Many major hotel chains now welcome dogs, including La Quinta Inns and Suites, Holiday Inns, and Red Roof Inns. It pays to ask whenever booking hotel rooms. Some of the finest hotels in major Texas cities not only allow dogs, but welcome them with special treats and services
San Antonio Hotels that Welcome Dogs
Owners will appreciate the view of the Alamo from the upscale Emily Morgan Hotel in downtown San Antonio. Dogs will get excited about room service selections like barking tenderloin of beef and chow hound chicken. The dog-loving staff hands out doggy “business” bags at check-in.
Pet friendly rooms at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, right on the famed Riverwalk, are grouped in a designated area of the swanky hotel. On check-in, pooches are presented with treats, bowls and doggie bags, and the hotel gift shop carries additional items. The concierge can provide information on walking trails and dog parks, pet stores, veterinarians, and pet sitters. A non-refundable deposit is required, and dogs must weigh less than 50 pounds. The Hyatt also has partnered with the San Antonio Humane Society to offer guests the opportunity to volunteer at the animal shelter, playing with and walking dogs, socializing with cats, cleaning cages or otherwise assisting staff. During the summer, one day camps for children will teach pet care and safety and provide hands-on play with friendly pups.
Dog-Friendly Houston Hotel
A jar of treats sits on the registration desk at Houston’s chic Hotel Derek, on the corner of Westheimer and Loop 610, convenient to the Galleria District and Memorial Park. Furry guests get an in-room bed, bowls, and a bag with treats, toys, and a bandanna. A trail connects the hotel with open areas and trails in the park. The hotel charges a pet fee of $50.
Austin Area Hotels For Dogs
Rooms at Canyon of the Eagles Lodge on Lake Buchanan, an hour outside Austin, have worry-free concrete floors. Dogs will especially enjoy the Hill Country right outside each door, including miles of hiking trails and yards of lakeshore.
Rooms at the hip Hotel San Jose on South Congress open onto gardens and gravel pathways, and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail - one of the most happening dog scenes in the state - lies just a half-mile away. Dogs are welcome at live music and movies in the parking lot every Thursday.
Dogs in Dallas Hotel
Dogs are welcome at the posh W Dallas - Victory. At check-in, they’ll get a special tag, toy and treat, and in the room, a custom W pet bed, food and water bowls, door sign, and even their own turn-down treats. The hotel also provides dog walking, for owners who really want to take it easy. Dogs pay an additional $25 on the room rate and a $100 cleaning fee.
Tips on What to Bring
Packing a dog crate is kind to hotel staff and other guests, says Austin dog trainer Margaret Johnson, and to your dog as well. “Dogs are naturally denning animals, and feel safe and secure in their crate,” Johnson says. She recommends practicing at home whatever you will do on vacation, and making sure your dog is used to people before taking him on a vacation.
Good items to pack in Rover’s suitcase include collapsible water and food bowls, air freshener, and an odor-removing cleaner in case of accidents, in the car or elsewhere. Creating a packing checklist ensures that nothing essential for the pups will be forgotten. Owners should be sure to pack along any special foods their dogs need, as it won’t always be possible to find it on the road. A sheet spread across the hotel bed protects it from dog hair and dirt.
Hotel rooms opening to the outside or on the ground floor are best for dogs, as they provide easy access for dogs to do their business. Stuffed food toys and chews keep dogs occupied when their owners are out. When leaving dogs alone in a hotel room, it is best to put them in their crate, turn the TV or radio on low, and put out the Do Not Disturb sign.
Dogs can get bored even in the nicest hotels. Hiking is a great activity for owners and dogs alike, and there are many trails convenient to these cities.
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