Portola Hotel & Spa sits right on Monterey Bay with views of the water from many of its rooms. It’s the kind of place where you can actually see the bay while you’re having breakfast, which makes a difference when you’re traveling with a dog and want to feel like you’re somewhere special, not just passing through.

The hotel takes dogs seriously. There’s a dog-friendly policy that lets your dog stay with you in your room, and the staff actually seems to get that traveling with a dog is part of your vacation, not an inconvenience. You’ll find designated walking areas around the property, which matters more than you’d think when you’re settling in after a long drive. The hotel has a full-service spa if you want to relax while someone else handles things, plus eco-friendly amenities throughout.

One thing that stood out during my visit was the dining setup. Portola has on-site restaurants and bar options, and they work with dogs in outdoor seating areas when weather permits. It’s not always guaranteed, so checking ahead about their current pet policy for dining makes sense. The location itself is solid for exploring Monterey with your dog—you’re close to the waterfront without being right in the middle of the crowded Cannery Row tourist zone.

The rooms have that upscale hotel feel without being stuffy. You get the sense they’ve thought through what traveling with a dog actually requires: easy access to outside, staff who won’t act bothered when you need extra towels because your dog got wet, that kind of thing. The bay views are genuinely nice, and on clear mornings you can see why people come to this part of the coast.