Dog Friendly Lodging

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Permalink Reply by Amanda / Administrator on October 17, 2008 at 12:23pm

Alana

Since I live in Sonoma County I can't tell you much about accommodations with first-class amenities because I never have sampled the local accommodations.

With regard to what to do in Sonoma County - Well that is a different story... There are 2 message spas I recommend.

Travel and Leisure ranks Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in the tiny town of Freestone as being one of the Top Ten Spas in the US. Here is the link Osmosis Day Spa. I tried it a few years ago and found it to be a wonderfully soothing experience.

The other Spa is the Coldwater Creek Day Spa in the Montgomery Village shopping mall in Santa Rosa. A wonderful environment where I get my toes done every few weeks. Although I have not tried this message yet, the Hot river stone massage is on my list of things to try when I have the time. I've heard it's a sensuous delight.

If your into Horses there are 3 places I recommend to go on trail rides no matter what your skill level. Rides are from 1 to 6 hours. I've tried all 3 of these stables.
Five Brooks Ranch near Olema
Chanslor Ranch near Bdaga Bay
Armstrong Woods Pack Station in the Armstrong Redwood forest near Guerneville.

All 3 stables have various rides. The Chanslor Ranch has a beach ride. I'm an experienced rider and I always find commercial trail horses to be dull and uneducated. But the ride through the tress or down to the beach is worth the effort.

Well... Those are my passions perhaps others will share theirs as well.

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Permalink Reply by Alana Gentry on October 21, 2008 at 2:19pm

Amanda, thanks a bunch for all the great suggestions, Roche has a vineyard ride too, I've not been on it, have you?

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Permalink Reply by Steven on October 17, 2008 at 4:50pm

I know of a couple places but you would need to double check on the dog friendly side.

1. Is Olivet Grange Kathleen Inman a member here could answer your questions.
2. Little Yellow Cottage Tina and Dennis are quite cool

Both of these put you in the center of wine region in Sonoma County.

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Permalink Reply by Alana Gentry on October 21, 2008 at 2:18pm

Thanks Steven...unfortunately as cute, cuddly and clean as my Havanese is, alas no 4-legged creatures allowed.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew on October 21, 2008 at 2:11pm

Google "dog hotel" and you get plenty of results for Sonoma County. An example:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/w/cities/w...

I've never been west of Chicago, so....

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We traveled with dog (a 150 lbs. of long hair and high-flying spit named Molly) for more than a few years. Amanda would have been tempted to put a saddle on her.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_dog

Perhaps the most famous American newf is Seaman, who was Lewis' dog on the Lewis & Clark expedition. Some locals tried to steal Seaman on the way to the Pacific coast, which really ticked off Lewis. He managed to get the dog back without much fuss.

Andrew

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Permalink Reply by Alana Gentry on October 21, 2008 at 2:21pm

Thanks Andrew, after plowing through many lists like this, I still have not found a dog-friendly place in those counties that is luxurious. If I do, I'll post it here.

PS: Your dog is bigger then me!

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Permalink Reply by Andrew on October 21, 2008 at 2:56pm

Unfortunately, dog-friendly and luxurious rarely go together in the US. On the other hand, in Paris.... A difference in cultures.... Good luck in your search. They ought to be able to accommodate a Havanese....

Our Newfie was kind of like a fairly large person in a dog suit. Very intimidating to those unaware of their very gentle nature.

Andrew

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Permalink Reply by Alana Gentry on October 21, 2008 at 4:04pm

If you ever get west of Chicago, this is the type of place a Newfie would be welcome. http://www.cypress-inn.com (It is Doris Day's hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA) Fabulously lux, 55 guests and 100 dogs! When you check in, everyone has their (mostly) little dogs with them, it reminds me of a 1940's movie set at the Waldorf Astoria...with the exception that the rooms are large and modern. We may end up going there again, it's 4 hours away, I'm still looking for something closer.

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