Pet Friendly Hotels

[Sheila & Finnley]

Hello my Doodle friends,

I just came back from a weekend trip to Maine, and I had to share.

Don't know how many of you travel with your Doodles, and stay at hotels. I never have stayed at a hotel with Finnley before. Finnley travels with us most everywhere, but when I am going to be gone over night, She usually gets her own overnight at the doggy lodge.

For this trip however, I decided to seek out a pet friendly hotel, for us all to share the weekend. After researching a few places, the one I picked was close to where my son was living, and seemed to have some very good feedback from people with pets that have stayed there.

So, I made my call to the Hampton Inn, in Saco Maine and reserved our room.

I was extremely nervous when we arrived. I have to admit, I am a tad bit quirky... eccentric (?) when it comes to staying at a hotel. I bring my own pillows, and towels... you get it!

Anyway, I didn't know what I would be getting myself into, going to a place that actually allowed me to bring my dog. Felt a bit overwhelmed, kind of like Howie Mandel trying to avoid a handshake !! (fist bump)

We arrived, and the front desk clerk was so nice while she explained everything. She even gave us some very nice poop bags, which we didn't need, but I like the way they looked, so I certainly didn't turn them down.

We got our card key and headed up to the room. I opened the door while holding my breath, and WOW !! It was one of the nicest rooms I have ever been in ! So clean with...  get this, puffy, fluffy WHITE duvet covers on the beds. I was so thrilled, and actually felt a comfort level that I don't usually feel in hotels.

Finnley was a bit nervous the first night. She could hear people going up and down the halls, but she was really good. I slept very well, and that is something I do not usually do in a hotel.

Everyone was happy, and we all had a good experience at the Hampton Inn in Saco Maine. So if you are traveling with the Doodle, check out a Pet Friendly hotel. You might be as pleasantly surprised as I was !!

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I got some info at a doggie event this weekend. Aloft hotels (alofthotels.com) apparently are dog friendly and they never charge a fee for the dogs. I have not had a chance to check it out yet though and Im not sure which hotels are aloft hotels. They told me they are all over the country.

[Sheila & Finnley]

I have never heard of this hotel chain. I will be looking it up now ! Still it is good to know.

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

I didn't know aloft was doggie friendly! I love aloft! They're a newer division of "W" hotels. Very nice. :) thank you for sharing!

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I'm glad you had a good experience! We travel with our dogs often and it is always nice to have another name of a hotel chain to count on! 

[Sheila & Finnley]

That is what I thought when people that replied gave other names! The more places you know....

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love staying at a Hilton or Hampton Inn. I love their beds and I have never had a bad experience. I would be so nervous that Vern would bark all night. Glad it went well and Finnley got to go. Who knew you were quirky? LOL

[Becka]

I agree, Laurie--the beds at Hampton Inns are crazy comfortable! When Sadie and I stay in a hotel and they give us a room with two beds she somehow always knows that the second bed is hers and hops right up.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm so glad you posted this.  Finn's a good little traveler and house guest but we have always stayed with family.  I love traveling with him.  We both like to explore new places.  He's even ridden the ferry with me in VA.  But I've  had the same concerns about staying in a pet-friendly hotel (eek!)  Good to hear  about others experiences.  

[Sheila & Finnley]

Must be the name Cheryl. Finnley loves riding the ferry. That is our quickest route from where we live in NY to Vermont. Takes about 15 minutes. Finnley thinks it is great !

Like Becka and Laurie said the Hampton Inn beds are very comfortable.

and Laurie, I am not always quirky.... but in those special moments....  I pull out all the quirky big guns ! If I'm going to do it, I'll do it right !! LOL 

[Becka]

Also, I'm sure someone else has posted this somewhere, but I have found this to be an invaluable resource not only for hotels, but for finding local dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants when we travel: bringfido.com. Two summers ago Sadie and I drove from Florida to Minnesota and we're planning to do that again this spring.

[Denise L. McCall]

We also stayed at a LaQuinta, but my Sophie (the fraidy cat) was terrified of the elevator, and then again terrified of the entry way to the stairs, Daisy on the other hand was fine with both until she saw Sophie was afraid of the elevator, then SHE decided she was afraid :-)   Needless to say we then had to pick them and hoist them in!! :-)  Very nice and clean rooms by the way, I would recommend a LaQuinta AND they did not charge a pet fee at the one I stayed at in VA.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I haven't not ventured down this path yet but so glad you had such a great experience!