We used to be able to enjoy the "luxury hotel" experience. Then we got into show dogs. Now it's Red Roof Inns (they take dogs in the room). A clean place to sleep close to the venue and close to decent, affordable restaurants is all we ask.
A few years ago, however, we stayed at the Westin in downtown Chicago while attending the International Shows at the McCormick Center. They were taking dogs so we stayed on the 27th floor with Annie, Rowdy and Coco. The look on people's faces when I boarded the elevator to take one of the Rotties out for a potty break was worth the price of the room.
After one such walk town to the park and back, Rowdy and I met a group of college cheerleaders who were staying there.
So there in the lobby of the Westin, I had Rowdy laying on the floor on his back getting his belly rubbed by 10 gorgeous college girls. Talk about a chick-magnet

! The next day, he won his second Major.
When I go to shows to shoot, it's the same deal as going to show -- I work all day and process most of the night so all I need is a clean room with a good bed and decent shower. I don't believe we've spent more than $80/night on a hotel room in over 10 years.
Jim