Council Bluffs is a gem located close to both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29, making it a common road trip stop no matter where people are headed. As more and more travelers choose to bring their dogs or other pets along for their adventures, finding the right pet-friendly accommodation becomes a top priority. In this blog post, we explore the best dog-friendly hotels in Council Bluffs, ensuring that both you and your four-legged companion enjoy a comfortable stay. We’ll discuss key amenities, pet policies, nearby attractions, and more, helping you plan the perfect stay in this charming city. So, pack your bags (and don’t forget the doggy treats) as we guide you through the top pet-friendly stays in Council Bluffs.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
When traveling with your pet, selecting a suitable hotel is of paramount importance for a multitude of reasons. A pet-friendly hotel is not simply about allowing pets; it’s about welcoming them and offering amenities that cater to their needs. Being in a hotel where other guests and staff appreciate the presence of animals can help avoid any discomfort or potential issues. Ultimately, a good pet-friendly hotel enriches your experience as much as it enriches your pet’s, and it allows you to enjoy your travel without any unnecessary worries.
Is Council Bluffs a dog-friendly place to visit?
Of course! The benefit of staying overnight in Council Bluffs is that the city has an abundance of spacious parks and trails, plus it’s genuinely a welcoming community. It is a unique destination for pet-owners looking for a new adventure.
The city’s outdoor attractions are one of the biggest draws for pet owners. Lake Manawa State Park, for instance, is an excellent option. It’s not just pet-friendly but offers a stunning environment for walks and runs. Your pet will love exploring the vast green spaces and the lakeside, while you can enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings.
A newer development is the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the west side of town along the Missouri River. There’s ample green space and paved trails, plus there’s the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to cross over into Nebraska. Snap a selfie with your dog at the state line on the bridge!
Outside of the city, in Honey Creek, you’ll find one of the best hiking spots in the area: Hitchcock Nature Center. With its miles of hiking trails and sweeping views of the Loess Hills, it is a haven for outdoor lovers and their dogs. Remember to keep your pet leashed to protect the local wildlife.
Council Bluffs also has its fair share of pet-friendly attractions, and we’re particularly fond of the charming Historic 100 Block for the shops and restaurants located there. Restaurants in that area that welcome pets in their outdoor seating areas include Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Barley’s, and Lincoln’s Pub.
For more restaurants in the city that are dog-friendly, check out this post by Unleash CB. If you want to visit nearby Omaha, here’s a list of 25+ dog-friendly places to visit.
Key Features to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Hotel
When selecting a pet-friendly hotel for your stay in Council Bluffs, it’s important to factor in certain key features that can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind. Here are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind:
Pet Policy: Obviously, you want to find out what the hotel’s pet policy is. This includes any breed or size restrictions, the number of pets allowed per room, and specific rules for pets within the hotel premises.
Additional Fees: Many hotels charge an extra fee for accommodating pets. These can be per night, per stay, or per pet, and they can vary greatly among hotels.
Nearby Parks and Pet-Friendly Places: Proximity to outdoor spaces and pet-friendly attractions is another major factor. Hotels near parks or pet-friendly restaurants can provide more opportunities for enjoyable outings with your pet.
Guest Reviews: Finally, don’t forget to read other pet-owners’ reviews of the hotel. These can give you a good idea of how well the hotel caters to pets, and any potential issues to be aware of.
A truly pet-friendly hotel should welcome pets and ensures they have a safe, comfortable stay. Consider these features to find the best fit for you and your furry companion.
Top 3 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Council Bluffs
After reviewing several online booking sites, the following hotels were ranked the highest and had the best amenities for travelers with pets. There are other hotels in the city that allow pets, but received lower reviews. See all available pet-friendly hotels in Council Bluffs.
My Place Hotel – Council Bluffs
Location: 2281 S. 35th St., Council Bluffs, Iowa. The location is fairly close to the trails along the Missouri River and River’s Edge Park, but it’s not a walker-friendly area, so it’s recommended driving a lot closer to the trails. It’s conveniently near both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29.
Pet policy: All My Place Hotels are pet-friendly but there is a fee.
Amenities: Good for short-term and long-term stays, My Place rooms have full-sized refrigerator, a two burner cooktop, coffee maker and a microwave. There’s also an indoor pool.
Recent review on Booking.com for My Place Hotel – Council Bluffs: “Big rooms with King bed, full size fridge, nice bathroom! We loved that dogs are welcome, lots of green space with pet waste disposal bags. very convenient location.”
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bluffs
Location: 2141 S. 35th St., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Located in the same area as My Place, so it’s fairly close to the trails along the Missouri River and River’s Edge Park, but it’s not a walker-friendly area, so it’s recommended driving a lot closer to the trails. It’s conveniently near both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29.
Pet policy: Pets are permitted at Microtel Inn & Suites; an added pet fee applies.
Amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast, indoor pool. Rooms are on the smaller side but they were renovated in 2023.
Recent review on Booking.com for Microtel Inn & Suites in Council Bluffs: “The room smelled clean. The staff went out of her way to point out a nearby restaurant. Kind and professional. Would recommend for travelers traveling with pets.”
Best Western Crossroads of the Bluffs
Location: 2216 27th Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Location of Best Western Crossroads is convenient to the Interstates but not near much green space. You’ll need to drive to any parks mentioned above.
Pet policy: “We are pet friendly and allow up to two dogs in a rented room. The size limit for any one dog shall be 80 pounds. Other pet types (e.g. cats) may be allowed upon the hotel’s approval prior to arrival. The pet-friendly rate is $20.00 per day. A refundable cleaning and damage deposit of $150.00 is required upon check-in. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become nonrefundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair or cleaning.”
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool
Recent review on Booking.com for Best Western Crossroads: “Economically priced. Pet friendly and breakfast included. Friendly staff.”
Comparison of Pet-Friendly Hotels
Overall, the three hotels – My Place Hotel, Microtel Inn & Suites, and Best Western – are similarly ranked by reviews. They’re all ranked 7.4 stars or higher.
Notable things:
- The highest-reviewed hotel in Council Bluffs that is pet-friendly is My Place Hotel. It had an average of 8.8 stars.
- The lowest-priced hotel in Council Bluffs that is pet-friendly is My Place Hotel.
There isn’t much separating the accommodations, but if we had to settle on a top choice, it would be My Place Hotel. It’s budget-friendly while still ranking high with reviewers.
Traveling with your pet can be fun but also difficult, so don’t let where you sleep overnight make things any harder than they need to be. Council Bluffs offers an array of fantastic, pet-friendly hotels that ensure both you and your four-legged companion feel welcomed and at ease. By considering key factors like pet policy, amenities, and the proximity to pet-friendly places, you can find the perfect lodging for your stay. Remember, a well-planned trip not only reduces stress but also amplifies the joy of discovering new places with your furry friend. Happy traveling!