Kayla, DogTrekker.com’s Director of Barketing, Chief Operating Dog and Research Lab, visited the Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe last week and really did put on the Ritz. Despite it being late fall, the sun was shining, the dog-friendly patio open and the trails inviting.
The Ritz’s large rooms are flooded with natural light and come with in-room fireplaces and walk-out balconies with views. The service is what you’ve come to expect at a Ritz Carlton, and “dog-friendly” doesn’t get more luxurious: cozy dog beds, special treats and dining/water bowls in-room, plus treats available around the clock at the valet stand near the hotel entrance. Kayla barely had time to sniff the lobby before she was greeted with a gourmet biscuit and a scratch behind the ears from the concierge team.
The resort hosts “Yappy Hour” on Sunday afternoons year-round on the Backyard Terrace (with the exception of their annual spring “season-transition” resort closing). The event features cocktail specials for adults as well as chicken and beef bouillon-flavored water and local treats and bones for four-legged guests. It’s a great way to mingle with other dog owners while taking in mountain views, and Kayla made several new friends during her visit. Find out more about the Backyard Terrace here.
Beyond the pampering, the Ritz Carlton’s location at the base of Northstar California Resort puts you within steps of excellent dog-friendly trails. The paved path along the Village at Northstar is perfect for a morning stroll, and more adventurous hikers can pick up trails leading into the surrounding Tahoe National Forest. In fall, the aspen groves along these trails turn golden, creating a gorgeous backdrop for walks with your pup. The hotel’s concierge team can point you to the best routes based on your dog’s energy level and your own.
For dinner, the resort’s Manzanita restaurant offers refined mountain cuisine, and while dogs can’t join you inside, the outdoor terrace is welcoming when weather permits. After a full day of exploring, Kayla curled up on her plush dog bed by the fireplace–living proof that a Tahoe getaway can be just as indulgent for your dog as it is for you.
