Knoxville, Tennessee, is a popular destination for tourists, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts. The city is the home of the University of Tennessee. Additionally, its many historic buildings and monuments make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to have an exciting vacation. Knoxville has a tremendous heritage, beautiful history, and plenty of fascinating places to visit.
Knoxville also boasts a wide selection of hotels to meet the ever-increasing demand for high-end accommodations. Thanks in large part to the popularity of its college sports program, Knoxville has several great hotels for visitors. It doesn’t take long for visitors traveling with pets to discover many different options for lodging.
While many hotels and lodges market themselves as “pet-friendly,” the term is vague and doesn’t always mean the same thing in every place. In some cases, visitors are surprised to find out that a hotel’s “pet-friendly” status is not as accommodating to pets as they would have hoped.
So, before we talk about the best pet-friendly hotels in Knoxville, let’s discuss what “pet-friendly” actually means:
What is a Pet-Friendly Hotel?
In short, a pet-friendly hotel aims to provide special accommodations, facilities, and amenities for pets and their owners. Generally, these hotels cater to dog or cat owners, though they can also provide useful amenities for other kinds of domesticated pets.
Here are some examples of amenities you can find at pet-friendly hotels:
- Bedding – Though pets can stay in crates, it is not very enjoyable for the animals, and pet owners generally prefer something more comfortable. Therefore, most pet-friendly hotels provide bedding, like a designated dog or cat bed. Some hotels even provide small blankets and pillows for animals.
- Leashes & Collars – Knoxville (and many other tourist communities) have laws that require dog owners to use a leash when guiding their pets around the city. As a result, some pet-friendly hotels offer leashes and collars to borrow if you forgot to bring your own. It is a nice luxury for a dog owner that accidentally left a leash at home yet still wants to walk the dog.
- Litter Boxes & Clean-Up Supplies – Cats rely on a litter box to use the restroom which is why it is nice several hotels provide one. Furthermore, some pet-friendly hotels include disposable gloves and doggie bags so dog owners can clean up after their animals.
- Treats – Ultimately, pet-friendly hotels want pets to enjoy themselves. If there is one thing that most pets love, it is delicious treats. Many pet hotels provide cat treats, rawhide bones, catnip, or other kinds of edible goodies for animals.
- Toys – Much like treats, toys are a great way to keep pets happy and entertained on vacation. Many pet-friendly hotels provide chew toys, rope bones, rolling balls, scratching posts, and other fun items. Toys prevent pets from getting bored and causing damage to hotel furniture.
- Outdoor Use Areas – More often than not, dogs want to get out of the room and enjoy some fresh air. Consequently, pet-friendly hotels have designated areas for animals to run free. However, pet owners must supervise their animals while they are playing outdoors.
- Pet-Sitting Services – When you’re on vacation, it may not always be convenient to take your pet with you to every attraction. For example, many restaurants do not allow animals. Thankfully, some pet-friendly hotels offer pet-sitting services for an additional cost.
It is important to note that not every pet-friendly hotel will provide the amenities and services listed above. Some pet-friendly hotels are merely designated as such because they allow pets on the property and in the rooms. Consequently, the hotel may not provide any other pet-related amenities or services.
Additionally, almost every pet-friendly hotel has limitations when it comes to the kinds of pets allowed on the property. Generally, dogs and cats are allowed, but many large or exotic animals are not.
However, some hotels have very tight restrictions on the type and size of animals. For example, some hotels only allow every room to have one dog that weighs less than 60 lbs. You will need to contact the hotel directly at the time of your booking for more information.
Top 5 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Knoxville
Let’s take a look at some of the best pet-friendly hotels in Knoxville based on price, reputation, and pet amenities:
1. Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville
Situated between the Cedar Bluff and Wedgewood Hills neighborhoods, Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville is a great place to stay for travelers on a budget. The hotel is near several points of interest, including:
- Dead Horse Lake Golf Course
- The World’s Fair Park
- The University of Tennessee
- Gettysvue Polo, Golf, and Country Club
The 2-star hotel provides clean, comfortable accommodations at a fraction of the cost of many other hotels in the area. In addition to amenities in every room (Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, etc.), every guest has access to the business center and fitness center.
The hotel requests that you confirm the availability of a “pet-friendly” room before booking and pay a non-refundable fee. The Baymont allows a maximum of two animals per room, each weighing no more than 25 lbs.
2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Knoxville Papermill
Located northwest of the Highland Memorial Cemetery, La Quinta Inn & Suites (Papermill) is another great place for pet owners traveling on a budget. The hotel is close to several amazing attractions, including:
- The Knoxville Convention Center
- Knoxville Racquet Club
- Lakeshore Park
- Neyland Stadium
The 2-star hotel offers guests free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and access to the outdoor pool. Additionally, with prior notice, guests can bring up to two dogs of any size. The best part is that, unlike most hotels, La Quinta Inn & Suites on Papermill Drive doesn’t charge pet owners any additional fees.
3. Best Western Knoxville Suites
The Best Western Knoxville Suites Hotel exists on the outskirts of the city, northwest of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Though the hotel is not close to the city center, it is still within a reasonable driving distance to:
- Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park
- The Knoxville Zoo
- The Muse Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee
Even though Best Western Knoxville Suites is a little far from the action, it still provides guests with a high-quality and affordable experience. Every room includes free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and access to the heated indoor pool.
While the hotel is certainly “pet-friendly,” it does have certain restrictions based on room availability. Generally, only dogs are allowed, and you will need to contact the hotel before booking a room to ensure that your pet meets the necessary requirements.
4. The Tennessean Hotel
The Tennessean Hotel is located just north of the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown Knoxville. The hotel is close to plenty of top-rated attractions, like:
- Neyland Stadium
- The University of Tennessee
- Suttree Landing Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
The 4-star hotel may cost a bit more, but it is well worth the price. With more than 80 luxury suites and top-quality amenities, the Tennessean Hotel is the perfect place to have a nice holiday weekend.
Additionally, it is one of the few 4-star hotels in Knoxville that allows pets. However, only dogs are permitted, with a maximum of two medium-sized dogs (less than 50 lbs) per room.
5. Crown Plaza Knoxville Downtown University
The Crown Plaza Knoxville (Downtown University) is centrally-located in Knoxville’s Old City district. It is within walking distance of several interesting attractions, including:
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- The World’s Fair Park
- Knoxville Convention Center
- The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
If you want to find a nice balance between comfort and affordability, the 3-star hotel is the perfect place for you and your pet. In addition to the usual amenities, the Crown Plaza Knoxville has a heated indoor pool and a top-of-the-line fitness center.
The hotel is “pet-friendly” as it allows guests to bring dogs or cats for a small, non-refundable fee. The hotel even offers treats for your furry friends!
Final Thoughts
Knoxville is one of the most popular tourist cities in Tennessee. It has a vast selection of world-class attractions, including Ijams Nature Center, Sunsphere, and Neyland Stadium. Thankfully, you can enjoy many of the best attractions in Knoxville with your pet right by your side!
The city has many pet-friendly hotels that offer first-rate services and all the amenities necessary to make you (and your pet) feel at home. You and your pet will surely feel welcome during your stay in Knoxville. If you can’t find any suitable pet-friendly hotels on your own, consider our selections for the five best pet-friendly hotels in Knoxville.
If you’d like to certify your four-legged companion, consider registering your pet as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). ESAs are animals that offer support and comfort to individuals suffering from mental or emotional conditions. The presence of an ESA can help people deal with issues that might otherwise compromise their quality of life. These issues may include depression, anxiety, phobias, and bipolar disorder. You can register your pet as an ESA with U.S. Service Animals (USSA)!