by | June 11, 2023
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels and Resorts in Florida, Where Pooches Get Pampered
Spa-like gift bags and exorbitantly comfy dog beds greet dog owners at these fine Florida spots.
Updated September 2023 by Terri Peters
Have pet, will travel? Taking our pups along on our trips makes memories that much richer, but just because a hotel is pet-friendly doesn’t mean it will pamper your beloved pooch the way you would at home. Thankfully, many hotels in the Sunshine State go far beyond just allowing pets within their doors—they celebrate them with everything from peanut butter pup-sicles to pampering pet spas.
From the Panhandle to Key West, here are some of the most luxurious pet-friendly hotels in Florida.
North Florida Pet-Friendly Hotels
HOTEL EFFIE SANDESTIN
Hotel Effie Sandestin boasts the only rooftop pool on the Emerald Coast and guests have access to over seven miles of white, powdery beaches. Here, pets receive a dog bed, bowl, ball, toy, and treats. The property also has a partnership with a few local pet spas to provide pet sitting for a fee if needed.
The pet fee at this property is $150 plus tax per stay.
Miramar Beach, FL
(833)873-3343
Hotel Effie Sandestin
BAYFRONT MARIN HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
A location in historic St. Augustine and not far from the beach provides a fine escape for up to two dogs under 75 pounds, with a lengthy list of dog-friendly restaurants nearby.
St. Augustine
904-824-4301
bayfrontmarinhouse.com
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT
A collection of vacation rental units, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort gives guests access to white sand beaches, golf courses and more. The Marina Bar and Grill on this property is pet-friendly and even houses the resort’s own pet, Maryann the Macaw. In addition to tons of walking trails and miles of beaches, the pet-friendly resort also has a Bark Park, a safe environment for pets to play and run. Not all units within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort are pet-friendly, so be sure to ask for a room that accommodates pets when you book.
The pet fee at this property is $250 plus taxes per stay and only one pet is allowed per pet-friendly unit.
Miramar Beach, FL
(850)267-7000
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT
The resort charges a steep $175 cleaning fee for guests bringing up to two pets of under 50 pounds each, but that allows for access to a sprawling beach perfect for early morning walks.
Amelia Island
904-261-6161
omnihotels.com
Central Florida Pet-Friendly Hotels
ALFOND INN
Located in a city known for its pet-friendly lifestyle, Winter Park, the Alfond gives pets the same curated service as it does its other guests, offering a “Photography Session with your BFF” package that comes with matted pictures to take home. Fur guests also receive a VIP—Very Important Pup—package, complete keepsake bowls, and signature treats.
The pet package at this property starts at $250 plus tax per night.
Winter Park
407-326-2623
thealfondinn.com
FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO
Ranked the top Disney-area resort by U.S. News, the Four Seasons has an 18-hole golf course, a rooftop steakhouse and a generous small pet policy—dogs and cats are free, as long as they weigh under 25 lbs. The resort, which is located on Walt Disney World property in the beautiful Golden Oak neighborhood, also has an exercise trail for runners, walkers and pups. Arguably the most luxurious resort on Disney property, there are plenty of perks for humans here, too, from an adults-only pool to Capa, its Michelin-starred restaurant.
There is no fee for a single pet that weighs less than 25 pounds. Additional pets may incur a fee.
at Walt Disney World Resort
407-313-7777
fourseasons.com/orlando
THE WESTIN
There’s no fee for dogs under 45 pounds at the Westin, which offers a doggie welcome kit, provides “Heavenly Dog Beds” and allows pups to accompany their owners to the outdoor areas of the restaurant overlooking Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay
813-281-0000
marriott.com
MELIÁ ORLANDO CELEBRATION
A true gem that’s just minutes from the Orlando theme parks, Meliá Orlando Celebration welcomes dogs with a full dog park that has obstacles and plenty of room to run and play. Complimentary pet amenities include dog bowls, plastic bag dispensers and a Meliá bandana. The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Wilson, offers pet-friendly meals like a steak or a smaller version of its burger, in addition to pup-sicles in flavors like pumpkin, peanut butter, and banana.
The pet fee at this property is $90 per pet per stay with a 35 pound weight limit per pet.
Orlando, FL
407-964-7000
Meliá Orlando Celebration
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Imagine being able to bring your best pal to meet Mickey Mouse. Though dogs are not allowed at the theme parks unless they are service animals, you can enjoy a Disney trip with your pet. There are several pet-friendly hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, all of which greet pets with a welcome kit from everyone’s favorite Disney dog, Pluto. Pups are welcome to stay with their families at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These resorts have designated dog-walking areas and green spaces that are designed as pet relief areas and, at Fort Wilderness, there’s a dedicated dog park. If you’d like to go to the theme park for the day, leave your pal at the Best Friend Pet Hotel for a fun day of play with other visiting pets.
Fees vary for pets at these properties, but there is a limit of two pets per room.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-824-2900
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-824-2900
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-934-7000
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-934-7000
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
There are also four pet-friendly hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, making it possible to hang with Harry Potter and the Minions without missing your pup. At Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, there’s the Unleashed pet program, where pets receive a Hard Rock-branded amenity bag to welcome them. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort all participate in the Loews Loves Pets program, where pets are given bowls, treats, and placemats at check-in. Lowes will also provide pet beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, and more upon request. The Loews Loves Pets program also provides a “pet in room” door sign, gourmet room service menus for pets, dog-walking paths and more.
The pet fee at all pet-friendly Universal Orlando hotels is $100 per stay, and no more than two pets can stay in one room.
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
Orlando, FL
407-503-2000
Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Orlando, FL
407-503-1000
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Orlando, FL
407-503-3000
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Orlando, FL
407-503-5000
CARIBE ROYALE RESORT
Caribe Royale Resort is another beautiful hotel option that’s close to the Orlando theme parks but not on any theme park property. In addition to a swimming pool with a 75-foot waterslide and a kids’ splash area, there are seven restaurants and bars, including upscale steakhouse The Venetian Chop House. Pets receive treats and a welcome card at check-in when visiting, and are welcome to join their humans on the resort’s jogging trail. Pups are also welcome to visit the Starbucks in the resort’s lobby for a Puppuccino.
The pet fee at this resort is $150 per stay. Pets cannot weigh over 50 pounds and only one per is permitted per room.
Caribe Royale Resort
Orlando, FL
407-238-8000
ISLAND GRAND BEACH RESORT
Island Grand Beach Resort, located on St. Pete Beach, is the largest beachfront resort on a top-ranked U.S. beach. Here, pets are welcome and can play in their pet play zone, complete with a doggie water fountain, fire hydrants, and lots of room to run off-leash. There’s also a designated dog-walking zone, a rinsing and drying station for quick washes, and a doggie accessory center that’s equipped with bowls, leashes, toys, and towels.
The pet fee at this resort is $30 per stay and pets cannot exceed the 80-pound weight limit.
Island Grand Beach Resort
St. Pete Beach, FL
727-367-6461
THE DON CESAR
At this St. Pete Beach hotel, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2023, pets are treated to signature treats and accessories. There’s also a guide for pet parents to pet-friendly beaches, bars, and restaurants, as well as a listing of customized dog-walking routes. At The Don CeSar, guests enjoy water views in every direction and a true sense of beachside luxury.
The pet fee at this property is $75 per night and there is a maximum of two pets per room. Pet-friendly rooms are on the first floor only.
The Don CeSar
St. Pete Beach, FL
844-338-1501
South Florida Pet-Friendly Hotels
BAKER’S CAY RESORT
Newly refurbished and reopened earlier this year, Baker’s Cay splays out along 13 acres of beach and lush groves along Florida Bay. The lobby and rooms have a decidedly clean, modern look, as do the two restaurants and two bars. Except for the pool area, the entire resort is open to dogs, which can partake in a “Paw Happy Hour” with treats and cocktails for the pups. There are also pooch life jackets, beach-side tiki huts for the pups, a husky who serves as the director of pet relations and marriage ceremonies designed to include fur babies.
Key Largo
305-852-5553
bakerscay.com
1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
Only dogs under 25 pounds are allowed, but those who make the cut experience red-carpet treatment from concierges, who received special training on helping pet owners find groomers, dog parks and pet treats.
Miami Beach
305-604-1000
1hotels.com/south-beach
COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT & SPA
With no weight limits or extra fees, the Costa is extra friendly. There’s even a “Party Like a Pup” package including a dog bed and treats and toys from a local boutique.
Vero Beach
772-562-9919
costadeste.com
AKA WEST PALM
A luxury hotel residence in West Palm Beach, AKA West Palm offers monthly, weekly, and nightly accommodations. Here, pets aren’t just welcome in the rooms, but throughout the property, including the pool area and the deck off the lobby. There’s also AKA Pet Spa, a grooming salon for dogs of all sizes where pet owners can perform a DIY pet bath or sign up for different grooming packages.
The pet fee at this property is $150 plus tax per stay.
AKA West Palm
West Palm Beach, FL
561-821-2252
KIMPTON SHOREBREAK FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
Regardless of your pet’s size, weight, or breed, it’s welcome at this Fort Lauderdale resort which is conveniently located close to Fort Lauderdale Beach and the lively downtown area. Here, pups receive a pet bed, food and water bowls, and more, along with a list of local groomers, parks and pet-friendly restaurants. Pets are also welcome to join their owners at a nightly wine reception at the hotel’s on-site restaurant.
Pets are welcome at this property free of charge.
Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-908-7301
YOTELPAD MIAMI
With its Pampered Pup Package, dogs who stay at YOTELPAD Miami will receive an amenity kit that includes goodies like a pet bed and bowl, as well as a spa service at neighboring Animal Crackers Miami. The pup-friendly spa service gives dogs a wash and blow-dry as well as a nail trim and ear cleaning. YOTELPAD Miami is a great choice for families, as it offers spacious suites and is close to South Beach.
The starting rate for this pet-friendly package is $50.
YOTELPAD Miami
Miami, FL
786-785-5700
THE GABRIEL MIAMI
At The Gabriel Miami, a Downtown Miami hotel overlooking Biscayne Boulevard, pups receive a welcome amenity with treats and toys at check-in. In their room, they’ll find a bowl, pet bed, and mat. At bedtime, pups receive turndown service with a nighttime treat. This hotel goes the extra mile with a curated pet itinerary that outlines everything from the best spots for a walk to local pet-friendly restaurants.
There is no fee for pets at this hotel.
The Gabriel Miami
Miami, FL
786-5777-9700
W MIAMI
W Miami boasts rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide amazing views of the city or the Miami River. Through its Pawsome Stay Package, pets receive a welcome kit that includes a W bandana, treats, and clean-up bags. Pups are also pampered with a pet bed, food and water bowls, and turn-down treats. As a bonus, W Miami is located near some of Miami’s most scenic parks, perfect for walking your dog.
While there is no fee for pets at this hotel, a minimum two-night stay is required to receive the program’s benefits. The weight limit for pets is 45 pounds.
W Miami
Miami, FL
305-503-4400
NAUTILUS SONESTA MIAMI BEACH
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, a South Beach oceanfront hotel, has a PAWS (Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta) program in place, so pups who check in receive complimentary dog treats, as well as a water dish, feeding bowl, and waterproof mat for use during their stay, in addition to a pet bed. There’s also a pet marketplace on site where pet parents can purchase items like leashes, pet waste bags, and other supplies.
Pet fee is $75 per pet per stay, with no pet weight limit.
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL
305-503-5700
THE MARKER KEY WEST HARBOR RESORT
This resort sits along Key West’s historic seaport on two acres of tropical landscape and has three separate pools. Upon arrival at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, pets receive a water bowl, a fire hydrant-shaped container of disposal bags, a doggie “do not disturb” tag, toys, treats, and more. There’s also puppy turn-down service and, upon request and for a fee, a dog-walking service that takes pups on walks along Smathers Beach, spa sessions at a local pet spa, and a multi-course dog food menu.
Pet fee is $75 per pet, per night, with a maximum of two pets per room. Pets cannot exceed an individual weight of 20 pounds.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
Key West, FL
855-485-9291
FOUR SEASONS RESORT PALM BEACH
You’ll pay an extra $100 to bring your pup, but the reward is lavish accommodations, among the finest on an island full of luxury options.
Palm Beach
561-582-2800
fourseasons.com/palmbeach
HOTEL COLONNADE
Pets get the four-star treatment at the Colonnade, including mats and food bowls, but owners pay a one-time fee of $75 for up to two pets.
Coral Gables
305-441-2600
hotelcolonnade.com
KIMPTON EPIC HOTEL
Guests aren’t limited on the number of pets and there’s no weight restriction at the Kimpton EPIC, which also provides loaner food bowls and pet beds.
Miami
305-424-5226
epichotel.com
THE SETAI
This trendy South Beach property caters more to purse puppies, with a 20-pound weight restriction and rules against pets in common areas.
Miami Beach
305-704-7817
thesetaihotels.com
SOLÉ MIAMI
This gorgeous boutique hotel, located not far from the Bal Harbour shops, allows small dogs full-access to the property, apart from the beach, for only $25 a night.
Sunny Isles Beach
786-923-9300
solemiami.com
MARRIOTT STANTON
Dogs under 25 pounds are welcome at the Stanton, where you can order Puppuccinos in the attached Starbucks. In addition to the pet bed, water bowl and doggie bag at check-in, a summer staycation package waives the $150 pet fee.
South Beach
305-536-7700
marriott.com/miamb
W HOTEL
You’ll pay a $100 deposit and $25 extra per night for dogs up to 40 pounds, but there’s a VIP pet suite package that includes the fee along with a Bark Box, tinkle turf pad, limited edition bandana and more.
Fort Lauderdale
954-414-8200
wfortlauderdale.com
