I actually have considered the "cat trick". But it's tough to conceal 2 Labs, and Border Collie and a Sheltie. With our luck, they'd give us a room where you had to walk through the lobby to get there.
I really don't object to a reasonable fee....whatever they want to call it - Cleaning Fee, Security Deposit, whatever. But if there is no damage caused by the dogs, I want to see that money back lickety split. And I don't want some cleaning person or even manager determining if there is a problem after we've left. But seeing those with the $100 Non Refundable Fee Per Pet really got on my last nerve. I looked for the site last night and couldn't find it, but it sure wasn't a 4-Star chain. For sure I'll be checking LaQuinta and Motel 6 in both Montgomery, AL and Lake City, FL. Makes me wonder why they don't charge a "child fee" or some others when you walk in and it looks like a tornado just came through. We've been known to go back to the office, get our money back and hope for something just down the road.