Opening its doors in 1915, the dog-friendly Claremont Resort & Club sits high in the Oakland Hills above Berkeley and has maintained its status as one of America’s iconic luxury hotels ever since. The location alone is worth the trip—you get sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding landscape that change throughout the day. The resort recently completed an extensive renovation that kept its historic character while adding modern amenities, and it’s now part of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts collection.

The rooms vary widely in layout and view, so it’s worth asking what’s available when you book. Dogs get actual attention here, not just tolerance. When you arrive, your dog receives treats at the concierge desk, a pet bed for the room, and food and water bowls. The staff clearly spends time thinking about what makes dogs comfortable, not just checking a box.

The grounds themselves are substantial—there are walking trails and gardens throughout the property that give you real options for moving around without leaving the resort. The nearby Oakland Hills trails are accessible too, and the staff can point you toward spots that work well for dogs. Early mornings on these trails before the day gets busy are particularly nice.

Several restaurants on the property allow dogs in designated outdoor areas, which is convenient if you don’t want to eat every meal in your room or nearby. The spa is there if you want to do something without your dog for an hour or two, though honestly the main draw is just being on the property and taking advantage of the grounds.

The main thing to know is that this is genuinely a luxury property that happens to allow dogs, not a dog hotel trying to feel fancy. Your experience will depend partly on which staff members you interact with, so a quick call ahead to mention you’re bringing a dog helps ensure everyone’s on the same page about what you’re hoping for during your stay.