What is Your Experience with Birds and Hotels?

OK, I've smuggled cats into hotel rooms, and I've legitimately had cats in hotel rooms, but so far I haven't traveled with birds.

Most of the places that have a pet policy are targeted clearly to dogs. Some have a substantial nonrefundable deposit.

We're looking at 3 relatively quiet, small to medium birds for one night. I'm guessing unless we are caught coming through the lobby, the likelihood of being outed is relatively small. The question is, to declare or not to declare? Will most hotels be OK with birds? Are we better off sneaking them in and out? What have your experiences been with hotel stays with your fids?

Although I've never had to stay in a hotel with my fids, I would suggest not declaring, but making sure the hotel in question does not specifically state "no pets".

Also, a smaller hotel with separate entrances for each unit might be a safer bet than something like say.... The Hilton.

LOL!

"Madam, would you like some help with your bags"

"Sure, just don't pay any attention if you think you hear voices".

I did it with three people and three birds on a cross Canada trip. We stayed in a different Hotel every night. Some were ok with birds, others were not. We simply smuggled them in, and didn't tell anyone.

They were travelling in custom rubber-made carriers each outfitted with food bowls, perches and toys. Never had a problem. Worst part was when they were in the back seat of the car, and the most easily scared bird would start screaming like a radio alarm without an off button.

Two cockatiels and one budgie.

I've taken JJ and Allie everywhere from a "Would Have Been Better Off In A Tent" motel, all the way up to the "Might As Well Have Been The Hilton-But Wasn't." Some declared "No Pets," some had dog dishes standard (that was the first motel). I've SMUGGLED her everywhere and never paid a deposit. My husband and mom worried more about it than I did. At one place the person checking me in looked at me strange when my right shoulder started moving down towards my boob... but that's a whole 'nother story ... I still got in with my bird without any problems!

I suggest don't declare unless you're planning on letting them out to chew on the furniture and poop in the carpet so you can get caught. Otherwise it's a waste of the $35 (or whatever) non-refundable pet fee which they use to steam clean the carpet and wash the comforters.

Look in advance for pet friendly hotels and their policy on birds. I found a place that allowed all three birds. No need to hide.

That being said, that hotel room was nasty.

Nevermore wrote:

(...)Worst part was when they were in the back seat of the car, and the most easily scared bird would start screaming like a radio alarm without an off button.

That's exactly how now looks my talk over phone at home...
Lucky Monster starts and choir is following...
And I have to finish my conversation in my bathroom hearing from the other side of phone:
"I'm sorry Ma'am, but I can't hear you". Add my Polish accent and there is a real comedy going on!

We never had to pay a deposit on a hotel, for the birds - as far as i remember.

Josie and i have traveled and worked all over the US. Rarely have we ever smuggled the birds in.Of course we also travel with 3 JRT mixes, so a extra parrot or two is no big deal. Some motels have charged a deposit but we've never had a problem or been asked to leave. We usually stay for weeks or months so the birds are out of their cages a lot but Josie is really good at keeping everything clean and picked up so everyone is happy. We also ask that the staff not enter the room when we're not there, stresses out the birds/dogs. The biggest issue as far as the motels are concerned is the noise from birds so we reassure them in advance and intro the birds to the staff when possible. I'd be up front about them when ever possible and ask them not to clean the room ( cleaning products) and only smuggle when staying short term or necessary.

i agree with the captain...honesty is the best policy...that way you don't have to sneak around or look over your shoulder


dusty

This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Thank you all!

We are considering one night only, and the Holiday Inn Express looks like a best bet as they only charge a nonrefundable $10 plus an extra refundable deposit for pets.

We may also sleep at the empty new house on an air bed, but I worry about Bill's back, plus it's not very comfy camping in an empty house... yes, we are a bit spoiled. I'd certainly prefer that to an "ick" hotel room, though.