I travel once in awhile with my basset hound and, yes, the pet fees can be outrageous at some Marriotts. I have pretty much given up one-night stands at any Marriott if the dog is coming alone. For one night, I'll stay at Hawthorne Suites (Hyatt points), Staybridge Suites (Intercon points), or Hampton Inn (HHonors). None of them have ever charged me a pet fee. Marriott has lost me for about 20 nights a year because of those pet fees. And I agree, my dog is better behaved than some children (and adults). He sleeps all the time.