If you are a service dog owner and planning to stay at a Marriott Hotel, it's essential to know their service dog policy to ensure a hassle-free experience for you and your furry companion. With over 7,000 properties worldwide, Marriott is a renowned name in the hotel industry, known for its high-quality amenities and services. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on Marriott Hotel's service dog policy and an example from real-life experience, so you know what to expect when booking a stay with your four-legged friend.
Marriott Hotel Service Dog Policy Table of Contents
Understanding Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to provide support, assistance, and protection to individuals with disabilities. They help their handlers in various ways, like guiding the visually impaired, alerting the deaf to important sounds, and assisting people with mobility impairments. Because of their vital role, service dogs are granted legal rights to accompany their handlers in public places and establishments, including hotels.
Marriott Hotel's Service Dog Policy
According to Marriott's official policy, all their hotels must comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which include allowing service animals into all areas of their properties where guests are allowed. The hotel staff cannot refuse entry or charge a fee to guests with service animals. It's important to note that emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not recognized as service animals under the ADA and may not be granted the same access rights as service dogs.
What You Need to Know Before You Check-In
- Marriott Hotels do not charge any pet or cleaning fee for service animals.
- You may be asked if the dog is required due to a disability and what work the dog has been trained to perform.
- Housekeeping arrangements may be altered to accommodate your service dog, as staff cannot enter your room when the dog is unattended.
- It's essential to ensure your service dog is under your control at all times, either by a leash, harness, or by voice commands, for the safety of other guests and hotel staff.
International Travel with Your Service Dog
If you're planning to travel internationally with your service dog, it's crucial to research the destination country's requirements and restrictions for importing service animals. These requirements may include vaccinations, microchipping, and quarantine regulations. While Marriott Hotels worldwide follow the ADA guidelines, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the local service animal policies to avoid any inconvenience during your stay.
Marriott Hotel Service Dog Policy Example:
Jane, a wheelchair user, traveled to a Marriott Hotel with her service dog, Max. Upon arrival, she informed the front desk about her service dog and requested an accessible room. The staff asked Jane about Max's role as a service dog and verified that he had the necessary identification. She was not charged any additional fee for Max's stay and was provided with an accessible room as requested.
During Jane's stay, the hotel staff ensured that daily housekeeping was scheduled at a suitable time when both Jane and Max were present in the room. The staff was accommodating, respectful of her privacy, and did not inquire about the specifics of her disability. Max was allowed to accompany Jane in all areas of the hotel, including the restaurant and pool area.
Throughout her stay, Jane found that the Marriott Hotel's service dog policy was easy to navigate and made her stay comfortable and enjoyable for her and Max.
We hope that this guide on Marriott Hotel's service dog policy has provided you with the information you need to have a stress-free stay with your service dog. Marriott Hotels strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all guests, ensuring that your stay is enjoyable and memorable. If you found this guide helpful, we encourage you to share it and explore other guides on Dig Dog Hotels for more information on traveling with your canine companion.
