Are you a dog-loving couple? Is your furry companion an important part of your relationship? Then you'll probably want to bring them along on your next staycation or getaway in Orlando. And even if you're not, perhaps you know a couple who loves their pup and wants to bring their dog to Orlando. I've pulled together a collection of dog-friendly hotels that are great for a getaway with your entire family.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Downtown Orlando and Beyond
The Alfond Inn
Category: Boutique
Great for: Sophisticated escape amid the charm of Park Avenue
This exquisite boutique hotel just off of Park Avenue is just what you need for a romantic weekend getting reacquainted with one of Orlando's best neighborhoods, and with each other. And your pup can enjoy all the luxuries too. In fact, you can book a special Very Important Pup package which includes a two-night stay, specialty dog bowl, dog treats and toys, pet fee included in the rate, and a donation to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Category: Luxury
Great for: An artistic ambiance and iconic downtown Orlando location
Downtown Orlando sure has its icons and the Grand Bohemian Hotel is one of them. This towering boutique hotel is right next door to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Its terrace-level pool will make you feel like a celebrity and the dining is exquisite. Enjoy all the art throughout the hotel and around Downtown Orlando too.
An important note, only valet parking is available. A pet fee applies, as well as maximum weight.
Aloft Orlando Downtown
Category: Moderate
Great for: Trendy atmosphere
Located just around the corner from the Grand Bohemian, the Aloft Downtown Orlando provides the same convenience and at a more affordable price. If you're headed to Kia Center, Camping World Stadium and Orlando City Stadium for an event this is a great place to make a weekend of it, and have your doggie along too.
An important note, only valet parking is available. Refer to the pet policy for fees and weight maximums.
The Delaney Hotel
Category: Boutique
Great for: A vibrant South Downtown Orlando experience
If you love discovering hidden gems and unique spots, then put The Delaney on your list. This boutique hotel only has 54 rooms so the service is personal and the space feels intimate. Located in South Downtown Orlando you can explore the SoDo District together. As with most hotels, there is a maximum weight and a pet fee applies.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Inside Walt Disney World
There are four hotels and resorts that are owned and operated by Disney that are dog friendly. At each of these hotels there are designated rooms that are dog friendly, each located near outdoor walking areas. As you might expect, Disney adds a little magic touch to your stay, as a complimentary Pluto’s Welcome Kit is provided upon check-in.
Important note: Other than service animals, dogs are not permitted in theme parks, water parks or common areas such as restaurants, pools and recreational spaces.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Category: Value
Great for: Access to the Disney Skyliner
If your time at Walt Disney World is going to be all about being in the theme parks, then consider Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This Value resort is the most budget-friendly of the Disney hotels that allow dogs. The rooms are pretty basic, but the access to the Disney Skyliner, giving you the ability to soar through the air to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, make it a great choice. Plus, you can have your own Skyliner pub crawl.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Category: Moderate
Great for: Southern charm and access to Disney Springs
Many Disney fans love the Southern charm of the Port Orleans Resorts, Riverside and French Quarter. With Port Orleans Riverside you can bring your dog along and enjoy this resort's great amenities. The ability to take a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs (perhaps for a pub crawl?) is hard to beat.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Category: Deluxe
Great for: Elegant romance and access to EPCOT
Many Disney fans consider EPCOT and its neighboring resorts the most romantic place in Walt Disney World. It's hard to argue that when you experience the beauty of Cresent Lake and the resorts nestled between EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney's Yacht Club Resort is one such resort, with a sophisticated touches. This dog-friendly Disney hotel is ideal for a romantic special occasion while still having your doggie tag along with you.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
Category: Campground
Great for: Enjoying Disney at a slow pace
There is so much to do at Walt Disney World it can feel pretty hectic. Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground is one of the places at Disney that invites you to actually slow down. You could enjoy a getaway here without visiting any of the Disney theme parks and you would have a great time. This dog-friendly campground only allows dogs in designated cabins. These free-standing cabins are the perfect place for a couple looking to enjoy the magic of Disney at a slower pace.
Best Friends Pet Resort at Walt Disney World
Need a place for your dog to spend a day or night while you explore the theme parks? Besides the pet-friendly Disney hotels listed above, there is also Best Friends at Walt Disney World. This pet resort books fast, and is a tad costly. But, it is centrally located on Walt Disney World property, closest to Disney Springs and EPCOT, and is adorably Disney themed. Your pet can stay overnight or just play for the day. They are now taking reservations for new Club and Luxury Suites, in Disney, for boarding stays starting March 1, 2022. Reservations book up quickly!
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Walt Disney World
If you're looking to save a few dollars, consider a dog-friendly hotel near Walt Disney World. Disney's owned hotels are generally the most expensive in the area. There are quite a few dog-friendly hotels near Disney that put you close to the magic.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Category: Deluxe
Great for: Close to Disney while also feeling worlds away
It's hard to beat the resort amenities at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The grotto-style resort pool is one of the best in town, the grounds are lovely, there's a spa, and you have access to kayaks, volleyball, and all kinds of activities. The dining is great and we can't wait to try the new Four Flamingos Restaurant. Plus it's dog-friendly and just around the corner from Walt Disney World! The pet policy is also a bit more flexible, allowing one dog under 50 lbs or two dogs with a combined weight of 75 lbs or less.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Category: Luxury
Great for: Access to Disney property with a luxurious feel
One of the most beautiful hotels in the Walt Disney World area is the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This modern resort blends luxury with relaxation. The rooftop restaurant is a must-do and the luxurious pool is the perfect place to relax with your honey. It is located on the edge of Disney property, giving you the closeness of the magic while providing a sophisticated resort experience.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Category: Villa-style accommodations
Great for: Family-friendly fun and lots of space
Escape to a lakeside retreat that is just a few short minutes from Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Located on the edge of a sprawling beautiful lake, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is dog-friendly, with plenty of outdoor space. A winding walking trail gives you and your pup plenty of places to explore, just keep an eye out for Florida wildlife.
The villa-style rooms are massive! Many units have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms with all the comforts of home. The onsite water park, mini-golf, bowling alley, spa, and activities center mean you've got plenty of ways to have fun.
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
Category: Value
Great for: Budget-friendly with lots of amenities
I am a fan of Rosen hotels throughout Orlando for a couple of reasons. First, all Rosen hotels are dog friendly. Second, although some have parking fees, Rosen hotels never have a resort fee. The Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is just a few minutes from Disney Springs and the rest of Walt Disney World and is very budget friendly. The pool area is basic, but the quality service and convenient location make it a great option.
Caribe Royale Resort
Category: All-suite resort
Great for: Extra space and proximity to all of Orlando's theme parks
I loved staying at Caribe Royale Resort and it is on my list to return to again sometime soon. This all-suite resort makes it easy to have extra space during your stay as every room has a separate living area and a spacious sleeping area. The resort-style pool is relaxing and tropical.
While there is a resort fee, it includes tons of perks like bicycle rental, access to a mult-level fitness center, catch and release fishing, outdoor movies, and transportation to the theme parks. This pet-friendly resort is located near Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando, with Universal Orlando closeby too.
Dog-Friendly Hotels at Universal Orlando
One of the best features of the Universal Orlando resorts and hotels is that they are operated by Loews. Known for great service, Loews Hotels provides a great dog-friendly experience. Each of the dog-friendly hotels at Universal Orlando have designated walk and relief areas, and designated rooms near those areas.
Each of the four Universal Orlando hotels that are dog-friendly has complimentary boat transportation to Universal CityWalk, which is a short walk to either theme park. All of these dog-friendly hotels, aside from Sapphire Fills, also come with Universal Express Pass Unlimited.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Category: Preferred
Great for: A Caribbean escape on a budget
My husband and I love this hotel. Consider it the entry-level deluxe resort at Universal Orlando. Luxury amenities include boat transportation to Universal CityWalk, a resort-style pool, a walkway to Universal's Volcano Bay, and well-appointed rooms. This resort is not a full-on premier category property, so it does not feel as luxurious as some of the other resorts. There are usually more families and groups here too.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Category: Premier
Great for: Exotic atmosphere and access to Islands of Adventure
This resort falls within the first level of the Premier category. The lobby is breathtaking, and feasting on sushi at the Orchid Lounge is a must. The pool gets a little loud with lots of kids. The walkable access to Islands of Adventure is fantastic, or you can hop a boat to Universal CityWalk and head to either theme park.
Hard Rock Hotel
Category: Premier
Great for: Music-loving fun and access to Universal Studios
If you want a rocking getaway in Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel is hard to beat. Fun-loving couples can rock out at this resort and enjoy the music memorabilia and decor. The rooms are luxurious and the pool is the place to be any day of the week. You can walk right next door to Universal Studios Florida, too!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Category: Premier
Great for: The most sophisticated of the Universal hotels
The most romantic resort at Universal Orlando is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. The atmosphere is that of an Italian seaside escape, and you can bet there is plenty of delicious Italian food to be savored. One downside is the resort is spread out and it is the furthest away from the parks, though the boat ride is lovely.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando
Rosen Centre
Category: Value
Great for: A casual getaway and access to International Drive
The vibrancy of International Drive surrounds the Rosen Centre Hotel. This pet-friendly property is close to all of Orlando's attractions and has comfortable resort-style amenities including a great pool and splendid dining.
Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
Category: Boutique
Great for: A unique atmosphere
True to its name, this boutique hotel on International Drive resembles a castle on the outside and has whimsical touches and well-appointed rooms on the inside. You'll feel like you're in an Alice in Wonderland style escape inspired by Florida's beauty when you're in the lobby and at the pool.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Category: Luxury
Great for: Relaxing getaway and access to International Drive
Also in the midst of International Drive is the Hyatt Regency Orlando. This exciting resort has a spectacular pool and one of my favorite spas in Orlando. Boasting newly restyled rooms this is a great spot to enjoy the excitement of the attractions area while being surrounded in comfort and style.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Category: Luxury
Great for: A romantic special occasion
Perhaps Orlando's best luxury resort, Grande Lakes Orlando (home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando) is full of beauty. You, your sweetheart, and your pup can experience unmatched service here. Plus, the grounds are vast, a 500-acre property in total, with golf, a spa, and a complimentary shuttle to the theme parks.
Rosen Shingle Creek
Category: Luxury
Great for: A couple's escape to enjoy Florida's natural beauty, near the attractions
This dog-friendly resort is near International Drive and therefore close to SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando. As the name implies, the beauty of Shingle Creek is nearby too. There are multiple pools, a golf course, a spa, and wonderful dining.
Residence Inn by Marriott at SeaWorld
Category: Value
Great for: Extra space, extra amenities, and easy access to SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove
Many Residence Inn properties can be pretty basic. However, this particular one located near SeaWorld Orlando has a seaside vibe. Of course the free hot breakfast is a nice touch and an easy way to fuel up before you hop over to SeaWorld Orlando on the free hotel shuttle. After a day of sightseeing, relax by the heated outdoor pool. The Orlando Beer Spa is nearby too. You can easily take an inexpensive ride-share to and from so you can fully enjoy the experience here.
Tips for Traveling with a Dog in Orlando
- Be sure to read the hotel's pet policy and fees.
- Make sure the hotel is aware that you will be bringing your pup along.
- Most hotels require proof of your dog's vaccinations.
- Make sure you have your veterinarian's contact information accessible and any medical information in case you need it.
- Many vacation homes and vacation rentals in the Orlando area are dog-friendly.
Feature image credit: The Alfond Inn