Headed off to sunny Florida? Whether it's a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a business trip, there's no reason to leave a disappointed dog or cat pining away at home. Many hotels and motels in popular Florida resort areas welcome pets with open paws. So pack up the leashes and squeak toys and hit the road!
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
The Sheraton Safari Hotel and Suites in Lake Buena Vista welcomes all well-behaved dogs up to 80 pounds, provided mom and dad sign a pet waiver and acknowledgement of pet regulations at check-in. Located just outside the Walt Disney World Resort and Theme Parks (free shuttle service is provided), this safari-themed, family-oriented hotel boasts a bilingual staff, business center, a pool complex complete with python waterslide, hot tub and children's pool, game room, fitness facility, wireless access, shopping, dining and room service.
The Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista is located only minutes from SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World Theme Parks (free shuttle service is provided), Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Hotel amenities include shopping, dining, business services, Kids Eat Free program (for all kids under age nine), in-room refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and personal safes, laundry services and currency exchange. Pets are welcome at Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista for a minimal nightly fee.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orlando, Florida
Located on International Drive, the Quality Inn Plaza in Orlando is just minutes from popular local attractions including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Florida, the Pointe Orlando entertainment complex and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry service, shopping, dining (kids under nine eat for free), babysitting services, business services, wireless access and cable, and features an outdoor heated pool, game room and playground. All pets under 50 pounds are welcomed for a minimal nightly fee. For pups and kitties that require a bit more pampering, check in to Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
For a $25 one-time fee per pet, guests and their furry companions can enjoy lovely, climate-controlled rooms with high-end bedding and toiletries, wireless access, minibar, coffee maker, in-room massage and babysitting services. The hotel itself boasts fine dining, shopping, banquet and business facilities, multilingual staff, fitness facilities, health spa and hair salon, sauna, steam room, video library, children's activities and three swimming pools. Guests also have privileged access to activities and services located in the Universal Orlando complex or nearby (fees may apply) including golf, tennis, volleyball, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, water-skiing, running/walking path and private plane tours.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Tampa, Florida
Tampa is one of Florida's most popular vacation spots, and for good reason. In addition to the sunshine and beautiful beaches, the Tampa Bay area is home to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Malibu Grand Prix, just to name a few. And apparently, Tampa takes it's four-legged tourists very seriously. A plethora of hotel chains in the city and its surrounding area put out the welcome mat for pooches and kitties, including Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Sheraton and Holiday Inn Express. Restrictions, rules and pet fees vary, so be sure to verify with each specific location before Fido packs his favorite blanket.
The Baymont Inn & Suites, just minutes from downtown Tampa, accepts all pets for a $20 per night fee. Guests at the Baymont have access to meeting facilities, a fully-equipped gym and fitness center, heated pool, game center, cable and wireless access. The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, located just two short miles from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Water Park, accepts one furry companion under 50 pounds for a minimal nightly fee. Human guests are treated to an outdoor heated pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, business and banquet facilities, game room and wireless access.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Miami, Florida
At the center of South Beach in the trendy Art Deco District, the Aqua Hotel proclaims itself "one of the few pet-friendly hotels on Miami's South Beach." A claim that they do, indeed, take very seriously, as each fuzzy friend is gifted with a welcome basket that includes gourmet food, bottled water and a toy. Human guests are treated finely, as well, with a tropical garden, sundeck, swim spa, in-room safes, HDTV & cable, wireless internet, kitchenettes and complimentary continental breakfasts. Further, the well-known Miami South Beach lifestyle is right outside the hotel doors. Fine dining, dancing, night clubs, museums and shopping abound. For a different flavor, check in to the Hilton Miami Downtown, right in the heart of the city and overlooking Biscayne Bay. All pets up to 75 pounds are welcome for a $75 fee. Hotel amenities include multilingual staff, shopping, dining, pool, fitness facility, laundry/valet service, cable and wireless access.
Yvette Sajem - Yvette is a freelance writer and animal rescue advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing. She has ...
