Discover the Best Pet Friendly Hotels Florida Has to Offer

By Saundra Amrhein

So you’re planning your Florida vacation, and you need to find the right place to stay that also caters to your VIP – Very Important Pet.

Throughout the Sunshine State there are plenty of pet-friendly Florida hotels and accommodations, including rustic campgrounds, budget hotels, and resorts that offer extra pampering, including massages and turndown services for your furry friends.

Be sure to call ahead to inquire about policies on weight restrictions and deposits and fees.

Here’s a list of options of pet-friendly hotels in Florida, from the ritzy resorts to the practical places to lay your head (and paws) for the night:

Epic Hotel

You and your pets will take in grand views of the Miami River and Key Biscayne at this Kimpton hotel – which accepts any pets with no restrictions on number, weight or size and for no extra charge. Pet pampering amenities include the placement of pet bowls and beds in your room, and the availability of dog leashes and plastic bags for dog walks. Arrangements can be made with the concierge for pet grooming, pet walking, pet sitting and pet massage services.

Ritz-Carlton

With about two dozen locations throughout Florida, this luxury hotel allows small dogs or cats at several of its locations, including Sarasota, Orlando and Miami Beach. Policies vary though generally call for pets to be 25 pounds or smaller and limit one per room. Fees also vary by property, and in some cases include a one-time cleaning fee of $250. Be sure to check the individual site policies when making reservations.

Mandarin Oriental Miami

This posh waterfront hotel on Brickell Key knows how to pamper your pets of up to 25 pounds. They receive plush beds and have special culinary choices, such as organic chicken breast. Pesky behavior issues can be addressed with a certified trainer in doggie boot camp. Dogs are walked free once a day and can unwind in style in bathrobes emblazoned with the hotel logo in blue or pink Swarovski crystals.

Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

With no restrictions and no fees, this luxury ocean-front, Kimpton pet-friendly hotel immediately welcomes your pet at the door with treats, provides doggie beds and bowls for food and water, and is in close proximity to a dog park and stores and bakeries that specialize in homemade dog treats.

Aloft Hotels

This chic, boutique hotel chain by Starwood is pet friendly at its seven Florida locations, which include two in Jacksonville, one in Tallahassee, one in Orlando and three in the Miami area. Part of the welcome package includes a special bed and bowl and a doggie bag full of treats and toys.

Policies vary on weight restrictions. Check for varying fees and deposits at specific locations.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

This campground is nestled amid 750 acres of pine and cypress forest near the theme parks. Pets are allowed at some of the RV hookup sites. You can also enjoy some of the trails with your dogs, as long as they are leashed. Or they can run free at the off-leash, fenced-in Waggin’ Tails Dog Park, which is located within the campground.

Best Friends Pet Care

This 27,000-square-foot facility offers boarding, grooming and daycare for dogs, cats and other family pets. While you are out enjoying the theme parks, Fido could be basking in a shampoo, teeth whitening or “pawdicure.” Services for your pets also run from VIP suites to group playtime to special treats (including tuna on a Ritz for the kitties). The center is open to anyone, though Disney World Resort guests are offered special discounts.

Loews hotels at Universal Orlando Resort

These pet friendly hotels allow a maximum of two furry friends per room, charging a $50 pet fee per night with a maximum of $150 for three nights or more.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

This pet-friendly affordable chain has hotels throughout all of Florida and allows up to two domestic pets per room at no extra charge or fee.

Here are some more accommodations where your pooch will be welcome: 

Casa Playa Resort (Fort Myers Beach)
casaplayaresort.com

‘Tween Waters Inn (Captiva Island)
tween-waters.com

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (Manalapan)
eaupalmbeach.com/

Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton
waterstoneboca.com/

Perry's Ocean Edge Resort (Daytona Beach)
perrysoceanedge.com

Lotus Boutique Inn & Suites (Daytona Beach)
lotusinnandsuites.com/#!/splash

Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa-Port Richey
homewood-suites-by-hilton-tampa-port-richey

Quality Inn-Zephyrhills
qualityinnzephyrhills.com/

St. Francis Inn (St. Augustine)
stfrancisinn.com

Bayfront Marin House Bed & Breakfast (St. Augustine)
bayfrontmarinhouse.com

Hyatt Regency Sarasota
hyattregencysarasota.com

Ramada Venice Resort
ramadavenice.com

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
omnihotels.com/hotels/amelia-island-plantation

Seaside Amelia Inn
seasideameliainn.com/

Riverside Hotel (Fort Lauderdale)
riversidehotel.com/

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Hollywood)
seminolehardrockhollywood.com

Innisbrook Resort (Palm Harbor)
innisbrookgolfresort.com

Loews Don Cesar (St. Pete Beach)
loewshotels.com/don-cesar

Hilton Melbourne Rialto
hilton-melbourne-rialto-place

Radisson Resort at the Port (Cape Canavaral)
radisson.com/cape-canaveral-hotel

Driftwood Inn (Mexico Beach)
driftwoodinn.com

Forgotten Coast Property Management & Rentals (Mexico Beach)
forgottencoastrental.com/

Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center (Panama City Beach)
boardwalkbeachresort.com

Wisteria Inn (Panama City Beach)
wisteria-inn.com

Naples Bay Resort & Marina
naplesbayresort.com

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples
ritzcarlton.com/Naples

Ocean Sands Beach Inn, St. Augustine
oceansandsbeachinn.com