The Most Pet-Friendly Hotels in Tampa, Florida

Aloft Tampa Downtown has a central location on the riverside, close to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, a walkies-friendly urban lawn with a dog run. As the name suggests, the hotel has loft-like rooms; you can have two well-behaved dogs – up to 40lb (18kg) each – stay with you. In your free time, drink specialty cocktails at the W XYZ bar or purchase an on-the-run bite from Re:fuel. The hotel also has a ritzy terrace with hanging chairs, sun loungers and a smart pool, all with water views.

If you crave the amenities of a large resort, take Fido to the 444-room Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. It sits on 35 acres (14ha) on the waterfront; stroll the boardwalk watching the birdlife or head to the dock to spot manatees. Enjoy a tranquil meal and cocktails at Oystercatchers, a seafood restaurant with a deck and an award-winning Sunday brunch. The pet-friendly rooms are found in the villa-style casitas, with two cats or dogs up to 60lb (27kg) allowed for an additional fee – but they mustn’t be left unattended.

Shack up in a Tahitian-style cabana at this pet-friendly retreat. If you do bring your furry friend , you’ll be staying in one of the exterior cabana rooms, which feature porcelain tile flooring and plantation shutters. The front desk is staffed around the clock by a multilingual team, who are happy to recommend local exercise areas and grooming parlors for both you and your pooch. You’ll also enjoy the thatched-roofed poolside Torch Bar (humans only) and the complimentary airport shuttle service.

Treats, beds and bowls are provided for your pups at the Westin Tampa Bay, and there’s a dedicated grassy area with trash cans for toilet time. You’ll be staying on the lower floors and can bring two dogs (but no cats) with you for a small fee. You can step directly onto a private beach from this high-rise hotel and try fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurant Aqua.

The imposing 100-year-old building housing Le Méridien Tampa was once a federal courthouse. It now blends contemporary technology with period features, such as marble hallways, gold elevators and oak doors, while an upcycled judge’s desk acts as the concierge point. Less imposing, but no less spectacular, is the Bizou Brasserie & Bar – an upscale bistro serving New American dishes with French panache. And despite the grandeur of the hotel, you can bring up to two pets for a small fee.

The Westin group’s open-armed approach to pets extends to this 12-story harborside hotel. When you’re not out with your pooch, you can visit the in-house Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar to enjoy American seafood with innovative cocktails. Alternatively, you can keep active in the hotel’s palm-hugged outdoor pool or fitness studio. If you’d prefer a round of golf, the Babe Zaharias and Rocky Point golf courses are around 20 minutes away by car.

This pet-friendly Residence Inn is an ideal place to take your furry friend, as it’s just a five-minute stroll to the dog-friendly Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Back at the hotel, you can take care of your own catering in your room’s kitchenette or use one of the barbecue grills on the grounds. For active travelers, the hotel offers an on-site tennis court, a pool and a fitness center. You can leave your pet alone in the room, but it will need to stay in a crate.

This Hyatt Place’s proximity to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island makes it an evergreen hit with families. And if your clan includes some pets, two dogs – with a combined weight of 75lb (34kg) – are permitted here, with an additional fee based on the number of nights you’ll stay. What everyone will love is the complimentary breakfast – the DIY avocado toast kit is especially popular.

Experience the Hard Rock brand with a break at this Tampa hotel. Here, you have the option to leave up to two cats or small- to medium-size dogs in your room (make sure to leave your cell number at the front desk) while you enjoy a flutter at the casino and dine in one of the many hotel eateries. When it comes to your pet’s doody time, there’s a handy outdoor grassy area.