The Best Dog Friendly Hotels for Labor Day Weekend

There are dog friendly hotels, and then there are hotels that seem genuinely happy your dog came along.

For Labor Day weekend, we’re interested in the second kind.

We rounded up a few stays around the country where bringing your dog feels like part of the experience, with great walks, plenty of outdoor space and thoughtful perks waiting when you check in.

Pack the leash. Your favorite travel companion is coming, too.

Montage Palmetto Bluff | Bluffton, South Carolina

Best for: A Lowcountry weekend with your whole pack

We might be a little biased about this one.

Set along the May River in South Carolina's Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff has cottages, guest rooms, suites and homes surrounded by trails, waterways and plenty of room to explore.

Dogs are treated like guests here, too. The resort welcomes pets in many of its accommodations and offers dog beds, bowls and treats, with dog walking and pet services available through the concierge. The property has miles of walking trails, so there's no shortage of places for a morning walk before the rest of your day begins.

One of the best parts?! Dogs staying at Palmetto Bluff can find Get Joy right on property. 

For Labor Day weekend specifically, the resort is also hosting a full lineup of end-of-summer activities from September 3 through 7.

Pack note: Up to two pets are welcome in many accommodations. Check the resort's current pet policy and fees when booking.

Ocean House | Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Best for: A classic New England weekend

If your dog has expensive taste, we understand.

Sitting above the Atlantic in Watch Hill, Ocean House makes a very good case for one last New England getaway before fall arrives.

Its Pooch Program includes a dog bed, bowls, welcome treats and a toy, plus help arranging dog walking or sitting. Their Pet Passionate Package even includes a Get Joy meal from the hotel's pet in-room dining menu.

There is one Labor Day catch worth knowing. Dogs are only allowed on the nearby beach during the off-season, so plan this trip around walks through Watch Hill, relaxing at the hotel and exploring the surrounding area together.

Your dog can come back for the beach later. Something tells us they won't mind a second trip.

Pack note: Ocean House welcomes well-mannered dogs up to 50 pounds, with up to two dogs per room subject to the hotel's combined weight restrictions.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch | Avon, Colorado

Best for: Trading the beach for the mountains

If your dog would pick a trail over a beach towel, head for Colorado.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch sits on Beaver Creek Mountain, which means you can wake up, grab the leash and spend the day taking in some very good mountain air.

September is a particularly nice time to visit. You get late-summer weather, cooler mornings and the first hints that fall is on its way.

The hotel welcomes up to two dogs per room, making this an easy option for families traveling with more than one four-legged member.

Pack note: Pet fees apply, so check the hotel's current policy when you book.

1 Hotel West Hollywood | Los Angeles, California

Best for: The city dog

Not every dog dreams of spending three days hiking.

For dogs who prefer neighborhood walks, patios and a good hotel bed, 1 Hotel West Hollywood puts you right on Sunset Boulevard with plenty to explore nearby.

Dogs receive a welcome amenity, and the hotel keeps useful extras like beds, bowls and waste bags on hand. Their concierge can also point you toward nearby dog parks, pet shops, groomers, walkers and sitters.

Even better, four-legged guests currently stay without an additional pet fee.

Spend the morning exploring with your dog, find a patio for lunch and let them spend the afternoon doing what dogs do exceptionally well on vacation: napping.

Pack note: Pet restrictions apply, including limits on the number and size of dogs, so confirm the current policy before booking.

The Ocean Lodge | Cannon Beach, Oregon

Best for: Long walks by the Pacific

Cannon Beach already belongs on a dog parent's travel list. Staying close enough to walk straight out toward the sand makes it even better.

The Ocean Lodge sits near the iconic Haystack Rock and puts you within easy reach of the miles of coastline that make this part of Oregon so special.

It's the kind of trip that doesn't need much of an itinerary. Wake up, grab coffee, take the dog for a long beach walk and see where the day goes from there.

For a dog who is happiest with sand under their paws and something new to sniff every ten feet, that's a pretty good Labor Day weekend.

Make It a Long Weekend for Both of You

Before booking any dog friendly hotel, give the pet policy the same attention you give the room photos.

Check size and breed restrictions, pet fees, how many dogs are allowed and whether your dog can be left alone in the room. It's also worth asking which parts of the property welcome dogs. A hotel can be pet friendly while its pools, restaurants, beaches or other amenities have their own rules.

Then pack a few things from home. Their usual food, supplements, favorite treats, leash, medications and something familiar to sleep with can make a new place feel a little more normal. Remember you can always pack Freeze Dried Raw Meals in any suitcase since they are shelf stable. Otherwise, update your order address on your account and we'll have your box of Get Joy waiting for you at your destination. 

After all, they're on vacation too. And if their idea of room service happens to be Get Joy, we know a couple of places. 💚