Which Universal Hotels Are Pet Friendly?
Universal Orlando is a fun vacation destination for individuals from all walks of life, and many people enjoy visiting the parks as often as they are able. If you have a beloved pet at home that you want to bring with you, either to give them their own vacation or to avoid leaving them at home alone, you may be wondering which Universal hotels are pet-friendly.
Our article gives you details on pet-friendly Universal hotels so you can get started arranging your next vacation with your furry friend.
Pet-Friendly Universal Hotels
The following hotels are known for their pet-friendly policies and the welcoming environment that they create for both pets and their owners. It’s important to note that in addition to these hotels, two Universal Orland resorts offer pet-friendly rooms and policies: Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
The pet policy of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel includes the following:
- You will need to pay a one-time pet fee of $100 to bring your pet with you
- Designated pet-friendly rooms are Garden View and Bay View rooms only; all other rooms are pet-free
- You are only allowed two pets per room, and you may have dogs or cats in the hotel up to 75 pounds
- You will need to provide hotel staff with details about your pet, including records of up-to-date vaccinations
- You must supervise and leash your pet in public and when walking anywhere around the hotel
- You must clean up all pet waste that occurs inside and outside of the hotel
Upon check-in to the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you will receive directions from staff about how to schedule housekeeping and any updated pet policies. You will also receive pet comfort items such as pet bowls, leashes, litter boxes and scoops, waste bags, and even a room service menu for your pet. Staff will also provide you with a sign that lets others know there is a pet in your room to ensure that your pet is accounted for at all times.
Speak with hotel staff upon booking or check-in to ensure that you understand the hotel’s pet policies or to have specific questions about traveling with your pet to this hotel answered.
Hard Rock Hotel
The pet policy at the Hard Rock Hotel is as follows:
- There is a one-time fee of $100 for bringing your pet with you
- You must book a pet-friendly room; these rooms are non-smoking garden-view rooms
- You can only have two pets in your room, and both dogs and cats are allowed up to 75 pounds
- You will need to provide hotel staff with copies of your pet’s current vaccinations and other identifying information
- You will need to supervise your pet at all times, and they must be leashed while walking around the property
- You must clean up your pet’s waste anywhere inside or outside of the hotel
Similar to check-in at other pet-friendly Universal hotels, you will receive directions from staff about how to schedule housekeeping and ensure your pet is taken care of during your stay. Staff will provide you with comfort pet items as needed, such as water bowls, leashes, waste bags, litter boxes, and litter scoops, and they will advise you on any updated pet policies or pet-friendly areas in the hotel outside of your room. You will also receive a ‘pet in room’ sign that informs others of your pet’s presence and a room service menu dedicated to your pet.
Make sure when booking that you choose a pet-friendly room; you will be assigned to one upon check-in if you haven’t done so, and this can cause issues with availability.
Can I Take My Service Dog to a Universal Hotel?
Fortunately, taking your service dog with you is easy, as Universal hotels and resorts must follow federal regulations that permit individuals with service dogs to access the property.
You will not be required to book a specific pet-friendly room, and you won’t need to pay any additional fees or adhere to pet-friendly areas when traveling with your service dog. You will also be able to take your service dog with you to the Universal theme parks; service dogs are the only kinds of animals permitted in the parks.
Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal to a Universal Hotel?
It is totally possible to take your emotional support animal to a Universal hotel with you. However, emotional support animals are treated differently from service dogs, as explained in this guide, and these animals aren’t granted the same public access rights as service dogs. Instead, they’ll be treated as a pet.
You will also not be able to bring your emotional support animal inside of the theme parks with you.
Traveling With Your Furry Friend
Traveling with your pet doesn’t need to be as stressful as you might think, and there are pet-friendly hotels at Universal Orlando for your convenience. Before checking into your hotel, make sure that you’ve booked a pet-friendly room and prepared for your stay with your pet by informing hotel staff of their presence and collecting important information about your pet, such as their vaccination records.
Always keep an eye on your pet’s comfort and health when traveling, and don’t forget to relax and enjoy your stay.
