I’m driving to CT with my pets (African Grey and a Pomeranian). Plan on spending the first night in southern or middle of NC depending on when I leave and how the weather is. I have never stayed in a pet friendly hotel. I’m allergic to some dogs. Hoping I don’t have a reaction to a previous guest! Has anyone stayed in a nice pet friendly hotel? I will probably stay somewhere in NJ the 2nd night. Any suggestions?
If you are looking for an inexpensive option, Red Roof Inns are everywhere along I-95, and they cater to people traveling with pets. They charge nothing extra for pets; in fact, their website is currently offering a 10% off deal for pet owners.
https://pets.redroof.com
The ones that I’ve stayed at always have non-carpeted floors, which I suspect is so that pet hair or dander can be cleaned up more effectively.
Marriott Town Place Suites are generally pet friendly as far as I know.
Best Western. But I see mostly dogs at hotels so that may be an issue for your allergies.
Motel 6 is pet friendly and cheap (very basic). I tend to stay there, but may shift to Red Roof because it gives discounts to regulars.
The following is a good list for dog friendly hotels/motels along I-95 listed by state.
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/guides/highway/i95aUS.shtml
My husband drives this route several times a year. He tries to drive at least 11-12 hours the first day, which will get you well into northern NC. A few weeks ago, there was considerable construction on I-95 in Georgia, (St. Mary’s). You will also hit the normal Richmond traffic and it usually continues up past Washington, DC. No real good time to travel through Washington. I would suggest to at least try to time it after morning rush hour. Lots of construction in New Jersey, and you will be hitting beach traffic there as well. Keep checking for alternative routes. Give yourself plenty of time. Make sure the oil is changed in your car, tires at proper pressure. Safe trip!
When I travel with my dog I try to stay in a Red Roof Inn. Basic, clean, comfortable, and don’t charge extra for dogs.
Last year I had to stay somewhere else for some reason, and it was so disgusting that I would let my dog or any of my belongings sit on the floor, and refrained from showering. It probably wasn’t actually dirty, but the carpeting should have been replaced at least two decades ago and the “blanket” had holes in it. So it looked like a place to acquire bedbugs.
It was a MotelX where X is a digit. 6? 8? Can’t recall.
I routinely drive between NJ and FL with my dog and use https://www.bringfido.com/ to search for hotels using their map function. But I almost always take alternate highways to avoid 95 through the northeast corridor. The traffic is always bad and I find it to be a more pleasant trip if I can stay off 95 north of the Carolinas.
As a woman traveling alone, I’m pretty picky about where I stay and won’t stay in any motels. My favorite dog friendly chain is Drury Inns because of their amenities and $15 pet fee. They offer a pretty extensive free breakfast so I always take some scrambled eggs up for my dog and she’s a happy camper. If there isn’t a Drury Inn nearby, my second choice is Marriott Towne Place Suites but I seem to remember that their pet fee was quite a bit higher.
I’m making the trip next week and am planning to work the trip around staying at the Drury Inn in NC.
Seconding BringFido.com I stayed in a Best Western in Lumberton NC that was very nice. On my return trip I got all the way into southern Virginia and stayed at a RedRoof that was pretty horrible. Booked the Best Western on BringFido. Just drove in to the RedRoof because I didn’t know how far I was going to go that day.
We travel from SC to Ct and avoid 95 and all the big cities starting with Richmond and Washington (and the tolls) by going I-77 to I-81. May not make sense where you’re coming from but just a suggestion.
DD alwyas tries to stay at a LaQuinta when she is traveling. Don’t know if they are on that route, though. No pet fee, free breakfast and always clean and friendly.
We always stay at Marriott Residence Inns when we travel with our dogs. We like the extra space and the fact that the units have kitchens. They have an included good buffet breakfast, a good ‘general store’ type set up and they have always had an abundance of referrals for good food spots that will deliver, something you’ll need when travelling with pets. They are pricier than some others but are consistently good, which I can’t say for Red Roof Inn or Best Western.
Yes, LaQuintas we’ve stayed at were nice and had a LOT of pet owners at the free breakfast, with their pets in the breakfast room. Kimptons also allow pets and fun, nicer hotels but don’t have hat many locations.l
I also use I-77 and I-81. It’s longer in miles but I’m convinced it doesn’t add much if any to the overall driving time and I know it saves me on the stress scale. It’s a much prettier route and in the 14 years I’ve been driving it I’ve only had one traffic issue.
I’ll stay at Red Roof Inn if H is with me, but if I’m by myself I don’t tend to feel as comfortable at a motel where the doors open into the parking lot. If it’s just me or just me and D, La Quinta or Best Western (but have to check, not all Best Westerns have interior doorways) or Courtyard by Marriott. Costs more, but I feel safer.
While I’m not traveling that route, I do travel often for dog shows. Even in the hotel brand there can be some differences based on the franchisee. Best to check each hotel either on their brand website (not like expedia or booking.com), or call directly. Motel 6 is usually a safe bet that they are ok with pets, and AKC offers a discount code for 10% off (CP542764). However, there is usually no wifi.
I really like LaQuinta as a chain for accepting pets when I can get the room priced decently.
Also, be aware that some hoteliers will force customers with pets to be in a smoking room.
Hi, everyone, I made it to CT! I didn’t know how far I was going to drive and when we were coming up on Fayetteville, NC, I was getting tired and it was late. All of the hotels we called were booked. Drove a little further on I-95 and stopped at a Comfort Inn in Dunn, NC right off the highway. Boy was I pleased when they had rooms available and allowed pets (only $15 extra). Room was fabulous, beds were great, and a free breakfast before we left. Wonderful experience. It was $109, but $89 with a AAA discount (not incl. the pet fee). Thanks for all of your tips on hotel options. I will no doubt need them for future travel!