Pet Friendly Hotel....Suggestions needed.

[Leigh & Allie]

We are going to Nashville tomorrow and we are staying at the Sheraton Downtown. It is a pet friendly hotel. I have never brought a furry child with me to stay at a hotel so I have no idea what to expect. I have her vaccination records on my phone. I will obviously bring her food and toys and such, but is there anything I should bring with me that I am not thinking about? I don't know how she is going to do in the room by herself. She does not chew on anything and she is over the accident stage, but I don't know if she is going to bark. The only time she barks at home is when she sees someone outside or she hears a "threatening" sound. Any tricks anyone has used? Any and all suggestions welcome. This is a last minute trip to go to see U2 on Saturday and another concert on Sunday (DH is more excited about this one, as you can tell I can't even remember the name of the band).

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I traveled cross country with my doodle.  We stayed at La Quinta and Motel 6.  Both required the dog be crated when left alone in the room.  Webber initially did bark when he heard sounds or someone walked by.  By then end of a six week trip he had stopped.  I guess he figured out that motels have noises and people in the halls.  I did not leave him alone in the room, so I don't know how to advise you about that.  My dog would have been upset if I had left him in a strange place by himself and would have barked non-stop.   I would call the Sheraton and find out if they require a crate when you are gone.  Some hotels have a dog walker for an extra fee.  Maybe looking into a local doggie day care for the time you are going to be gone would make sense.   The Sheraton might be able to tell you who to call in Nashville.

[Leigh & Allie]

I did call them today. Like I said this is a last minute trip. I appreciate your input. I specifically told them I had Allie's vaccination records and was there anything else I needed to bring besides what she normally needed. They said just you and your dog. I am dumbfounded that they do not require anything else. They did tell DH when we set the reservation that we needed to sign a waiver in case Allie ate anything. Since she doesn't and hasn't since she was a puppy, I am not concerned about that. As I am not concerned she will have an accident, but I thought surely there is something else I should be concerned about...... so I am at a loss.

[Leigh & Allie]

I probably should call tomorrow and ask about a dog walker....that is a good idea.

 

[Jennifer and Jack]

I stayed with Jack a few times in the same hotel called the Candle Wood Suites. It was really nice. I couldn't tell pets were even allowed there, but Jack could.

 

Usually you have to leave a deposit in the event they do some damage. I never left Jack alone in the hotel, however, a lot of other people did. Some dogs did bark but as long as it was not over night no one cared. If your dog is loose in the room you most likely will not get maid service.

 

We were given a sign to put on our door that alerted the maid service that there was an animal inside and not to enter.  They did ask that we use the side doors, when entering the building, I did not do that. but I should have. They provided a nice walking trail for Jack to go potty on as well as bags and garbage to pick it up.

 

If I was going to leave Jack in the room, I would have left him with his favorite toys and the tv on with the sound slightly up so he did not hear every noise, if it is a dog friendly hotel they are used to dealing with dogs.

 

Good luck

 

[Leigh & Allie]

I saw where they said to leave a sign on the door. Maybe that is a good thing.... :)

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Honestly, my gut tells me this isn't a good idea.  Maybe I've just watched too many Dateline, 20/20 and 60 minute specials on what all happens in hotels.  I've stayed in hotels with our girls on several occasions, but I don't think that I would be willing to leave them in the room while I went out.  I might be a little over protective though. 

 

When I do stay though I usually try to get 1st floor and at the end of the hall by a side entrance so that taking them out to potty is simple and there are fewer people walking past the room.

[Leigh & Allie]

I will think about that when we check in..... Thanks for the idea. I would not have thought about that.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

All great ideas below, crate and maybe music or tv so she doesn't bark at every noise. I think the doggy daycare would be a great idea if you can find one. Leave lights on all over too! Good luck!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

http://www.dogdaycare.com/nashville/

[Leigh & Allie]

I'm wondering if they are open on Monday. That is why I did not leave Allie in Memphis......I did not want her alone all day.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Leigh call the Sheraton and see what their policy is, I would not leave her unattended in the room, hotels are noisy and if she barks then what will the hotel do?  Maybe see if dog sitting exchange can help here on DK.. good luck!!

[Leigh & Allie]

I have called and asked what is needed besides the vaccinations. They said just you and your puppy. I did ask about walking trails or grassy areas. They did say there are areas very close and since DH is with me I will not have to take her out at night. Being from Memphis..... I asked if it is a safe area to walk a dog. They said there are many people out at this time so it is safe...... we will see. I did not want to leave her at the place I usually leave her because they are basically closed Sunday and Monday.... being the 4th, so I felt better with her being with us...... we will see........ I am sooo over-protective it is crazy.