Many cat lovers are often frustrated to find that traveling with their pets is often much more difficult than traveling with a dog. People who travel with their cats face roadblocks that many dog owners do not. This can make finding the perfect travel destination for you and your cat difficult. Despite the added hassle, there are plenty of places to travel with your cat that offer cat-friendly accommodations and plenty of amazing tourist attractions to see.
Here are a list of cat-friendly vacation destinations for you to check out, including the best cat-friendly hotels to choose from for your stay.
The 12 Cat-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the US
1. New York City, New York
| Where to Stay: | 📍Kimpton Hotel Eventi, Manhattan |
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New York City is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world. It is no surprise that there is plenty to do with and without your cat in the Big Apple. The Kimpton Hotel in Manhattan is located right in the heart of the city, just blocks from the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Macy’s, UN Headquarters, and more. Kimpton is one of the friendliest hotel chains in the world when it comes to cats, so you should not feel worried about leaving your cat in the room if you want to get out to grab a drink at a nearby bar, see a show, or go to a museum.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
| Where to Stay: | 📍Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas |
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Las Vegas is one of the most popular cities in the United States for tourists. From towering casino towers to glittering nightlife and world class shows, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Sin City. Thanks to the Four Seasons Hotel, you can bring your cat along for the journey. You can bring up to two cats for a fee of $75 per night. The Four Seasons does not allow you to leave your cat in the room unattended, but they do offer professional pet sitting services available from their concierge. You can seek their guidance in setting your cat up with a perfect day while you head out to explore.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
| Where to Stay: | 📍Kimpton Aertson Hotel |
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Nashville is a city dripping in history and culture. From the country music scene along the river to nearby historic Civil War battlegrounds, there is something to do for everyone in the Music City. You can spend time in the city center, or you can rent a car and drive out to see the mountains and the local historic parks. You can rest assured knowing that the Kimpton Hotel will take care of your cat if you want to go out and explore. These cat-friendly accommodations are located near the County Music Hall of Fame and Music City Center, giving you plenty to see within walking distance. The Kimpton has a rooftop pool, in-house spa, and an American restaurant to enjoy while you are relaxing at the hotel with your cat.
4. Hollywood, California
| Where to Stay: | 📍Kimpton Everly Hotel |
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Hollywood, California, is one of the most alluring vacation destinations in the United States. From old movie studios to resorts and world class shopping, there is plenty to do and see in Hollywood. Take your cat out to see the famous Hollywood sign or take the short walk from the Kimpton Everly to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood and West Hollywood have a multitude of pet-friendly restaurants where you can grab an appetizer or sip a craft beer while enjoying California’s excellent outdoor weather. If you have ever wanted to visit and explore Hollywood, there is no reason not to bring your cat!
5. Washington, DC
| Where to Stay: | 📍DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City |
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Washington, DC is absolutely chock full of things to do and see. There are dozens of museums, monuments, historical markers, statues, and parks to peruse and enjoy. As the nation’s capital, there are decades of history, information, and museums to explore. You can do all of this by using the DoubleTree Crystal City as your home base. The DoubleTree is extremely pet friendly, making it easy to stay with your cat. Some public areas in DC are also open to you bringing your cat along for the experience. The National Mall is accommodating to pets on a leash or in a carrier and is a must-see in DC. Note you cannot ride the Metro with your cat, so you might want to rent a car or use pet-friendly rideshare options to get around the city.
6. Key West, Florida
| Where to Stay: | 📍Ambrosia Key West |
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Key West is not only a pet-friendly destination, but it also has a colorful history with cats. Ernest Hemingway famously spent copious amounts of time in Key West, and he loved cats. Today, Key West is home to a colony of polydactyl (six-toed) cats. Many of these cats still live around Hemingway House, so be sure to go and see them. Key West is beautiful and sports great weather, stunning views, and plenty of history and culture to enjoy. The Ambrosia Resort in Key West is supremely pet friendly and lists numerous things to do with your pet in and around the city, including restaurants to try and parks to visit. The Ambrosia has limited availability for pet rooms, so be sure to book in advance and let them know you’ll be bringing your cat.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
| Where to Stay: | 📍Kimpton Hotel Arras |
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Asheville is a crunchy town filled with nature, good food, and nearby history. Bring your cat along to the mountains as you enjoy the views, the hiking, and the brews. The Kimpton Arras will take good care of your pet as you drive out to see Biltmore, one of America’s most impressive homes. You can bring your cat along for the ride as you cruise along winding mountain roads. Enjoy some time outside and eat some great food at one of Asheville’s numerous pet-friendly eateries and breweries. From nature to history and food, Asheville has something for everyone to enjoy.
8. Scottsdale, Arizona
| Where to Stay: | 📍The Scott Resort and Spa |
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Scottsdale and Phoenix have an interesting mix of things to do. There are a number of resorts that allow you to lounge, relax, and go golfing. There are harsh desert mountain valleys to hike through. There are a number of interesting museums to visit and enjoy, including the famous Musical Instrument Museum. The Scott Resort and Spa is pet friendly and offers plenty to do at the resort, including food, pools, spas, and more. Be sure to check out one of the OHSO breweries, which offer local craft beers and are all pet friendly.
9. Orlando, Florida
| Where to Stay: | 📍Four Seasons Resort Orlando |
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Orlando is one of the best pet-friendly vacation destinations. The Four Seasons Resort in Orlando allows one pet up to 25 pounds free of charge per room. They even provide bowls and treats for your cat when you check in. Nearby Disney World is one of the best vacation attractions in the world, and it has plenty of options where you can drop off your cat for the day so you can experience the House of Mouse in its entirety. Orlando has plenty to see and do for families and people who like to travel with their cats. From beautiful weather and unique restaurants to theme parks and nearby beaches, Orlando is a supreme vacation destination that can easily accommodate cats.
10. Palm Springs, California
| Where to Stay: | 📍Caliente Tropics Resort |
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Palm Springs has long been a classic resort town located 100 miles east of Los Angeles. The town has attracted local Californians and Americans from all over due to its relaxed vibe and nearby nature. The town is located near Joshua Tree National Park and features mountains, rock formations, and hiking trails of all kinds. The Caliente Tropics Resort is a fun and pet-friendly way to experience classic Palm Springs resort lounging. The pool here is even pet friendly. Whether you want to lay by the pool or do an extensive hike, there is plenty to see and do in and around Palm Springs for travelers who like to bring their cats.
11. Bend, Oregon
| Where to Stay: | 📍The Oxford Hotel |
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Bend, Oregon, is a small town located in central Oregon that has a lot going for it. It is surrounded by hills, mountains, deserts, and ancient volcanic remains. There is tons of hiking to do around Bend. Bend is also home to the world’s last Blockbuster store. Get a massive hit of nostalgia as you peruse the latest hits and get a glimpse of the past. The Oxford Hotel is extremely open to pets and has a Pet Hospitality Specialist that will get you everything you need for your cat to enjoy their time in Bend. This is a great place to go and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying some of the Pacific Northwest’s unique natural landscapes.
12. Bozeman, Montana
| Where to Stay: | 📍Kimpton Armory Hotel |
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Bozeman is a town that has been attracting more tourists in recent years, and it is not hard to see why. This town is ringed by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It has beautiful open skies and fresh, clean air. It is the perfect place to go if you are usually cooped up in the city. Be sure to check out the Museum of the Rockies or the Computer and Robotics Museum. Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest and most stunning parks in the world and it is a little over an hour away, and it is definitely worth the drive to go see it when you are in Bozeman. Be sure to check out the pet friendly cafes dotted around the city and get your cat out to enjoy the beautiful fresh air.
Best Rated Pet Friendly Hotel Brand
When it comes to the best pet friendly hotel brand in the world, there is little competition. Kimpton Hotels by IHG is universally rated as one of the top brands for traveling with your pets. All Kimpton locations are pet friendly, and they all have a Director of Pet Relations on site to ensure that you have everything you need to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Kimpton has hotels all over the world, and they offer world-class accommodations for both you and your pet. If you let them know you are coming with your pet, they will greet you when you check in and provide you with some goodies for your furry friend.
The only downside to Kimpton Hotels is they can be pricey depending on when you are traveling and where you are staying.
Budget Conscious Pet Hotels
Kimpton might be the best pet-friendly hotel brand in the world, but it can be expensive. Not everyone can afford hundreds of dollars per night in hotel stays, but that shouldn’t prevent you from traveling with your feline friend. Other hotel chains are budget friendly and always allow pets. If you are trying to travel with your cat on a budget, you should look for these hotel brands for more affordable options.
Motel 6
Motel 6 has nearly 1,500 locations throughout the United States. All Motel 6 hotels are pet friendly. You can have two cats per room, and Motel 6 never charges you extra for your animal companions. Motel 6 locations are easy to find and affordable and won’t charge you extra for traveling with your cat.
Red Roof
Like Motel 6, all Red Roof locations are pet friendly. Most locations will allow you to stay with one cat for free. That can be a huge boon to your wallet. There are 670 Red Roof Inn locations in the United States that will easily allow you to travel with your cat without having to pay a bunch of fees and extras.
Best Western
Best Western has thousands of locations spread throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. A large number of these locations will take cats, but not all of them will. Check ahead of time to make sure cats are welcome. Most Best Westerns are dog friendly, but they consider cats to be miscellaneous animals in the same category as birds and small mammals. If you can find a location that works for you, the savings can be great.
Tips for Traveling With Your Cat
- Check your hotel accommodations before you go to make sure they are ready for you and your cat.
- Bring everything your cat needs for your trip, including bowls, food, medications, toys, a harness, a portable litter box, litter, and a carrier.
- Read up on the rules for staying with your cat, including whether you can leave your cat unattended in the room.
- Look up cat-friendly activities nearby and check the rules and reviews before taking your cat out.
- Consider renting a car. Getting around with a cat is much easier in your own car rather than relying on taxis or rideshare services.
Conclusion
Traveling with a cat can be much more difficult than traveling with a dog. However, there are plenty of places to go with your cat if you know where to stay and what to see. Powered by Kimpton Hotels and other cat-friendly resorts, there are plenty of amazing places to stay in cities across the United States. Be sure to check the rules and regulations for cats before you go to avoid any travel headaches.
Featured Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock
