By: Shayne Benowitz
If you’re planning a vacation to Miami and you want to bring your pet, the good news is there are more pet-friendly hotels than ever. Many hotels are not only pet-friendly, but will also welcome your animals with no extra fee. Every hotel’s policy is slightly different and they can change without notice, so if you’re planning to travel with your pet, it’s a good idea to check in with your hotel directly to find out exactly what you can expect.
Generally, it’s easier to travel with dogs than other pets. Be prepared with vaccination and service animal documentation for front desk attendants. Also, consider how you’ll handle housekeeping as they typically will not attend to your room with an unsupervised pet inside. You’ll want to either plan a nice long walk or travel with a kennel to restrain your animal.
Kimpton Hotels
All Kimpton hotels welcome pets with absolutely no extra fees. In Miami, this includes the Kimpton Angler's Hotel South Beach, boasting spacious accommodations and suites, a rooftop swimming pool and Seawell Fish n’ Oyster restaurant to complement its historic digs. Nearby, the Kimpton Surfcomber Miami, South Beach is a classic oceanfront destination on Collins Avenue with an iconic Art Deco swimming pool known for its pool parties. In Downtown Miami, the Kimpton EPIC Hotel is a luxurious retreat inside a modern skyscraper, home to Exhale Spa at the 16th floor rooftop pool deck and Zuma Japanese restaurant in the lobby. An added bonus at Kimpton hotels is their nightly complimentary wine reception, and your pets are welcome there, too.
Pet Policy: Kimpton’s Miami hotels welcome all furry, feathery or scaly pets — no matter their size, weight or breed. If the pet fits through the door, they are more than welcomed to enjoy a pet-tastic stay.
Price: Free
Pet Goodies: VIP (Very Important Pet) Amenities include plush doggie bed loaners, food, water bowls, mats and courtesy bags for walking your dog. These amenities are delivered to the room upon arrival when indicated that a pet will be checking in. You can also expect door hangers to alert other hotel guests and staff that your pet is in the room. A concierge will provide you with a list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques.
1 Hotel South Beach
An eco-chic sanctuary, 1 Hotel South Beach is perched on the Atlantic Ocean with four different swimming pools, including a rooftop pool on the 17th floor. It’s also home to extra-large guestrooms, a peaceful lobby, a sandy oceanfront lawn and multiple restaurants.
Pet Policy: Pets 25 pounds and smaller are welcome.
Price: No fee up front. There may be a fee added to your bill if your room requires repairs or additional cleaning.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Situated on the Venetian Islands overlooking Biscayne Bay, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is a wellness hotspot boasting an impressive spa with a hammam, yoga classes and workshops. The bayfront pool and Lido restaurant are popular among hip Miami locals who enjoy sipping frosé while soaking up the sun.
Pet Policy: Two pets of any size are welcome.
Price: Free.
Pet Goodies: Based on availability, if your pet’s name and size is provided in advance, custom doggie welcome notes and treats come standard, as well as a Casper dog mattress for use during your stay.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a family-friendly resort in the heart of South Beach boasting spacious guestrooms and an open lobby design, all with a chic mid-century flair. You’ll enjoy multiple restaurants and lounges, including Lure Fishbar inside the historic St. Moritz Tower, as well as a sprawling lagoon-style oceanfront pool.
Pet Policy: Maximum of two pets per room.
Price: $50 non-refundable fee per pet.
Pet Goodies: The Loews Loves Pets Program extends to all Loews properties and provides pets with the following amenities: bowl and mat, special treats and an in-room dining menu for pet guests offering gourmet pet-friendly dishes created by Loews chefs. Pets will also enjoy a loaner pet bed, litter boxes, scoopers, scratching pads and other pet accessories as needed, so guests can pack light. Pet-walking routes and a list of local pet-friendly restaurants are provided and pet sitting is available.
W Miami
W Miami, in the heart of Brickell, is home to one of Miami’s most lavish spas and the longest swimming pool in Miami, with unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.
Pet Policy: One pet per room of no more than 40 pounds.
Price: $100 non-refundable cleaning fee + $25 per night.
Pet Goodies: Welcome package full of dog- or cat-friendly items, including a pet toy, treat, W Hotels pet tag, bed, food, water bowl with floor mat, clean-up bags and details about Whatever/Whenever pet services. Pets can expect a special treat at turndown. Concierge pet services are also available.
W South Beach
The W South Beach stands above the ocean in a modern glass tower with a gorgeous oceanfront swimming pool, the Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB), led by Executive Chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia, and hip nightlife venues (including Wall nightclub) and an intimate lobby bar.
Pet Policy: One pet per room of no more than 40 pounds.
Price: $100 non-refundable cleaning fee + $25 per night.
Pet Goodies: Welcome package full of dog- or cat-friendly items, including a pet toy, treat, W Hotels pet tag, bed, water bowl with floor mat, clean-up bags and access to W South’s Whatever/Whenever pet services. Pets can expect a special treat at turndown. Concierge pet services are also available.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a perennial classic and your pet can experience it, too. Home to several signature restaurants and the legendary LIV nightclub, Fontainebleau also boasts a lavish poolscape, spa and fitness center.
Pet Policy: The Fontainebleau will accommodate “non-aggressive domestic pets.” Maximum of two pets per room, up to 50 pounds each.
Price: $100 one-time, non-refundable cleaning fee per pet in room. Waived for medical service animals with proof of certification. If pet is unattended and inconveniencing other guests (i.e., barking in the room), you’ll receive a warning. On the second violation, a $100 “time out” fee will be applied. Please call the hotel’s front desk to confirm the pet policy before booking your reservation.
Pet Goodies: Complimentary dog tag with “return to” information, plus an onsite oceanfront dog park. In-room pet movies are available on-demand.
Want to see more? Here is a comprehensive list of pet-friendly hotels in and around Greater Miami and the Beaches.