Joie de Vivre, now the largest operator of boutique hotels in California, was founded in 1987 by Stanford whiz kid Chip Conley, who took a chance on a decrepit motel in the Tenderloin. Rechristened the Phoenix, it originally was marketed to visiting rock bands. Lots of press followed, and Conley went on to renovate other down-at-the-heels San Francisco properties, reinvigorating each with its own "psychographic" personality and individual theme. The brand now encompasses 30 hotels in California and one in Arizona, with more coming soon. The cover a wide range of price points, from budget (the Phoenix) to luxury (Hotel Vitale, Carmel Valley Ranch). Not all welcome pets, but many do. JDV's seven pet-friendly hotels in San Francisco are the Galleria Park, Hotel Carlton, Hotel del Sol, Hotel Kabuki, Hotel Rex, Hotel Vitale and Laurel Inn.
In the East Bay, the Hotel Durant and Waterfront Hotel are dog-friendly. Carmel Valley Ranch in Monterey County and two Silicon Valley proprties, Hotel Avante Mountain View and Wild Palms Hotel, round out the dog-friendy roster for Northern California.
JDV's pet policy specifies no weight or breed restrictions, and there is never an extra charge for canines at the brand's pet-friendly properties. Amenities such as dog beds, bowls and toys are provided.
