Traveling with your cat requires a bit of extra planning – not all “pet-friendly” hotels actually welcome our feline friends. Many hotels automatically allow dogs, but with cats it can be hit-or-miss. The good news is that there are plenty of cat-friendly accommodations across the United States, from nationwide hotel chains to campgrounds and cabins. This guide covers major hotel chains with cat-friendly policies, regional and city-specific highlights, as well as camping options – so you and your kitty can explore the U.S. together with peace of mind.
National Hotel Chains That Welcome Cats
Several large hotel chains explicitly allow cats (not just dogs) at many or all of their locations:
- Kimpton Hotels (IHG) – All Kimpton boutique hotels welcome any pet with no additional fees or size/breed limits. Their motto says it all: “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” Cats of any size are invited, and Kimpton provides pet beds, bowls, and treats at no charge.
- Motel 6 – Every Motel 6 allows well-behaved cats (and dogs) with no pet fee. Limit 2 pets per room. A reliable budget option for road trips with your cat.
- Red Roof Inn – Over 670 properties, all of which allow one cat (or dog) up to 80 lbs, with no pet fee.
- La Quinta Inns & Suites – Most La Quinta hotels (now Wyndham) allow cats. Expect a pet fee of around $25 per night (max $75 per stay). Double-check each property’s policy.
- Drury Hotels – All Drury locations welcome cats (up to 2 pets, 80 lbs combined). $50 daily fee. Cats are treated like “members of the family.”
- Sonesta Hotels – All Sonesta brands (Royal Sonesta, ES Suites, etc.) allow cats, generally up to 2 per room. Pet fee around $75 per stay.
- Extended Stay America – 600+ properties allow cats, up to 2 per suite. Fees: $25/day (max $150 per stay).
- Hilton Hotels (selected brands) – Many Hilton Garden Inns, Home2 Suites, Hampton Inns, and Homewood Suites allow cats. Fees vary ($25–$125 typical). Always confirm with the property.
- Marriott Hotels (selected brands) – Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Aloft, Westin, W, and Sheraton often allow cats. Fees differ by hotel. Use “Pets Welcome” filter and confirm cats are included.
- Loews Hotels – Known for their “Loews Loves Pets” program. Cats welcome with luxury amenities: litter boxes, beds, bowls, even pet room service menus.
- Best Western – Many of their 1,600+ pet-friendly hotels allow cats (at manager’s discretion). Fees up to $30/night, capped at $150/week. Call ahead to confirm.
- Four Seasons & Luxury Brands – Many Four Seasons properties and some Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Peninsula hotels accept cats (usually under 15–25 lbs). They provide plush beds, bowls, and pampering. Often no pet fee, but check rules carefully.
Pro Tip: Always confirm a hotel’s cat policy before booking. Some “pet-friendly” listings only mean dogs unless cats are explicitly mentioned.
Cat-Friendly Destinations by U.S. Region
Northeast Highlights (New England & Mid-Atlantic)
Boston has Kimpton properties (Marlowe, Nine Zero) that welcome cats with bowls and treats. In New York and Washington D.C., major chains and boutique hotels also accept cats, with plenty of options in both cities. Leaf-peeping in Vermont or exploring the Adirondacks? You’ll find inns and chain hotels that welcome cats along the way.
Southern Hospitality (Southeast & South)
Florida is packed with cat-friendly resorts – Loews Miami Beach and Loews Orlando (at Universal) are standouts. In New Orleans, Virgin Hotels and Loews New Orleans both welcome cats with no fees. Cities like Charleston and Savannah also have boutique and chain hotels happy to host cats.
Western U.S. & Mountain Regions
California is packed with options. In Los Angeles, you can check into Loews Hollywood Hotel (luxury and cat-welcoming) or the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, which pampers cats with plush beds and bowls. For a budget stay, nearly every Motel 6 in California allows cats with no fee. In San Francisco, Kimpton hotels like the Kimpton Alton in Fisherman’s Wharf welcome cats with zero restrictions.
Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle and Portland are extremely pet-forward. Cat parents can stay at Loews Hotel 1000 Seattle, where cats get amenities like litter boxes and scratch posts, or at trendy Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland. Both cities also have plenty of Sonesta and Marriott extended-stay properties that explicitly welcome cats.
Yellowstone National Park even allows cats in certain pet-friendly cabins (limit 2 per unit). Outside the park, the Best Western Desert Inn in West Yellowstone and the Motel 6 West Yellowstone both allow cats, making them great bases for exploring the park.
Colorado & Mountain States are also full of options near hiking and ski destinations. In Denver, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver welcomes cats at no charge. In ski towns like Aspen or Vail, look for Westin and Sonesta properties, both of which allow cats. Budget travelers can rely on Red Roof or La Quinta properties scattered throughout Colorado and Utah.
Cat-Friendly Hotels in Top U.S. Cities
New York City
The historic Algonquin Hotel allows cats with no fee and is famous for its lobby cat. Kimpton Muse in Times Square offers cat-friendly rooms with no fees. Virgin Hotels New York and many Hilton/Marriott properties also allow cats.
Chicago
Loews Chicago provides litter boxes, mats, and a pet dining menu. Virgin Hotel Chicago lets cats stay free with amenities. Kimpton hotels, plus Motel 6 and Red Roof, cover both luxury and budget stays.
Los Angeles
Loews Hollywood Hotel embraces cats with full amenities. Four Seasons Beverly Hills allows smaller cats with plush perks. Hilton, Westin, and Marriott properties across L.A. accept cats, and Motel 6 or La Quinta cover budget options.
Camping and Outdoor Stays with Cats
- National Parks & Cabins – Yellowstone has designated pet-friendly cabins where cats are allowed. Cats must stay in cabins or campgrounds, not on trails.
- Campground Chains – KOA (Kampgrounds of America) and Thousand Trails explicitly allow cats. Florida State Parks allow up to 4 cats per campsite with proof of vaccination.
- Unique Amenities – Some KOA campgrounds now offer “catios” (cat patios) to let cats enjoy the outdoors safely.
Tip: Keep your cat on a harness/leash or in a secure tent/pen at camp. Never let cats roam unsupervised for their safety and local wildlife’s protection.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals with Cats
On Airbnb, use the “Pet friendly” filter, but always message the host to confirm cats are allowed. Some hosts mean “dogs only.” Expect an average pet fee of about $18/night or a flat $50/stay. Be a good guest: bring a scratching post, clean up thoroughly, and keep your cat comfortable. Standalone rentals can be less stressful for nervous cats than hotels. See Airbnb’s pet policy guide for details.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with cats is absolutely possible when you know where to look. From cat-centric hotel chains to scenic campgrounds, the U.S. offers a wide range of cat-friendly accommodations. Plan ahead, confirm policies,
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