These 5 Austin hotels stand out for pet programs backed by published policies, not vague welcome statements. Each entry documents the fee, weight limit, number of pets allowed, whether cats are accepted, and what services travelers can expect on-site or nearby.
What pet-friendly hotels in Austin actually offer
Austin hotels vary widely in how seriously they treat traveling pets. A handful publish detailed policies covering fees, breed rules, weight caps, and species restrictions. Others say only "pets welcome" with no further detail. The five hotels below fall into the first group.
Fees across this list run from $50 to $125 per stay, non-refundable in every case. Weight limits run from 25 lbs at the Omni to none at all at Hotel ZaZa and Hotel Van Zandt. Only Hotel ZaZa confirms it takes cats. None of the five charge a nightly pet fee, which keeps costs predictable on longer stays.
On-site pet services are limited across Austin hotels generally.
Pet policies at a glance
| Hotel | Pet fee | Weight limit | Max pets | Cats allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel ZaZa Austin | $100 per pet, non-refundable | No weight limit | No limit listed | Yes |
| Omni Austin Hotel Downtown | $125 per reservation, non-refundable | 25 lbs | Not listed | Not stated |
| Canopy By Hilton Austin Downtown | $75 non-refundable | 75 lbs | Not listed | Not stated |
| Hotel Van Zandt | $100 per stay, non-refundable | No weight limit | 2 dogs | Dogs only listed |
| Hilton Austin | $50 non-refundable | 75 lbs | Not listed | Not stated |
Before you book with a pet
- Call the hotel directly to confirm cat acceptance if the policy page does not address it explicitly.
- Austin's hotel tax totals 17%. Hotels with 100 or more rooms may also add a 2% Tourism Public Improvement District fee on top of that, so budget accordingly.
- Route 20 Riverside connects downtown Austin to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport every 15 to 30 minutes for $1.25 a ride ($1.50 from January 10, 2027), but rideshare is the practical option when traveling with a pet and luggage.
Pet-friendly hotels near downtown Austin transit
All five hotels on this list are in or near downtown Austin. CapMetro bus routes serve the area, though Austin is a car-oriented city and most guests with pets will use rideshare or a personal vehicle.
The nearest MetroRail Red Line stop for most downtown hotels is Downtown station, the line's southern end.
For hotels on Congress Avenue and nearby streets, multiple CapMetro bus routes stop within a block or two, including routes on the Rapid 801 North Lamar/South Congress corridor.
The hotels
Hotel ZaZa Austin
400 Lavaca St
9.8659 reviews
13 min walk to Downtown Station (MetroRail Red Line)Cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes with no weight limit, for a flat $100 non-refundable fee per pet.
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Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto Blvd
9.0976 reviews
8 min walk to Downtown Station (MetroRail Red Line)Pets up to 25 lbs for a $125 non-refundable fee per reservation, and a kennel is required when pets are left unattended.
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Canopy By Hilton Austin Downtown
604 W 6th St
9.2416 reviews
5 min walk to 5th & Guadalupe (Republic Square) stop (MetroRapid 837, Route 4, Route 5)Pets up to 75 lbs for a $75 non-refundable fee, plus a rooftop pool, covered valet with in-and-out privileges and EV charging for road trips.
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Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis Street
9.01,013 reviews
8 min walk to Downtown Station (MetroRail Red Line)Two dogs per room with no size or breed limits for a flat $100 fee, with 10% donated to the Austin Animal Center, in the walkable Rainey Street district.
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Hilton Austin
500 E 4th St
9.0795 reviews
1 min walk to Downtown Station (MetroRail Red Line)A $50 non-refundable pet fee, the lowest on this list, for pets up to 75 lbs, plus The Eighth Deck pool bar eight floors above downtown.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Austin hotels on this list accept cats?＋
Hotel ZaZa Austin is the only hotel on this list that confirms cat acceptance in its published policy. The other four hotels reference dogs in their FAQ and policy pages but do not confirm or deny cats. Call the hotel directly before booking if you are traveling with a cat.
Do any of these hotels charge a nightly pet fee instead of a flat fee?＋
No. All five hotels charge a one-time, non-refundable flat fee per stay, ranging from $50 at Hilton Austin to $125 at Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. None charge per night, which makes costs predictable on multi-night stays.
Which hotel has the most permissive weight limit for dogs?＋
Hotel ZaZa Austin and Hotel Van Zandt both publish no weight limit. Hotel ZaZa accepts cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes. Hotel Van Zandt allows up to two dogs per room with no weight, height, or breed restrictions.
Is there a pet-friendly hotel near the Rainey Street district?＋
Hotel Van Zandt at 605 Davis Street is in the Rainey Street district. The neighborhood features historic bungalows converted to bars and restaurants, and the Lady Bird Lake trail is within walking distance, making it one of the more dog-friendly locations in downtown Austin.
What is the hotel tax rate in Austin?＋
Austin's hotel tax totals 17%: 6% Texas state tax plus 11% city tax. Hotels with 100 or more rooms may also charge a separate 2% Tourism Public Improvement District fee on top of that, which is a fee rather than a tax and appears as a line item on your bill.
Can I get to these downtown hotels from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by bus?＋
Route 20 Riverside runs from the airport to downtown every 15 to 30 minutes, seven days a week, for $1.25 a ride ($1.50 from January 10, 2027). The bus stop at the airport is on the lower level outside baggage claim at the neon guitar stop. That said, traveling with a pet and luggage on a bus is difficult, and most guests in that situation use rideshare or a taxi. Rideshare and taxi pickup for arrivals at AUS is under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, reached by tram from the Red Garage.
