Dog-Friendly Hotels & Accommodations in Northern Virginia and DC
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, relocating to the area, or just want a staycation where your dog is treated like a VIP guest, Northern Virginia and Washington DC have no shortage of pet-friendly hotels that go above and beyond for four-legged travelers. From luxury resorts in Loudoun wine country to convenient chain hotels near the Beltway and boutique stays in DC, here is your complete guide to the best dog-friendly accommodations across the region.
What to Know Before Booking
Before you start planning your dog-friendly hotel stay, here are a few things to keep in mind across the board. Policies vary widely, and a quick call ahead can save you from surprises at check-in.
Always confirm the weight limit. Some hotels cap dogs at 25 lbs while others welcome dogs up to 100 lbs. If you have a larger breed, look for hotels that advertise "no weight restrictions" or policies that accept dogs of all sizes.
Ask about the pet fee structure. Fees range from $20 per night to a flat $75-$150 per stay. Some hotels also require a refundable deposit. Extended stay rates are often available for longer visits.
Check if your dog can be left unattended. Some hotels allow crated or well-behaved dogs to stay alone in the room while you explore, while others require dogs to be supervised at all times.
Pack a dog travel kit. Most hotels provide waste bags and water bowls, but bringing your dog's own bed, a familiar toy, and their regular food helps them settle in faster and feel at home.
Many Northern Virginia hotels sit on beautifully landscaped campuses with walking paths perfect for morning and evening dog walks.
Prince William County & Manassas
Prince William County and the Manassas area offer some of the most affordable and generous pet policies in Northern Virginia. With easy access to Prince William Forest Park, the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, and historic downtown Occoquan, this area is a great base for a dog-friendly getaway.
La Quinta by Wyndham Manassas Battlefield
10925 Fairfax Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110
La Quinta is consistently one of the most dog-friendly hotel chains in the country, and this Manassas location is no exception. They accept up to two pets per room with a generous 75 lb weight limit per dog. The pet fee is just $20 per pet per night, making it one of the most affordable options in the region. The hotel is conveniently located near I-66, the Manassas Battlefield parks, and downtown Manassas's dog-friendly Main Street patios.
Tip: The hotel sits close to the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail trailhead. Ask the front desk about nearby walking paths for a morning hike with your pup before checkout.
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Washington DC - Manassas
10610 Automotive Dr, Manassas, VA 20109
Red Roof Inn is famous among pet owners for its no-pet-fee policy, and this Manassas PLUS+ location offers that same benefit. One well-behaved pet stays free per room, with a second pet available for $15 per night. Dogs up to 80 lbs are welcome. The rooms are clean and modern, and the hotel is situated near the Prince William Parkway with easy access to shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation.
Tip: That "PLUS+" designation means upgraded bedding and amenities. For a budget-friendly stay with no pet fee, this is hard to beat. Check their website for direct booking discounts.
Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge
2610 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Located in the heart of Prince William County near Potomac Mills, this Hilton Garden Inn welcomes up to two pets per room with a generous 100 lb weight limit. The pet fee ranges from $75 to $125 depending on length of stay. The hotel is close to the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and Leesylvania State Park, both of which offer excellent dog-friendly walking trails with Potomac River views.
Tip: Leesylvania State Park is just a 10-minute drive and has a lovely one-mile shoreline trail that is perfect for a sunset walk with your dog. The park charges a small entrance fee ($5 for Virginia vehicles).
Loudoun County & Fairfax County
Loudoun County's rolling wine country and Fairfax County's extensive park system make these two areas prime destinations for a dog-friendly overnight stay. From luxury resorts to comfortable chain hotels, the options here cater to every budget.
Lansdowne Resort and Spa
44050 Woodridge Pkwy, Leesburg, VA 20176
The Lansdowne Resort is Loudoun County's premier luxury getaway, and it welcomes dogs and cats up to 75 lbs with a one-time $75 fee for up to two pets. The resort sits on 500 acres along the Potomac River with multiple walking trails, sprawling lawns, and picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. It is also minutes from the W&OD Trail and many of Loudoun's dog-friendly wineries, making it an ideal base for a weekend of wine tasting and outdoor adventure with your dog.
Tip: The resort's poolside and restaurant patio areas are the primary pet-friendly outdoor spaces. Call ahead to confirm which on-site dining options welcome dogs on the patio. The resort grounds themselves are a destination for leisurely strolls.
Hampton Inn & Suites Leesburg
117 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176
A reliable and budget-conscious option in historic Leesburg, this Hampton Inn welcomes up to two dogs per room with an 80 lb weight limit. The pet fee is $20 per dog per day, capped at $100 per week. The hotel sits near Leesburg's historic downtown, which has several dog-friendly patios and a walkable main street. The nearby W&OD Trail provides easy access to miles of paved walking and biking paths.
Tip: Leesburg's First Friday events (May through October) are dog-friendly street festivals with live music, vendors, and food. Check the town calendar and plan your stay around a First Friday for a lively evening out with your pup.
The Watermark Hotel
1825 Capital One Dr N, Tysons, VA 22102
The Watermark Hotel at Capital One Center in Tysons is a modern luxury hotel that welcomes dogs with stylish pet amenities and a prime location in the heart of Fairfax County. The hotel sits in the Capital One Center complex, which features walkable plazas, dining options, and green spaces. The nearby W&OD Trail and Scott's Run Nature Preserve offer excellent off-property walking options for you and your dog.
Tip: The Silver Line Metro station at McLean is steps away, making it easy to explore DC with your dog. Dogs on leash are welcome on Metro during non-peak hours.
A comfortable hotel stay means bringing a little piece of home for your pup. A familiar blanket or favorite toy goes a long way in helping your dog settle in.
Arlington & Alexandria
Arlington and Alexandria combine urban convenience with walkable neighborhoods and easy access to DC. If you want to explore the nation's capital while having a comfortable home base for your dog, these hotels are your best bets.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge
1900 N Quinn St, Arlington, VA 22209
This all-suite hotel in the Rosslyn neighborhood welcomes up to two pets of any size (dogs and cats only). The pet fee is $50 for 1-4 nights, $75 for 5-9 nights, and $125 for 10-plus nights, making it an especially good value for extended stays. The suites include full kitchens and separate living areas. The hotel is a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro station and the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River and offers stunning views of the DC skyline.
Tip: The Mount Vernon Trail is right at your doorstep. For a classic DC experience, walk south along the trail to the Key Bridge, cross into Georgetown, and explore the historic neighborhood's dog-friendly shops and cafés.
Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N Court House Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
This Courthouse-area hotel welcomes up to two dogs up to 75 lbs per room with a $50 fee for 1-4 nights and $75 for longer stays. The hotel is steps from the Courthouse Metro station, making downtown DC just a 10-minute ride away. The surrounding Courthouse and Clarendon neighborhoods are among Arlington's most walkable areas, with dog-friendly patios, parks, and sidewalks that make city exploration easy with your pup.
Tip: Clarendon's dog-friendly restaurant scene is excellent. Walk to Wilson Boulevard and find patios at Spider Kelly's, Northside Social, and many others where dogs are welcome during outdoor dining hours.
Washington DC
Washington DC has seen a boom in dog-friendly hotels, with many properties now offering dedicated pet amenities and policies that rival the best in the country. Whether you want to be near the National Mall, Dupont Circle, or the waterfront Wharf development, DC has a dog-friendly stay waiting for you.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC the Wharf
975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Canopy by Hilton at the Wharf is one of DC's most dog-friendly upscale hotels, welcoming up to two pets per room with a generous 75 lb weight limit and a reasonable $50 per stay fee. The Wharf is a vibrant waterfront development with a two-mile boardwalk, numerous dog-friendly patios and restaurants, and easy access to the National Mall. The hotel provides pet beds, bowls, and a welcome treat at check-in.
Tip: The Wharf's boardwalk runs along the Washington Channel and is a fantastic evening walking route with your dog. You can walk all the way to East Potomac Park and Hains Point for panoramic views of the Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall.
Lyle Washington DC
1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Lyle in Dupont Circle is a boutique hotel that welcomes dogs of all sizes with no breed restrictions and a $100 one-time fee per stay for up to two pets. The hotel's Dupont Circle location puts you in one of DC's most dog-friendly neighborhoods, with the Dupont Circle dog park, numerous pet-friendly cafés and restaurants, and tree-lined streets perfect for walks. The Lyle's warm, residential-style lobby and attentive staff make it a favorite among travelers who want a more personal experience.
Tip: Dupont Circle's farmers market on Sundays is a must-visit, and dogs on leash are welcome. The nearby P Street Beach (a grassy park, not actual sand) is a popular gathering spot for the neighborhood's dog community.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center
900 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
This all-suite hotel near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center welcomes one dog of any size per room with a $75 fee per stay. The spacious two-room suites give you and your dog plenty of space to spread out, and the hotel's location puts you within walking distance of the National Mall, the White House, and multiple Smithsonian museums. The complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is a highlight for guests.
Tip: The National Mall is a 15-minute walk south, and leashed dogs are welcome on the Mall grounds. For an iconic photo, take your dog to the Reflecting Pool or the grounds around the Washington Monument early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Tips for a Smooth Hotel Stay with Your Dog
A little preparation goes a long way when staying at a hotel with your dog. Here are our top tips to make sure you, your pup, and the hotel staff all have a great experience.
Bring a copy of vaccine records
Many hotels require proof of current rabies vaccination at check-in. Having a digital copy on your phone (or a printed one) saves time and ensures a smooth arrival. This is especially important for Virginia State Parks accommodations and some resort properties.
Pack a hotel survival kit
A collapsible water bowl, a familiar bed or blanket, waste bags, a towel for wet paws, and your dog's regular food (switching suddenly can upset their stomach) are the essentials. A favorite toy or chew bone helps them settle into the new environment.
Scope out the pet relief area first
When you arrive, ask the front desk where the designated pet relief area is located. Some hotels have a specific patch of grass or a fenced area. Knowing where it is before your dog needs it makes the first late-night walk much less stressful.
Plan for quiet time
New hotel sounds — elevators, hallway chatter, doors closing — can make some dogs anxious. Bring a white noise app on your phone or a portable sound machine to help your dog settle. If your dog is nervous, request a room on a higher floor or at the end of the hall for fewer passersby.
Confirm the policy when you book
Hotel pet policies can change without notice. When you make your reservation, mention that you will be traveling with a dog and confirm the current fee, weight limit, and any restrictions. A five-minute phone call can save a lot of trouble at check-in.
Explore More Dog-Friendly Guides
Area Guide
The Dog Lover's Guide to Washington DC
Dog parks, trails, and patios in the nation's capital.
Area Guide
The Dog Lover's Guide to Loudoun County
Wineries, parks, and trails in Virginia's wine country.
Area Guide
The Dog Lover's Guide to Prince William County
Trails, parks, and patios in PWC.
Area Guide
The Dog Lover's Guide to Arlington County
Dog parks, indoor park, and trails in Arlington.
GG Sfreddo is a lifelong dog lover and Associate Broker with eXp Realty in Northern Virginia. She created Dog-Friendly NOVA to help fellow pet owners discover the best dog-friendly places across the region, from hiking trails and parks to hotels and restaurants. Whether you are visiting NOVA for the first time or looking for a staycation spot close to home, she hopes this guide helps you and your pup find the perfect place to rest your paws.