Finding a hotel that truly welcomes pets can be challenging, but one Utah destination continues to prove that traveling with four-legged family members can be both luxurious and stress-free. Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile in Kanab, Utah has once again earned statewide recognition, taking home the title of Best Boutique Lodging from the Best of State Utah awards for the second consecutive year.
At HotelsEscape.com, we love highlighting destinations that offer unique travel experiences, and this award-winning property stands out by combining boutique hospitality with a mission to help animals across the country.

What Makes Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile Special?
Located in the scenic community of Kanab, Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile has built a reputation as one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the United States. Unlike many hotels that place restrictions or extra fees on furry companions, the Roadhouse allows guests to bring up to four dogs or cats per room without additional pet charges.
The property’s thoughtful amenities are designed with both pets and their owners in mind. Depending on your travel companions, you’ll find features such as:
- Cat trees for feline guests
- Elevated pet beds
- Food and water bowls
- Pet-friendly room layouts
- Comfortable spaces designed to reduce stress while traveling
Learn more about the property by visiting Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile: www.bestfriendsroadhouse.org
Boutique Luxury for Human Guests Too
While pets receive VIP treatment, their owners can enjoy a comfortable boutique hotel experience with premium amenities that elevate every stay.
Guests can expect:
- Luxurious Frette linens
- CO Bigelow bath and body products
- Complimentary locally roasted coffee
- Daily plant-based continental breakfast
- Free Saturday morning yoga sessions
- Live music every Saturday evening through October
These thoughtful touches create a welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking a relaxing getaway in Southern Utah.
Why Did the Hotel Win Best Boutique Lodging?
The Best of State Utah awards recognize organizations and businesses that excel in innovation, quality, and community impact.
Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile offers something few boutique hotels can match. It combines upscale accommodations with a meaningful mission, creating a travel experience that benefits both guests and animals in need.
More information about the Best of State Utah awards can be found here: bestofstate.org
Staying Here Helps Save Animals
One of the most unique aspects of Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile is its connection to Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making the United States a no-kill country.
The Roadhouse is part of the organization’s broader mission, and proceeds from hotel stays directly support animal welfare initiatives across the nation. Best Friends Animal Society works alongside more than 6,000 shelters and rescue organizations to save homeless pets and increase adoption opportunities.
This means a vacation at the Roadhouse goes beyond relaxation—it contributes to a larger cause that helps animals find loving homes.
Learn more about Best Friends Animal Society: bestfriends.org
Explore the Nearby Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
The Roadhouse is located just minutes from the world-famous Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, one of the largest no-kill companion animal sanctuaries in the United States.
Visitors can tour the sanctuary, volunteer with the animals, attend educational programs, and even meet pets available for adoption. Many travelers make visiting the sanctuary a central part of their Utah adventure.
Discover the sanctuary here: bestfriends.org/sanctuary
Why Kanab, Utah Is Worth Visiting
Kanab has become one of Utah’s hidden travel gems thanks to its stunning landscapes and central location near several iconic attractions.
Visitors can easily explore:
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Scenic hiking and photography locations throughout Southern Utah
For travelers planning a road trip through the American Southwest, Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile provides a memorable stop that combines adventure, comfort, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile located?
The boutique hotel is located in Kanab, Utah, a gateway to many of the Southwest’s most famous natural attractions.
How many pets can stay in a room?
Guests can bring up to four dogs or cats per room without paying additional pet fees.
What award did the hotel receive?
The property was named Best Boutique Lodging by the Best of State Utah awards for the second consecutive year.
Does staying at the hotel support animal welfare?
Yes. Proceeds from the Roadhouse help support the lifesaving work of Best Friends Animal Society.
Is the hotel close to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary?
Yes. The Roadhouse is located just minutes from the sanctuary, making it an ideal place to stay for visitors.
Why Travelers Are Talking About Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile
Boutique hotels often focus on luxury or location, but Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile offers something different. It creates an experience where travelers can enjoy upscale accommodations while supporting a mission that makes a real difference for animals.
Its second consecutive Best Boutique Lodging award reinforces its reputation as one of Utah’s most distinctive places to stay. Whether you’re traveling with pets, planning a Southwest road trip, or looking for a meaningful getaway, this Kanab destination deserves a spot on your travel list.
At HotelsEscape.com, we’re always searching for memorable places that offer more than just a room for the night. Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile delivers comfort, community impact, and a truly one-of-a-kind hospitality experience for both people and their beloved pets.