The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Durham, NC
Planning a trip to the Bull City and want to bring your furry best friend along? Durham, North Carolina, is a fantastic destination offering a mix of vibrant downtown energy, beautiful university campuses, dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly breweries, and plenty of places to explore. Finding the right accommodation that welcomes your pup with open arms is key to a stress-free trip.
Whether you are looking for a trendy downtown boutique, a luxurious golf resort, or a budget-friendly stay, here is a guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in Durham.
1. Unscripted Durham, Part of JDV by Hyatt
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Unscripted Durham is highly praised by guests for its unbeatable central location in the heart of downtown. Known for its mid-century modern aesthetic and seasonal outdoor rooftop pool, this hotel welcomes two dogs with a combined weight of up to 75 lbs. The pet fee is very reasonable: $50 for 1-2 nights, $75 for 3-6 nights, and $100 for longer stays. The property also features a convenient courtyard and grassy areas for quick pet relief.
2. Aloft Durham Downtown
Boasting an excellent guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, the Aloft is a chic, modern hotel perfectly positioned next to the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). Along with its incredibly walkable location, the hotel features an outdoor pool and a welcoming atmosphere for your pets.
3. 21c Museum Hotel Durham
For culture-loving dog owners, this historic hotel located in the Hill Building doubles as a contemporary art museum. It’s just a four-minute walk from DPAC, making it a stylish and culturally enriching base for you and your dog.
4. Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
If you are visiting Duke University or just want a lavish getaway, this 4.0-star property is situated right on the university campus and features an 18-hole championship golf course and three on-site restaurants. The hotel allows two dogs of any size in designated rooms (including Standard Rooms and 1-Bedroom Suites). The pet fee is $150 for stays of 1 to 4 nights, and $250 for stays of 5 nights or more. The grounds offer plenty of grassy pet relief areas with waste stations, though it is important to note that dogs cannot be left unattended and cats are not permitted.
5. JB Duke Hotel
Another exceptional 4.0-star option near the university, the JB Duke Hotel earns rave reviews for its outstanding customer service and beautiful accommodations. They welcome two dogs of any size in designated rooms for a flat fee of $150 per stay. To make packing easier, the hotel provides food and water bowls for their four-legged guests. Just keep in mind that pets cannot be left unattended and exotic pets or cats are not allowed.
6. Hilton Durham near Duke University
Sometimes you need to grab dinner or run an errand where your dog can’t tag along. The Hilton Durham is one of the rare gems that allows well-behaved pets to be left in the room unattended. They allow two pets up to 100 lbs in designated rooms for a reasonable fee of $75 per stay. The hotel also features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and on-site pet relief areas.
7. Red Roof Inn
(Duke Univ Medical Center & Triangle Park locations)
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog at home. Both the Red Roof Inn Durham – Duke Univ Medical Center and the Red Roof Inn Durham Triangle Park offer an incredible deal: they allow one pet up to 80 lbs for absolutely no additional pet fee. If you are traveling with two pets, the second pet is only an additional $15 per night (not to exceed $105 per stay). Both locations offer grassy pet relief areas, though pets may not be left unattended in the rooms.
8. University Inn Durham
Located right next to the Duke University Medical Center, this boutique inn offers a free shuttle service to the hospital and spacious rooms. They are very accommodating to animals, allowing two pets of any size for an additional fee of $50 per pet, per night.
A Quick Tip for Booking:
Always double-check the pet policy when you book, as some hotels have designated pet-friendly rooms and specific rules about leaving pets unattended. Pack the leash, grab some treats, and get ready to enjoy everything Durham has to offer with your best friend by your side!
Need Same-Day Vet Care in Durham, NC?
Even with the safest adventures, sudden illnesses or minor injuries can happen while you are out traveling with your pup. If your pet ever needs same-day veterinary care, be sure to visit Truss Vet Durham.
Operating much like a human urgent care clinic, we specialize in non-life-threatening emergencies that need quick medical attention without the hassle of a traditional ER. We offer convenient walk-in and same-day care!