Wayne

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?

Travelnut

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.

Intrepid1

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.

ira

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

OK. Chacun a son gout.

Ann41

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

Wayne

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.

Wayne

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

Tallulah

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

Kate

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.

elle

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.

Sue4

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.

maitaitom

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.

Kelbert

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.

StCirq

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.

loisco

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.

taggie

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.

socialworker

NO.

ron

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.

sheila

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

jor

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