If you are looking for a dog-friendly city on the West Coast that is not packed full of travelers, check out Monterey. It is located on the southern end of Monterey Bay, just north of Carmel-By-The-Sea and not far from San Jose. Besides the natural rugged coastline and gorgeous beaches, the city is also known for its festivals, concerts, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although your pooch cannot join you at the aquarium, most other places allow dogs.
The city stays rather mild all year long, with summers in the upper 70s and winters in the middle 40s. In fact, in December, you will typically enjoy temperatures around 60 degrees F for the high and highs around 70 degrees F in August. What’s more, Monterey boasts 30% more sunny days than the average in the rest of the country. This means that outdoor activities are popular all year long here.
With just over 30,000 residents, the city boasts a large pup population of around 13,000, which is over 40%! Monterey is a pooch-popular place with hundreds of hotels, motels, restaurants, and shops that invite your fuzzy friend to join you. We list our top 15 choices of the best dog-friendly hotels in Monterey here. We separated them by amenity to help you out.
Portola Hotel & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/portola-spa.en-gb.html
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Overall (Big dogs)
Portola Hotel & Spa is also close to the beach. Just a little over half a mile from Monterey Harbor and Fisherman’s Wharf, there is plenty to do within walking distance here. And it does not matter whether you have a tiny Terrier or a humongous Hound, pets of any size are welcome. In fact, their restaurants are pup-friendly, serving Bark Bowls including Meat Roaff, Chicken with Quinoa, and Turkey K9 Casserole for just a few bucks.
If you join the Ultimate Monterey Pet Getaway, you get the fee waived, a doggie bandana, a free Bark Bowl, and a pet bed and bowl. The hotel is also less than a mile from El Estero Lake Dog Park, where your pooch can play and swim off his leash. Each room has a super soft mattress, fine linens, a safe, a Keurig coffee pot, a lighted ceiling fan and makeup mirrors, a fridge, cable TV, and a warm cozy robe.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $50 per night up to $150.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Sand Dollar Inn
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/best-western-magic-carpet.en-gb.html
1875 Fremont Boulevard, Seaside, CA 93955
Best for: Affordable
Just a half-mile from the coast and Sand City Beach, you will find a sweet little inn with prices that cannot be explained. For less than $100, you and your cuddle buddy can spend the night at Sand Dollar Inn. And that includes the pet fee! You can get a Queen Room with 270 square feet, a private bathroom, hardwood floors, fridge, microwave, satellite TV, and much more for only $65. The rooms even have free name-brand toiletries, hair dryers, and ironing boards with high-speed internet to boot!
The hotel even has a heated pool outside with chaise lounges and umbrellas. Although there is no restaurant on-site, you are just across the street from Taco Bell, Chopstix, Korea House, and Gusto Pizza. Your fur baby will be happy to know that Pacchetti Dog Park is less than two miles away, too, so he can go run around and play without a leash. What more could you ask for?
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $30 per night.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: Up to 60 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Monterey Marriott
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/monterey-marriott.en-gb.html
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Electric vehicle charging
Electric vehicles are becoming more than just a trend in the US. In fact, the news says they will be mandatory soon. So, having an electric vehicle charging station at your hotel is just plain smart. After all, you want your car to be ready to go when you are. Right behind Portola Hotel, Monterey Marriott has those chargers waiting for you. But it is close enough to the beach to walk, so you can let your car charge while you and Fido play.
The Monterey Marriott also has a bike rental, so you can take a ride to the water or somewhere else if you like. They also have a restaurant, bar, pool, fitness center, and hot tub. The accommodations range from a single King Room with 300 square feet to a King Suite with 800 square feet, a separate bedroom, two TVs with premium channels, a living room, a dining room, and two bathrooms. And your pooch is welcome as long as he is 50 pounds or less.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $70 per stay.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: One pet up to 50 pounds or a total of 70 pounds for two.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Residence Inn by Marriott Salinas Monterey
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/residence-inn-by-marriott-salinas.en-gb.html
17215 El Rancho Way, Salinas, CA 93912
Best for: Extended stay
Another Marriott hotel, the Residence Inn, lets you stay as long as you like, and the pet fee is just $100, no matter if you stay for a month or more. Also, there is no size or breed limit. Every room is decked out with everything you need for a long stay, including a full kitchen with a fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and all the kitchenware you could ask for. Choose from a single Kin with 300 square feet or a 600-square-foot two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms.
Located in Salinas, you are in the center of the action, just 15 minutes from the coast, 10 minutes from the railroad museum, and 15 minutes from Natividad Creek Park Dog Park, where your cuddly canine can run around without his leash. Back at the hotel, you also get a free breakfast, a convenience store with grocery delivery, laundry, daily housekeeping, a gorgeous dog-friendly courtyard, and a tennis court.
Pet policy:
- Breed Rest
- Dog fee: $100 per stay per dog.
- Pet deposit: None.rictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Up to two dogs.
Mariposa Inn and Suites
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/mariposa-inn-and-suites.html
1386 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Family friendly
Kids stay free at Mariposa Inn and Suites, making it one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Monterey. The family suite has 600 square feet of space and includes two floors with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a microwave. It also has a fireplace, fan, and iPod dock. Your furry family member will be happy, too, with his cozy pet bed and water bowl.
The pool is fun for all ages and has loungers and umbrellas, as well as free towels. And there is a hot tub/jacuzzi for the adults. You are just minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Dennis the Menace Playground, the Youth Museum, Carmel Beach, and Monterey Bay, as well as dozens of parks and restaurants. There are even two dog parks within three miles, so you can take your pooch to play with other fur pups.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $40 per night.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hyatt-regency-monterrey.html
1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Golf course
Having an address on Old Golf Course Road, you know the Hyatt Regency Monterey has a golf course to enjoy, so all those who want to get out on the back nine can do their thing. The Del Monte Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in the western US and has an awesome 19th hole, the Del Monte Bar & Grill, where you can refuel and refresh yourself. Back at the hotel, your pooch is welcomed with a plush bed, bowls, a toy, and organic treats.
Choose from 14 different types of rooms. The single King is 351 square feet of luxury, including a 55-inch smart TV, pillow-top bed, and an in-room safe. Choose from a pool, golf course, garden, or spyglass view. If you want a suite, there is one Pet Suite that has a fireplace, living room, dining room and a patio that takes you to The Barking Lot, a dog park. Also, the pet fee is donated to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation. There is also a pool, spa, restaurant, gym, and room service.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $100 per stay 1 – 6 nights, $200 per stay 7 – 30 nights.
- Pet deposit: $100 per night deposit.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: Up to 50 pounds each and 75 combined.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Up to two dogs.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/embassy-suites-monterey-bay-seaside.en-gb.html
1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside, CA 93955
Best for: Indoor pool
Water is everywhere when you stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside. Between Laguna Del Rey and Roberts Lake, you are also just two blocks from Monterey State Beach. If the weather is not warm enough or it is raining, you can still swim if you stay here because they have an awesome indoor pool. And with all the tropical plants, it seems like you are in a rainforest! At night, it lights up for a special glow.
The hotel also has free breakfast from its on-site eatery with a kid-friendly buffet in case you have some little humans. Rooms range from the single King with 490 square feet to the 875-square-foot two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms, sea views, a huge flat-screen TV with streaming, a dining room, living room, and kitchen. You are two minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf, the Museum of Art, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and five minutes from Pacchetti Dog Park.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: The pet fee is $50 for stays of 1 to 6 nights and $150 for longer stays.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 75 lbs.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Lone Oak Lodge
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/lone-oak-lodge.en-gb.html
2221 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Jacuzzi
Just a couple miles southwest of Embassy Suites, Lone Oak Lodge is even closer to the dog park, so your pooch will be happy about that! You are also minutes from the museums, aquarium, and wharf, as well as a dozen parks, the Del Monte Golf Course, and a variety of restaurants. Choose the King Room with the hot tub where you can take a luxurious soak and relax those muscles after a long day at the beach or exploring the city. It even has a fireplace.
Although there is no pool here, you really do not need one with the beach so close, as well as the two lakes just northeast of the hotel. They do not have a restaurant either, but 3 Mundos Sandwich Shop, Monterey, Cookhouse, Denny’s, and The Burger Den are within walking distance. If you want to hang outside, there is an outdoor fireplace, picnic area, and barbecue grills for anyone to use. There is even an electric vehicle charging post.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $25 per night.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Red Roof Inn & Suites Monterey
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/inn-and-suites-monterey.en-gb.html
2227 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940,
Best for: Kitchen
For those who like to dine in, Red Roof Inn & Suites Monterey offers several rooms and suites with full kitchens. They have stoves, microwaves, fridges, and coffee makers for your convenience, as well as eating and cooking utensils. There is cable TV, private bathrooms, and lots of space for your fur buddy to play too. Also, it is right down the street from Lone Oak Lodge so it is also conveniently located near both lakes and the ocean as well as Fisherman’s Wharf, the museums, and the aquarium.
About two miles from the hotel, you can bring your dog to Pacchetti Pooch Park, where he can explore almost two acres of fenced space off the leash. Being so close to the ocean, you will not even notice that they do not have a pool, and there are quite a few great restaurants nearby, some that are even dog-friendly. Dogs always stay free at Red Roof Inn, but they must weigh less than 80 pounds.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 80 pounds
- Dogs allowed per stay: One.
Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/le-petit-pali-ocean.en-gb.html
Junipero Street & Ocean Avenue, Carmel, CA 93921
Best for: Luxury
From the champagne breakfast every day to the Baci chocolate in your room, you will be treated like royalty at Le Petit Pali. They even deliver fresh homemade cookies to your room every day. In addition, your room will have charming items like a hair straightener, fabric steamer, gourmet stocked minibar, and a plush robe and slippers for each registered guest. They will even bring you a sleep machine if you have trouble sleeping.
Every day from 2 to 8 PM, visit the social hour for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The bikes in the yard are there for everyone, so if you want to ride around the neighborhood, you can do that, too. Your cuddly canine companion will get a cozy dog bed, toy, treats, and bowl as well. Put your pup on a leash, and you can both stroll over to the beach, which is only about a half mile away. You are also close to the Museum of Art, the aquarium, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $150 per stay.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: None.
- Weight Restrictions: Up to 30 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Up to two dogs.
Motel 6 – Monterey
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/monterey-2124-north-fremont-street.en-gb.html
2124 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: No pet fee
While there are several hotels and motels in and around Monterey that have no pet fee, Motel 6 – Monterey is one of the best because of its incredibly low prices, great amenities, and perfect location a few blocks from the beach. Saving all that money, you and your fur puppy are going to be able to get out and enjoy the city from the beach to the local dog parks as well as many dog-friendly bars and eating establishments.
Located on Carrery Row near Fisherman’s Wharf, you and your pooch can eat, shop, and play all day long. Then, come back to your cozy room and change into your swimming suit so you can enjoy the awesome pool. Unfortunately, your cuddle buddy will have to skip the pool because animals are not allowed. There is no restaurant, but they have a snack bar and vending machines, and there are a few restaurants nearby.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 40 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Monterey Tides Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/monterey-tides.en-gb.html
2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: On the beach
If you want to be really close to the beach, check out Monterey Tides Hotel. It is just a few steps to Monterey State Beach, where your pupster is allowed from the Roberts parking lot south. He will need to stay on a leash, and you should pack plenty of doggie bags for picking up after him. You will not have to walk at all to get there because you are right on the sand here. Just grab some towels and head out the door.
And if you need a surfboard, canoe, kayak, or other water activity items, the hotel has them and more. You can also get a bike tour or head over to the golf course. Each room has a fridge, coffee maker, HDTV, Wi-Fi, a safe, and premium toiletries. Choose from a king or double queen with an inland view or ocean view. The pool has sun loungers and umbrellas, a hot tub, and swimming pool toys, too!
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $125 per visit.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- .Weight Restrictions: 50 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/bernardus-lodge-spa.en-gb.html
415 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Best for: Resort
Just a few minutes from downtown Monterey, Bernardus Lodge & Spa, with views of the Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley vineyards, and Snivley’s Ridge. Inside, the cozy feather beds, warm fireplaces, and huge bathtubs for two make all the rooms luxurious. Each room here is unique with its own theme, from croquet rooms with views of the croquet lawn, Santa Lucia rooms with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, and the Villa Carmelo Two Bedroom Suite with all the views.
The pool has sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as a hot tub. But if you want the real pampering treatment, you will want to visit the spa with its garden and soaking pool. You can enjoy a massage, body wrap, steam room, and facial, or get your hair and nails done. They even have a fitness center with modern equipment. And your pooch gets his own pet bowls and treats as well as lots of attention.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $30 per night per dog.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: Up to 40 pounds combined.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Up to two dogs.
Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/carmel-valley-ranch.en-gb.html
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93923
Best for: Rustic
If you just want to get away from it all without being too far from the action, Carmel Valley Ranch is right in the middle of Garland Ranch Regional Park, a dog-friendly escape from the world. And with 500 acres of space, the resort has plenty of room for you and your fur baby to roam while you are there. They even have tennis courts and a golf course. But that is not all! There are three different swimming pools, a gym with a hot tub, and an on-site spa.
Accommodations include everything from studio suites to four-bedroom suites! The resort also features a house car, guided hikes, nightly s’mores, fresh honey tastings, disc golf, a scavenger hunt, and entertainment. Your little fur buddy will get his own plush dog bed, a dog menu, and lots of treats. And you can choose from four different restaurants or just get room service and stay in with your pooch.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $175 per stay.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: None.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Up to two dogs.
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/casa-munras-and-spa.en-gb.html
700 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Spa
You and your fur puppy can enjoy the gorgeous views of Monterey Bay just a half-mile from the coast at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. But first, let your pup open his BarkBox with toys, treats, and more. He also gets his own bowls and bed. Then, put your little buddy’s leash on and take him for a walk to the beach or just stroll through the gardens at the hotel. From the King Room to the exquisite Manor House Suite with a fireplace, there is something for everyone here.
Unfortunately, pups are not allowed in the spa, but you cannot pass up the luxurious Desuar Spa during your stay. Relieve stress, get rid of sore muscles, or just enjoy a day of pampering. They have deep tissue massages, facials, aromatherapy, wraps, and body polishes. They even have a couple’s treatment suite. Or you can go for a swim in the heated pool. The locker room has showers with bath products, hair dryers, and makeup stations.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $50 per stay.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
The Final Woof
Your pooch is sure to enjoy your trip to Monterey as much as you do with so many pup popular attractions, eateries, and parks. Take him to Domenico’s on the Wharf with the best views in town, or you can order from the dog menu at Cafe Fina. There are quite a few vineyards and breweries that allow dogs as well, so he can join you as you taste the local adult beverages. You can also take your pup with you on the Monterey Whale Watch Tour, where you are guaranteed to see something.
Our favorite hotel on the list is Portela Hotel & Spa because not only do they love dogs of all sizes, the fee is minimal, and you are right by the beach and other fun places. The on-site restaurants are also dog-friendly, with special Bark Bowls for your canine companion. Also, if you join the pet getaway, you do not even have to pay a pet fee and your dog gets a bandana, bowl, and bed. And the dog park is within walking distance, too!
