The Marriott Pleasanton sits in a convenient spot in Pleasanton, right on the edge of Silicon Valley but close enough to wine country that you get a real mix of both worlds. It’s a solid mid-range chain hotel that actually gets the dog thing right, which matters when you’re traveling with your dog and don’t want to deal with hassle.

They have pet-friendly rooms available, and the staff doesn’t make a big production out of it—they just let you know what’s what and move on. The rooms themselves are standard Marriott fare: clean, comfortable, nothing fancy but nothing disappointing either. There’s a designated walking area on the property where you can take your dog out, which is helpful since you’re in a suburban area rather than right downtown.

What makes this work for a dog trip is the location. Pleasanton has some nice trails and parks nearby, including the Augustin Bernal Park area where you can actually get some decent hiking in with your dog. Downtown Pleasanton is a short drive away if you want to walk around the main drag for coffee or lunch, and plenty of places in town are dog-friendly patios during nicer weather.

The hotel itself is near the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Preserve, which is genuinely worth the short drive if you’ve got time. It’s got actual trail mileage and shade, not just a quick loop around a parking lot. The main drawback is that it’s not in the most walkable area—you’re relying on a car to get anywhere interesting—but if you’re using it as a base for exploring the area, that’s fine.

They do have some on-site dining, but your best bet for variety is hitting the spots in downtown Pleasanton or over toward Livermore. Call ahead to confirm current pet policies since those sometimes shift, but they’ve been consistent about welcoming dogs here.