The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Willows sits in a genuinely useful location if you’re driving between Sacramento and Redding with your dog. You get a solid mid-point stop without the hassle of searching around town for pet-friendly options.

The rooms are straightforward and comfortable—nothing fancy, but clean and functional. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool if you want to cool off on a hot day, and a 24-hour fitness center if you’re the type who needs a workout even while traveling. The complimentary hot breakfast in the mornings is handy, so you’re not rushing out hungry before hitting the road again.

What makes this location work for traveling with a dog is everything around it. The Mendocino National Forest is close by with plenty of trails that welcome dogs, which is great if you need to burn off some energy during your stay. The Sacramento Wildlife Refuge is also nearby—worth checking out if you enjoy watching wildlife, though dogs need to stay on leash in that area. If your travel group has non-dog people in tow, Thunderhill Park Raceway hosts national races and can be a decent afternoon activity. There’s also wine tasting at Lawley Vineyards and Winery if anyone in your party wants to do that while you hang back with your dog at the hotel or find dog-friendly outdoor spots nearby.

Willows itself is basically a working farm town, so this isn’t a destination where you’ll find tons of dog-specific attractions or fancy dog amenities. But as a convenient, reliable overnight stop on a longer drive where your dog can get some exercise and you can grab a decent meal, it works well. The location is really the main draw here—you’re breaking up a long drive without adding much time to your route.