Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Burlington, Vermont 2026

Burlington’s compact downtown, lakefront promenades, and bike-friendly streets make it a top destination for pet parents who want to explore New England without leaving their dogs behind. In 2026 the city offers a range of accommodations — from upscale boutique properties to value-oriented chains — all with clear pet policies and convenient relief areas. This guide breaks down the nine verified hotels, outlines the typical pet fees you will encounter, and gives seasonal packing pointers so you and your dog can travel safely, comfortably, and within budget.

The Best Places to Stay

Burlington’s hotel landscape clusters around three zones: the bustling Church Street Marketplace, the scenic harbor, and the quieter South Burlington corridor. Each property listed below meets the city’s basic pet-friendly standards and offers at least one standout amenity for dogs.

Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown

Located steps from Church Street Marketplace, the Hilton Garden Inn puts you in the heart of downtown shopping, dining, and lakefront parks. Modern rooms include free Wi-Fi and a fitness center, while a pet relief area sits just outside the lobby. Price band: $150-200 per night Pet policy: Up to three dogs of any size for $35 per pet, per night; the hotel also allows two pets up to 100 lb each for a flat $75-$100 fee per stay, according to BringFido. Pros: Central location, contemporary rooms, on-site fitness center. Cons: Pet fee adds to nightly cost, especially for larger groups. Check rates

DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont

Set near the University of Vermont, this DoubleTree offers ground-floor rooms for easy pet access and a grassy relief area on the property. Two on-site restaurants and an indoor pool make it family-friendly. Price band: $140-190 per night Pet policy: Two pets up to 80 lb for $75 per night (1-4 nights) or $125 for longer stays, as detailed on the DoubleTree policy page. Pros: Indoor pool, multiple dining options, spacious rooms. Cons: Higher pet fee for stays longer than four nights. Check rates

DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington

Also positioned near the University of Vermont, this DoubleTree mirrors the amenities of its sister property. Ground-floor rooms are assigned for pets, and a grassy relief area is available on site. Price band: Varies (price not listed) Pet policy: Up to two pets up to 80 lb each; $75 for stays 1-4 nights, $125 for longer stays. Pros: Spacious rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurants. Cons: Pet fee increases after four nights. Check rates

Courtyard Marriott Burlington Harbor

Perched on the waterfront, this Courtyard offers harbor views and direct access to the Burlington Bike Path — ideal for evening strolls with your dog. The property accepts one dog up to 40 lb for $85 per night. Price band: Varies (price not listed) Pet policy: One dog up to 40 lb; $85 nightly fee per pet, per BringFido. Pros: Scenic waterfront setting, easy bike-path access, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Cons: Weight limit excludes larger breeds. Check rates

Residence Inn Burlington Colchester

Just west of downtown, the Residence Inn provides suite-style rooms with full kitchens — perfect for longer stays. Pets are welcome in all suites, and outdoor patio seating lets dogs join guests for the complimentary hot breakfast. Price band: Varies (price not listed) Pet policy: Details on fees and weight limits are not publicly listed; however, the property does allow pets in all suites and offers patio dining for dogs, per PetsAllowedHotel. Pros: Kitchenettes, separate living area, breakfast for pets welcome. Cons: Unclear fee structure; travelers should call ahead to confirm. Check rates

Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton

This upscale waterfront hotel sits 0.3 mi from Waterfront Park and 0.2 mi from the ECHO, Leahy Center. Rooms accommodate dogs up to 75 lb for a non-refundable $75 fee per stay. Amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi and a 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bikes. Price band: $245+ per night Pet policy: Dogs up to 75 lb; $75 non-refundable fee per stay. Pros: Luxury lakefront location, on-site dining, pet-welcome staff. Cons: Urban Destination Fee of $28.50 per night adds to total cost. Check rates

Hotel Vermont

A boutique property steps from Church Street Marketplace and Burlington Harbor, Hotel Vermont blends modern design with a complimentary breakfast. Its pet-friendly designation appears on TripAdvisor, though fee and weight details are not listed publicly. Price band: $291+ per night Pet policy: Pet-friendly according to TripAdvisor; specific fee and size limits require direct inquiry. Pros: Stylish boutique ambiance, central location, free breakfast. Cons: Lack of publicly disclosed pet policy details. Check rates

Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center

Located about 1.7 mi from downtown, this South Burlington hotel offers easy I-89 access for regional travelers. Complimentary hot breakfast, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms noted on TripAdvisor make it a solid value choice. Price band: $159+ per night Pet policy: Pet-friendly rooms listed on TripAdvisor; specific fee information not provided. Pros: Value pricing, breakfast included, spacious rooms. Cons: Requires a short drive or bus ride to downtown attractions. Check rates

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor

Another Marriott option on the harbor, this property places guests within walking distance of Waterfront Park and the bike path. While pet-friendly rooms appear on TripAdvisor, the exact fee and size limits are not detailed online. Price band: $200+ per night Pet policy: Pet-friendly rooms confirmed; fee and weight restrictions require a direct call. Pros: Reliable Marriott amenities, waterfront location, 24-hour fitness center. Cons: Unclear pet fee structure. Check rates

Note that two Marriott-branded Courtyard listings and two DoubleTree listings appear above with slightly different names and booking links; both pairs sit in the same harbor and University of Vermont areas respectively, so if you find conflicting availability under one name, check the sister listing before assuming the hotel is sold out.

With nine verified properties, Burlington gives you real choice by both budget and neighborhood. Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown is the strongest fit if you want to be in the middle of Church Street Marketplace with a clearly published fee. The DoubleTree properties near the University of Vermont suit families who want an indoor pool and on-site dining without paying downtown rates. Courtyard Marriott Burlington Harbor and its sister property are the picks for owners who prioritize waterfront views and Bike Path access over a large dog — both cap at a single dog under 40 lb. Residence Inn Burlington Colchester is the best choice for longer stays thanks to full kitchens, and Hotel Champlain or Hotel Vermont are the upscale options if budget is not the main constraint.

Pet Fees and What to Expect

Understanding the fee structure before you book can prevent surprise charges at checkout. Most Burlington hotels charge a per-night pet fee, but a few apply a flat stay fee.

• Flat-stay fees: Hilton Garden Inn offers a non-refundable $75-$100 fee for two pets up to 100 lb each, which can be more economical for longer stays. Hotel Champlain charges a single $75 fee per stay for dogs up to 75 lb.
• Per-night fees: DoubleTree properties charge $75 per night for stays of 1-4 nights and $125 for longer stays; Courtyard Marriott Harbor’s fee is $85 per night for one dog up to 40 lb.
• Unlisted fees: Residence Inn, Best Western Plus Windjammer, and the second Courtyard property note pet-friendly rooms but do not publish fee details. Call ahead to confirm the amount and any weight restrictions.

When budgeting, add the pet fee to the nightly rate and remember that some hotels, like Hotel Champlain, also have an Urban Destination Fee of $28.50 per night. Keeping a written record of the agreed fee can help you verify the final bill. For a quick reference, the BringFido pages provide the most up-to-date policy language for Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree, and Courtyard Marriott Harbor (Hilton Garden Inn policy, DoubleTree policy, Courtyard policy).

Running a quick per-stay total before booking is worth the extra two minutes. A three-night stay at Hilton Garden Inn with two large dogs comes out to roughly $75-$100 total under its flat fee, which beats DoubleTree’s $75-per-night rate for the same length of trip. Flip that around for a five-night stay, though, and DoubleTree’s cap at $125 for longer visits starts to look more competitive than paying a per-night rate elsewhere. The right answer changes with trip length, so do the arithmetic against your actual itinerary rather than comparing headline fees alone.

Getting Around with Your Dog

Burlington International Airport (BTV) sits roughly four miles from downtown, making ground transportation quick. Most taxis and rideshare services allow dogs in the cabin, but it is courteous to bring a blanket or carrier.

If you rent a car, choose a vehicle with a low cargo floor for easy dog entry; many rental agencies list “pet-friendly” options on their websites. Parking is free at most downtown hotels, and the city’s public transit system permits leashed dogs on buses and the commuter rail, provided they are in a carrier or on a harness.

The Burlington Bike Path runs alongside Lake Champlain and is directly accessible from the Courtyard Marriott Harbor and the waterfront district. The path is paved, well-lit, and offers frequent benches where you can pause for water breaks. While the city’s ordinance requires dogs to be leashed on public pathways, the path’s popularity with pet owners makes it a low-stress environment for both you and your dog.

Seasonal Packing and Weather Tips

Burlington’s climate varies sharply across the year, so packing the right gear keeps your dog comfortable and safe.

• Summer (June-July): Average highs hover around 70-73 F, with July being the busiest month for visitors. Bring a collapsible water bowl, plenty of fresh water, and a lightweight, breathable harness. Sunscreen for dogs with thin coats is advisable on the lakefront.
• Fall (September-November): Temperatures dip to 51-63 F, and crowds thin out, making it an ideal time for longer walks on the bike path. A light fleece jacket and paw-protective booties help with cooler mornings and occasional wet leaves.
• Winter (December-February): Mid-20s F is common, and rain days are few. Indoor activities become essential — look for hotels with on-site fitness centers or heated lounges where your dog can relax. A waterproof coat, insulated booties, and a reflective harness are critical for safety on icy sidewalks.

Regardless of season, pack a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, a recent photo for identification, and any medication in clearly labeled containers. Most Vermont veterinarians accept appointments on short notice, but having the paperwork ready speeds up any emergency visit. If you are traveling in winter, add a towel for wiping down salted paws before your dog jumps back into bed or onto hotel furniture — ice-melt chemicals can irritate paw pads and upset a dog’s stomach if licked off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Traveling with a dog can be smooth, but a few avoidable errors trip up even seasoned pet parents.

1. Skipping the pet-fee confirmation. Some hotels list “pet-friendly” without publishing the exact fee or weight limit. Always call the property directly to verify the cost and any size restrictions before you book.
2. Forgetting the relief area. While most downtown hotels have a pet-relief spot nearby, it is easy to overlook. Keep a note of the hotel’s designated area (for example, Hilton Garden Inn’s relief area just outside the lobby) to avoid accidental indoor accidents.
3. Leaving valuables in the car. If you are using a rental car, never leave food, water, or treats in the vehicle unattended, especially in summer heat.
4. Neglecting leash etiquette on the bike path. The Burlington Bike Path is popular, and an unleashed dog can startle other cyclists. Keep your dog on a short leash or harness to maintain a calm environment.
5. Assuming all rooms are on the ground floor. Only DoubleTree and some Hilton properties explicitly assign ground-floor rooms for pets. If easy indoor access is a priority, request a ground-floor room during booking.

By double-checking these details, you will reduce surprise costs and keep your dog happy throughout the trip.

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