San Diego is home to popular beaches, hiking trails, and many other places that make the city worth visiting. But going on a vacation without your dog feels wrong, right? After all, just like their human friends, dogs also love going on trips.
Unfortunately, many hotels don’t allow pets, and planning a weekend or a nightly stay with your dog can be challenging if you can’t find a pet-friendly hotel.
San Diego is a pet-friendly city with many beaches, parks, restaurants, and stores you can visit with your four-legged pal. You can plan a stay with your pet easily, as there are many dog friendly hotels San Diego has in store for pet owners. However, not every hotel is worth staying at, and many don’t offer a memorable experience to guests.
After comparing dozens of options, we have found the best hotels you can book, and we will review them in this article. We’ve chosen options from different price ranges, so you can easily find a hotel that suits your budget.
We will also discuss the important things you should consider when staying at a hotel with your dog to ensure a good experience for yourself, your dog, and other guests. So, without any delay, let’s have a look at the dog-friendly hotels we have chosen for you.
- How we made this list
- The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- Ocean Beach Hotel
- Solamar San Diego
- Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel
- Old Town Inn
- Urban Boutique Hotel
- Check for rules and restrictions
- Check the pet fee
- Try to keep barking at a minimum
- There shouldn’t be any harmful things around
- Bring along your pet’s bowls, food, and bed
- Make sure you get a pet-friendly room
How we made this list
As mentioned above, we compared a lot of hotels while making this list, and we considered every important factor to pick the best options for you. The price per night at each hotel on our list is reasonable, considering the facilities and service quality it offers.
The hotel’s menu was also on our priority list while shortlisting options. We checked the nearby dog-friendly hotels, parks, and other places too. Moreover, we checked other important facilities, such as Wi-Fi, parking, furniture quality, and more. Now that you know how we chose these hotels let’s hop into the review section and help you choose a suitable hotel.
Best Dog Friendly Hotels San Diego: Reviews
The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most popular and reliable hotels you can go for. You can bring two dogs up to 40 pounds, but cats aren’t allowed. There are many room types to choose from, and some of them offer a stunning city view.
The hotel staff is well-trained and interacts politely with guests. Moreover, they disinfect and clean the rooms between each stay, so you won’t have to worry about health and safety during your stay.
As far as amenities are concerned, you are unlikely to have any complaints, as elevators, television, free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, fitness center, spa services, and many other important services are offered. It’s a non-smoking property, and guests also need to take their dogs out when they need to do their business, as there is no dedicated area in the property.
Highlights
No pet fee
The hotel charges are reasonable, and currently, no pet fee is applied, which is an added benefit. You won’t have to worry about your budget while booking a room here.
Attractions
You will have a lot of nearby places to explore, including the San Diego Convention Center, the USS Midway Museum, Petco Park, Sea World, the Horton Plaza Shopping and Entertainment Mall, and stunning sandy beaches. With so many options to choose from, you are unlikely to get bored.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | 2 dogs up to 40 pounds |
| Location | The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter |
Ocean Beach Hotel
Ocean Beach Hotel is a popular option among pet owners, and the hotel allows two pets of any size without any additional charges. Not every room in the hotel is pet-friendly, so it’s important to check the availability before check-in.
Ocean Beach Hotel is the perfect option for people who want to visit the beach. For people who want to spend some time in their rooms, free Wi-Fi and television are also available. Additionally, you can park your car for free in the private hotel parking lot.
The hotel looks visually appealing both from the outside and inside, and the furniture quality is up to the mark. Picnic tables are also available, which makes the hotel even more appealing to visitors. Lastly, the staff is highly-professional and well-behaved, and you and your dog will have a pleasant experience at the hotel.
Highlights
Pets can be left unattended
If you want to visit a nearby place where pets aren’t allowed, you can leave your pets unattended in the hotel room. However, you will need to leave a contact number at the front desk.
Grassy area for pets
Ocean Beach Hotel is truly pet-friendly, and there is a grassy area for pet relief available on the property. You won’t have to look for a park every time your pets want to do their business.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | Two dogs or cats of any size |
| Location | Ocean Beach Hotel |
Solamar San Diego
Hotel Solamar is an ideal option for every dog owner, as pets of any size are allowed. You can check-in with your dog or cat without paying an additional pet fee, and the hotel charges are also affordable. You can place a ‘Pet in Room’ sign on the door and leave your pet unattended if it’s well-behaved.
Hotel Solamar’s location makes it even more appealing to visitors, as many places worth visiting are within walking distance. Some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are also available nearby.
You will likely enjoy your stay at the hotel, as there is a fitness center and a pool. The hotel offers parking, meeting spaces, internet, and several other important facilities. Breakfast and room service are also available, and the food quality and flavor are up to the mark. Moreover, you can request special diet menus.
You will get other important room amenities too, including a TV, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, bathrobes, a bathtub, and a desk. However, it’s a non-smoking property, so you won’t find a dedicated area for regular smokers.
Highlights
Designated pet relief area
In this hotel, you can find a designated pet relief area and waste stations. These features make the hotel even more pet-friendly, and you can plan a stay with your pet here without thinking twice.
Clean, hygienic, and safe
The staff disinfects all rooms between each stay and ensures that each room is clean and ready to offer a pleasant experience to the next guest. Smoke alarms are present on the property to add an extra layer of security for guests.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | 2 pets allowed (dogs and cats of any size) |
| Location | Solamar San Diego |
Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel
At Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel, you can stay with two pets up to 20 pounds. Pet-friendly rooms are available on the ground floor, so your dog won’t have to go through stressful elevator journeys.
If your dog is well-behaved, you can leave it in the room unattended for some time while you check out the nearby attractions. There is space near the hotel where your four-legged pal can do its business.
The parking facility is up to the mark, and laundry rooms are also available. You will get free Wi-Fi, which means you can continue working on important projects or stay connected with your social media family. Moreover, free breakfast is offered, and most people love the food.
Highlights
Enhanced cleanliness and sanitization policy
When you check in, a clean and sanitized room will be waiting for you and your furry pal. The hotel follows the We Care Clean cleanliness and sanitization policy, and the staff takes every required step to ensure a safe and clean environment for guests. You can also enjoy contactless check-in and check-out.
Affordable
The hotel offers quality services without overcharging the guests. You won’t have to worry about your pocket while planning a stay at this hotel, as nightly charges are appealing and attract many visitors.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | Two pets up to 20 pounds |
| Location | Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel |
Old Town Inn
Old Town Inn is one of the best options in the area, and it allows two pets of any size. You may be permitted to bring additional pets, but you will need prior hotel approval for that.
The hotel’s nightly charges are reasonable, and you will have several room types to choose from. Coffee makers are offered to guests, and dressing rooms are also available. Talking about the amenities, you will get free Wi-Fi, television, outdoor grills, a laundry room, a fitness center, and many more. Additionally, the parking is free, which is an added benefit.
Most people like the hotel’s location, and the rooms are large and clean. There are a couple of nearby restaurants that welcome dogs with open arms, and you can enjoy delicious meals with your furry friend there.
Highlights
Waste stations on the property
You won’t have to leave the hotel and look for a park for your dog to do its business. There is a grassy area with waste stations in Old Town Inn.
Crated pets can be left unattended
If you want to visit a nearby place where pets aren’t welcome, you can leave pets unattended in the room if they’re in a crate. However, you should do it only if you are sure that your dog won’t disturb guests in the nearby rooms while you’re away.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | Two pets of any size |
| Location | Old Town Inn |
Urban Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in San Diego, Urban Boutique Hotel is an ideal option for you. The good thing about choosing this hotel is that you won’t have to compromise in the fields of service quality and amenities to save money. If your dog is friendly, it may be offered treats at the front desk. Additionally, there’s a grassy area on the property where dogs can do their business.
Air conditioning, parking, Wi-Fi, television, elevator, and all other important facilities are available at this hotel. Laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers are also available for guests. Other than that, you will be offered a hairdryer, an iron, a microwave, and trashcans. Multiple types of rooms are available, so you can choose an option depending on your budget and requirements.
Highlights
Two dogs are allowed
Urban Boutique Hotel welcomes dogs with open arms, and you can stay with two dogs of any size. Therefore, you can plan a stay at this hotel even if you have a big dog. An additional pet fee is required; however, the fee is reasonable considering the nightly charges.
Many nearby places are worth visiting
Urban Boutique Hotel is close to the San Diego Convention Center, Firehouse Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and many other places that attract visitors.
Important information
| Size and number of dogs allowed | Two dogs of any size |
| Location | Urban Boutique Hotel |
These are the best dog friendly hotels San Diego has in store for pet owners. All of these are worth staying at and can offer a good experience to you and your four-legged friend. However, some of these hotels may suit your personal needs and budget more than others, so you should choose an option accordingly.
If you have stayed at a hotel with your dog before, you know the possible issues one could face. However, if you’re planning your first trip with your dog, you may be clueless. To help you, in the following section we will discuss the important things you should consider when staying at or booking a dog-friendly hotel.
Things to Consider When Staying At/Booking a Dog-Friendly Hotel
Check for rules and restrictions
Hotels welcome many people every day, and they have to maintain a friendly and good environment for everyone. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, most hotels have strict rules that guests have to follow. These are some common rules most hotels apply:
Aggressive and non-obedient dogs aren’t permitted
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Aggressive dogs can be a threat to other people and dogs staying at the hotel. The same case is with non-obedient dogs that don’t follow voice commands. They may not harm someone physically, but they can disturb people who don’t want to interact with dogs.
They can also damage the furniture and other things available in the room or common areas. As a result, many hotels don’t allow aggressive and non-obedient dogs. If your dog is well-behaved and trained, you won’t have to worry about such restrictions.
Size and weight restrictions
Pet owners should also be concerned about size and weight restrictions when looking for a hotel. Some hotels, for instance, only allow small dogs under 30 pounds; however, the number can vary from hotel to hotel. There’s even breed restrictions in some hotels. If you have a small dog, most hotels will welcome you with open arms.
Number of pets
Many people have four to five dogs in their families. Unfortunately, staying together with all of them at a hotel isn’t possible in most situations. Most hotels allow only one to two pets per room, and an adult must be present with the dogs. You should check these details carefully when booking a room.
Are pets allowed in unattended rooms?
When you are on a trip, you wouldn’t want to sit in your hotel room all day, right? You would want to explore the nearby markets, beaches, parks, and places worth visiting. If you want to visit a place where dogs aren’t allowed, you may have to leave your furry pal in the hotel room alone. Therefore, before booking a room, you should check if pets are allowed in unattended rooms.
Leash rules
Almost all hotels have leash rules, and you must follow them when you aren’t in the room. Generally, people have to keep their dogs on a leash when walking from the parking lot to the hotel. Dogs should also be leashed in the common areas.
Check the pet fee
Many pet-friendly hotels charge an additional pet fee, and you should check such details when booking a room. The pet fee can be as high as $150 or even more in some cases. However, there are many dog friendly hotels in San Diego that don’t apply an additional pet fee, and you can choose them if you are on a budget.
Try to keep barking at a minimum
How would you feel if a child in the next room is constantly crying or a dog is barking continuously? You wouldn’t like the experience. In the same way, other people staying at the hotel will get disturbed if your dog is barking constantly, so you should try to keep barking at a minimum.
However, you can’t expect your dog to be quiet all day long, and it will likely bark when someone passes by your door. To avoid such issues, you shouldn’t get the room next to the elevator or bar. Another effective way is to turn on the TV to block out external noise.
There shouldn’t be any harmful things around
Dogs are curious animals and try to familiarize themselves with the surroundings when taken to a strange environment. Your furry friend will likely explore the new room, so you should ensure that no harmful item is around. The floor should be properly cleaned, and there should be no small items on it when you enter the room.
Bring along your pet’s bowls, food, and bed
Many dog-friendly hotels offer food, bowls, and beds to their four-legged guests, but this isn’t the case with every hotel. There may not be anything on the menu for your pet. So, to be on the safe side, you should take your dog’s bowls, favorite food, treats, and bed along.
In some hotels, dogs aren’t allowed on beds and furniture, and if you book a hotel like this, your dog will need its bed to spend the night comfortably. Their own bed will also make your pet feel at home in a hotel.
Make sure you get a pet-friendly room
Just because a hotel welcomes pets, it doesn’t mean every room in it is pet-friendly. When you book a room online, it’s important to check these details carefully to avoid last-minute surprises at check-in. If you book a room that isn’t pet friendly, your dog won’t be allowed in it, and you may not even get a refund (depending on the hotel’s policies).
These are the most important things you should consider when staying at a hotel with your pet. If you stay prepared, you and your dog will likely have a good experience together.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and liked our list of the best dog friendly hotels San Diego. The charges and facilities vary from hotel to hotel, and if you have read this article carefully, you will know which hotel suits your requirements and personal preferences.
Budget is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. Nearby places you would like to visit should also be on your priority list. After all, you aren’t booking a hotel just to spend the night with your pet. Your trip will be memorable if you visit nearby dog-friendly beaches, restaurants, stores, parks, and hiking trails. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and book a room in your favorite hotel today!