If all that hiking, eating and drinking makes it unwise to drive home, why not put paws to pillow? The standout dog-friendly Oakland hotel, perhaps, is the Waterfront Hotel in the Jack London Square dining, shopping and entertainment district. Fittingly for a hotel with water frontage, the decor at this boutique Joie de Vivre property is nautical. It’s affordable as big-city hotels go and there’s never an extra charge for dogs (unless they eat the furniture, that is).
The location alone makes the Waterfront a great pick for dog owners. Jack London Square is loaded with outdoor dining spots, and the waterfront promenade is perfect for an evening stroll with your pup. Dogs are a common sight here, so the staff and fellow diners are used to having canine company around. You can grab dinner at one of the many restaurants with patio seating, then walk it off along the marina before heading back to your room.
Worthy of a special-occasion splurge is the Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, dating to 1915 and gorgeously revamped for the 21st Century. It’s a true urban resort offering sweeping views of the bay along with tons of amenities for dogs and their people. The Claremont’s hillside setting means you can step outside and immediately find walking trails in the surrounding neighborhoods, making it easy to give your dog some exercise before or after a day of exploring the city.
On the more economical side, Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland Waterfront, Extended Stay America and Motel 6 will welcome you and your pet at affordable rates. Homewood Suites is particularly handy if you’re looking for a kitchen to prep your dog’s meals—suite-style rooms with a small kitchen can save you a lot of hassle on a longer stay.
No matter where you stay, Oakland’s dog-friendly parks are never far away. Take your pup for a morning romp at the off-leash area in Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, just a short drive north, or explore the trails at Joaquin Miller Park up in the hills for a more woodsy experience.
Photo Credit: @arieldraws
