The rooftop pet terrace at Hotel Nikko San Francisco is genuinely unique—a sprawling outdoor space with a dog run and a replica of San Francisco’s famous cable car that makes for great photos. The hotel sits just a short walk from Union Square, putting you in the middle of the city’s most walkable neighborhood.

What makes this place work for traveling with dogs is that they’ve thought through the details. The Pet Package includes doggie beds, food and water bowls, and pup-friendly welcome gifts. During the day, you can head up to that rooftop terrace whenever your dog needs a break without waiting for an elevator ride down to street level—a real convenience in a busy hotel. The terrace gives dogs space to move around and get some air without the chaos of the sidewalk immediately below.

The location opens up a lot of possibilities for actual dog activities. You’re close enough to walk to Fort Mason, where trails wind through the Presidio toward the Golden Gate Bridge. The nearby beaches within Golden Gate National Recreation Area are accessible for off-leash time at certain hours. The San Francisco Parks and Recreation department manages several dog parks across the city, many with separate areas for small and larger dogs. Union Square itself has enough tree-lined streets and corners to make daily walks pleasant, even if it’s crowded with tourists.

The hotel delivers the service you’d expect from a place that’s serious about hospitality—the staff actually engages with guests traveling with dogs, not just tolerates them. Rooms have good dimensions, and the views across the city from higher floors add something nice to your stay. There is a 50-pound weight limit for dogs, which is worth confirming when you book since some larger breeds won’t qualify.