The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels to Book in Lexington, Kentucky

You’re always greeted with a warm cookie when you check into a Doubletree, though we can’t guarantee a dog biscuit too. When you’re not out exploring the University of Kentucky, downtown Lexington, and Rupp Arena, all 10 minutes from the hotel, enjoy regional specialities at the colorful onsite restaurant or the gazebo lounge in the hotel atrium. There’s also a fitness center and pool where you can practice your doggy paddle.

This sleek, modern golf resort can be found less than 4mi (6.4km) from the Mary Todd Lincoln House museum, and just over 5mi (8km) from the Kentucky Horse Park. Once you’ve sniffed out the green surroundings, relax at the full-service spa, putt around the 18-hole golf course, take a dip in the pool complex or work out at the gym. Tastefully furnished with a cool modernist feel, the patio rooms are ideal for giving your pup direct lawn access.

Rated one of the top 10 hotels in the southern states by Conde Nast Traveler, this quirky boutique offering is not only a pet-friendly hotel, but a contemporary art museum and cultural center. It’s also home to the renowned Lockbox Restaurant, where you can try creative twists on Kentucky favorites, like the char-grilled pork loin with “dirty” grits, mushroom and trotter demi. Featuring original artwork, designer furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows, the bright and airy rooms are a sight to behold.

5mi (8km) from the University of Kentucky, and just over 8mi (12.8km) from Blue Grass Airport, this contemporary, all-suite hotel is connected to the Lexington Green Mall via a walkway, so you can shop and then immediately drop into your cozy bed before Rover even notices you’ve been gone. Once you’ve had a lie down, there’s a heated outdoor pool, a free cooked-to-order breakfast, a complimentary evening social, a minimart, and a well-equipped fitness center to enjoy.

As you enter the cavernous atrium of this sprawling ‘80s-style property, keep eyes on your pup lest it dive into the giant water feature. When you fancy a dip, you can always head to the indoor pool. North of Lexington off Interstate 75, this all-suite hotel is within easy reach of Kentucky Horse Park, 6mi (9.6km) away. Be sure to save a doggy bag from the casual onsite grill – Fido will never forgive you if he doesn’t get to sample the steak and burgers.

This stylish offering from Wyndham is conveniently located near the shops and restaurants of the Summit at Fritz Farm and just 7mi (11.2km) from Blue Grass Airport (LEX). The elegant rooms are understated and modernist, with quirky pops of avocado green, and you can request extras like a tent and sleeping bags for the kids, or dog treats, bowls and a bed for your pup – meaning you can pack light.

Looking like a grand southern frat house, this white-columed hotel is a 10-minute car ride from the dog-friendly Masterson Station Park. With the Bourbon Trail’s Town Branch distillery just two minutes beyond that, you’ll want to bring someone along to be designated driver. Once you’re suitably sozzled, head back to mingle with conference goers at the all-American bourbon bar and grill or relax in the indoor pool, sauna and hot tub.

Found just off Interstate 64, this trendy, design-led offshoot of the Best Western brand will impress you and your pooch with its arty lighting and pops of primary color. The hotel is under 5mi (8km) from both downtown and the Kentucky Horse Park, so you can easily see the sights or meet the horses after fueling up on the complimentary breakfast.

In town for an extended period? Both the studios and suites at this long-stay hotel come with kitchens, so you can make Fido his favorite home-cooked meal. If you don’t feel like cheffing in the mornings, set yourself up with a complimentary breakfast. Located directly off I-75, the property is around a 15-minutes drive from downtown, the University of Kentucky, Rupp Arena and the Kentucky Horse Park.

With views of Red Mile racecourse, this all-suite hotel provides modern comfort in the heart of downtown Lexington. Relax in your sleek suite until you’re ready to explore all the bars, restaurants and attractions that the buzzy student center of Lexington has to offer. Hotel facilities include a pool, hot tub and complimentary breakfast, plus a gym for when you’re done with all those restaurants.