There are many unique destinations for pet parents and their furkids to visit in the beautiful state of Virginia. A few pet friendly hotels stand out among the crowd at these popular visitor spots, for going the extra mile when it comes to welcoming pet guests. We’ve come up with the best VA hotels for pets, based on pet policies and amenities, the property itself and nearby pet friendly things to do, as well as the overall value for travelers staying at these hotels.
1. Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa - Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia is nationally recognized as a historic district, and its downtown is filled with beautiful architecture. The allure of "Old Town" Alexandria brings us to the alluring Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, which welcomes all pet guests to stay for free! In true Kimpton fashion, all types of pets are welcome, no matter what size, type, breed or number. The property also offers extra pet amenities for furry guests, including soft pet beds to use while visiting, as well as bowls for food and water, and mats to place under the bowls to keep floors clean. Additionally, their on-site restaurant, the Brabo Tasting Room, offers outdoor seating in nice weather, and hosts an evening wine reception where hotel guests and their furkids are welcome to join in on the festivities. With all this hotel has to offer, it's also a great value with a starting room rate of $139/night.
This hotel’s urban location on King Street, one of the "Great Streets of America," puts people and their pets very close to pet friendly activities. Pet stores and boutiques, pet friendly restaurants, and paths leading to walking trails are all a short walk from the hotel. Dogs can stroll the area with their people, and stop in The Dog Park Pet Boutique to browse unique pet accessories and to enjoy a tasty treat. Pet parents can check out the many pet friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, including King Street's Landini Brothers Restaurant. A quick turn around the corner features dockside, waterfront, pet friendly dining overlooking the picturesque Potomac River. And, speaking of the river, The Potomac Riverboat Company’s Canine Cruise invites all to "embark" on a dog friendly tour around Alexandria’s harbors. Running, walking and biking along the Mount Vernon Trail are also great options, as it runs right alongside the river. Afterward, craft brews can be served up at a local brewery, like the award-winning Port City Brewing Company, where pooches can join their people in the outdoor seating area.
2. Williamsburg Manor Bed and Breakfast - Williamsburg
For lovers of historical places who are looking for plenty of pet friendly things to do, then Williamsburg should be at the top of the travel bucket list! Coincidentally, the Williamsburg Manor Bed and Breakfast is another top hotel pick, with its charming atmosphere set right in the heart of Williamsburg. Pets stay free! And, pets of all types, sizes and breeds are welcome. People may bring more than one pet when visiting and they are treated to special pet perks such as dog treats and even cozy sleeping mats. Furry family members and their people can walk to local pet friendly restaurants, many of the great historic visitor spots found in the Colonial Williamsburg area and other pet friendly attractions. And, with a starting room rate of only $149/night, this hotel offers a great overall value for pet travelers.
Colonial National Historic Park welcomes people and their pets to discover historic Jamestown, the Yorktown Battlefield and the Colonial Parkway. Jamestown Beach Event Park is also nearby and provides a more traditional park experience, filled with picnicking, fishing, water sports and a sandy beach. For even more outdoor fun, pups and their parents can visit Waller Mill Dog Park, with the freedom to run off leash. For a cool down and some refreshments, a local favorite is the DoG Street Pub, with its unique food options and many beer selections from around the world.
3. Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery - Charlottesville
The Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery provides an upscale and unique hotel experience. Set on 1,300 acres of countryside, guests can enjoy manicured gardens, ponds for fishing and outdoor lounging areas. The huge mansion provides elegant guest rooms, and pets may accompany their pet parents with a $75 pet fee, per accommodation per stay. Visitors may bring two pets with them, with no weight limits or breed restrictions. Pets are allowed inside all the areas of the estate, except for the dining room, which does offer an outside area where people and their pet parents can dine on the patio. The property is complemented by the Trump Winery, the largest winery in Virginia, where leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds and outside the tasting room. Plus, the overall value for this luxury hotel and all its great amenities is an added bonus, with a starting room rate of $159/night.
Charlottesville is home to plenty of sightseeing spots, shopping venues and eating establishments where pooches can join their pet parents. Historic downtown Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, are only a short drive from the property. For a step back into the past, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello welcomes people and their pets to take a tour and explore the grounds surrounding his expansive house and plantation. Modern-day shopping can be found at the Downtown Mall or the popular dog friendly Barracks Road Shopping Center, where dogs can window shop or have a quick bite to eat at the al fresco dining spots. If coffee is on the menu, patrons at Mudhouse Coffee Roasters can enjoy a freshly roasted ‘cup of joe’ with their pups on their pleasantly shaded patio. Visitors can also wet their whistles with some beers at local breweries, such as Champion Brewing Company, while enjoying casual pub fare and mingling with other craft brew and pet enthusiasts.
4. Hyatt House Virginia Beach/Oceanfront - Virginia Beach
The pet friendly beaches in Virginia Beach are a big draw for water dogs and their people. A great beachfront hotel is Hyatt House Virginia Beach / Oceanfront, especially in the spring and fall when dogs are allowed on the beach any time! The hotel itself is modern and has a great location, right on the lively Virginia Beach Boardwalk. At the hotel, there is a one-time $75 pet fee per accommodation for stays up to 6 nights, and $100 fee for 6 - 30 night stays. Guests may bring 1 dog up to 50 pounds or 2 dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds. Extra amenities include a grassy area for pooches to sniff around, as well as Ocean 27, the on-site restaurant that features delicious food with great ocean views. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, seasonal live music and outdoor games for people and their furry sidekicks to enjoy. And, with a starting room rate of $119/night, the overall value for this hotel along with all of its amenities adds to its appeal.
In addition to the beach and boardwalk, there are other pet friendly things to do in the nearby area. For outdoor adventures such as swimming, hiking, fishing and exploring, First Landing State Park offers over 19 miles of trails and 2,000+ acres of natural habitat. Travelers can also check out local breweries that welcome dogs as much as human patrons, like the historic fire station turned brew hall known as Commonwealth Brewing Company. The vibrant restaurant scene features many outdoor seating spots for enjoying a meal with furry family members. One such place in the Oceanfront District, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, features a dog friendly menu, “Yappy” Hour cocktails, and even “Dinner With Your Dog” every Monday night on the patio!
5. Blue Ridge Hotel and Conference Center - Roanoke
The naturally scenic surroundings of the Roanoke Valley make it a great visitor hotspot in Virginia. For a great pet friendly hotel experience, the Blue Ridge Hotel and Conference Center welcomes dog and cat guests (and humans) with open arms. There is a one-time pet fee of $25 per accommodation, and guests may bring two dogs or cats with them, with a weight limit of 75 pounds. The pet friendly guest rooms are located on the first floor, providing easy access to the outside areas. There is a dog walking area, and the hotel is set on a large property where leashed pups can walk and explore. At the entrance to the hotel, a long hiking trail provides an additional place for walking and jogging, and the hotel staff can provide a list of other hiking trails in the nearby area. One of the hotel's on-site restaurants features homemade, southern food created from local ingredients, and the outdoor seating area allows hotel guests to enjoy a meal with their furkids by their side. Plus, this hotel's overall value makes it a winner with pet travelers, as the starting room rates are only $79/night.
Roanoke is a unique and diverse town! There are many outdoor trails and parks, as well as a thriving downtown area that offers pet friendly experiences, eateries, and breweries. A great choice for recreation is Mill Mountain Park, with hundreds of acres that include picnic shelters, mountain overlooks for stunning views, trails for hiking and biking, and a wildflower garden. Tourists can take a tour of downtown and visit the Historic Roanoke City Market, which also features a farmers market. Unleashed Bakery & Dog Boutique offers a unique shopping experience, where pups on leashes can look at the toys and accessories with their pet parents. If craft brews are what's on tap, people can enjoy pints with their pups at local breweries. A popular choice is Big Lick Brewing Company’s beer garden, with its expansive outdoor seating area.
