San Diego
There is an inescapable Mediterranean feel to The Grand Del Mar. The Italian-style architecture and sunny Southern California weather allow you to dream you’ve traveled a bit farther than San Diego. But an easy weekender can be had within its Roman columns, marble work and red tile roof. If you stay in, various spa treatments are available between lunch and dinner at the hotel’s Amaya and Addison restaurants. If you venture out, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is next door. Your best friend gets their own bed, bowl and toys, and there is plenty of space on the hotel grounds to go for a walk or venture to La Jolla’s Cliffside Trail. Packages begin at $355 per night with a $100 pet fee. :: thegranddelmar.com
Lake Tahoe
The Northstar ski area gets busy in December, and The Ritz-Carlton sits right in the middle of it. If your dog is heading north with you and your skis or snowboard, the hotel will be a cozy and welcome setting for a weekend adventure. Because of its location, visitors can ski in and ski out of the Northstar lifts, and ski valet services are available upon check-in. Snowmobiling, crosscountry and heli-skiing, snoeshowing, geocaching and tubing are regular activities in the area as well. Free transport between the hotel and The Village at Northstar is provided for guests. The Village’s restaurants, bars, shops and galleries wrap around a large ice rink for when you’re not on the slopes. Back in the hotel with your best friend, dog beds, treats and toys are available, and guests can order special room service for their pet or yes, even spa treatments. Packages start at $449 per night plus a $125-$250 non-refundable pet cleaning fee. :: ritzcarlton.com
Yountville
Your dog or cat isn’t one to imbibe, but the Bardessono will still provide a happy home away from home while on a weekender in the center of Napa Valley. Within walking distance from multiple wineries including Cornerstone Cellars, Domaine Chandon, Girard Winery, Hill Family Estate, Jessup Cellars and Ma(i)sonry, this most modern and green hotel also has complimentary yoga classes for guests and its own happy hour in the hotel’s Lucy Restaurant & Bar, where wine by the glass is half price. The hotel spa offers multiple massage therapies, including those for expectant mothers. Scalp massage, mud wraps, facials, waxing and nail service is available for guests as well. Dogs receive their own plush dog bed and bowl and rooms come with their own private courtyard. The nearby Napa Valley Vine Trail – one of several trails in town – are also a great spot for a dog walk. The Lucy Experience package, featuring a night’s stay in a Spa Suite and a $150 food and beverage credit for the Lucy Restaurant is $725 per couple plus a $150 pet fee. bardessono.com :: vinetrail.org
