Travelling with Your Dog at a Hotel: Rules and Best Pet-Friendly Chains in Italy

Taking your dog to a hotel is no longer an impossible undertaking: according to a 2023 Booking.com survey, 67% of Italian accommodation facilities accept pets, a 22% increase compared to 2019. However, knowing the rules, supplements and most welcoming hotel groups can make the difference between a relaxed holiday and a stressful experience for both you and your four-legged companion.

In this guide we analyse common regulations, real costs, the best pet-friendly hotel groups and 10 Italian hotels where your dog will truly be welcome, with up-to-date data and real-life cases to help you plan your stay as well as possible.

Regulations and general rules for dogs in hotels

In Italy there is no national law requiring hotels to accept pets: each establishment is free to set its own policy. However, EU Regulation 576/2013 requires that dogs travelling in Europe be identified by microchip, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by the European pet passport.

Mandatory documents to bring

When booking a hotel that accepts your dog, make sure you have with you:

• European passport or up-to-date health record
• Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
• Readable microchip (mandatory since 2005)
• Health certificate issued by a vet, where required (requested by some luxury properties)

According to WSAVA guidelines, it is also advisable to bring documentation of core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis) to demonstrate the animal's health status, especially if you plan to use shared areas or communal services.

Breeds and sizes: are there restrictions?

Approximately 18% of Italian pet-friendly hotels apply restrictions based on size or breed. The most common limitations involve:

• Dogs over 15–20 kg (excluded by around 12% of properties)
• Breeds listed in local authority ordinances (Pitbull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino: refused by 6% of hotels)
• Puppies under 4 months of age (for health and hygiene reasons)

It is essential to check by phone before booking, even if the website states "pet-friendly": a documented case in 2022 saw a family with a Caucasian Shepherd turned away from a Tuscan hotel despite having received an online confirmation.

Owner responsibility and insurance

You are legally responsible for any damage caused by your dog during the stay. The Italian Civil Code (Art. 2052) establishes the strict liability of the owner. Many standard household liability policies already include cover for pets (check for limits of at least €500,000); otherwise you can take out a specific policy for €30–80 per year.

Supplements and costs: what it really costs to bring your dog

The costs of bringing a dog to a hotel vary enormously depending on category, location and included services. An analysis of 230 Italian properties conducted in 2023 found the following averages:

Types of supplement applied

Around 38% of properties apply no supplement at all, particularly agriturismi and mountain hotels geared towards outdoor tourism. By contrast, luxury resorts in Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast can charge up to €100 per night for large dogs, though this usually includes premium services.

What the supplement covers (and what it doesn't)

The basic supplement generally covers:

• Deep cleaning of the room (carpet sanitisation, linen change)
• Access to pet-friendly common areas
• Water and food bowls (in 70% of cases)

Additional paid services (€10–40 each):

• Pet kit (cushion, blanket, toys): €15–25
• Dog sitting or in-room pet sitter: €20–40/hour
• Dedicated meals: €8–18 per meal
• Grooming: from €25 for small breeds

Security deposits and penalties

23% of hotels require a refundable security deposit of €50–200, retained in the event of damage. Some hotel groups (such as NH Hotel Group) use a pre-authorisation system on credit cards. Be aware of cancellation penalties: if you have booked a pet-friendly room, cancellation can incur costs 15–30% higher than for standard rooms.

Pet-friendly hotel groups and platforms in Italy

Major hotel groups have progressively adopted structured pet-friendly policies, often with dedicated loyalty programmes. Here are the main options for those looking for a dog-friendly hotel with guaranteed service standards.

Booking.com and filters for pets

Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Italy (42% of online bookings according to 2023 data) and offers an "Pets allowed" filter that returns over 18,000 Italian properties. Limitations of the system: the filter does not distinguish between dogs, cats or other animals, nor does it specify size restrictions. It is always advisable to:

1. Read the "Property policies" section on the hotel page
2. Send a direct message through the platform specifying breed, weight and age
3. Request written confirmation of the exact supplement

A real-life case from 2023: a couple with a Golden Retriever received confirmation for a hotel in Florence, but upon arrival discovered that the weight limit was 10 kg. Booking only provided a partial refund, as the information was present (though not prominently displayed) in the notes.

Airbnb and holiday rentals: flexibility and things to watch out for

Airbnb states that 68% of Italian hosts accept pets. The advantages over traditional hotels:

• More space (private gardens in 34% of cases)
• Kitchen available for preparing home-cooked meals
• On average lower supplements (€5–15 per total stay)

Use the "Pets allowed" filters and read reviews carefully: look for specific mentions from other guests who stayed with dogs. 12% of hosts apply restrictions not declared in the filters.

International hotel groups with pet programmes

Kimpton Hotels (IHG group) has a "no size, no weight, no breed restrictions" policy across all its properties, including the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona (reachable from Milan in 6 hours by car). In Italy, the most welcoming groups are:

• NH Hotel Group: accepts dogs up to 15 kg in almost all hotels, supplement €15–25/night
• Best Western: policy varies by hotel, approximately 70% pet-friendly with an average supplement of €12/night
• Starhotels: acceptance on request, supplement €20–35/night, 10 kg limit in many city-centre properties

10 outstanding Italian hotels for dogs (with practical details)

This selection is based on verified reviews, services offered and policy transparency. Prices shown are averages for a double room in high season (July–August 2024).

Northern Italy

1. Hotel Excelsior (Pesaro, Marche)
Supplement: free for dogs up to 15 kg, €10/night above that
Services: private dog-friendly beach, dog menu, dog sitter on request
Average price: €180–250/night
Notes: one of the few seaside properties with direct beach access for dogs, enclosed off-lead area.

2. Lefay Resort & SPA (Lake Garda, Lombardy)
Supplement: €50/night (includes luxury pet kit)
Services: guided trekking routes with dogs, gourmet pet menu, 24-hour pet sitting
Average price: €450–700/night
Notes: accepts dogs up to 25 kg, recent health certificate required.

3. Albergo Diffuso Sauris (Sauris, Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
Supplement: free
Services: ideal mountain setting for walks, bowls and blankets provided
Average price: €90–140/night
Notes: perfect for large dogs, no breed restrictions.

Central Italy

4. Borgo San Felice (Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany)
Supplement: €40/night
Services: pet concierge, dog sitting, vineyard trails, Bulgari pet amenities
Average price: €380–550/night
Notes: part of Relais & Châteaux, accepts dogs up to 20 kg subject to prior consent.

5. Hotel Adriano (Rome, Lazio)
Supplement: €15/night
Services: location close to Villa Borghese, bowls and mats, information on dog-friendly areas
Average price: €140–220/night
Notes: boutique hotel in the historic centre, 12 kg limit.

6. Eremito (Parrano, Umbria)
Supplement: free
Services: 120 hectares of private woodland, fully pet-friendly philosophy
Average price: €280–400/night
Notes: luxury "off-grid" hotel, ideal for a digital detox with your dog, no restrictions.

Southern Italy and Islands

7. Masseria Torre Maizza (Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia)
Supplement: €60/night
Services: dog menu, pet spa, guided walks through olive groves
Average price: €500–800/night
Notes: part of Rocco Forte Hotels, accepts dogs up to 15 kg, up-to-date vaccinations required.

8. Hotel Signum (Salina, Aeolian Islands)
Supplement: €20/night
Services: Mediterranean garden, dog-friendly beaches within reach, veterinary advice
Average price: €200–350/night
Notes: accessible by ferry from Milazzo (40 min), dogs permitted on Liberty Lines ferries with a €5 supplement.

9. Hotel Cala di Volpe (Costa Smeralda, Sardinia)
Supplement: €70/night
Services: pet concierge, dog sitting, access to private dog-friendly beaches
Average price: €800–1,400/night
Notes: luxury resort, accepts dogs up to 10 kg, health certificate and liability insurance required.

10. Verdura Resort (Sciacca, Sicily)
Supplement: €50/night
Services: 230 hectares of grounds, jogging trails with dogs, pet menu
Average price: €400–650/night
Notes: part of Rocco Forte Hotels, accepts dogs up to 20 kg, dedicated off-lead area.

Rules of conduct and good practices in hotels

Even in the most pet-friendly hotels, following a few guidelines ensures a pleasant stay and the chance to return in the future.

Preparation before departure

Before taking your dog to a hotel, make sure they are accustomed to:

• Being alone in new environments for short periods (15–30 minutes)
• Not barking excessively: a barking dog disturbs other guests and can lead to complaints (78% of negative reviews mentioning dogs in hotels relate to noise)
• Walking on a lead in confined spaces without pulling

If your dog has behavioural issues, consider a course of positive training before attempting a hotel stay.

During the stay: dos and don'ts

Rules commonly observed in all hotels:

1. Lead at all times in common areas (maximum 1.5 metres in accordance with local authority regulations)
2. Muzzle available (legally required in lifts and crowded spaces)
3. Do not leave your dog alone in the room without written authorisation (92% of hotels prohibit this)
4. Pick up waste immediately, including in the hotel's green areas
5. Do not allow your dog on beds or sofas (use blankets or sheets brought from home)

A telling case: in 2022, a hotel in Rimini withheld the entire security deposit (€200) for a dog left alone that damaged the door by scratching it out of separation anxiety.

Managing meals and hygiene

Most hotels do not allow dogs in restaurant dining rooms (except in dedicated outdoor areas). Bring with you:

• Collapsible travel bowls
• A supply of your dog's usual food (sudden changes can cause gastrointestinal upsets)
• Waste bags and absorbent pads (for puppies or older dogs)
• A blanket or portable bed that smells of home

If your dog follows a BARF diet, check whether the room has a refrigerator or bring a suitable cool bag.

Real-life cases and testimonials from travellers with dogs

Analysing real experiences helps you avoid common mistakes and choose the right property.

Case 1: Family with a Labrador in Tuscany

Marta and Luca spent 5 nights at an agriturismo near Siena with their 8-year-old Labrador, Max. Total pet cost: €10/night (€50 in total). The agriturismo offered 15 hectares of enclosed grounds, ideal for Max. Issue encountered: other dogs on the premises that were not always well socialised, with one aggression incident avoided thanks to the lead. Advice: always ask whether other dogs are staying and how well socialised they are.

Case 2: Couple with a Chihuahua in Venice

Sara brought her Chihuahua, Luna (2 kg), to a 4-star hotel in Venice. Supplement: €20/night. Luna was welcome everywhere, including at breakfast. Advantage: miniature dogs have easier access even in properties with restrictions. Issue: difficulty finding green areas for toilet needs (Venice has very few dog-friendly spaces). Solution: use of absorbent pads in the room, with prior authorisation.

Case 3: Refused at check-in due to lack of communication

Giorgio booked through Booking a hotel on the Amalfi Coast for his 35 kg German Shepherd. The "pets allowed" filter was active, but upon arrival he discovered the 10 kg weight limit. Outcome: he had to find alternative accommodation in the middle of summer, at three times the cost. Lesson: always confirm weight, breed and age in writing before booking.

Tips for choosing the right hotel for your dog

Assess your dog's specific needs

Not all dogs are suited to every type of hotel. Consider:

• Age: puppies and older dogs have different needs (puppies need frequent outings, older dogs need comfort and quiet)
• Size: large dogs need more space and larger rooms
• Temperament: anxious or reactive dogs do better in isolated agriturismi than in busy city hotels
• Energy level: active breeds (Border Collie, Jack Russell) need properties with access to trekking routes or beaches

If you have an older dog, prioritise hotels with a lift, ground-floor rooms and proximity to green areas.

Read reviews carefully

Look for reviews that explicitly mention dogs, using keywords such as "dog", "pet", "animals". Useful sites in addition to Booking:

• TripAdvisor: filter reviews by "travelled with pets"
• BringFido: specialist international platform (less widespread in Italy but useful for resorts)
• Facebook groups: "Vacanze con il cane Italia" has over 45,000 members with detailed reviews

Contact the property directly

A phone call or direct email allows you to:

1. Confirm the current policy (websites are not always up to date)
2. Negotiate supplements (in 15% of cases it is possible to obtain discounts for longer stays)
3. Request a specific room (ground floor, with terrace, away from noisy lifts)
4. Find out about additional services (registered vets, nearby pet shops)

Alternatives to hotels: other options for travelling with your dog

Agriturismi and country houses

Agriturismi are often the best choice for those travelling with large dogs or multiple dogs. Advantages:

• Ample outdoor space (gardens, woodland, countryside)
• Relaxed atmosphere and fewer strict rules
• On average lower supplements (€5–10/night or free in 40% of cases)
• Opportunity to meet other farm animals (positive socialisation)

Specialist platforms: Agriturismo.it (the "pets allowed" filter returns over 3,200 properties).

Campsites and holiday villages

78% of Italian campsites accept dogs, with supplements of €3–8/night. Ideal for:

• Families on a budget
• Dogs who love being outdoors
• Longer stays (weekly/monthly)

Important: check the rules on access to swimming pools, beaches and communal areas (often restricted).

Holiday rentals and private villas

For groups or larger families, renting an entire villa offers maximum freedom. Recommended platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeAway. Advantages:

• No restrictions on times or spaces
• Private enclosed gardens (in 45% of villas)
• Ability to bring multiple dogs without additional supplements

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to a hotel without giving advance notice?

No, you are always required to notify the hotel of your dog's presence at the time of booking. Arriving with an undeclared dog can result in check-in being refused with no refund. 95% of hotels require written confirmation at least 48 hours before arrival. Even if the website states "pet-friendly", always contact the property directly to confirm availability, any size or breed restrictions, and the exact supplement.

What happens if my dog causes damage in the room?

You are legally responsible for any damage under Art. 2052 of the Civil Code. The hotel can retain the security deposit (if one was required) or charge repair and deep-cleaning costs to your credit card. The most common types of damage include scratches to doors or furniture (€50–200), stains on upholstery (€80–300) and damage to linen (€30–100). Your standard household liability insurance or a specific pet policy should cover these costs: always check the limits and exclusions before you travel.

Can dogs access common areas such as restaurants and swimming pools?

This depends on the specific policy of each hotel. In Italy, by law dogs are not permitted in: kitchens, food preparation areas, or indoor swimming pools (for health and hygiene reasons). Around 60% of hotels allow access to outdoor restaurant areas or terraces, while 30% prohibit access to dining areas entirely. Outdoor swimming pools are generally off limits (85% of cases), while gardens and lounge areas are accessible in 70% of pet-friendly properties. Dogs must always be on a lead and under direct supervision.

What vaccinations are required to bring a dog to a hotel?

The only vaccination required by law in Italy is the one against rabies (mandatory for international travel and strongly recommended for accommodation facilities). It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be valid in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (usually 1–3 years). Many hotels also require the WSAVA core vaccinations: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and parainfluenza. Always bring the up-to-date vaccination record or the European pet passport. Some luxury properties may require a health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of departure.

Plan the perfect holiday with your dog

Travelling with your dog in a hotel requires organisation, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. With careful planning, the right choice of property and respect for common rules, you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday together with your four-legged companion. Always remember to check health documents, insurance and specific policies before booking.

If you are planning your first trip with a newly adopted puppy, read our guide to the first 30 days to prepare them as well as possible. For dogs prone to excessive barking, consider specific training before attempting a hotel stay, to ensure maximum comfort for you, your dog and your fellow guests.