Introduction
There is nothing more American than a road trip. But when you have a furry co-pilot in the back seat, finding a place to sleep becomes a bit more complicated. You don’t just need a bed; you need a hotel near the highway, with easy parking, and—most importantly—a patch of grass for those late-night potty breaks.
The best road trip hotels are consistent. You want to know exactly what you are getting when you pull off the interstate at 10 PM.
In this guide, we have rounded up the 7 best dog-friendly road trip hotels in the USA. These chains are located off almost every major exit, offering reliable comfort for you and your pup.
Want to save money on the road? Check out our list of Hotels with No Pet Fees
- La Quinta by Wyndham
This is the holy grail of dog road trippers.
- Why It’s #1: Almost every La Quinta allows pets (usually 2 per room), and many locations still have no pet fees.
- The Perk: They are famous for their “Bright Side Breakfast,” so you can grab waffles before hitting the road again.
- Best Western / Best Western Plus
A reliable mid-range option found in nearly every small town in America.
- The Policy: Most locations are pet-friendly (fees vary, usually low).
- Why It Works: They often have exterior corridors (motel style), meaning you can park right in front of your door—perfect for loading and unloading dog gear.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton
If you are on a long cross-country drive and need a reset, stay here.
- The Rooms: All rooms are suites with kitchenettes. You can easily prepare dog food or store refrigerated medication.
- The Policy: Very pet-friendly, though a fee usually applies.
- Drury Hotels
A hidden gem, mostly found in the Midwest and South.
- The “Kickback”: They offer free hot dinner and drinks (beer/wine) to guests every evening. After a long drive, not having to go out for food is a blessing.
- For Dogs: Very welcoming with reasonable fees ($40-$50).
- Red Roof Inn
As mentioned in our previous guide, this is the budget king.
- The Best Part: Pets stay free.
- The Location: They are almost always located right next to highway exits, so you don’t lose time navigating through city traffic.
- Traveling with kids too? See our Best Family-Friendly Hotels in USA
- Loews Hotels
If you are stopping in a major city (like Nashville or Orlando) during your road trip and want luxury.
- The Program: Their “Loews Loves Pets” program provides gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs.
- Motel 6
The classic “leave the light on” choice.
- Why: It is cheap, predictable, and pets are always free. The rooms have vinyl floors instead of carpet, which many pet owners prefer for cleanliness.
Insider Booking Tip: Request the Ground Floor
When booking a road trip hotel, always call and ask for a “Ground Floor Room near an Exit.”
- Why? After a long drive, the last thing you want to do is drag luggage and a restless dog into an elevator. A ground floor room means quick access to the grass for bathroom breaks.
Need more hacks? Read our Hotel Booking Tips & Hacks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How often should I stop for my dog?
Vets recommend stopping every 2 to 3 hours to let your dog stretch their legs and drink water. This prevents anxiety and car sickness. - Are dog parks available at hotels?
Some newer hotels (like Home2 Suites) have fenced runs. For others, use apps like BringFido to find the nearest public dog park to your hotel. - What if my dog gets carsick?
Don’t feed your dog a large meal right before driving. Keep the car cool and crack the window for fresh air. Most pet-friendly hotels can recommend a local vet if it gets bad. - Can I leave my dog in the hotel while I eat dinner?
At roadside hotels, it is risky. If the dog barks, you might get kicked out. It is better to use the drive-thru or order delivery to your room.
