The Dunlin
Johns Island (Kiawah River), United States of America · 5 Star Hotel
Food & Water Bowls
Dog Walking
No Weight LimitThe Dunlin Dog Friendly Review
The Dunlin holds an acceptable C Roch Rank, and for dog owners there is plenty to recommend it. There are two dog parks on the property, one within a five minute walk of all guest rooms, with bags provided for guest use, and over 20 miles of hiking trails to explore together. The hotel supports the Charleston Animal Society, a local animal charity, and welcomes dogs of any size or breed with no weight or breed limit in place, making it a genuinely accommodating choice for most dogs.
Inside the room you will find a bed and two bowls provided for your dog, along with treats the hotel can place in your room ahead of arrival. Dogs are welcome in guest rooms and general public areas, including the porch of the Willet Room, and you may leave your dog alone in the room, though housekeeping will only enter if your dog is not present or is leashed or caged when you are there. Guardian and Brown Dog offer dog walking services that you can arrange directly. There is a one-time fee of $150 per stay covering up to 2 dogs per room, with no damage deposit required, which is a fair arrangement for a stay that includes a dedicated park, trails and in-room extras.
There are no specific restrictions noted for dogs here, which is a genuine point in the hotel's favour, though some areas remain off limits, as dogs are not welcome in the bar, restaurant, terrace or lounge, and the hotel does not offer a dog wash area, grooming, sitting services or toys. This suits an owner whose dog is comfortable exploring trails and dedicated outdoor space rather than socialising in indoor communal areas, and who is happy to arrange walking or grooming independently. Owners wanting an on-site spa-style dog wash, grooming or sitting service, or who hope to bring their dog into the bar or restaurant, should look elsewhere.
Roch Score: 34/77. This hotel does not meet the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. This hotel has been evaluated, ranked and reviewed using the Roch Standard, the world’s first dog friendly standard for the hotel industry. We gathered data directly from the hotel and benchmarked it against thousands of other hotels to accurately and fairly derive its rank.
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This hotel was last certified on 2 November 2026.
The Dunlin With Your Dog · Pet Policy
Is The Dunlin dog friendly?
The Dunlin welcomes dogs, and we have independently assessed and listed it against the Roch Dog Friendly Standard, where it holds a Rank C rating. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Standard, so it sits below our top-rated dog friendly hotels; the review above explains what a stay is actually like with a dog.
Is there a pet fee at The Dunlin?
Yes. The Dunlin charges a pet fee of $150 one-time fee per stay for up to 2 dogs. It is always worth confirming the current pet fee when you book, as charges can change from time to time.
How many dogs can stay per room at The Dunlin?
Up to 2 dogs are permitted per room at The Dunlin, which makes it a practical choice for households travelling with more than one dog. It is always worth confirming the details with the hotel when you book.
Is there a weight limit for dogs at The Dunlin?
No. The Dunlin has no weight limit, so dogs of every size are welcome. From the smallest lap dog to the largest breed, your dog's size will never stand between you and a room.
Can I leave my dog alone in the room at The Dunlin?
Yes. Dogs may be left unattended in the room at The Dunlin. We would still suggest letting reception know and making sure your dog is calm and settled before you head out, so housekeeping and other guests are never caught by surprise.
What amenities does my dog get at The Dunlin?
The Dunlin provides a dog bed, food and water bowls, free treats and a dog walking service for your dog. With these laid on for you, you can travel lighter and leave some of the usual kit at home.
Is The Dunlin pet-friendly?
The Dunlin welcomes dogs. We hold no confirmation that it accepts cats or other animals, so check with the hotel before bringing any pet other than a dog. Our independent assessment gives it a Rank C rating.
Are pets allowed at The Dunlin?
Yes. The Dunlin allows dogs to stay. There is no weight limit, so size is not a barrier. Tell the hotel you are travelling with your dog when you book, so they can prepare the right room for you both.
What Roch Dog rank does The Dunlin hold?
The Dunlin holds a Rank C rating from Roch Dog, on our scale of A+ to F. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. The rank comes from an independent assessment of the hotel's dog policy, fees, facilities and services, and no hotel can pay to change it.
What is the pet policy at The Dunlin?
The pet policy at The Dunlin covers the essentials: a pet fee applies, up to 2 dogs per room and no weight limit. The fee is $150 one-time fee per stay for up to 2 dogs. Every detail here comes from the hotel's own independently verified assessment under the Roch Dog Friendly Standard.