If you’ve traveled with a dog — especially a big one — you know the frustration of weight limits, breed restrictions, and pet fees that cost as much as another night’s stay.
Kimpton doesn’t do any of that.
Kimpton’s pet policy is simple: if your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome. No weight limit. No breed restrictions. No pet fee. Ever.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Kimpton with your dog.
Jump to:
Kimpton’s Pet Policy: The Details
| Policy | Kimpton |
|---|---|
| Pet fee | $0 (free) |
| Weight limit | None |
| Breed restrictions | None |
| Number of pets | No limit |
| Pet types | Dogs, cats, birds, fish, and more |
That’s not a typo. Kimpton has no weight limit. They’ve welcomed Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and everything in between. Their unofficial motto is “if they fit through the door, they’re welcome.”
What Makes Kimpton Different
Kimpton didn’t just add “pet-friendly” to their website and call it a day. They built their entire brand around welcoming pets.
No Fees, Period
Most “pet-friendly” hotels charge $50–$150 per stay. Kimpton charges nothing. Stay a week with your dog and you’re saving $100+ compared to other chains.
No Weight Limits
This is the big one. Most hotels cap pets at 50–75 lbs. If you have a German Shepherd, Lab, Golden Retriever, or any other large breed, you’ve probably been turned away before.
At Kimpton, your 100-lb dog is just as welcome as a 10-lb dog. No awkward conversations at check-in. No hoping they don’t notice your dog is “a little over” the limit.
No Breed Restrictions
Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds — breeds that some hotels ban entirely are welcome at Kimpton. They judge dogs by behavior, not breed.
It’s Not Just Tolerance — It’s Celebration
Many Kimpton properties have a Director of Pet Relations — yes, that’s a dog with an official title. They host pet-friendly events, keep treats at the front desk, and genuinely love seeing dogs in the lobby.
The nightly wine hour? Your dog is invited.
Pet Amenities at Kimpton
Kimpton doesn’t just allow pets — they roll out the red carpet:
- Pet beds and bowls available on request (often in the room already)
- Treats at check-in at most properties
- Pet-friendly mini bar items at some locations
- Local pet recommendations — dog parks, pet stores, vet clinics
- Dog-walking services at select properties
- Pet-sitting referrals if you need a night out
Some Kimptons even have dog-friendly restaurant patios on property where your pup can join you for dinner.
Kimpton Locations
Kimpton operates 77+ hotels in the U.S. plus a few international locations. They’re a boutique brand, so you won’t find one in every small town — but they’re well-represented in major cities and popular destinations.
Cities with Multiple Kimptons:
- San Francisco (where Kimpton started)
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Washington D.C.
- Seattle
- Denver
- Austin
- Miami / South Florida
- Portland
- Boston
Notable Dog-Friendly Kimptons:
Kimpton Hotel Monaco (Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, others) Downtown locations with easy access to parks and trails. Known for particularly welcoming staff.
Kimpton Brice Hotel (Savannah) Enclosed courtyard perfect for the wine hour with your pup. Walking distance to Forsyth Park.
Kimpton Rowan (Palm Springs) Desert getaway with multiple dog parks nearby and pet-friendly restaurant patios everywhere.
Kimpton Arras (Asheville) Gateway to Blue Ridge Mountains hiking. Asheville is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country.
Kimpton Journeyman (Milwaukee) Dedicated pet-friendly floors. Great urban location.
How to Book Kimpton Free with Points
Kimpton is part of IHG One Rewards (InterContinental Hotels Group). You can book free stays using IHG points.
Earning IHG Points
Option 1: IHG Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHG One Rewards Traveler | $0 | 80,000 points | No-risk starting point |
| IHG One Rewards Premier | $99 | 140,000 points | Regular Kimpton stays |
The Premier card also gives you:
- 4th night free on award stays — book 4 nights, pay for 3 with points
- Free night certificate every year (up to 40,000 points value)
- Platinum Elite status — room upgrades when available
Option 2: Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase points transfer 1:1 to IHG. If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, you can move points to IHG when you find a Kimpton you want to book.
How Many Points for a Kimpton Stay?
IHG uses dynamic pricing, so point costs vary. Typical Kimpton redemptions:
| Demand | Points per Night |
|---|---|
| Off-peak | 25,000–40,000 |
| Standard | 40,000–60,000 |
| Peak | 70,000–100,000+ |
Pro tip: The 4th night free benefit on the IHG Premier card is huge for Kimpton stays. A 4-night trip that would cost 200,000 points becomes 150,000 — that’s 25% off.
For the full breakdown: How to Book Kimpton Hotels Free with Points
Kimpton vs. Other Pet-Friendly Hotels
| Factor | Kimpton | Hilton | Marriott |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet fee | $0 | $50–$95 | $75–$150 |
| Weight limit | None | 50–75 lbs | 25–75 lbs |
| Breed restrictions | None | None (usually) | Varies |
| Number of properties | 77+ | 7,000+ | 8,000+ |
| Best for | Large dogs, avoiding fees | Most locations, points earning | Widest footprint |
The trade-off: Kimpton has the best pet policy, but the smallest footprint. You won’t find a Kimpton in every city. For those destinations, Hilton or Marriott are solid backups.
My approach: Book Kimpton whenever there’s one where I’m going. Use Hilton for everywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kimpton really free for pets?
Yes. No pet fee, no deposit, no hidden charges. This has been their policy since 1992 and they’ve never wavered.
What’s the actual weight limit?
There isn’t one. They’ve hosted Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Irish Wolfhounds. If your dog can walk through the door, they’re welcome.
Can I bring multiple pets?
Yes. Kimpton doesn’t limit the number of pets. Traveling with 3 dogs? Still welcome, still free.
What about cats, birds, or other pets?
Kimpton welcomes all pets — dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, even monkeys (yes, really). They’re not dog-specific like some “pet-friendly” hotels.
Do I need to notify them in advance?
It’s courteous to mention you’re bringing a pet when booking, but it’s not required. You won’t be turned away for showing up with a dog.
Can my dog be alone in the room?
Kimpton allows pets to be left in the room as long as they’re comfortable and won’t disturb other guests. If your dog barks when alone, consider crating them or taking them with you.
Are there pet-friendly rooms vs. regular rooms?
No distinction. Every room at Kimpton is pet-friendly. You won’t be relegated to a ground-floor smoking room from 1987.
What if my dog damages something?
You’re responsible for any damage, same as any hotel. But Kimpton doesn’t require a pet deposit, which shows how confident they are in pet owners.
The Bottom Line
If you have a large dog, a “scary” breed, or you’re just tired of paying pet fees, Kimpton is the answer. No other major hotel chain comes close to their pet policy.
The only downside is their limited footprint — 77 hotels doesn’t compete with Hilton’s 7,000. But when there’s a Kimpton where you’re going, book it. Your dog will thank you.
Read next: How to Book Kimpton Free with Points | Traveling with a Large Dog: Hotel Policies You Need to Know | Best Credit Cards for Pet Travelers