Finding dog-friendly hotels in Detroit requires more than a quick search. Pet policies can vary by property, including limits on the number or size of pets and rules about leaving dogs unattended. Narrowing down the right place to stay takes a little research, and this guide can help.
This article covers pet-friendly hotels across downtown Detroit, Midtown, and surrounding suburban areas. It also walks through the booking details you should confirm, the obedience skills that can make hotel stays smoother, and practical strategies for helping your dog settle into a new environment. If you own a dog and are planning a trip to Michigan’s largest city, this guide is written for you.
The short answer: Detroit and its surrounding suburbs offer a range of pet-friendly accommodations, from boutique downtown properties to familiar hotel brands. Pet fees, weight limits, number-of-pet limits, and unattended-pet rules vary substantially by property, so always confirm the current policy directly before booking.
Here is what you will walk away with:
- A curated list of dog-friendly Detroit hotel options
- A clear breakdown of what to verify before you book
- Useful obedience commands for hotel stays
- Practical tips for helping your dog relax in a new room
- Answers to frequently asked questions about traveling with dogs in Detroit
Key Takeaways
- Detroit and nearby communities offer dog-friendly accommodations in downtown, Midtown, and suburban areas.
- Pet fees and how they are calculated vary by property, so always ask whether a fee applies per stay, per night, or per pet.
- Weight limits and the number of pets allowed vary by hotel, with some properties having no weight restriction and others setting specific limits.
- Property-specific pet policies can include additional rules, so confirm breed restrictions, documentation requirements, unattended-pet policies, and cancellation terms before finalizing your reservation.
- Solid leash manners, a reliable place command, and quiet behavior can make hotel stays easier to manage.
- Arriving with a plan for exercise, routine, and familiar comfort items can help your dog adjust to a new environment.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Detroit: Where to Stay With Your Dog
Dog-friendly hotels in Detroit range from boutique downtown properties to extended-stay accommodations in surrounding communities. Because pet policies differ by property and can change, the best option depends on your dog’s size, the number of pets traveling with you, the length of your stay, and the hotel’s current rules.
Below are several dog-friendly accommodations across the Detroit area. Policies and pet-friendly room availability are subject to change, so always contact the hotel directly before booking.
Downtown Detroit Pet-Friendly Options
Downtown Detroit puts you close to the Detroit Riverwalk, where leashed dogs are welcome when kept under control, as well as attractions such as Campus Martius Park, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, and Greektown.
- Detroit Foundation Hotel: Located downtown, Detroit Foundation Hotel currently allows up to two pets per room, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs per pet. A nonrefundable pet cleaning fee applies. Confirm pet-friendly room availability when booking.
- Shinola Hotel: This downtown property currently welcomes up to two dogs with no weight or breed restrictions. Dog-friendly amenities include beds and bowls, a Shinola Hotel bandana, collar and toy, access to the hotel’s pet terrace, and complimentary access to Barkside, an off-leash dog park in Detroit’s West Village. A pet fee applies.
- Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown: This IHG property currently allows up to two dogs or cats, with a 50 lb pet weight limit. A nonrefundable pet fee applies, and the hotel lists a pet walking area among its amenities. Confirm any rules about leaving pets unattended directly with the hotel.
- The Siren Hotel: This downtown hotel welcomes pets and states that they cannot be left unattended in guest rooms. A pet fee applies.
- Trumbull and Porter Hotel: Trumbull and Porter welcomes dogs under 50 lbs. A pet fee applies, and the hotel’s current policy should be confirmed before your stay.
- MGM Grand Detroit: MGM Grand Detroit currently allows up to two dogs with a combined weight of less than 100 lbs in dog-friendly rooms. A nightly charge applies per dog. Dogs cannot be left unattended unless they are in a kennel or carrier, and access to some public areas is restricted.
- Hotel David Whitney currently welcomes one dog per room with a maximum weight of 40 lbs.
- The Godfrey Detroit also offers pet-friendly rooms and currently lists a 50 lb maximum pet weight.
Midtown and Other Areas
Several options outside the immediate downtown core may also work for travelers with dogs:
- The Inn on Ferry Street (Midtown): The hotel currently welcomes pets up to 75 lbs. An additional pet fee applies. Confirm pet-friendly room availability directly with the property.
- Element Detroit at the Metropolitan: This Marriott property currently welcomes one pet per room with a maximum weight of 40 lbs. A pet policy must be signed upon arrival.
- Staybridge Suites Sterling Heights – Detroit: The hotel currently allows up to two pets per room, with a 50 lb limit for each pet. A pet contract and nonrefundable fee apply.
- Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi, Hyatt Place Detroit/Royal Oak, and Hyatt Place Detroit/Livonia: These locations currently welcome dogs up to 50 lbs individually, with a combined limit of 75 lbs when two dogs share a room.
- ROOST Detroit: ROOST currently welcomes dogs up to 40 lbs and applies a cleaning fee based on the length of stay.
Suburban properties may offer easier parking or different surroundings for walks, although reaching downtown attractions will generally require additional travel. Wherever you stay, confirm the hotel’s current pet rules before making your reservation.
What to Check Before Booking a Dog-Friendly Hotel
Not every hotel labeled “pet-friendly” will be the right fit for your dog. Restrictions can vary considerably, and taking a few minutes to verify the details can help prevent surprises at check-in.
Here is what to confirm:
- Weight and size limits: Policies vary significantly. Some hotels set individual or combined weight limits, while others, such as Shinola Hotel, currently have no weight restriction for dogs.
- Pet fees and deposits: Hotels may charge a pet fee per stay, per night, or per pet. Ask exactly how the property’s fee works and whether additional cleaning or damage charges can apply.
- Breed restrictions: Do not assume every hotel follows the same policy. Ask whether any breed restrictions apply to your reservation.
- Number of pets: Hotels may limit the number of pets allowed in each room. Confirm the maximum before booking.
- Unattended-pet policies: Some properties prohibit leaving pets alone, while others permit it only under particular conditions, such as using a kennel or carrier.
- Documentation: Ask whether the hotel requires vaccination records or other pet documentation rather than assuming requirements are the same at every property.
- Room type: Pet-friendly rooms may be limited. Confirm that an appropriate room is available for your dates rather than assuming every room accepts pets.
- Cancellation terms: Review the cancellation terms for the specific rate and room you book and request confirmation of your pet arrangements.
Questions to Ask When Booking
When you call or email the hotel, these questions can help prevent unexpected policy conflicts:
- What is the exact weight limit per dog, and is it per pet or combined?
- Is the pet fee per stay, per night, or per pet?
- Are there breed restrictions?
- Can my dog be left in the room unattended, and under what conditions?
- Is the pet-friendly room on a specific floor, and can I request a quieter location?
- What pet amenities are currently provided?
- Are there additional cleaning requirements or fees I should know about?
Getting the hotel’s current pet policy in writing can make your reservation details easier to reference later. Recent guest reviews may also provide useful context, but the hotel’s current policy should remain your primary source.
Hotel Manners Your Dog Should Know
A pet-friendly hotel policy gets you through the door, but your dog’s behavior can have a major effect on the stay. The skills below can make busy hotel environments easier for you and your dog to manage.
Leash manners are especially useful in lobbies, hallways, and elevators, where your dog may encounter strangers, luggage carts, and other animals at close range. Practice loose-leash walking in appropriate environments before your trip, particularly if your dog tends to pull or become highly excited around distractions.
Quiet behavior matters because hotel hallways carry sound. Doors close, housekeeping carts move past, and other guests may walk near your room. If your dog frequently barks at unfamiliar sounds, practice settling and calm behavior in easier environments before your trip.
Door manners can help prevent your dog from rushing into a hallway or elevator when the room door opens. Practice waiting calmly at thresholds before traveling.
Greeting manners can also make interactions with hotel staff and other guests easier. Your dog should be manageable when people pass nearby rather than jumping or pulling toward them.
Essential Commands for Hotel Stays
These obedience skills can translate well to hotel situations:
- Place command: Teaching your dog to go to a designated mat, bed, or other approved location can give your dog a clear resting area during downtime.
- Crate training: Some hotels allow a dog to remain unattended only when the dog is secured in a kennel or carrier, while other properties prohibit unattended pets entirely. If your dog is already comfortable in a crate, that skill may be useful during travel. Always follow the hotel’s specific policy.
- Down-stay: This can be useful while you are in the room or waiting in an appropriate common area.
- Leave it: This can help prevent your dog from picking up dropped food or unfamiliar objects.
If your dog needs foundational work before traveling, an in-home Basic Obedience program covers skills including come, sit, down, place, loose-leash walking, and off. Review the Plans & Pricing page for current program details, or use the Contact page to ask which option may fit your dog’s training needs.
Helping Your Dog Settle Into a Hotel
Even well-trained dogs may need time to adjust to a new space. Hotels smell different, sound different, and feel different from home. Some preparation can make the transition easier.
Bring familiar items. Your dog’s regular bed, a favorite toy, or another familiar item can provide a recognizable resting setup in an unfamiliar room.
Establish a routine. Try to maintain your dog’s usual feeding, walking, and rest schedule where practical. Predictable routines can make a new environment easier to navigate.
Manage sound. Hotel hallways can be noisy. A fan, white-noise machine, or low-volume television may help mask some hallway activity if unfamiliar sounds tend to get your dog’s attention.
Provide appropriate activity before rest. A walk before settling into the room may help your dog transition from daytime activity to a quieter evening routine. The Detroit Riverwalk welcomes dogs that are leashed and under control. Grand Circus Park and Capitol Park have designated off-leash dog areas. Belle Isle is part of Michigan’s state park system, where pets generally must remain under immediate control on a leash no longer than six feet and are restricted from certain areas.
First-Day Tips
The first few hours can help your dog become familiar with the new surroundings:
- Walk your dog before entering the hotel. Give your dog an opportunity to relieve themselves and move around after traveling.
- Enter calmly. Keep your dog under control through the lobby and elevator and reinforce manageable behavior.
- Let your dog explore the room. Under supervision, allow your dog to become familiar with the space. Set up the bed or crate in an appropriate location.
- Avoid rushing into alone time. If the hotel’s policy allows dogs to remain unattended, consider giving your dog time to become familiar with the room before leaving. Follow the property’s unattended-pet rules at all times.
- Use the place command. Once your dog has explored, directing them to a familiar mat or bed can establish a predictable resting spot.
If your dog becomes significantly anxious during travel or in unfamiliar environments, discuss appropriate management options with your veterinarian before the trip.
Final Thoughts
Detroit and nearby communities offer a range of dog-friendly hotels, from downtown boutique properties to extended-stay options in the suburbs. The key is confirming the current pet policy, applicable fees, weight or pet limits, and unattended-pet rules directly with the hotel before booking.
The hotel is only part of the preparation. Skills such as loose-leash walking, place, and calm behavior around unfamiliar sounds can make travel environments easier to manage. Dog owners who want additional guidance can explore dog training in the Detroit area before their trip.
Take stock of your dog’s current skills. If navigating a lobby, elevator, or busy hallway would be difficult right now, practicing in appropriate environments before traveling can help prepare both of you for the trip.
FAQ
Can dogs be left unattended at dog-friendly hotels in Detroit?
Policies differ by property. MGM Grand Detroit currently allows dogs to remain unattended only when secured in a kennel or carrier, while The Siren Hotel states that pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms. Other hotels have their own requirements. Always confirm the exact policy before booking.
What weight limits and pet fees should I expect at Detroit pet-friendly hotels?
Policies vary considerably. Shinola Hotel currently has no weight restriction for dogs, while Hotel David Whitney lists a 40 lb maximum and MGM Grand Detroit allows up to two dogs with a combined weight under 100 lbs. Pet fees also vary by property, so confirm the current amount and how it is calculated before booking.
Are there breed restrictions at Detroit hotels?
Policies vary by property. Shinola Hotel currently states that it has no breed restrictions, but that does not mean every hotel follows the same policy. Ask your chosen hotel directly about any breed or pet restrictions before booking.
What pet amenities can I expect at dog-friendly Detroit hotels?
Amenities vary by property. Shinola Hotel currently provides dog beds and bowls along with a bandana, collar and toy, access to its pet terrace, and complimentary access to Barkside. Other hotels may provide fewer or different amenities, so ask what is currently included when booking.
Where can I walk my dog near downtown Detroit hotels?
The Detroit Riverwalk welcomes leashed dogs that remain under control. Downtown Detroit Parks also welcome trained, leashed dogs, while Grand Circus Park and Capitol Park have designated off-leash dog areas. Belle Isle provides another option for a longer outing, but Michigan state park pet rules generally require dogs to remain under immediate control on a leash no longer than six feet and restrict pets from certain areas.
