Best Tips for Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog

The first time I stayed in a hotel with my dog, I was a wreck. I constantly worried about barking, about peeing on the carpet or the bed, and about both dog and human stress levels. Now, after more than a hundred stays in dog-friendly hotels with my neurotic frenchie, I’ve put together my absolute best tips for staying in a hotel with your dog.

I’ve figured out exactly what makes hotel stays smooth and uncomplicated, and what can lead to total chaos.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to stay in a hotel with your dog step-by-step, from choosing the right hotel, to setting up your room, to keeping your dog calm and comfortable during your stay, and one potty hack that will change your life that I bet you’ve never heard before.

Luckily for you, and your dog, the majority of hotels in the U.S. and Europe are now dog-friendly, from budget options all the way to 5-star properties. But not all “pet-friendly” hotels are created equal, and knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) can make or break your trip.

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Before You Book a Dog-Friendly Hotel

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was assuming that all “pet-friendly” hotels were basically the same. They’re not.

Some are incredibly welcoming and set up for dogs, while others technically allow pets, but may be noisy, have limited space, or confusing rules. Choosing the right hotel makes everything that follows so much easier.

🔍 How I Find Dog-Friendly Hotels That Actually Work

After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that Booking.com is the easiest way to instantly filter for dog-friendly hotels and compare your options quickly. I found what works and stuck with it.

When you search, you can select the “pet-friendly” filter, which immediately narrows results to only properties that allow dogs. From there, I always take a few extra steps that have saved me from booking the wrong place:

• Check the map view → I look for nearby parks, green spaces near the hotel
• Study the room photos carefully → Especially the size of both the sleeping area and the bathroom, layout, and also where the windows are. My girl can’t have windows that go to the floor or she gets fixated and barks at everything
• Look at the surroundings → Busy streets vs. quieter neighborhoods can make a huge difference, especially for reactive dogs
• Read the Reviews → Even if people don’t specifically mention dogs, you can get a feel for a hotel and its noise level by reading reviews
• Choose flexible booking options → Most hotels offer an option to cancel with no penalty until just before your trip. Plans can change when you’re traveling with a dog, so I always select that option.

👉 This is exactly how I use the pet-friendly filter:

Use the ‘pet-friendly’ filter on Booking.com to quickly find dog-friendly hotels

🐶 Set Your Dog Up for Success Before You Arrive

Before any hotel stay, I make sure my dog is fully prepared, which means more than just going through my packing list.

That means:

• Up-to-date vaccinations (especially important for international travel)
• Flea and tick protection
• Enough of their regular food (never switch food right before or during a trip… trust me on this one)

🛏️ Ask for the Right Room

Every time I book a hotel with my dog, I send a quick message like this when I book the room.

“Hi! We’ll be traveling with a small dog and would really appreciate a quiet room away from elevators and heavy foot traffic if possible. Thank you!”

This has made a huge difference in our stays, because most hotels are happy to comply with your request.

Depending on your dog, you might also want to request:

• Upper floors → Better if your dog reacts to outside movement
• Lower floors → Easier for quick potty breaks
• Rooms away from busy areas → Less noise = calmer dog

It’s such a small thing, but it can completely change your experience.

🏠 Practice Helps, Especially for Nervous Dogs

If your dog has never stayed somewhere new before, remember that a hotel can feel like sensory overload for them.

Consider a “practice run” before your first real trip. Plan even just a night in a new environment like a friend’s house, or a dog-friendly rental.

This way you’ll be able to see:

• How your dog reacts to unfamiliar sounds
• Whether they will settle or stay on alert
• What you may need to bring to help them relax

It can make your first hotel stay so much less stressful because you aren’t going in blind, and your dog has been through it before.

🏨 Make Your Hotel Room Feel Familiar

Bringing familiar items that your dog loves, or is used to will calm them.

• Food and water bowls
• A special blanket
• Their favorite toy and treats
• You can also ask the hotel if they provide anything for your dog. Some hotels do have bowls, pet beds, and even little “welcome packs” with treats for your dog. Some also have designated dog relief areas outside as well.

The biggest takeaway is this: the more familiar and calm everything feels for your dog, the smoother your hotel stay will be.

What to Pack for Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog

Over time, I’ve realized that a smooth hotel stay with your dog comes down to one thing: what you bring with you.

Believe me, I’ve forgotten things before, even really obvious ones, and I’ve paid for it with stress, mess, and guilt.

Now, I have a go-to “hotel survival kit” and check list that makes it all feel easy.

Here’s exactly what I bring, and why.

The Hotel Survival Kit for Dogs

🐾 Comfort Items to Keep Your Dog Calm

Expandable travel carrier (our “Zen Den” setup)
This is one of the best things I’ve added to our hotel routine.

I bring Helga’s airline carrier – the kind that expands outward on both sides – and set it up like a little cave with her blanket inside. During the day, especially if we go out for a bit, she’ll go in there on her own and nap.

It gives her a space that feels familiar and enclosed, instead of having the entire hotel room to “guard.”

I didn’t expect this to make such a big difference, but it’s become one of her favorite spots, and it helps her settle and feel comfortable so much faster in a new environment.

Familiar blanket
Sleeping in a new place can be unsettling, especially the first night. I always bring something that smells like home, even if it’s small.

Favorite “emotional support” toy
Helga has a very questionable, ancient stuffed sheep that goes everywhere with us. It’s been de-squeaked and gutted, but it works. Having that one familiar object makes a huge difference.

🦴 Anxiety-Reducing Tools

Licky mat or Kong-style toy
This is one of the most important things I pack.

Licking actually helps calm dogs down, and it gives them something to focus on while adjusting to a new space. It also keeps them from getting bored. I give her a licky mat with peanut butter:

• When we first arrive
• If there’s noise in the hallway
• Before leaving her alone in the room

One time I forgot it, and I could immediately tell the difference. Her pathetic face looking at me when she was expecting one and it didn’t come shamed me into never forgetting again!

🍽️ Food & Feeding Essentials

Your dog’s regular food
Do not switch food while traveling. A sudden change in diet + a hotel room = a situation you do not want to deal with.

If you can’t pack enough food, plan a stop at a pet store right away.

Food and water bowls
If space allows, bring the ones your dog already uses. If not, collapsible bowls are a great backup.

🧼 Cleanup & “Just in Case” Items (You’ll Be Glad You Have These)

Poop bags (more than you think you need)
Even if the hotel provides them, I always bring my own.

Cleaning wipes (pet-safe, plus Lysol wipes)
Accidents happen. Being able to quickly clean up your dog and sanitize the site of the accident keeps things stress-free, and avoids awkward situations with hotel staff.

Extra plastic bags
I always pack a stash of various sizes of Zip-Loc bags. They end up being useful for everything.

A pump-style air freshener
Aerosols can’t go on the plane, and sometimes you just need to smell lavender.

🚶‍♀️ Safety & Daily Essentials

Harness and leash (plus a backup if you can)
We’ve accidentally left a leash behind before. It’s not a fun problem to solve in a new city.

Door hangers: Always use the Do Not Disturb sign! Some hotels will also provide a “Dog in the room” sign. Use both door hangers if that’s an option. You don’t want either your dog or the hotel cleaning staff to be surprised by an unexpected encounter.

Medications: If your dog is taking a prescription make sure you bring more than you think you’ll need in case of unforeseen travel delays or emergencies.

Weather-appropriate gear (coats, boots, etc.)

Treats for reinforcing good behavior!

🚽 The “Game Changer” – Our Unusual but Effective Setup

Our travel litter box setup

This is the thing that makes our hotel stays so much easier, especially in bad weather or late at night.

I know it sounds weird, but having a backup bathroom option inside the room has saved us more times than I can count.

We started this set-up when our dog was a puppy in Alaska (there was no way I was taking her out in -40 degrees), and it just stuck.

Now, in hotels, my doggy litter box gives us:

• A no-stress nighttime option
• A backup for emergencies
• Way more flexibility in unfamiliar places
• A clean room with no accidents
• A stress-free dog who doesn’t have to hold it until we get back
• A better and more hygienic option than pee pads
• A setup that doubles as her own suitcase when we travel!

Here’s our exact setup:

We start with her soft-sided travel litter box that opens up to be a suitcase. We empty it and then we wrap the flap around to the back and put the whole thing inside an extra large black trash bag. Then we line the bottom of the litter box with a pee pad for absorbency. Then on top of that goes guinea pig straw or wood shavings.

A regular sized pack of straw lasts for about 3 changes, and each setup lasts 2-3 days. If she poops, we just pluck and flush with toilet paper.

To change it, we simply take the black trash bag, turn it inside out with the litter still inside, and tie it up. Then the clean suitcase can be used to pack up all her things when we’re ready to go!

🐾 My Personal Must-Have Hotel Essentials for Traveling With a Dog

These are the exact items I use every time we stay in a hotel with Helga, and they’re the reason our trips feel calm instead of chaotic.

🧼 Travel Litter Box Setup (The Unexpected Game-Changer)

This is the thing that makes our hotel stays so much easier, and yes, it always gets a reaction when I mention it!

I use a collapsible travel litter box that doubles as a suitcase for her things. Inside the hotel room, it becomes a backup bathroom option.

We originally trained this when she was a puppy (Alaska winters made outdoor potty breaks… complicated), but now I wouldn’t travel without it.

It’s saved us:

• Late-night trips when going outside isn’t ideal
• Emergencies
• Stress in unfamiliar environments

It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need, until you do.

👉 This is the exact travel litter box setup I use that doubles as storage:

• Large litter box/suitcase
• Heavy-duty 30-gallon trash bags
• Odor-absorbing pee pads
• Timothy hay/grass filler

🧳 Expandable Airline Carrier – Her Safe Space

This is hands-down one of the most important things I bring.

I use an airline-approved carrier that expands on both sides and set it up like a little cave with her blanket inside. When we’re in the hotel, she’ll actually go in there on her own and nap—especially if we leave the room for a bit.

Before I started doing this, she would stay alert the entire time, reacting to every hallway noise. Giving her a smaller, enclosed space completely changed that.

Now it’s her “safe zone” in every new place we stay.

👉 This is the expandable carrier I use to create a calm, den-like space in hotel rooms

🥣 Collapsible Food & Water Bowls – Space-Saving Essentials

If I have space, I’ll bring her regular bowls. But when we’re flying or tight on luggage, collapsible bowls are a lifesaver.

They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and make it simple to keep your dog’s routine consistent, which helps a lot in a new environment.

👉 These are the collapsible bowls I always pack when space is limited.

🦴 Licky Mat or Kong for Calm, Quiet Time

If I could only bring one “extra” item, it would be this.

Licking is naturally calming for dogs, and this gives them something to focus on while adjusting to a new environment.

I use it:

• Right when we arrive to start calm
• If there are lots of street or hallway noises she doesn’t like
• Before leaving her alone in the room

👉 This is the licky mat I use to help Helga relax in hotel rooms

Checking Into a Hotel With Your Dog – What to Know

By the time you arrive, you want things to feel smooth, not stressful. A few simple steps at check-in can prevent most common issues.

📋 Understand the Hotel’s Pet Policy

Every “pet-friendly” hotel is a little different.

Before you arrive, make sure you know and comply with:

• Size or breed restrictions
• Number of dogs allowed
• Whether dogs can be left alone in the room
• Any restricted areas (like restaurants or lounges)

💰 Expect Pet Fees

Most hotels charge a pet fee, either:

• Per night, or
• A flat fee for your stay

The nightly rate usually runs between $25 and $50 per night, so it’s best to know this upfront and factor it into your budget.

🔦 Do a Quick Safety Check of the Room

This is something I do every single time now. Helga once swallowed some of the contents of a capsule she found under the bed. We had a very tense 3 hours after a call to an emergency vet. Everything turned out fine, but now I check everything like a hawk.

As soon as you get to your room, do a quick scan:

• Under the bed
• Along the edges of furniture
• Around the floor and corners

It only takes a minute, and it could prevent a serious or even life-threatening issue.

How to Settle Your Dog Into the Hotel Room

The first 30–60 minutes in a hotel room matter a lot.

This is when your dog will make the determination about whether this new place is stressful or safe.

🐕 Start With a Walk

Before going into the room (if possible), take your dog for a walk.

After travel, whether it’s a car or plane they need:

• Movement
• A chance to go to the bathroom
• The ability to explore their new environment
• A way to release pent-up energy

I’ve found that even a short walk makes a huge difference in how quickly Helga settles once we get inside.

👃 Let Them Explore at Their Own Pace

Once you’re in the room, and you have checked the floor for hazards, let your dog explore and sniff.

Dogs rely heavily on sniffing and scent to understand their environment. Sniffing:

• Helps them feel more comfortable
• Reduces anxiety
• Gives them a sense of control

I never rush this part because it’s their version of “checking things out.”

🏡 Set Up Their Space Right Away

While Helga is sniffing, I immediately:

• Put out her bed or blanket
• Assemble her litter box
• Set up her carrier (her “safe space”)
• Place water and familiar items

Can You Leave Your Dog Alone in a Hotel Room?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is: it depends on the hotel and your dog.

⚠️ Check the Rules First

Most hotels allow it. But I have run into one that didn’t.

I once stayed in a cave hotel in Italy that didn’t allow dogs to be left alone at all, and it completely upended our plans. I had to skip certain activities, trade off visiting churches and museums with my husband while one of us waited outside, and find dog-friendly alternatives on the fly. Not a good situation.

Now I always check this before booking.

🧪 Do a Test Run if Needed

Before leaving, ask yourself:

• Do they bark when left alone?
• Do they get anxious in new environments?
• Have they done this successfully before?

If not, start with short test runs, and maybe some formal training.

Make your first excursion out of the room a short one so you can see how they do, and so they know that you’re coming back.

✅  Set Them Up for Success

Before leaving your dog alone:

• Give them exercise (a walk helps a lot)
• Use a licky mat or calming activity
• Create a safe, enclosed space (like their carrier or a “doggie condo” setup)

The goal is to make the room feel calm and predictable, not something they need to guard.

How to Be a Considerate Guest With a Dog

Being a responsible dog owner in a hotel isn’t just polite, it also helps keep hotels dog-friendly for everyone.

🐕‍🦺 Keep them leashed at all times outside the room
🧹 Clean up any messes immediately
🔇 Keep barking under control

Tips for Staying in a Hotel With a Reactive Dog

If your dog is reactive (like mine), hotel stays can feel intimidating at first, but they’re absolutely doable with the right setup. It’s all about being prepared.

🔊 Reduce Noise Triggers

Hallway sounds, noisy neighbors, slamming doors, and strange voices can definitely set dogs off.

What helps:

• A white noise machine
• Leaving the TV on when you go out
• Creating a bathroom “safe space” where they can hunker down in a quieter space

📍 Choose the Right Room Location

This is something I’m very intentional about now.

I always request:

• A room away from elevators with minimal foot traffic
• A quieter area of the hotel

You can also consider:

• Higher floors (less street-level stimulation)
• Rooms facing courtyards (garden view) instead of busy streets (city view)

👀 Manage Visual Triggers

Windows can be a big issue.

If your dog can see everything happening outside, they may stay on alert the entire time.

If possible:

• When selecting a hotel, choose rooms with higher windows
• Close curtains when needed
• Position their resting area away from the window

🛟 Create a Calm “Safe Zone”

I can’t emphasize enough how much your room setup matters.

Between:

• Their carrier (cave-like Zen space)
• Familiar bedding
• Favorite toys and snacks

You can create a spot where your dog feels secure instead of overwhelmed.

🐾 FAQs About Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog

Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?

It depends on the hotel and your dog.

Some hotels allow it as long as your dog isn’t disruptive, while a few don’t allow it at all. I once stayed in a hotel that completely banned leaving dogs alone, and it changed our entire trip.

Even if it’s allowed, your dog needs to be comfortable being alone in a new environment. If they’re prone to barking or anxiety, start with short test runs before leaving them for longer periods.

How do I keep my dog from barking in a hotel?

The biggest triggers are usually hallway noise, unfamiliar sounds, and visual stimulation.

What works best for me is:

• Creating a quiet setup (away from doors and elevators)
• Using a licky mat to redirect focus
• Leaving white noise or the TV on

The biggest difference, though, is giving your dog a defined “safe space” so they don’t feel like they need to guard the entire room.

What should I bring when staying in a hotel with my dog?

The most important things are:

• Familiar comfort items (bed, blanket, toy)
• Their usual food and bowls
• Cleanup supplies
• Something to keep them calm and occupied

After many trips, I’ve found that a few key items (like a carrier setup and a licky mat) make a much bigger difference than bringing everything.

What if my dog has an accident in the hotel room?

It happens, even with well-trained dogs.

The key is to:

• Clean it up immediately
• Use proper cleaning supplies
• Leave the room in good condition

I always travel with wipes and backup supplies so I can handle it quickly without stress.

How do I help my dog adjust to a hotel room quickly?

The first hour is the most important.

What helps the most:

• Taking a walk before entering the room
• Letting them explore and sniff
• Setting up familiar items right away

In my experience, dogs settle much faster when they have a clear place to relax instead of an open, unfamiliar space.

Is staying in a hotel stressful for dogs?

It can be at first, but it gets much better with experience.

My dog used to be on high alert in new places, but over time she learned the routine and now settles quickly.

The more positive, well-prepared experiences your dog has, the more comfortable they’ll become.

Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog Gets Easier

The first time is the hardest, but it gets easier every time.

The more your dog experiences new places, the more they learn that:

• New environments are safe
• Exploration with you in a new place is fun
• You’ll always come back after you leave
• They can relax

Now, hotel stays feel routine for us, and they can for you too. Dogs are creatures of habit and it didn’t take Helga long to figure out our regular hotel routine. Now she knows what to expect and loves traveling as much as we do.

With the right preparation, setup, and expectations, staying in a hotel with your dog can go from stressful to something you both actually enjoy.

🐾 Planning More Dog Travel? Read These Next

✈️ Flying With Your Dog

• How to Fly With Your Dog in Cabin – Top Tips!
• Can You Buy Your Dog a Seat on a Plane? These 10 Airlines Say Yes!
• Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin: Options for Big Dog Owners
• US Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin: Best Guide
• European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin: Your Ultimate Guide

🎒 Packing & Preparation

• Dog Travel Essentials That Made Pet Travel Easier Last Year

🐶 Traveling With a French Bulldog

• Traveling with a French Bulldog: Ultimate Summer Packing List
• Traveling With a Frenchie: Best Winter Packing List
• Can French Bulldogs Fly? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Frenchie Travel

🐾 Planning More Trips With Your Dog?

If you’re diving deeper into traveling with your dog, I’ve put together a full collection of guides covering everything from airline rules to hotel reviews and real travel experiences.

👉 Browse all my dog travel guides here