Purchasing a Dog-Advice/Input Needed

Few questions: My wife and I are firm believers that every kid should have their own pet, so we’re currently looking at getting a dog for our 7 year old daughter. With that said, we like to go, go, go on the weekends. Not every weekend, but at least once a month.

1. Traveling dog owners, how have your experiences been taking small dogs on road trips? Can I assume that more and more nicer hotels are allowing pets?

2. Also, we live in the middle of Houston with only a back patio. Although there’s a park across the street, we’d like to look into purchasing an outdoor artificial grass area for the dog to use the restroom. Have you used something similar for your dog(s)? Advantages? Disadvantages? Is there one in particular you recommend?

Thanks in advance and have a great Labor Day weekend!