When you welcome a pet into your home, you take on the responsibility to ensure they are safe, well-fed, properly cared for, and, of course, loved and happy. Being a responsible pet parent involves many things, including properly planning your trips. Whether you choose to bring your dog or cat to a pet hotel, hire a pet sitter, ask a family member or close friend to care for them in your absence, or bring them along with you, there are various options depending on your specific situation.
Traveling with pets has become increasingly common, and many hotel chains have understood the need to adapt to this trend by offering pet-friendly accommodations. Pets are family members, after all, and we, as loving pet parents, want the best for them.
In today’s article we’ll explore a popular hotel chain—Holiday Inn Express, which is a part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts group. It’s one of those brands that welcome pets at many of their locations.
However, pet policies, including fees, can vary significantly from one hotel to another. If you're planning to stay at a Holiday Inn Express with your furry friend, be sure to review the specific hotel's pet policy and fees in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Are All Holiday Inn Express Hotels Pet-Friendly?
Not all Holiday Inn Express properties are pet-friendly. While the Holiday Inn Express brand is owned by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), individual hotels are typically either franchised to or managed on behalf of third-party owners.
Individual property managers have the flexibility to set their own pet policies — including whether pets are allowed, any weight or breed restrictions, pet fees, and the number of animals permitted per room.
This means that while some Holiday Inn Express locations are very welcoming to pets and even offer dog treats at check-in or designated relief areas, others may prohibit pets entirely, or limit stays to service animals only. Even among pet-friendly properties, policies and fees can vary widely.
To avoid surprises at check-in, it's essential to review the pet policy of the specific Holiday Inn Express hotel you plan to stay at.
How to Find a Pet-Friendly Holiday Inn Express Hotel?
You can do this in several ways, such as visiting the hotel’s official page on the IHG website and entering your destination and travel dates. Then navigate to the “Filter by → Amenities” section and check the “Pet friendly” box.
Alternatively, you can first select a hotel and then scroll down to the “Hotel Details” or “Amenities” section to find information about their pet policy. Look for notes such as “Pets allowed,” “Pet fee per stay,” or “Pet walking area on-site.” If the hotel is not pet friendly, you will likely see a note that says “No pets allowed.”
However, the first option will help you narrow down your choices and avoid wasting time on hotels that don’t allow pets.
If details are unclear or missing, you may want to call the front desk directly. The hotel staff can confirm the hotel’s current policies, fees, and any limitations.
To help you find pet-friendly hotels, we’ll include links to a few example Holiday Inn Express hotels with pet-friendly policies:
Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport
Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead
Holiday Inn Express London - Hammersmith
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW - Outlet Ctr Area
Holiday Inn Express Myrtle Beach-Broadway@The Beach
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpharetta - Windward Parkway
However, please remember that policies can change over time, especially during peak travel seasons or renovations, so it's always advisable to check these before your trip.
How Much Is the Pet Fee?
The pet fee at Holiday Inn Express hotels typically ranges from $25 to $75 / €22 to €66 / £19 to £57 per stay or per night, depending on the location.
Some hotels charge a one-time fee, regardless of how many nights you stay (e.g., $50 / €44 / £38 per stay).
Others may charge a fee for each night your pet stays (e.g., $25 / €22 / £19 per night).
In some cases, the fee applies per pet, which could increase the total if you're traveling with more than one animal.
These fees are usually non-refundable, and are meant to cover additional cleaning required after a pet stay.
Let’s refer to the examples linked above and provide information about the pet fees of these hotels in particular.
Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport. Our Pet Policy: Pets are welcome at our hotel. An additional charge of GBP 30 per pet per stay applies. Please contact the hotel to check availability. Pre booking is essential unless booking our dedicated pet package.”
Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead. Our Pet Policy: Pets are welcome at our hotel. An additional charge of GBP 30 per pet per stay applies. Please contact the hotel to check availability. Pre booking is essential unless booking our dedicated pet package.”
Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express London - Hammersmith. Our Pet Policy: Pets are welcome at our hotel. An additional charge of GBP 30 per pet per stay applies. Please contact the hotel to check availability. Pre booking is essential unless booking our dedicated pet package.”
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW - Outlet Ctr Area
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW - Outlet Ctr Area. Our Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome with a non refundable pet fee of 30 USD per dog per day. Up to two dogs per room, with a weight limit of 35 lbs. Please request a dog friendly room and advise the front desk during check in. Dogs are not allowed to be left unattended.”
Holiday Inn Express Myrtle Beach-Broadway@The Beach
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express Myrtle Beach-Broadway@The Bch. Our Pet Policy: We understand that pets are a part of the family and deserve a vacation too! Pet fee is 50 USD per night, per pet. No aggressive breeds allowed and no pets over 40 pounds. We do apologize, however, all birds, guinea pigs, and cats are not permitted.”
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway. There is a pet deposit per stay of 150 USD . Our Pet Policy: Furry travelers welcomed! Call our front desk to check availability on limited pet rooms. Please no unattended pets in rooms during your stay. There is a refundable pet deposit due at check in. We are happy to recommend local pet sitting services.”
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor. There is a pet deposit per stay of 50 USD . Our Pet Policy: Pets under 35 pounds are welcome, and we charge a fee of 50 USD per pet, per stay after 3 night an additional 50.00 fee. Pets must not be left in your room unattended. There will be additional fees for any damage caused during your stay.”
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpharetta - Windward Parkway
“Pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpharetta - Windward Parkway. Our Pet Policy: Max Weight 25 lbs and 2 dogs. 100 USD for first dog and 50 USD for second dog non refundable fee per stay.”
Pet Policies- Key Points to Consider
While policies differ, most Holiday Inn Express locations have similar guidelines for pet stays:
Weight Limits
Typically, pets must be under 50–75 lbs. Some hotels may allow larger breeds, but it’s important to ask in advance.
Number of Pets
Many hotels limit the number of pets to two per room.
Supervision
Pets should not be left alone in the room for extended periods, especially if they are prone to barking or destructive behavior when left alone.
Service/Assistance Dogs
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are allowed at all Holiday Inn Express locations and are not subject to pet fees.
In the UK, assistance dogs are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and are also granted access to public places, including hotels.
How to Confirm a Hotel’s Pet Policy?
It’s advisable to follow a few steps before booking your stay.
For example, visit the hotel’s official page on the IHG website or a booking platform.
Select your destination and filter by amenities by checking the “Pets Welcome” box.
You can also start by selecting your preferred hotel brand within the group, then filter by pet policies.
We strongly recommend reviewing the FAQ section on the individual hotel’s website and calling the hotel directly to confirm pet fees, weight limits, and other rules.
Be sure to mention your pet when booking to ensure you’re assigned a pet-friendly room.
What Do Pet Fees Cover?
Pet fees are generally intended to cover the additional cleaning and maintenance required after a pet has stayed in a hotel room.
This often includes deep-cleaning the room, deodorizing carpets and upholstery, and sanitizing any areas the pet may have used. These measures help ensure the room remains comfortable and hygienic for future guests, including those with allergies.
In some cases, the fee may also contribute to pet-friendly amenities provided by the hotel, such as waste disposal bags, food and water bowls, welcome treats, or access to a designated outdoor relief area. While these offerings vary by location, many pet-friendly hotels strive to create a welcoming environment for both guests and their pets.
Tips for Traveling with Pets
Traveling with a pet can be a great bonding experience for both of you, but it does require some planning to ensure your trip goes smoothly. We’ll provide some tips, which, we hope, will help you and your furry companion have a great time together!
Bring Familiar Items from Home
Pets often feel unsettled in unfamiliar environments. Bringing their own bed, blanket, toys, food, and water bowls can help them feel more at ease. These familiar items and routines can significantly reduce anxiety and make their stay at a new place more comfortable.
Pack Important Documents
Always travel with a copy of your pet’s up-to-date vaccination records and any relevant medical history. These documents may be required by hotels, especially if you're staying in multiple locations or crossing regional or national borders. They will also come in handy in case of emergencies where veterinary care is needed.
Be Considerate and Clean Up After Your Pet
Responsible pet ownership doesn’t stop when you're on the road. Always carry waste bags and promptly clean up after your pet in all areas of the hotel, including outdoor relief spots, parking lots, and communal spaces. This helps maintain a clean and welcoming environment for everyone.
Keep Your Pet Calm and Well-behaved
Ensuring your furry friend is quiet and well-mannered will not only make your stay more pleasant but will also ensure you're welcome at pet-friendly accommodations in the future. We recommend working on your pet behavior, general obedience skills and proper socialization, regardless of whether you’re planning to train them for advanced tasks or not. Pets are our family members and just like us, they also need to behave appropriately.
Alongside practicing calm behavior, consider bringing a crate or carrier if your pet is more comfortable with one. It’s essential to avoid leaving them unattended in the room for extended periods, especially if they are prone to barking or destructive behavior.
Confirm Pet Policies Before Arrival
Each hotel may have different rules regarding pet size, breed, number of animals, or whether pets can be left alone in the room. Always review these details in advance and inform the front desk during check-in that you’re traveling with a pet.
Stick to Your Routine
Try to maintain your pet’s usual schedule for feeding, walking, and rest. Predictability can help them feel secure and minimize stress during your trip.
With a bit of preparation and consideration, you can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet.
