LL
Lincoln Landers
Jan 16, 2026
Really sad I didn't get to stay at this hotel. I have a certified service dog I have traveled with frequently and as a courtesy I make the hotel I'm staying at aware in advance.
I made my reservation through Expedia, I reserved an Executive King Room and paid in full im advance. When I called the hotel to inform them of my service dog, they advised I would be downgraded, but they would refund the difference.
I told them I wanted to keep the room I had because I wanted a view of the river. Racquel insisted other guests would be "enraged" at the presence of my service dog.
I advised that she was being discriminatory, and possibly violating the ADA laws, she assured me she wasn't and insisted I take the downgrade. I told her I would call corporate.
I did call Best Western reservations, and they called the hotel to confirm that my service dog was acceptable, and I would get the room I paid for, but by that time I had already felt very unwelcome and did not want to face potentially unfriendly staff so I asked Expedia for a refund.
I would recommend to your hotel that you know the policies and laws before making a paying guest feel so unwelcome.
Update to owner: I would encourage you to review the call, I was advised that I would be downgraded, when I asked if the room was the same, I was told it was not and that I would be refunded the difference. By the way, it was the call to corporate that got Racquel to agree to letting me keep the room, maybe you should check with them to see how that conversation went?
The Hampton Inn had no problem in honoring my room request and accommodating my service dog.
It is generally illegal to refuse a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because businesses and public entities must allow them in all public areas, even with "no pets" policies, but they can be excluded if they are out of control, not housebroken, or pose a direct threat. My service animal, did not.
Allergies or fears of the animal are not valid reasons for denial, and the handler must still be allowed access without the dog if it's removed for legitimate reasons.
When refusal is generally illegal:
Public spaces: Restaurants, stores, hotels, hospitals, parks, and government buildings must allow service dogs.
"No pets" policies: These policies do not apply to service animals.