Hotel ESA Policy – Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals in Hotels
Hotel ESA Policy – A Complete Guide for 2025
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort and therapeutic benefits for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional conditions. While ESA letters protect your rights in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), many people are often confused about whether those same protections apply to hotels.
This article will explain the hotel ESA policy, what rights you have when traveling with your ESA, and how hotels differ from housing when it comes to emotional support animals.
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Are Hotels Required to Accept Emotional Support Animals?
The short answer is: No. Hotels in the USA are not legally required to accept Emotional Support Animals. Here’s why:
- The Fair Housing Act (FHA) applies to long-term housing, not short-term rentals like hotels or motels.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers service animals (specially trained dogs), but not ESAs.
- Hotels, as public accommodations, must follow the ADA. Since ESAs are not service animals, hotels can legally deny them.
This means that hotel ESA policy depends entirely on the hotel’s own rules. Some hotels allow ESAs, others treat them as pets, and some refuse them altogether.
Hotel ESA Policy vs. Service Animal Policy
It’s important to understand the difference between ESAs and service animals:
- Service Animals (ADA Protected): Specially trained dogs that assist people with disabilities. Hotels must legally accept them free of charge.
- Emotional Support Animals (Not ADA Protected): Provide comfort but no special training. Hotels are not required to accept them.
So, if you’re traveling with a service animal, the hotel cannot deny entry. If you’re traveling with an ESA, it’s up to the hotel’s individual policy.
Do ESA Letters Help with Hotels?
An ESA letter is extremely valuable for housing situations under the FHA. However, when it comes to hotels, ESA letters do not legally require hotels to accept your animal.
That said, some hotels may be more open to ESAs if you present a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. While they don’t have to honor it, it can sometimes help your case if the hotel is flexible.
Common Hotel ESA Policies
Since ESA acceptance is not federally required in hotels, policies vary:
- Pet-Friendly Hotels – Many hotels allow pets, including ESAs, but they may charge pet fees or deposits.
- Hotels Allowing ESAs With Letters – Some hotels will waive fees or make exceptions if you provide an ESA letter.
- Strict No-Pet Hotels – Some properties refuse all animals that are not service dogs.
Always call the hotel in advance to ask about their ESA policy before booking.
Potential Fees for ESAs in Hotels
Unlike housing under the FHA, where landlords cannot charge pet fees for ESAs, hotels can legally:
- Charge pet fees or deposits for ESAs.
- Set restrictions on animal size, breed, or number of pets.
- Impose cleaning fees if your ESA causes damage.
This is because hotels are treated like businesses, not housing providers.
How to Travel with an ESA in Hotels
If you plan to bring your ESA to a hotel, follow these steps:
- Research ESA-Friendly Hotels – Look for pet-friendly or ESA-friendly hotels on booking sites.
- Call Ahead – Confirm the hotel’s ESA policy before making reservations.
- Prepare Documentation – Even though not required, having an ESA letter may help.
- Bring Essentials – Food, water, bedding, and toys for your ESA.
- Respect Hotel Property – Keep your ESA under control to avoid extra charges.
Best Hotel Chains for ESA Owners in the USA
Some hotel chains are more pet-friendly than others. While policies may vary by location, these chains are generally accommodating:
- La Quinta Inns & Suites – Known for being pet-friendly.
- Best Western – Many locations allow pets and ESAs.
- Kimpton Hotels – Extremely pet-friendly and ESA-friendly.
- Marriott & Hilton – Policies vary, but many locations allow pets.
- Motel 6 – Often the easiest and cheapest option for ESA owners.
Tip: Always confirm the specific location’s policy before booking, since rules may vary.
Hotel ESA Policy – Key Differences from Housing
| Category | Housing (FHA) | Hotels (ADA) |
|---|---|---|
| ESA Protection | Yes (must accept ESAs) | No (not required) |
| Service Animal Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Fees Allowed | No | Yes |
| Legal Requirement | Landlords must comply | Hotels decide their policy |
FAQs – Hotel ESA Policy
Q1. Are hotels legally required to accept ESAs?
👉 No. Only service animals are protected under the ADA.
Q2. Can hotels charge fees for ESAs?
👉 Yes. Hotels can treat ESAs like pets and charge cleaning or pet fees.
Q3. Will an ESA letter help in hotels?
👉 It may help, but hotels are not legally required to honor it.
Q4. Which hotels are most ESA-friendly?
👉 Chains like La Quinta, Kimpton, and Best Western are generally more pet and ESA-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The hotel ESA policy in the USA is very different from housing laws. While ESAs are protected in long-term housing under the FHA, hotels are not required to accept ESAs because they fall under ADA rules, which only protect service animals.
If you want to stay in a hotel with your ESA, always check the hotel’s specific policy in advance, be prepared for pet fees, and carry your ESA letter if you have one—it may help in some cases.
In 2025, ESA owners still have many pet-friendly hotel options, but understanding the difference between housing and hotel ESA policies will save you time, money, and frustration.
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”Get Yours Now!
Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.
Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.
Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.
