We have a dog! Or so it seems...if you were to ask any family member or friend they would tell you that we have a third person in our little "family unit. There is the two of us, two very spoiled felines and one four pawed fellow who "thinks he's another human" aka Fenway! We got Fenway four years ago this past November. He was adorable, cuddly, and although a six week old puppy, huge. He still is! I call him sturdy, others, including Tara will tell you he is too big even for his English Labrador breed. He doesn't care; he is still a lap dog. His beds (yes, plural) are probably more comfortable than most "real" humans... to him Costco beds are for travel and out on the front patio. He prefers his beds be labeled Orvis, be tempur-pedic and have his name on them! I confess to being the culprit to his cozy bed fetish...and he has three of them?! So he's one of us ~ that means he goes where we go. This is a dog that has never spent a night alone! Let's say that rather than spoiled he is very savvy in Dog friendly lodging and eateries.
I am certain if he could talk he would have long ago been blogging about where to go and where to steer clear of! We have had a couple of places that even Fenway did not want to stay! We don't plan to mention them here...Let's focus on the favorites!
Fenway's travels began when he was only eleven weeks. On New Years day we all hopped in the car and headed to San Francisco so he could see the ocean! At that point in his life, though marveled by the sounds and smells of ocean life he was too little and too afraid to get in...but he loved walking around the city and being oohed and awed at...He still does! He has been back many times, walked in the Bay-to_Breakers, strolled through the Golden Gate Park and rolled in the succulents and sands of most SF beaches! Since then, Fenway has been a constant adventurer! Wine tasting in both Napa and Sonoma, surfing in Monterey, clam digging at Mendocino, checking out the clean air of Tahoe, Brewery hopping through Oregon and Washington, kite flying at Cannon Beach, even a little gold panning in the Sierra Nevada...to name a few!
Finding dog friendly hotels is pretty easy. Web searches and apps are readily available. Bring Fido.com and DogFriendly.com both offer easy and convenient directories for your phone, iPad and your computer. Both are up to date and offer reviews. One good thing to note is that most travelers with Four Paw companions have good taste! Most tell it like it is! The sites also give accurate information on weight limits and pet deposits!
There are many "dog friendly" hotels but in our case we have to have one that does not discriminate over size! At " a-lot-to-love" weight of over 115lbs you have to realize that size does matter! Two names should be looked at first when traveling if you were to ask Fen... Joie de Vivre and Kimpton Hotels. Competitors, at yes but only in some markets...both are found in most major cities in California but Kimpton is far larger with more national locations. Both have lots to offer a four pawed traveler! We have stayed in numerous of both "chains" and never been dissatisfied. Both offer different styles at each of their sites and are always clean, friendly go above and beyond for the Paw Crowd and well as the humans!
Rather than go through every place we have taken our big boy...I thought I'd highlight some of the favorites. Those places where you and your pooch may travel and where it was more than apparent Fenway had a doggy good time and so did we. We like comfort, clean, uniqueness, good service and if possible, a balcony with a view...people as well as a dog need a place to daydream!
We have traveled with Fenway to San Francisco numerous times and know you can't go wrong with Joie de Vivre. Among our favorites are The Hotel Rex (say hello to Maximo if you visit) and Hotel VItale. Hotel Rex is in the heart of down town with a library like setting. You and your dog can sit in the study while you enjoy a light breakfast or small dinner. Cocktails are served and their is a complementary wine hour! During our visit we were joined by a wonderful couple from across the Bay who were staying the night after they went to a play. As usual Fenway got tons of attention. Hotel Vitale is located on the Embarcadero waterfront and Financial District. It is very modern, with rooms decorated in perfect harmony and windows with breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge, Ferry Building and Embarcadero street way! There is a bustling bar in the hotel with an upbeat eclectic atmosphere complete with outdoor patio for you and your dog. It's often cool in SF so the heaters are plenty and ready to light! This hotel does not forget anything. Think California dreams with lavender and river stones!
For those traveling to the Mendocino area you will find it very dog friendly. We chose to stay near the town itself but not directly in it...Stanford Lodge by the Sea. We stayed in a gorgeous room overlooking the gardens and town. It had a wood stove, everything one needed including a wet-bar and a little balcony to sit out on and enjoy the sites and smells. There were walks and pathways to the river, gardens to explore and and animals to visit and enjoy. Fen was a youngster and he was like a kid in a candy store here! Best part of all; they allowed him to eat breakfast with us in their dining area!! What could be better? In Fen's case it was all the goodies they provided him, a bed, food dishes, HOMEMADE dog biscuits, toys and a sheet so he could get on the bed...well he used that and more!
Did I mention they make their own dog treats?
We found that Fenway loved the ocean! Okay so he's a Lab...guess that makes sense?! Monterey is a ocean lover's dream and is near by the dog loving community of Carmel! Although Fen has not stayed in the hotel itself we have eaten and drank at The Cypress Inn. If staying directly in Carmel; this 7th and Lincoln establishment is a must! It has dog loving Doris Day in every corner, as this was her hotel. She was a long time resident and the greatest of Dog Ambassadors and Carmel embraces her endeavors. The hotel's motto is that the dogs are the true guest and the humans just along with them!. Dogs first...humans second! Fen loved this place from the moment he walked into the courtyard and we had afternoon o'dorves and cocktails! He simply made himself at home!
We enjoy staying out of the main area of Monterey a bit and usually gravitate north of Monterey. Many hotels in the area are dog friendly. Last year after a number of stays we found the Sanctuary Beach Resort. Located in Marina, directly on the dunes this place has us going back this coming Easter! One can stay in the main hotel rooms OR Deluxe Ocean Front rooms or suites. We chose the room rather that the suite because we don't need ALL that space...it always seems like a waste. Turns out the "room" is perfect. Right at the beach dunes' edge sits a small number of "duplexes". Each with a suite on one side and a deluxe room (think studio) on the other. Both have the same sized patio that has you touching the sand! The room had the most comfy of beds, huge bathroom where two people could get ready at the same time without bothering the other...room service, a sitting area and the sound of the ocean!! We couldn't ask for more...as for Fenway...he was in doggy Paradise! He ran on the beach, romped in the waters, got a kite high in the air for me, 
met a new friend and played for hours, 
If traveling to Tahoe we have found that many places say they are dog friendly but they have all types of limitations. We do not fit the under 15 pound dog and our dog likes to sit with you at patio seating. This is not the custom in Tahoe. However in Truckee...you know us laxed Californian's ~ we are able to have our boy with us. We found a small hotel just outside of Truckee that we have been to a few times. Dog friendly, Cedar House Sport Hotel is like walking into a little chalet in Europe! Clean and modern its moderate furnishings make it fun, refreshing and roomy.
Fen's been there a few times and feels perfectly at home! Every time he has gone there has been a bed waiting for him, along with treats and balls. Bouncy yellow tennis balls and a patio make a boy very happy! There is a small bar area open outside when it's nice weather and an onsite restaurant, Stella.
While traveling in Oregon, we found two hot spots that have "Man's best friend," written all over them. The first was at Cannon Beach. Ocean Lodge; snug on the beach, steps from Haysack Rock is stunning. Dogs can frolic ~without their leash~ on what seems like mile after mile of pristine sand and surf. There are two options of pet friendly rooms; the suites on the first floor, with ocean views. Problem with these are there is a mound between the hotel and the ocean. There really isn't an ocean view and the rooms are more costly. We chose the studio that was steps away from the lodge but with no common walls or no one underneath. At Ocean Lodge they pride themselves in honoring pet guest in ways large and small. A small $19 pet fee for any sized dog with amenities like water bowls, treats, towels, a dog wash for that beach sand...and again a beach that beats all beaches to romp on!
Last but certainly not least is one last favorite. Kimpton property, The River Place Hotel in downtown Portland. Walking distance from just about everywhere. On the river's edge and gorgeous.
This property was fit for dog and human royalty. A must go place anyone staying in Portland ~ Dog or no dog. Whether you just stroll the river, wander the harbor and eateries or simply enjoy watching folks crew the river, you will feel at peace here. We sat with Fenway on the front porch and had drinks and watch the Oregonian's all out enjoying one of their few days of splendid sunshine! The staff is friendly and helpful to everyone and always remember Fenway's name! What a way to make a boy feel like a King...good thing because up in the room Tara was making him partake in girly activities!!
Other Honorable mentions of greatness in our journeys have been The Napa River Inn, that had many great dog friendly restaurants nearby and the river way to walk along. Rooms were large and had a small balcony for our Fenway to again watch people go by.
If you want to spend some big bucks...there's always The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay. It's as scenic as it gets and dogs are very welcome. Problem is for the price Fenway thinks he should have been able to get off leash roll in the lush green and get sand everywhere. Not so!!
All hotels expect good behavior...this one just made him feel a little under dressed!
Taking our best pal is our favorite way to travel and we are always reading and finding new places. We hope you got some ideas ~ Fenway and I have been discussing this the entire time I've been writing. He is excited to know we are revisiting Monterey and that he gets to go to a new spot in Healdsburg in April. We will let you know how it goes! In the mean time...hug your dog! And remember dogs need vacations too!!
