10 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
The best dog-friendly hotels in Columbus, Ohio cluster downtown near the Scioto Mile and Capitol Square, where your pup is steps from riverfront walks and dog-welcoming patios. Top picks include the upscale Hotel LeVeque, the no-pet-fee Sheraton at Capitol Square, and budget-friendly options like Red Roof PLUS+ and Holiday Inn Express. Pet fees range from $0 to about $100 per stay, so confirm the current policy when you book.
Columbus is one of the Midwest's most welcoming cities for travelers with dogs. Between the riverfront Scioto Mile, the trails of the Olentangy Greenway, and a downtown packed with dog-friendly breweries and patios, there's plenty to do once you've checked in. Below are ten reliable dog-friendly hotels, what they charge, and what makes each one worth a look. Because hotel pet policies and fees change frequently, always reconfirm the details directly with the property before you arrive — the figures below reflect recently published policies.
How We Chose These Dog-Friendly Columbus Hotels
We prioritized hotels that genuinely welcome dogs rather than merely tolerating them: clear written pet policies, reasonable fees, convenient locations near walkable green space, and amenities like dog beds, bowls, or treats. We leaned toward downtown and Short North–adjacent properties because that's where most visitors want to be, and we included options across the budget spectrum. Aggregators like BringFido's Columbus listings and Marriott's pet-friendly Columbus directory are good places to verify the latest policies before booking.
The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Columbus
1. Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
Set inside the iconic LeVeque Tower in the heart of downtown, this is the city's signature luxury stay. Dogs of any size are welcome for roughly $50 per stay, and the hotel typically offers a pet package with a bed, bowls, and treats. You're steps from the Scioto Mile riverfront — ideal for morning walks.
2. Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square
A standout for budget-conscious travelers: the Sheraton welcomes dogs of any size with no pet fee, and offers dog beds and bowls on request. Its Capitol Square location puts you near dog-friendly restaurants and easy walking routes downtown.
3. Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center
A dependable, value-forward choice near the convention center. Drury allows up to two dogs for a modest nightly fee (recently around $35/night), and the free hot breakfast and evening snacks make multi-day stays easy.
4. The Westin Columbus
A grand, historic downtown hotel that welcomes dogs up to about 50 pounds, often with no additional pet fee. The central location near the Statehouse means quick access to green space and patios.
5. Residence Inn Columbus Downtown
The all-suite layout with full kitchens is perfect for longer stays with a dog. Residence Inn allows up to two pets for a one-time fee (recently around $100 per stay), and the extra space lets your pup settle in comfortably.
6. Hilton Columbus Downtown
Connected to the convention center and steps from the North Market, the Hilton welcomes dogs up to about 75 pounds for roughly $50 per stay. It's one of the most spacious, amenity-rich downtown options.
7. Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
Near the Ohio State University campus, this is a smart base if you're in town for a game or campus visit. Hyatt Place typically welcomes dogs up to about 50 pounds for a per-stay fee (recently around $75), with easy access to the Olentangy Trail for walks.
8. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown
Spacious two-room suites and a downtown address make this a comfortable pick. DoubleTree generally allows up to two dogs for about $50 per stay — and yes, the warm welcome cookie is for you, not the pup.
9. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Downtown
A reliable, wallet-friendly option that welcomes dogs of any size for a low nightly fee (recently around $20/night). Free breakfast and a central location make it a practical home base.
10. Red Roof PLUS+ Columbus Downtown–Convention Center
Red Roof is famously pet-friendly, and this downtown location continues the tradition: one well-behaved pet typically stays free. It's the easiest choice for travelers who want a no-fuss, no-fee dog-friendly stay.
Pet Fees and Policies at a Glance
Columbus dog-friendly hotels span a wide range of policies. No-fee options like the Sheraton and Red Roof PLUS+ are great for budget travelers, while extended-stay properties like Residence Inn charge more but offer far more space. A few tips that apply almost everywhere:
- Most hotels cap the number of dogs (usually one or two) and some enforce weight limits.
- Fees may be per night or per stay — a big difference for longer trips.
- You're typically responsible for any damage, and dogs usually can't be left unattended in rooms unless crated.
- Always reconfirm the current policy and fee when booking, since these change often. Listings on Hotels.com's pet-friendly Columbus page and Petswelcome can help you compare.
Things to Do With Your Dog in Columbus
Once you've settled in, Columbus rewards dog owners. The Scioto Mile and downtown riverfront offer paved paths and lawns right outside the door of several hotels on this list. The Olentangy Greenway Trail runs for miles along the river, perfect for longer outings. The Short North Arts District is full of dog-friendly patios and breweries, and several area parks welcome leashed dogs. If you're planning a broader Midwest trip, our guides to dog-friendly stays in nearby cities — including our Chicago hotel roundup — can help you map the whole route.
Tips for Staying at a Dog-Friendly Hotel
- Book the pet-friendly room type directly. Some hotels designate specific rooms for guests with dogs.
- Bring your own bed and bowls even if the hotel provides them, so your dog has familiar gear.
- Pack waste bags, a towel for muddy paws, and any medications.
- Stick to your dog's routine for meals and walks to reduce travel stress.
- Be a good ambassador: clean up promptly, keep your dog leashed in common areas, and minimize barking so the next traveler with a dog is just as welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Columbus hotels have no pet fee?
The Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square and Red Roof PLUS+ Columbus Downtown are the strongest no-fee options, and The Westin Columbus often waives its fee as well. Always confirm at booking.
Are there weight limits at dog-friendly hotels in Columbus?
Some, yes. The Westin and Hyatt Place commonly cap dogs around 50 pounds, while the Hilton allows up to about 75 pounds. Hotel LeVeque, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express tend to welcome dogs of any size.
How much does it cost to bring a dog to a Columbus hotel?
Fees range from $0 at no-fee hotels to about $100 per stay at extended-stay properties like Residence Inn. Many fall in the $20–$50 range.
Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?
Policies vary, but most hotels require dogs to be crated if left unattended, and some prohibit it entirely. Check the specific property's rules before you book.
What's the best area to stay in Columbus with a dog?
Downtown near the Scioto Mile and Capitol Square is ideal — it offers the most walkable green space and the highest concentration of dog-friendly hotels and patios.
The Bottom Line
Columbus makes traveling with a dog easy, with reliable pet-friendly hotels at every price point and walkable green space right downtown. Whether you splurge on Hotel LeVeque or keep it simple at Red Roof PLUS+, you'll find a comfortable, welcoming base for exploring the city with your pup. Just confirm the current pet policy when you book, pack the essentials, and you're set.
Planning more adventures? Browse our other city guides, like our dog-friendly Atlanta hotels and dog-friendly Boston hotels roundups, and subscribe to the Daily Wag newsletter for fresh dog-travel tips and destination guides.




