Long gone are the days when traveling with your dog meant being forced to stay at roadside motels with stained carpets and questionable odors. Today, hotels at all price points are putting the “friendly” in pet-friendly by not only allowing dogs but pampering them as much as (if not even more than) their humans.

At high-end locations like Bobby Hotel in Nashville and The St. Regis Aspen Resort, resident pooches oversee the lobbies. At La Posada de Santa Fe in New Mexico and Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor, New York, pups are greeted with local treats and private, fenced-in outdoor spaces perfect for frolicking. At L’Auberge de Sedona in Arizona, they’ll snooze by the fire in a plush dog bed before a day of sniffing around by the creek.

My golden retriever, Cali, spent much of her first few months of life hanging around the iBestTravel office. When we set out on a cross-country road trip together, I decided it was time to put her to work. She may not be able to write a review, but if she could, I think she would agree that there are some key features that place the best dog-friendly hotels above the rest:

• Proximity to parks and dog-friendly activities
• Accessible outdoor space—bonus points if it’s enclosed and they can roam free
• Amenities that make them feel at home, whether it’s a dog bed and water bowl or treats and a toy upon arrival
• A dog-friendly restaurant on site or nearby
• A bathtub (or better yet, an outdoor shower) for when adventuring gets messy
• A pet-loving staff

Cali tested (and, from what I can tell, highly approved of) many of the properties that made our list herself. Bringing a dog along on vacation can transform your experience. Traveling with a pet gives you a built-in excuse to engage with locals and explore outdoor environments more actively, guaranteeing a more enthusiastic greeting—and cuter photos—no matter where you go.

This Tropical Island Is Filled With Puppies You Can Adopt

Note that some hotels charge an additional fee or deposit, block off specific rooms for guests with pets, or offer pet packages seasonally; therefore, it’s important to call ahead if you’re checking in with a four-legged guest. Typically, hotels do not allow pets to be left unattended, so it’s important to plan pet-friendly activities accordingly. If you are allowed to leave your pet in your hotel room unattended, consider bringing along a pet camera to keep tabs on your furry travel companion.

Baron’s Cove: Sag Harbor, NY

Author John Steinbeck spent time at this cozy, waterfront Long Island retreat. Guests who purchase the Travels With Charley package receive a copy of the novel he wrote about his own cross-country road trip with a French poodle, “Travels with Charley: In Search of America,” perfect for reading on your fenced-in front porch while your pup runs free. The package also includes treats, a frisbee, a bed, and a daily dining credit for the humans. It’s best to visit Baron’s Cove with your dog in wintertime, when Sag Harbor is crowd-free, allowing you both to sit by the fire with a glass of wine while enjoying the peaceful views of the harbor. South Fork beaches are generally dog-friendly all day long in winter, with Havens Beach nearby (but dogs are not permitted on the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Montauk Brewery is also a fun dog-friendly stop half an hour east.

Details: Visit caperesorts.com/barons-cove

L’Auberge de Sedona: Sedona, AZ

L’Auberge de Sedona offers stunning grounds along Oak Creek, surrounded by Red Rock country. The hotel provides dog beds, bowls, leashes, and a goodie bag with a toy, treats, clean-up bags, and a map of nearby walking trails. The spacious and private cottages come with open-air showers, ideal for a rinse if your pet gets muddy from the beach below.

Details: Visit lauberge.com

Bobby Hotel: Nashville

Hairy, the dog-in-residence, greets guests in the stylish Nashville lobby and helps raise funds for the Nashville Humane Association. Rooms come with oversized balconies that keep curious pups entertained. You can even bring your pup to the patio at the in-house cafe to enjoy a latte while watching the dogs go by. Riverfront Park dog park is within walking distance, alongside Broadway, Nashville’s main strip filled with live music and enthusiastic dog lovers. Be sure to check out the Bobby’s rooftop lounge, where you can enjoy cocktails in a retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser bus.

Details: Visit bobbyhotel.com

Dream Hollywood: Hollywood, CA

At Dream Hollywood, the staff warmly welcomes guests along with their canine companions. Whether it’s providing a Dream-branded pet bed or helping dress your pet in a luxurious miniature bathrobe for a fun photo shoot, every need is met. The Hollywood sign is visible from the rooftop Highlight Room grill and bar. Plus, the area is filled with plenty of nearby attractions worth exploring with your furry friend.

Details: Visit dreamhotels.com/hollywood

La Posada de Santa Fe: Santa Fe, NM

La Posada de Santa Fe is just steps from one of the best dog-friendly activities in town—browsing outdoor galleries along Canyon Road. The desert-chic rooms feature enclosed yards and well-manicured grounds, complete with handy waste bag stations. Pets are welcomed with Santa Fe-themed treats, including a chili pepper chew toy. Additionally, pets are welcome on the colorful outdoor patio of the well-known restaurant The Shed, within walking distance. A quick drive will take you to Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park, a beautiful 138-acre desert area where your dog can roam free.

Details: Visit laposadadesantafe.com

Cyprus Inn: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Late Hollywood icon Doris Day, co-owner of Northern California’s Cyprus Inn, agreed to purchase this 1929 Spanish-Moroccan landmark only if it welcomed dogs. The hotel upholds that tradition today, offering blankets, bowls, and even a glamorous patio to relax on, complete with an outdoor shower to rinse off sandy pups after a beach romp.

Details: Visit cypress-inn.com

Montage Palmetto Bluff: Bluffton, SC

Situated between Savannah, GA, and Hilton Head Island, SC, Montage Palmetto Bluff spans 20,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry land, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures with your pet. Inn rooms, cottages, guesthouses, and suites are all dog-friendly, and every “preferred pup” receives dog beds, homemade treats, and bowls. There are deep soaking tubs in select accommodations for washing off muddy paws after exploring nearby trails. While local restaurants may not be the most pet-friendly, room service is a great alternative, as the hotel offers a gourmet in-room dining menu just for pets.

Details: Visit montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

Mandarin Oriental, Miami

A serene retreat for small dogs (25 pounds or less) located on Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental exudes luxury. Relax with your dog overlooking the infinity pool and bay, or take a short stroll to Brickell City Centre for shopping. The hotel provides dog bowls and beds, and guests can inquire about various pet packages, including dog trainer and butler services.

Details: Visit mandarinoriental.com/miami/brickell-key

Pendry, San Diego

Located in the lively Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, Pendry is surrounded by numerous dog-friendly attractions. Steps away from Petco Park, home of the Padres, this stadium is known for its dog-friendly Barkyard seating option. Nearby breweries and picturesque Seaport Village are ideal for exploring. Active pups can enjoy a day out at Coronado Dog Beach or even try paddleboarding with Aqua Adventures. The Pendry prides itself on providing dog beds and bowls for furry guests.

Details: Visit pendry.com/san-diego

The Barrymore Hotel: Tampa, FL

The Barrymore Hotel is ideally situated on the Tampa Riverwalk, adjacent to a dog park. The pet-friendly staff allows you to take your dog along for the day. Stroll to Armature Works, a market hub offering diverse food options where dogs are welcome on outdoor grounds, or enjoy a BYOB boat cruise with Tampa Bay Fun Boat to soak in the local sights from the water.

Details: Visit barrymorehotel.com

Paséa Hotel & Spa: Huntington Beach, CA

Known for its 1.5-mile-long, off-leash Huntington Dog Beach, the Paséa Hotel offers its own pup playground called Paw-Séa, featuring a lifeguard station dog house and fun murals for a perfect photo op. Dogs can enjoy a specialized menu at the trendy onsite restaurant Tanner’s, filled with delightful options like puppy parfaits and “pupcakes.” The V.I.P. Paw-séa Room Package includes a keepsake collar, leash, toy, and meal from the pet menu, plus nearby Top Dog Barkery provides custom cakes for pooches.

Details: Visit paseahotel.com

Washington School House Hotel: Park City, UT

The Washington School House is a boutique hotel run by dog owners, providing pet beds and bowls, as well as personalized service to cater to your dog’s needs. Situated just steps from Main Street, it’s ideally located for exploring Park City’s pet-friendly shops. While the area is known for winter sports, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer months as well.

Details: Visit washingtonschoolhouse.com

The London West Hollywood: Los Angeles

Represented by two English bulldog mascots, Winston and Churchill, the chic London West Hollywood offers spacious suites, ideal for anyone sharing a room with a four-legged friend. The hotel boasts the largest penthouse in Los Angeles, which includes a rooftop deck with stunning views.

Details: Visit thelondonwesthollywood.com

The St. Regis Aspen Resort: Aspen, CO

Sitting at the base of Aspen Mountain, this popular ski destination prioritizes pets. The hotel offers a dog bed, a bowl, and even a pet menu that includes sushi roll and beef tenderloin. Monthly events like the Bark’n’Brews patio “pawty” help raise funds for local animal rescues. Don’t forget to check out the hotel’s resident Bernese mountain dog, Kitty Jacob Astor II, who has his own Instagram account!

Details: Visit stregisaspen.com

Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery: New Orleans

Every room at the Old No. 77 is dog-friendly. Your dog will receive its own bed, bowl, treats, a toy, and a custom-made name tag with the hotel’s contact info. Located in a converted coffee warehouse within New Orleans’ Arts District, the hotel features impressive artwork and offers a plethora of nearby galleries for exploration. Rest assured, Cafe Du Monde is pet-friendly, which means you can savor chicory coffee and beignets with your furry friend!

Details: Visit old77hotel.com

Wythe Hotel: New York

This popular Brooklyn hotel, located in a former factory built in 1901, offers industrial-chic accommodations with picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s within walking distance of McCarren Park and Bushwick Inlet Park dog runs, as well as local pet-friendly establishments, like Lucky Dog, a divey bar with a cozy backyard where pups are welcome.

Details: Visit wythehotel.com

Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa: Hot Springs, AK

Located within Hot Springs National Park, the historic Arlington Hotel is adjacent to dog-friendly hiking trails. Although dogs can’t soak in the hot springs or Bath House Row alongside you, they can join you at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, enjoying the local craft beer made from hot spring water while you both unwind in the lively atmosphere of Central Avenue.

Details: Visit arlingtonhotel.com

Under Canvas Zion: Virgin, UT

Take your pet hiking or kayaking at Under Canvas Zion, a 196-acre glamping site located beside Zion National Park. All Under Canvas accommodations are pet-friendly, with each glamping tent furnished with a king bed and full bathroom. Some glamping tents even come equipped with private decks, while the stargazer tent offers a window above the bed to view the night sky.

Details: Visit undercanvas.com/camps/zion

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

With views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago offers a luxurious experience for dogs who expect five-star treatment. On pleasant days, you can walk your pet to nearby shops or stroll along Navy Pier, while colder weather provides an excellent opportunity to snuggle up together in your spacious hotel room.

Details: Visit ritzcarlton.com/hotels/chicago

Lorien Hotel & Spa: Alexandria, VA

In the heart of Alexandria’s Old Town, the Lorien Hotel & Spa welcomes dogs of all sizes. With outdoor terraces that are perfect for your furry friends and a dog-friendly park located just a block away, the hotel also provides a list of nearby dog-friendly activities and venues.

Details: Visit lorienhotel.com

Inn at the 5th: Eugene, OR

At the Inn at the 5th, enjoy scenic bike trails along the riverside and a nearby urban wine trail with pet-friendly tasting rooms. Your furry companions are welcomed spoiling with dog bowls, treats, and other surprises. A short drive takes you to the nearby Oregon coast, filled with trails and beaches that are also dog-friendly.

Details: Visit innat5th.com

1 Hotel West Hollywood: Los Angeles

West Hollywood’s 1 Hotel occupies a prime location on Sunset Strip, surrounded by nature-rich design elements. The eco-conscious space features outdoor areas with sweeping views of Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills. It’s one of LA’s most walkable neighborhoods, allowing easy explorations with your furry friend. The attentive staff provides dog beds and bowls filled with treats for your commuter canine.

Details: Visit 1hotels.com/west-hollywood

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara, CA

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, has stood as a luxurious retreat in Santa Barbara for over 100 years. Many of its rooms and bungalows feature private terraces surrounded by lush gardens. Pets are lavished with treats, comfortable beds, and even invited to partake in afternoon tea. Santa Barbara is renowned for being dog-friendly, with off-leash areas like Arroyo Burro Beach and sailing opportunities with Sunset Kidd offering dog-friendly outings.

Details: Visit belmond.com