ESA Hotel Laws: Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?

Hotels are not legally required to allow emotional support animals. Unlike service dogs, which must be accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ESAs lack federal public access protections. However, many hotels choose to welcome emotional support animals as part of their pet-friendly policies, though they retain the right to charge fees, impose restrictions, and establish their own ESA guidelines.

Understanding hotel ESA laws helps you plan successful trips with your emotional support animal. This guide covers legal protections, common hotel policies, pet-friendly chains, fees you might encounter, and strategies for securing accommodation for your ESA.

When are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?

An emotional support animal is allowed in hotels when the establishment already implements pet-friendly policies. The main law regarding animals in public places and accommodations is the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA, however, applies to service animals and not emotional support animals. With a lack of state and federal regulations, hotels have the right to decide on their pet and ESA policies. 

Common Hotel Approaches to ESAs
Pet-Friendly Hotels with ESA Policies:

Many modern hotels implement broad pet-friendly policies that accommodate emotional support animals alongside regular pets. These establishments recognize the therapeutic value of ESAs and the growing demand for ESA-friendly lodging.

Examples of ESA-Friendly Chains:

• La Quinta (most locations)
• Red Roof Inn
• Holiday Inn (varies by location)
• Hampton Inn (varies by location)
• Marriott (select properties)
• Comfort Inn
• Super 8

Selective Accommodation:

Some hotels accept ESAs on a case-by-case basis, evaluating factors like:

• Animal size and breed
• Length of stay
• Room availability in pet-friendly areas
• Previous guest experiences with ESAs
• Current occupancy levels

No ESA Policies:

Many upscale, boutique, and non-pet-friendly hotels maintain strict no-ESA policies except for legally protected service animals. These properties cite concerns about:

• Maintaining their brand standards
• Allergies and sensitivities of other guests
• Property damage and cleaning costs
• Liability and insurance implications

What are the Common Hotel Policies for ESAs?

While ESA policies vary widely, certain patterns emerge across pet-friendly hotels.

ESA Letter Requirements

What Hotels Can Request:

Hotels have the right to request documentation confirming your ESA’s status. Specifically, they may ask for:

• Valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional
• Letter dated within the past 12 months
• Documentation showing provider’s license number and credentials
• Confirmation that you have a mental health condition requiring an ESA

What Hotels Cannot Require:

• Details about your specific diagnosis
• Medical records or treatment history
• Demonstration of your ESA’s behavior or abilities
• ESA “registration” or “certification” (these don’t legally exist)

Important Note:

An ESA letter helps establish legitimacy but does NOT guarantee hotel accommodation. Hotels retain the right to accept or deny ESAs regardless of documentation.

Can Hotels Charge for ESAs? Fees and Deposits

Unlike service animals (which hotels cannot charge for), hotels can impose fees for emotional support animals:

Common Fee Structures:

Nightly Pet Fees:

• Range: $10-$50 per night
• Typical: $20-$35 per night
• Sometimes capped at total stay (e.g., $75 maximum)

One-Time Cleaning Fees:

• Range: $25-$150 per stay
• Covers deep cleaning after checkout
• Non-refundable regardless of damage

Refundable Deposits:

• Range: $100-$500
• Returned after room inspection
• Deductions made for any damage

Size-Based Pricing:

• Small animals (under 25 lbs): Lower fees
• Large animals (over 50 lbs): Higher fees
• Multiple animals: Per-animal charges

Examples from Major Chains:

• La Quinta: Optional $25/night (max $75 per stay)
• Red Roof Inn: First ESA free, second animal $15/night
• Holiday Inn: Non-refundable pet fee (varies by location)
• Hampton Inn: $50-$75 per stay
• Super 8: $10-$25 per animal per night
• Comfort Inn: $30 per stay

Size, Breed, and Number Restrictions

Weight Limits:

• Common limit: 75-80 pounds
• Some hotels: 15-40 pound restrictions
• Luxury hotels: Often stricter limits
• Budget chains: More flexible policies

Number of ESAs Allowed:

• Most common: Two animals per room maximum
• Some hotels: One animal only
• Rare properties: Three animals with approval

Breed Restrictions:

• Some hotels restrict certain dog breeds
• Cats typically have fewer restrictions
• Exotic animals often prohibited
• Caged animals (birds, small mammals) vary by policy

Species Limitations:

• Dogs and cats: Most widely accepted
• Birds: Accepted at some chains (Marriott)
• Fish: Occasionally permitted (Marriott)
• Reptiles/exotic animals: Usually prohibited

Where can ESA Dogs Go in a Hotel?

Where ESAs Are Typically Allowed:

✅ Your Hotel Room: Full access to your assigned guest room
✅ Lobby and Check-In Areas: While on leash with owner
✅ Hallways and Elevators: When traveling to/from room
✅ Designated Pet Relief Areas: Outdoor spaces for bathroom needs
✅ Outdoor Grounds: Walking paths and landscaped areas

Where ESAs Are Typically Prohibited:

❌ Restaurants and Dining Areas: Food service spaces
❌ Breakfast Rooms: Complimentary breakfast areas
❌ Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Hygiene and safety concerns
❌ Fitness Centers: Shared amenities
❌ Spa and Wellness Facilities: Sanitation requirements
❌ Business Centers: Shared work spaces
❌ Convention and Meeting Rooms: Professional event spaces

Behavior and Supervision Requirements

Expected Behavior Standards:

Hotels require that ESAs:

• Remain quiet and non-disruptive to other guests
• Stay under control at all times
• Not jump on furniture or guests
• Not display aggressive behavior
• Not bark, howl, or create excessive noise
• Use designated relief areas appropriately

Supervision Policies:

Must Be Supervised: Most hotels strictly prohibit leaving ESAs unattended in guest rooms for extended periods. Reasons include:

• Risk of property damage (scratching, chewing)
• Noise disturbances (barking, crying)
• Stress on the animal in unfamiliar environment
• Liability concerns for the hotel

Limited Exceptions: Some hotels allow brief absences (1-2 hours) if:

• ESA is crated or confined safely
• Animal has demonstrated calm behavior
• You’re attending hotel restaurant/facilities
• You notify front desk of your plans

Leash Requirements: ESAs must be leashed or in carriers when outside your guest room, including in hallways, elevators, lobbies, and outdoor areas.

How to Politely Ask a Hotel to Accommodate my ESA?

The instructions on how to politely ask a hotel to accommodate your ESA are given below. 

1. Call Ahead Before Booking. Find a hotel you like and contact the management to learn about its pet or ESA policy. Explain the situation to see if an accommodation is possible.  
2. Mention Your ESA Letter. Always start the explanation with an ESA letter. Tell the hotel personnel you are talking to that you have a valid ESA letter as an official confirmation. 
3. Reassure About Good Behavior. Tell the hotel management that your ESA is trained, well-mannered, and able to comply with their behavior policy and rules. 
4. Ask About Any Fees or Policies. Some hotels charge extra fees for emotional support animals (ESAs). Ask in advance if such costs apply so you can plan accordingly. 
5. Request Confirmation in Writing. It is advisable to ask for a written confirmation of the approved ESA stay, especially if it is your first time attending the specific hotel. 
6. Be Respectful Regardless of Outcome. Accept the hotel’s decision even if your ESA is denied. The staff member you are talking to is not the one making the hotel’s ESA policy. 

What Famous Hotel Chains Allow Emotional Support Animals?

La Quinta Inn & Suites

ESA Policy: Pet-friendly at most locations, welcomes ESAs

Restrictions:

• Two pets maximum per room
• Weight limits vary by location
• Most locations: Dogs and cats

Fees:

• Optional pet fee: $25 per night
• Maximum charge: $75 per room per stay
• Some locations waive fees

Special Features:

• Designated pet-friendly rooms
• Outdoor pet relief areas
• Pet amenity packages at select locations

Red Roof Inn

ESA Policy: Pet-friendly nationwide, accommodates ESAs

Restrictions:

• Two animals maximum per guest room
• 80-pound weight limit per pet
• Dogs and cats accepted

Fees:

• First ESA stays free of charge
• Second animal: $15 per night
• No deposits required

Special Features:

• One of the most affordable ESA-friendly chains
• Consistent policy across locations
• Pet relief areas at most properties

Holiday Inn (IHG)

ESA Policy: Pet-friendly but policies vary significantly by location

Restrictions:

• Typically: Two small pets (under 15 lbs) OR one large pet (over 15 lbs)
• Individual franchises set specific rules
• Weight limits vary: 15-75 pounds

Fees:

• Non-refundable pet fee plus tax
• Amount varies by location: $25-$75
• Some properties charge per night, others per stay

Special Features:

• Call ahead essential due to policy variations
• Some locations offer pet packages
• Designated pet-friendly floors available

Hampton Inn (Hilton)

ESA Policy: Pet-friendly at many locations with varying policies

Restrictions:

• Two animals (dogs and cats) per room typically
• 75-pound weight limit at most locations
• No breed restrictions officially

Fees:

• Mandatory pet fee: $50-$75 per stay
• Fees vary by location and length of stay
• Non-refundable cleaning fee

Special Features:

• Part of Hilton Honors program
• Pet amenities at select locations
• Outdoor relief areas

Super 8 (Wyndham)

ESA Policy: One of the most ESA-friendly budget chains

Restrictions:

• Accepts dogs (not typically cats)
• Weight restrictions: 40-75 pounds depending on location
• Limit: 1-3 animals per room varies by property

Fees:

• Pet fee: $10-$25 per animal per night
• All locations charge fees
• Policies set by individual franchises

Special Features:

• Budget-friendly ESA option
• Widespread availability
• Consistent dog acceptance

Marriott Hotels

ESA Policy: Select locations are pet-friendly, including Courtyard and Fairfield Inn properties

Restrictions:

• Well-behaved dogs, cats, birds, and fish at select locations
• Weight and size limits vary significantly
• Breed restrictions may apply

Fees:

• Non-refundable cleaning fee: $50-$100
• Varies widely by property type
• Premium properties typically charge more

Special Features:

• Diverse portfolio with varying policies
• Some properties offer luxury pet amenities
• Marriott Bonvoy points apply

Comfort Inn (Choice Hotels)

ESA Policy: Pet-friendly at most locations

Restrictions:

• Two animals (dogs and cats) maximum per room
• 75-pound weight limit official policy
• Larger dogs may be approved with advance notice

Fees:

• Additional charge: $30 per stay
• Some locations charge more
• Non-refundable cleaning fee

Special Features:

• Widespread pet-friendly availability
• Consistent policy across locations
• Budget-friendly option

Quality Inn (Choice Hotels)

ESA Policy: Allows pets and ESAs at participating locations

Restrictions:

• Two pets or ESAs maximum per room
• Weight, size, and type restrictions vary by location
• Large pets must be pre-approved
• Pets not allowed on beds

Fees:

• Small pet fees and deposits vary by branch
• Typically $25-$50
• Refundable deposit options available

Special Features:

• Part of Choice Privileges rewards program
• Good availability nationwide
• Value-oriented pricing

Do Hotels Allow Cats?

Yes, hotels allow cats. Many hotels and hotel chains have pet-friendly policies and are therefore open to accommodating cats. 

Restrictions, however, exist. Some hotels accept cats, but they have limitations based on breed, size, weight, or the number of cats per room or guest. Certain hotels request additional fees and deposits for accommodating cats. 

An emotional support cat is allowed to stay in pet-friendly hotels. ESAs, unlike service animals, are not universally accepted in hotels. 

A pet-friendly policy is essential for ESA cats to stay in hotels. Always call the hotel in advance to check its pet regulations and confirm whether your ESA cat is allowed. 

Why do Hotels See ESAs and Service Dogs Differently?

Hotels see ESAs and service animals differently because they have distinct purposes, training backgrounds, and legal rights. 

Service dogs are trained extensively to assist people with disabilities with specific tasks. Guide dogs for visually impaired individuals are an example. 

ESAs do not require training before becoming emotional support animals. All animal species are allowed to act as ESAs. 

A service animal, therefore, has the legal right to public access and accommodations because they are an essential part of their handlers’ life. Emotional support animals on the other hand offer support and do not benefit from the same rights as service animals. 

Do Hotels have to Allow Service Animals?

Yes, hotels have to allow service animals. Under the ADA, service dogs are legally recognized as a separate category than regular pets, they serve a medical purpose and must be allowed in hotels. 

The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a law that protects service animals and grants them access to public places. The ADA is a federal regulation and applies to hotels in all US states. 

Service animals have the right to stay in hotels and accompany their owners when visiting all of the hotel’s public areas, as long as they remain within three feet of their owners.  Dogs in hotels have a broader range of rights, while miniature horses are subject to some restrictions due to safety concerns. 

Hotels have the right to remove a service animal if it misbehaves, barks, growls, acts unruly, or endangers other hotel guests. 

Can Hotels Charge for Service Dogs?

No, hotels cannot charge for service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not permit hotels to charge extra fees and deposits to guests with service animals. 

Under the ADA, service animals are considered essential companions rather than regular pets, which exempts them from hotel fees and deposits. 

Hoteliers, however, are allowed to charge service animal owners for physical property damages caused by the animals. For example, the hotel charges the owner if the service animal destroys the room furniture or relieves itself in the guest room. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are emotional support animals allowed in hotels?

Emotional support animals are not automatically allowed in hotels under federal law. Unlike service animals protected by the ADA, hotels have complete discretion to decide whether to accommodate ESAs. Many pet-friendly hotels welcome emotional support animals but can charge fees, impose restrictions, and establish their own policies. Always call ahead to verify the specific hotel’s ESA policy before booking.

Can hotels charge fees for emotional support animals?

Yes, hotels can charge fees for emotional support animals. Unlike service dogs (which hotels cannot charge for), ESAs are not protected from fees under federal law. Common charges include nightly pet fees ($10-$50), one-time cleaning fees ($25-$150), and refundable deposits ($100-$500). Fee structures vary significantly between hotel chains and individual properties.

Do I need an ESA letter to stay in a hotel with my emotional support animal?

While not legally required, having a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional significantly improves your chances of hotel accommodation. An ESA letter establishes legitimacy and demonstrates that your animal provides therapeutic support for a mental health condition. However, an ESA letter does not guarantee hotel acceptance, as hotels retain discretion to accept or deny ESAs regardless of documentation.

What's the difference between service animals and ESAs in hotels?

Service animals must be allowed in hotels by law under the ADA and cannot be charged fees. They receive full access to all public hotel areas and perform trained tasks for individuals with disabilities. Emotional support animals have no federal protection in hotels, can be denied at the hotel’s discretion, are subject to fees and restrictions, and provide comfort through companionship rather than trained tas

Can hotels refuse my emotional support animal?

Yes, hotels can refuse emotional support animals for any reason since ESAs lack federal public access protections. Common reasons for denial include: no pet-friendly policy, breed or size restrictions, capacity limitations, insurance concerns, or previous negative experiences with animals. Hotels must allow service animals but have complete discretion regarding ESAs.

Where can my ESA go in a hotel?

ESAs are typically allowed in your guest room, lobby and check-in areas (on leash), hallways and elevators, and designated pet relief areas. ESAs are usually prohibited from restaurants, breakfast rooms, swimming pools, fitness centers, spas, business centers, and convention spaces. Specific policies vary by hotel, so confirm restrictions upon check-in.

Can I leave my ESA alone in my hotel room?

Most hotels prohibit leaving ESAs unattended in guest rooms for extended periods due to concerns about noise, property damage, and animal welfare. Some hotels allow brief absences (1-2 hours) if the ESA is crated and well-behaved. Always check the specific hotel’s supervision policy and notify the front desk if you must leave your ESA briefly.

What size ESA do hotels typically allow?

Most pet-friendly hotels have weight limits ranging from 40-80 pounds, with 75 pounds being the most common maximum. Some hotels restrict ESAs to 15-25 pounds, while others are more flexible. Luxury and boutique hotels typically have stricter size limitations. Large ESAs may require advance approval from management. Always verify weight restrictions before booking.