The United States of America is also a Republic of Pooches.
Americans spent $147 billion on pet care in 2023, more than the annual GDP of Croatia and Costa Rica, combined. Nearly 70% of domestic dog owners include their pets in family photos. A full 97% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, meanwhile, with 51% saying they are as important as a human family member.
And if the Republic of Pooches had a Canine Capitol, with the appropriate dog-designed lodging, it would be Monterey Peninsula.
This is the land of doggie massages, doggie turn downs, doggie name tags and doggie jungle gyms.
In short, this is not a doggie drill. This is life on California’s Central Coast, where you have a full blown situation going — happily, and profitably — to the dogs.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of Mark C. Anderson
Carmel
1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel Valley
There’s a lot going on here, and a lot of playground — 500 acres all told — to enjoy. The campus attractions include a chef’s garden, apiary, rolling vineyards, panoramic views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, horseback riding routes, multiple pools, sumptuous spa, championship golf course and farm-to-table dining program. The mood is upscale yet laid-back, the latter element owed in part to an abiding appreciation of humans’ best friends, which takes the form of the classic support (treats, bowls, beds) in any category of room (suites, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms), with several atypical bonuses: customized name tags, extensive dog-friendly hiking trails and, oh yes, doggie room service.
San Carlos St and 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
This one represents a unique option for dog-adorers because of how its innkeepers approach hospitality. As with all of the properties in the Four Sisters Inns collection — which each occupy stylish locations in destination California cities — a stay comes attended with a range of included (and old-school) B&B amenities, including house-prepped breakfast delivered to your suite, afternoon wine hour and fresh-baked cookies. A 2024 update to Coachman’s introduced all new furnishings and slick in-room technology. And, yes, dogs get preferred treatment too, including beds, water bowls, optional food and standing Fido Rules for maximum shared happiness for all guests, who save a ton when booking dog-friendly ahead of time. Plus it all happens close to off-leash-OK Carmel Beach.
Lincoln St and 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
By itself, Carmel has more than 25 dog-accommodating hotels and lodges within its 1-square-mile radius, but this spot remains the alpha. The Mediterranean-style architecture, cozy rooms, historic fireplaces, and lush courtyards fit Carmel like a doggie sweater, and feel predestined for lounging after a day of exploring the hamlet’s pet-friendly beaches and downtown boutiques. The hotel affection includes a doggie living room, wash room and even post-beach hose down service with towels at the ready. On top of that, all puppers get blankets and bowls, a big welcome for live music Thursday through Sunday, and treats at the front desk.
Moss Landing
7902 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing
It’s telling when the top two announcements on a restaurant landing page include, “Our patio is dog-friendly.” To be fair, it’s a lot more than that. It’s awash with curated, funky, fresh art. It’s elevated by great food and drink including pescado Cubano, relleno de la paz, “mezzyritas,” and a great wine list. And, yes, it’s warm and welcoming to dogs to the point of toastiness: The dog menu directs a portion of sales to local nonprofits; owner operator Kim Solano treats pups like VIDs; and the adjoining property presents a park-like setting you can roam around. That all makes this spot worthy of the area’s best dog restaurants. It also appears here because there are several VRBOs on the property, all laid out in pet-accommodating ways. Arff arff.
Monterey
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey
The sprawling, swanky and golf course-adjacent destination recently added dog suites that open onto a redone dog play area that enjoys a lawn, great views, fire pits, dog treats and toys. There’s even a doggie jungle gym. The suites are geared for the “kids” with additional toys, beds, bowls, water and there’s a special pet parking zone (with wider slots and identifying paw prints). On top of all that, the food at SeaRoot out-cooks expectations by way of local sourcing and forward thinking menu, as do the craft cocktails at Hearth bar and lounge — not exactly what you expect from a hotel food program. Finally, they donate all pet fees to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, as much as $10,000 annually.
