When I started traveling with Ansel, my 70-pound GSP/Lab mix, I quickly learned that not all hotel chains are created equal. Some properties say they’re “pet-friendly” but hit you with breed restrictions, weight limits, or fees that make you feel like your dog isn’t actually welcome.
Hilton is different. Here’s why it’s become my go-to for pet travel.
Every Hilton Brand Welcomes Dogs
This is the big one. Whether you’re staying at a Hampton Inn on a road trip or splurging on a Waldorf Astoria for a special occasion, every Hilton brand in the U.S. accepts pets.
That consistency matters when you’re planning trips with a dog. No more calling ahead to individual properties hoping they’ll say yes. No more getting turned away at check-in because someone didn’t update the website.
The brands include:
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Home2 Suites
- Homewood Suites
- DoubleTree
- Embassy Suites
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- Canopy by Hilton
- Curio Collection
- Tapestry Collection
- Conrad Hotels
- Waldorf Astoria
One caveat: Weight limits vary by property, typically ranging from 50-75 lbs. If you have a larger dog, always call ahead to confirm. Check out my guide to traveling with large dogs for more tips.
Points Are Easy to Earn
Hilton points are some of the easiest hotel points to stack through everyday spending. With the right credit card, you can earn points on:
- Groceries (including all that dog food)
- Gas stations (road trip fuel-ups)
- Restaurants (dog-friendly patios count!)
- Vet bills and pet supplies
- Everything else
I’ve booked multiple free nights at pet-friendly Hiltons without setting foot in a hotel — just from everyday spending on my Hilton credit card.
Not sure which card is right for you? Take my quick quiz to find your perfect match.
Diamond Status Makes Pet Travel Easier
Hilton’s top-tier status, Diamond, comes with perks that are especially valuable when you’re traveling with a dog:
Room upgrades — More space means more room for your pup to spread out. I’ve been upgraded to suites multiple times, and the extra square footage makes a huge difference with a 70-pound dog.
Late checkout — Morning potty breaks, packing up dog gear, loading the car… it all takes longer with a pet. Late checkout (often until 2pm) gives you breathing room.
Daily food & beverage credit — Pet fees add up. Having your meals partially covered helps offset those costs.
Executive lounge access — A quiet spot to grab coffee or a snack, away from the chaos of the main lobby.
The best part? You don’t have to stay 60 nights a year to get Diamond. The Hilton Aspire card gives you automatic Diamond status just for having the card.
Pet Fees Are Reasonable
Hilton pet fees typically range from $50-$95 per stay, depending on the brand and location. That’s middle-of-the-road for the industry — not the cheapest, but far from the worst offenders.
When you’re booking on points, the pet fee is often your only out-of-pocket cost. I’ll happily pay $75 for a “free” hotel stay at a property I know will welcome my dog without hassle.
My Hilton Pet Travel Stack
Here’s the setup I use for earning and booking pet-friendly Hilton stays:
- Hilton Aspire Card — Automatic Diamond status, annual free night certificate, $400 resort credit
- Hilton Points — Earned from everyday spending, used for free nights
- 5th Night Free — Book 4 nights on points, get the 5th free (20% savings!)
- BringFido — For double-checking pet policies and weight limits at specific properties
This combo has gotten me free stays at pet-friendly Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inns, and more — with Ansel welcome at every single one.
Ready to Start?
If you’re new to Hilton points and want to start traveling free with your pup, here’s where to begin:
- Take the quiz to find the right Hilton credit card for your travel style
- Learn about Diamond status and why it’s worth pursuing
- Compare all the credit card options if you want the full breakdown
Have questions? Reach out — I’m always happy to help fellow pet travelers figure out the points game.
Traveling with a pup over 50 lbs? Read my guide to hotel policies for large dogs before you book.