Bed, treats, water dish and leash: Pooch needs a suitcase too. More and more people are packing up their dogs and taking them on vacations.
Pet lovers want to travel with their dogs for both practical and sentimental reasons. Many dog-loving travelers head to California resorts for a trip to share with their four-footed furry friends. The mix of tourist-oriented hospitality, year-round warm weather and miles of beaches in California creates an exceptionally dog-friendly state. Many desert accommodations are open to dogs and some upscale hotels are handing out the royal treatment. Here are some resorts where visiting dogs enjoy the lap of luxury:
Parker Palm Springs | 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive | (760) 770-5000 | www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
Retro-loving trendsetters and their four-legged friends will feel at home at the Parker Palm Springs, formally Merv Griffin’s famous desert getaway that has been reinvented thanks to the handiwork of ceramics and home furnishings designer Jonathan Adler. The boutique hotel is set on 13 well-landscaped tranquil acres and houses 131 Adler-designed rooms, 12 villas, two outdoor saltwater pools, clay tennis courts, lawn hammocks, fire pits, two petanque (French bowling) courts, croquet, a candy-colored lemonade stand and a large full-service spa. Upon arrival, pet owners receive a doggie package with a bed, water bowl, disposable bags, chew toys, bones and a pink bandana.
Riviera Resort and Spa | 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive | (760) 327-8311 | www.psriviera.com
The 24-acre, 406-room Riviera Resort and Spa provides a comfy dog bed with built in pillow, bowls and dog treats for pooches. They can also enjoy spacious shaded private patios for napping and miles of grassy lawns for romping. Owners can request dog-sitting services while they visit the spa or dine at the glitzy Circa 59 restaurant.
La Quinta Resort and Club | 49-4999 Eisenhower Drive | (760) 564-4111 | www.laquintaresort.com
The “Paws La Quinta” program at La Quinta Resort and Spa offers a gourmet dog bone at check-in, pet bed, stainless steel dog bowls, a “Material Dog” tote bag with organic treats, biodegradable waste bags, pet deodorizer, a stainless steel pet tag and phone number to make an appointment with the Club Doggie Mobile Grooming Salon. Dogs can explore over 45 acres at the Spanish inspired resort or lounge by one of several dozen pools throughout the property.
If your dog prefers a beach location, there are plenty of coastal resorts that welcome four-legged guests.
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel | 1 Ritz Carlton Drive | (949) 240-2000 | www.ritzcarlton.com/LagunaNiguel
In addition to panoramic ocean views, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel provides plenty of activities for canine guests. Perched above a 150-foot bluff on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, adults can enjoy golfing, a visit to the spa and dinner at the Pan-Latin Raya restaurant. Dogs receive the “Posh Pooch” treatment with a hand painted water bowl, plush doggie bed, chew toys, a vista view walking trail map, waste bags, and a doggie menu including bow wow tenderloin, dog bone meatloaf, and puppy love chicken dishes. Each month the resort holds a Yappy Hour cocktail party for canines and their human companions, featuring complimentary appetizers and wine. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation which supports local animal shelters.
The Viceroy Santa Monica | 1819 Ocean Avenue | (310) 260-7500 | www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/santamonica/
At The Viceroy Santa Monica, dogs receive a welcoming oversized bed, leash, bowl and poop bags. If the freshly baked treats don’t satisfy four-legged guests, owners can order room service off the resorts Whist pooch menu, which includes a protein burger, grilled chicken and a rib-eye steak. The 162-room boutique hotel is located two blocks from the pier, making it a perfect choice for dogs that favor sunset walks with an ocean view.
The Other Place | 14655 Highway 128 | (707) 895-3979 | www.sheepdung.com
For dogs that like to roam over miles of open valleys, The Other Place in Northern California is the place to stay. The 500- acre Anderson Valley resort was designed specifically for guests with dogs. Just a few miles from some of Northern California’s top wineries, the resort boasts oak studded hills, ponds and trails perfect for pooches and owners to explore. Each of the four cottages include a BBQ, fireplace, satellite TV and fully stocked kitchens and is fenced in for canine safely.
