Customer Relations Ambassador” at the hotel for 14 years. Parker even had business cards with his name and title that the front desk would give out to guests. The hotel also offered stuffed Parkers available for sale, with all of the proceeds going to Homestead Community, a local charity helping foster kids. As Parker neared retirement, the hotel wanted to continue his legacy and keep the ambassador tradition going, so they recruited a Shih Tzu puppy named Wesley to train under Parker. Parker has now gone to dog heaven, but Wesley has taken over as Customer Relations Ambassador and can be found at the hotel greeting guests all day long.

The Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia

"So what exactly does a Welcome Ambassador do?" Photo by Facebook.com/chocolatelakehotel

Continuing in the tradition of four-legged ambassadors, the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel hired Aero as its new Welcome Ambassador after losing their longtime hotel dog, Cocoa. Aero knows he has big shoes to fill and is diligent about doling out welcome gifts to visiting pups, which include a treat and a roll of doggie bags. Fortunately, he’s already a favorite of employees and guests alike. Aero lives at the hotel full time, and his feeding schedule is posted so that he doesn’t miss any meals. When the Conference Services Manager leaves for the day, he takes over her office as his own personal den. His bed is there, and he can get a good night’s sleep away from the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel night. He is introduced to every four-legged guest that checks in. In fact, Aero takes his job so seriously that he enrolled in Puppy Socialization Class with the hotel’s Guest Services Manager.

The Cartwright Hotel Union Square, BW Premier Collection in San Francisco, CA

This pet welcome says it all. Photo by Best Western Hotels & Resorts

The Cartwright Hotel Union Square welcomes pets with treats in a fancy glass jar in the lobby. Moreover, the lobby’s fireplace is a nice spot for Fido to warm up after a day spent shopping or sightseeing in the City by the Bay. According to a sign displayed near the front desk, “We never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We never had a dog that stole our towels or played the television too loudly… So, if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome, too.”

Have you and your dog stayed at a Best Western hotel? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!