Best Western Pet Charge

Traveling with pets can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most common questions pet owners ask when planning a hotel stay is: “What are the pet charges at Best Western?” This article provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of Best Western pet charges, exploring how these fees vary, what they typically include, and how they affect your travel experience. Whether you’re planning a road trip with your dog or need a long-term stay with your cat, understanding pet policies helps ensure smooth, stress-free accommodations.

Overview of Best Western’s Pet-Friendly Policy

Best Western is one of the most pet-friendly hotel chains in North America. With over 1,600 pet-friendly properties in the U.S. and Canada, the brand has positioned itself as a top choice for pet owners who travel frequently.

Best Western’s general pet policy allows up to two domestic dogs per room, with a combined weight limit (typically 80 lbs or less). However, specific policies, including pet fees, may vary by location.

What is the Best Western Pet Charge?

The Best Western pet charge refers to the fee a hotel may impose for accommodating pets in your room. These charges are used to cover additional cleaning, potential damages, and maintenance to maintain guest comfort.

The standard range of pet fees includes:

Nightly fee: $15 to $30 per night
Per-stay fee cap: Maximum of $100 to $150 per stay
Refundable deposit: Often $100 to cover potential damages (refundable upon checkout)

It’s important to contact individual hotels to confirm the exact charges since each franchise independently manages its pet policy within brand guidelines.

Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel, California

This property is known for accommodating travelers with pets heading to Yosemite National Park. It charges a pet fee of $20 per night, with a maximum of two pets allowed per room.

What makes this location unique is that it provides:

Designated pet relief areas
Complimentary treats upon check-in
Pet-specific housekeeping protocol

Its clear pet policy and amenities make it a great example of how Best Western adapts to pet travelers while maintaining guest satisfaction.

Best Western Plus Cascade Inn & Suites, Oregon

Located near the Columbia River Gorge, this hotel is a favorite for outdoor adventurers with dogs. The pet charge here is $30 per night, slightly higher than average, but includes the following:

Extra pet bed and food bowls
Ground-floor rooms with patio access
Dedicated pet concierge at check-in

This hotel showcases how premium Best Western branches offer upscale accommodations with thoughtful pet additions, justifying their pet fees.

Best Western Inn at Face Rock, Oregon Coast

For those traveling along the Oregon Coast, this inn offers pet-friendly ocean view rooms. Pet charges are $25 per pet per night, with a limit of two dogs per room.

The standout feature here is the natural, open walking trails adjacent to the property, perfect for morning or evening walks with your dog. The hotel also offers biodegradable waste bags at every trailhead.

Best Western Plus Inn at the Vines, Napa Valley, California

This boutique-style hotel provides elevated amenities for pets. While the pet fee is $30 per night, the staff delivers high-touch service including:

Pet menu for room service
Concierge recommendations for pet-friendly wineries
Exclusive “pawdicure” services through local grooming partners

This property proves how Best Western hotels can go beyond basic pet accommodation to offer curated, luxurious pet experiences.

Understanding the Purpose and Justification of the Pet Charge

Pet charges are not arbitrary. They serve specific operational purposes, including:

Increased cleaning time: Rooms with pets require deeper cleaning post-checkout to remove fur, dander, or odors.
Potential damage coverage: From scratched furniture to accidents on carpets, damage from pets can be costly.
Amenity replenishment: Hotels often offer pet beds, bowls, or treats as part of the stay, which incur costs.

The average nightly fee ($20–$30) is relatively small compared to the cost of boarding pets or using pet-sitting services, making pet-friendly hotels a more affordable and emotionally comfortable option.

Benefits of Best Western’s Pet-Friendly Policy

Freedom and Flexibility for Pet Owners

By offering pet-friendly stays, Best Western supports pet owners who don’t want to leave their companions behind. This flexibility encourages spontaneous travel and long-term trips without worrying about pet care at home.

Consistent Brand Experience Across Locations

Even though individual hotels have control over pricing, Best Western ensures a consistent pet-positive attitude across its franchises. Guests can rely on a certain standard of care and cleanliness when traveling with pets.

Promotes Responsible Pet Travel

The requirement for up-to-date vaccinations, pet restraint in public areas, and leash policies all help reinforce responsible pet ownership. The pet charge helps support these guidelines with necessary infrastructure, such as cleaning staff and designated pet zones.

Use Cases: Real-Life Scenarios Where Understanding Pet Charges Matters

Scenario 1: Extended Road Trip with a Pet

A family on a 10-day cross-country trip may stay in multiple Best Westerns. Understanding cumulative pet charges helps in budgeting accurately. If each stay averages $25 per night for pet fees, that’s an additional $250 significant for a family trip.

Scenario 2: Relocating with Pets

A couple relocating across states might need a multi-week extended stay. Some Best Western hotels cap pet fees at $100 per stay, making it cost-effective versus short-term apartment rentals that often demand high pet deposits or monthly surcharges.

Scenario 3: Traveling for Emergencies

When traveling due to family emergencies or disasters, pet owners may not have time to vet a pet boarding facility. Knowing that Best Western allows pets (with predictable charges) offers peace of mind in high-stress situations.

Scenario 4: Business Travel with a Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal

In some cases, travelers with ESAs or service animals aren’t charged standard pet fees. However, documentation may be required. Knowing this detail ahead of time helps avoid misunderstandings at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Best Western pet charge the same at every hotel?
No. Each Best Western franchise can set its pet fees within brand guidelines. Charges typically range from $15 to $30 per night, and some locations impose a per-stay cap (e.g., $100). Always call ahead to confirm.

Q2: Do Best Western hotels allow cats or only dogs?
While dogs are the most commonly accepted, many Best Western hotels also allow cats and other small pets like rabbits. However, availability varies, so it’s important to confirm with the specific location.

Q3: Is the pet charge refundable if no damage occurs?
The nightly pet fee is not refundable. However, refundable pet deposits may be returned if no damage or extra cleaning is required. Always inspect the room with staff before check-out if a deposit was paid.