Would you stay in a hotel that allows pets?
 

Another couple of posts have piqued my bias against any hotel that allows pets. Personally, I wouldn't even consider a "pet friendly" hotel because of the potential sanitation problems in rooms. I don't care if it's the Crillon or the Days Inn, if they allow pets in the rooms, I don't go. What about you?

Well, doesn't really bother me since I have 2 cats, and my dog sleeps on the bed. As long as the bedding is clean, and the room overall is clean.

If you're in France, you might have to stay out of most cafes and many shops. I saw a woman w/ leashed poodle in a department store in Biarritz once. Unless it's just the sleeping environment you're worried about.

Dear Wayne,

Have you figured out yet that the "potential sanitation problems" in rooms that allow pets have more to do with the housekeeping services than the pets and what they probably don't do there?

Perhaps you'd like to tell us what it is like to never go into anyone else's home where they have pets, too, because of the "sanitation problems" must be a wonderfully relaxed lifestyle.

> I wouldn't even consider a "pet friendly" hotel ...<

OK. Chacun a son gout.

((I))

No, I wouldn't, but that's because I'm very allergic to both cats and dogs.

Intrepid1, I understand what you are saying. But I also know that it is not unusual to find fleas in a pet-friendly hotel, whereas you might personally not have that problem in your home with your pets. I'm not sure that housekeeping services can eradicate all pests by any means other than some pretty smelly bug-killer application. And by the way, those homes I have visited, where people do keep pets of various sorts (but more usually dogs) always seem to have that flea spray odor. You are right--I get pretty uncomfortable in places like that, whereas in general I am very relaxed. Guess it's just a personal thing with me, but please don't take it as a personal attack on you.

Hey,ira--thanks for the comment, but I don't know any guy named Chacun whose son has gout.

Actually I'd rather like it, would make it very friendly!

No I wouldn't, for the same reason that non smokers would prefer not to stay in smoking rooms.

For one thing, I'm very allergic to cats, and no amount of vacuuming is going to completely eradicate the problem of hairs.

Fleas have already been mentioned.

I also think a lot of dogs smell. I know a lot of dog owners don't agree with me - perhaps they're immune to the smell - but most houses where a dog resides have a slight aroma (eau de chien), even if the dog is clean and frequently washed.

Given that there's no guarantee that all hotel guests are also good and responsible pet owners, I can also imagine that there will be a fair few animals who'll soil the carpet and chew the furniture.

I have absolutedly no problem with animals in shops and restaurants (as long as they're not walking over my food in the kitchen). I think this is very different from having to sleep in an environment tainted by animals.

No thanks, not for me.

I'm exactly the opposite. I wouldn't stay in a hotel that didn't allow pets (and I never take a pet with me when I travel, so it's not because I have a need for a pet-friendly hotel, it's just because staying around people who love and welcome animals into their lives and premises adds a lot of joy to a trip for me.

I've become friends with many hotel dogs and cats and with other guests' pets in everything from a luxury hotel to a family-run inn! Fortunately, allergies are not an issue for me (and if they were, I'd probably get the allergy shots).

Gotta have a daily dose of critter love, even if it's not in my own zoo.

I'm in total agreement with Elle's post.
In fact, my most memorable hotels (or B&Bs) have been those in which a "house" dog or cat resided. I especially love the dogs. And as for Kate's post, I don't consider the environment "tainted" where animals have been. Humans can "taint" more! Especially the loud, obnoxious ones.

I would not have a problem with a hotel that allows pets. I've seen a lot of guests at hotels who I think would pose more "sanitation problems" than any dog or cat.

I do think for those that have allergies, it would be best to stay away. When my friend (who is allergic to cats) stays with us, I have a bowl-full of Sudafed ready when he comes over.
((H))

I would definitely stay in a pet-friendly hotel. As a matter of fact when I travel, I usually do. we usually rent peoples homes that are pet friendly though, if possible. I have two dogs, who I believe do not smell and they do not have fleas. Fleas are not a problem where we live...ticks are another story. But those nasty things are indiscriminate on who they attach to. =)

I had to leave an "upscale" hotel once due to dirty linens on the bed (believe me...you KNEW they were dirty) and an awful odor of vomit. I think frat boys were partying the night before.

I think some people smell worse than dogs. =)

I respect your decision though...to each his own.

For the parts of Europe that I travel to, and the types of accommodation I am usually seeking (charming, reasonably priced), I'd probably have to eliminate 9/10 of my choices if I refused to stay in hotels that allowed pets. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, and I've never encountered a sanitation or odor problem.

Whether a hotel has animals or not would be the last thing I would consider in evaluating a hotel.

We have shown and bred wheaten terriers and now that our last one has gone, I would in fact be delighted to visit a hotel with a dog...or two...!! I really miss having dogs around.

I love places that allow pets! Makes it feel more homey if there's a cat or dog living at a hotel. People who love animals and provide them with homes are generally lovely people and are a hit with me. And I've had to stay in hotels with different pets on many occasions so am always grateful when a nice pet-friendly place will take us.
As for this business about sanitation...
It's similar to renting out a property to pet owners. Most of the time people are so grateful to have a nice place to live that will accept their pets that they end up being BETTER tenants. They're usually very careful to keep things extra clean because they don't want to be removed.

Any problems I've experienced with cleanliness have certainly not been caused by four-legged travellers, or tenants.
We've all heard the warnings about what's on the bedspread and in the ice bucket - and I don't think all that icky stuff comes from dogs or cats.

NO.

I must have stayed in over 1000 hotel/B&B rooms in my life. I have never once thought about even asking if they had a pet policy.

Where would I leave my dog, if the hotel didn't allow pets?

There's a dog hater born every minute. If the hotel allows children they should allow dogs!

Never occurred to me to even consider this. Allowing pets is perfectly OK by me! If anything IMO it shows a more welcoming, friendly, family style of hotel management which I appreciate.

I would prefer not to, at least dogs, but don't really check into it, I'll admit. I've never had sanitation problems, but once was in a hotel with a very yappy dog next door that kept me awake. Cats wouldn't bother me, but I really do not care to be kept awake by a barking dog on my vacation when I am paying so much for the room.

If someone has a specific allergy I understand this question (we have a friend who cannot visit because he is violently allergic to cats).

But other than that - I really don't see how it is a concern. Granted - there are some pets that are not especially clean or well-behaved - but have you looked at any of your fellow travelers lately? Or their children? And some of the things we have found in hotel rooms!!!

If the place is clean it is - if its not, it really doesn;t matter if its from pets or people.

Not only WOULD I stay in a "pet-friendly" hotel, I wish more places were like my first hotel in Paris where the hotel's own cat would come and nap with me for a few hours each night!

Although not the highest priority, I prefer a hotel without pets.

I would most certainly stay in a hotel that allows pets. When we evacuated for Hurricane Charley, we left our dog and 2 cats with a neighbor who was evacuating to his mom's house. We went to a hotel. In all the excitement I never even thought about asking if the hotel we were going to accepted pets. I simply called hotels.com and got the first room in Orlando that had space. (Orlando is another story as the storm followed us there!).

When we arrived at the hotel, there were pets all over the place. I wish I would have known. The kids for one, would have been more comfortable with the pets there, and I'm sure that the pets would have been happier also.

I can understand someone not going to a pet-friendly hotel with allergies. But as to smell, pets or no pets, you still find smelly rooms. That's when you ask for another room, or go to a different hotel. There have been many times we have been unhappy with a the cleanliness of a room, and I can assure you it had nothing to do with pets!

As for the smoking. I quit in July, hubby still smokes, which makes for great 'fun' when reserving room. It all depends on who makes the reservation as to whether it's smoking or not!

"...those homes I have visited, where people do keep pets of various sorts (but more usually dogs) always seem to have that flea spray odor. "

How very odd. Most pet owners with flea issues now apply Advantage, Frontline, or something similar to their pets. Then there are no fleas and no flea spray odor.

In answer to the original question: yes, absolutely.

No.

The few B&Bs I've stayed t=in that didn't allow pets - it is usually because they have resident pets and they want to avoid any potential problems.

I have never experienced any sort of "sanitation problem" because of animals. Besides, do you have ANY idea the sorts of sanitation problems that are caused by people for pete's sakes.

I don't travel overseas w/ my pets - but it would never cross my mind to ask one way or the other.

And I've seen folks (mostly Americans just because they are less used to it) have hissy fits about dogs in restaurants and pubs. Dogs laying quietly on the floor in a cafe/pub - just makes the place even more desirable to me . . . . .

Absolutely. This is one of those threads where the animal lovers will say yes and the others will say no. No surprise here.
I love going to small hotels in Europe where the owners have cats or dogs.

Quite easy to tell who's not a romantic type! No "pets" in a hotel! Absurd!

My answer would have to be yes since I've stayed in many hotels with my own dogs. When my dogs aren't with me, I actually prefer to stay at a hotel with a resident dog so I can have a surrogate ;)

Ditto for us; we always miss our cats and love to find a furry friend wherever we stay.

Yes I would stay in a pet friendly hotel.
I have stayed in pet friendly hotels, both 4* and Chain hotels.
Pup has stayed in a pet friendly hotel too ((&)) He liked it but didn't like the people with the screaming kids next door..made him growl.

Absolutely! I take my dog with me on many trips, hotels generally charge to have the room cleaned after you leave. People who bring pets with them generaly spoil them rotten so I think they would be better taken care of than other peoples pets.

I have never seen anyone bring a cat to a hotel since they are more territorial than dogs and prefer not to be moved.

I think there are more sanitation issues with people than pets. Have you seen how some people live???

We stay at hotels that accept pets and ones that don't. It just depends on our needs for each trip and what is available.

I agree with others...pets can be much nicer than people:)

I, too, love having a surrogate pet visit me when I am on vacation, and I will return to places that have a resident pet. (Hotel Valadon in Paris, for example, has an adorable beagle named Otello who hangs out in the breakfast room.)

When I take my dogs on trips it is always when we are renting a house or cabin, since I do have one slightly yappy dog (we call it being charmingly vocal). I know no one else wants to hear her, so a hotel is out.

I agree with Taggie that I do try to be a better guest because I am so grateful that the owners will rent to me and my canine brood. I always bring my own bedding to replace theirs, since my dogs sleep on the foot of the bed. I would hate to leave a paw print on a Frette duvet!

Vive les chiens!

BlueSwimmer--One place we routinely stay with our dog gives us a doggie basket when we check in. It includes a big blanket/sheet thing so that we can put it on the bed and our dog can sleep on the bed with us. It is a beach resort, and they also give us towels specifically for the dog. The towels/blankets all have paw prints on them so you know exactly who they are for. Oh, and at check in they give the dog a baggie of dog biscuits...which our dog now gets excited when we arrive...she knows she will be treated vey well!

>If the hotel allows children they should allow dogs!<

And cats, too

Barnaby Viscount Bengal
The Cat who shares rooms with Ira

mms-

Where is this doggie paradise? Will you share?

Thanks!

Blue