Best Pet-Friendly Hotels - Orlando Has Them!

A pet-friendly resort means the hotel or resort allows dogs and cats. Often there is a maximum of one or two dogs, and there may be weight or size restrictions. Dogs are sometimes not expected to be left in rooms unattended, so keep this in your plans. You may be allowed to leave your dog in the room alone as long as he is crated. 

Be considerate! You know your dog, and if being left alone will cause him stress and make him become loud or disruptive, make arrangements for him to stay home. Remember, everyone is on vacation to relax. Pet-friendly hotels in Orlando are serving every guest. 

Be sure you discuss your pet in advance and fully understand the pet policy of your accommodation. You may also be charged a pet fee and be asked for a pet deposit. A pet-friendly hotel will generally provide a specified green space for pet relief on the property and provide wastes bags for your convenience. Hotels often designate either ground floor or higher level rooms for families traveling with pets. 

Packing up for Fido is essential too! Bring his favorite toys, treats, tags, leashes and collar or harness, water dispenser, and food. Bring a favorite toy to keep him busty while traveling or alone and bring along his favorite bed. It's easy in the vacation excitement to forget to pack up pet medications. We suggest you make a "Pet List" with everything he'll need well ahead of the actual packing day. If your trip is long, urn off some energy with a long walk or run before travel, and bring along water and treats to keep home happy. 

If your hotel does not accommodate pets, check out sites like Rover.com for pet sitters, dog walkers and ask your hotel about local pet resorts. But they book up early, so before you have made arrangements well before travel. 

Service dogs that assist someone with a disability or assist in an official capacity are welcome almost everywhere. For example, the entire Universal Orlando Resort, from theme parks to hotels and shopping, complies with ADA and welcome service dogs. Working service dogs are welcomed in the Universal Studios theme parks, but they should be equipped with a vest and identification. Exceptions would be rides that can't offer pet-safe experiences and harnesses. 

Therapy animals, emotional support animals, and companion pets are not included in the above service dog policy but may be welcome in some resort areas. Check out the guidelines before you travel, so you have an optimal experience. 

Walt Disney World Resort 

There are many pet-friendly hotels near Disney, and four official hotels at Walt Disney World Resort that welcome a maximum of two dogs per guestroom, assuming they are well-behaved, vaccinated, and leashed in all public areas. Each of their dog-friendly rooms provides easy access to outside and comes with the usual Walt Disney extras. At check-in, your dog received a "Pluto's Welcome Mat" which includes dog bowls, a pet ID tag, disposable bags, puppy pads, and dog walking maps, as well as a "Do Not Disturb" tag indicating a dog is in the room. 

The pet-friendly Walt Disney World Resort hotels are Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Nightly pet fees range from $50 per night plus tax to $75 per night plus tax. 

Another pet favorite is the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Your little prince or princess with a maximum weight of 17 pounds will have a luxurious stay with the in-room bowls and "Pampered Pets" room service menu. Choose from "Haute Diggity Dog" (scrambled eggs, rice, and veal stock) or "Your Kitten Me" (boiled chicken and steamed broccoli.) 

Upscale and Boutique Hotels 

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offers up some fancy fun for Fido as well as the family. They will welcome one dog up to 50 pounds, or two dogs with a combined weight of 70 pounds for an additional fee of $150 for a stay up to 6 nights and $300 for more extended stays. Dogs are not allowed around the swimming pool, but the dog-walking stations are kept stocked with fresh water when pets are in the house. And the best surprise? There are no pet fees! 

Warning- The Hyatt Regency Grand Cyprus and some other resorts require current vaccination records at check-in, so be sure you get a current copy from your vet. They will assign you to the second floor and have bowls and toys available. 

If your tony pet expects nothing but the best, check out The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. They are one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Orlando They will welcome your furry friend of 25 pounds or less (maximum one pet per room) with a fancy placemat, food bowl, and treats, which are his to keep. And he'll get a fancy Ritz logo bandana to show off at home that he's been Puttin' on the Ritz. They charge a one-time cleaning fee of $250 per room for all this spoiling, but the beautiful, rolling grounds are the perfect place for walks and playtime that everyone will enjoy. 

Looking for more than a place for your pup to lay his head? Check out Loews Loves Pets Program. He can explore the grounds while you are at the park with the property's pet-sitting and dog-walking services. Amenities include pet placemats, food and water bowls, toys, treats, and a chef-crafted, veterinarian-approved menu of meals and treats. Pets are limited to two per room. He may not want to go home with you!! 

Sister property, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel also offers up the Loews Loves Pets program. And your pup or kitty will receive a welcome letter from the GM at check-in, along with an area map with dog walking routes highlighted. And if you're running low on pet food, room service will deliver warm or hot entrees right to your door. 

Family-Friendly Value Hotels 

La Quinta Inns are an affordable and notably pet-friendly chain. They offer the basics to welcome your pet and may charge an additional fee of $20 per night per dog, with a maximum of two dogs. They also accept cats. 

Red Roof Inn Orlando welcomes kids under 17 and pets free of charge and is known for a nightly price of under $100.! The complimentary transportation to the parks and location near the Orange County Convention Center and tons of shopping, dining, and entertainment make this a win/win. 

Pet-Friendly Fun Outside of the Hotel 

Your buddy is on vacation, too, and his fun doesn't have to be limited to your hotel. Here are some things to burn off his canine energy and let him join in the family fun. Visit Aloft Orlando Downtown - their ARF program offers treats and toys for your guy, all free! You can walk (or run) to nearby Eola Park as long as he is on-leash and enjoy World of Beer's dog-friendly patio. 

Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and SeaWorld all offer Pet Day Care and kennel services that will give your dog a holiday too! Disney's pet care center in Lake Buena Vista provides boarding, daycare, grooming, and other services and activities. He can join a playgroup, a movie, or have a spa day at a local Pet Spa. 

You can paddleboard with your pup or take a leisurely hike in Wekiwa Spring, where you'll have 42,000 acres to explore. Look for more Outdoor Activities in Orlando

Traveling with your beloved pet is possible and can be great fun. But be sure you plan ahead, think carefully about your dog's habits and temperament, and plan accordingly to be sure the vacation is fun for him and those around him. 

Check out more ideas for Your Guide to An Epic Vacation in Orlando