Traveling to Chicago with a pet means more than finding a hotel that tolerates animals. These five hotels have documented pet policies, clear fee structures, and services that go beyond a water bowl at check-in. Each one spells out what it charges and what your pet actually gets.
How we selected these pet-friendly hotels in Chicago
Every hotel on this list was evaluated against four criteria: a documented fee structure (not just "fees may apply"), stated weight or number limits, at least one on-site or coordinated pet service, and confirmation that the policy applies to cats as well as dogs where relevant.
Star rating and overall quality mattered less than the depth of the pet program. A boutique hotel with a pet welcome kit, a dedicated dog-walking referral, and a clear fee beats a five-star property that says "pets welcome" with no further detail. Price segment variety was also a factor, so you'll find luxury flagships alongside independent and upper-midscale options.
Pet policy comparison at a glance
| Hotel | Pet fee | Weight limit | Pets allowed | Cats accepted | Key pet service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Langham Chicago | $150 per stay ($300 for 7+ days) | 35 lbs | 2 | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Loews Chicago Hotel | $100 per stay | None published | 2 | Not stated (cat supplies stocked) | Pet room service menu, welcome kit |
| Viceroy Chicago | $125 per pet, per stay | Under 25 lbs | 2 | Not confirmed | Dog walking via concierge, dog bed and bowls |
| Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel | No fee | No size limit | 2 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park Gold Experience | $150 per stay ($300 for 7-30 days) | Under 40 lbs | Not confirmed | Yes | Pampered Pooch package: dog bed, bowl, local guide |
What to confirm before you arrive with a pet
- Call the hotel directly to confirm the current fee, since pet policies update more often than websites do.
- Ask whether your specific room type is pet-designated. Some hotels restrict pets to certain floors or room categories.
- If you have a cat, confirm acceptance explicitly. Several hotels list dogs only in their published policy.
- Request the pet amenity package at booking, not at check-in. Some hotels only provide it when noted on the reservation.
- Ask for the nearest off-leash dog area. Chicago's lakefront parks have designated dog-friendly zones, and front desk staff at these hotels can point you to the closest one.
Pet-friendly neighborhoods and what they mean for your stay
Where your hotel is in Chicago shapes the day-to-day experience for a pet owner. The Langham and Loews are along the Chicago River and near the Magnificent Mile, putting you within a short walk of the lakefront path, where dogs on leash are welcome along most stretches.
Viceroy Chicago on North State Street puts you close to Lincoln Park, one of the city's most dog-dense green spaces, roughly a 10-minute walk north.
Hotel Zachary is directly across from Wrigley Field in Wrigleyville, a neighborhood with several dog-friendly bars and a tight grid of residential streets that work well for morning walks.
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park is on Columbus Drive by Maggie Daley Park, so a dog walk can take in the park and the lakefront path without crossing much traffic.
The hotels
Things to do in Chicago, by neighborhood
Where to start in each neighborhood, and what’s on there this weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chicago hotels accept cats, not just dogs?+
The Langham Chicago and the Fairmont both say in their published policies that they take dogs and cats. Loews Chicago Hotel's pet program stocks litter boxes and scratch poles, though it doesn't state a cat policy. Viceroy Chicago and Hotel Zachary don't say on their own sites whether cats are allowed, so call ahead before booking with a cat.
What is the typical pet fee at Chicago hotels?+
Hotel Zachary lets pets stay free. Loews Chicago Hotel charges $100 per stay, Viceroy Chicago $125 per pet per stay, and The Langham Chicago and the Fairmont each a $150 cleaning fee per stay, rising to $300 for stays of 7 days or more (7 to 30 days at the Fairmont).
Do any Chicago hotels have a weight limit for pets?+
Yes. The Langham Chicago takes pets of 35 lbs or less, the Fairmont takes dogs and cats under 40 lbs, and Viceroy Chicago takes pets under 25 lbs. Hotel Zachary has no size limit, and Loews Chicago Hotel doesn't publish one. If you're traveling with a large dog, Hotel Zachary is your clearest option.
Which neighborhood is best for traveling with a dog in Chicago?+
The Gold Coast, home to Viceroy Chicago, gives you the closest walking access to Lincoln Park and its off-leash dog areas. Wrigleyville, where Hotel Zachary is located, has a dense residential grid that works well for daily walks.
Can I leave my pet alone in the hotel room?+
Policies vary. Most hotels on this list ask that pets not be left unattended in rooms, or require you to crate them if you do. Confirm the specific rule with the hotel at booking. Several properties can connect you with a pet sitter through the concierge if you need to leave your pet for an extended period.
Are there off-leash dog areas near these hotels?+
Lincoln Park has designated off-leash dog areas on the North Side, closest to Viceroy Chicago. Ask the hotel concierge for the current closest designated area, since park rules in Chicago can change seasonally.



