14 Best Dog and Pet-Friendly Hotels in San Diego County

Pets quickly become family members, and leaving them behind when you go on vacation can feel wrong. Luckily, there are many pet-friendly hotels in San Diego and plenty of restaurants and cafes where well-behaved pups are welcome.

You’ll even find lots of dog-friendly San Diego beaches and dog parks where they can play on- and off-leash. In fact, San Diego, CA has been rated among the most pet-friendly cities in the United States.

The best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego have great amenities for human guests and plenty of treats for non-human ones. While you soak up the sun, your pet could be relaxing on a luxurious pet bed, snacking on gourmet, locally-made treats, and enjoying room service with special dog- or pet-friendly dishes. Many hotels even provide concierge services just for pets.

I put together this list so your family pet can be a part of your next vacation. Whether your pet will go everywhere you do or mostly relax in your room while you’re out and about, these pet-friendly hotels in San Diego will take great care of everyone in your family. Please verify pet fees with the hotel as these change frequently.

Note from Katie: We independently select all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned we think offer the best value or are popular with readers. If you book through some of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.

Hotels in San Diego that Allow Dogs and Other Pets

It’s common for hotels to allow dogs, but not that common for hotels to allow other pets like cats, ferrets, and reptiles. You’ll need to always check to see what their pet policies are before booking.

1. Hotel del Coronado

Location: Coronado

The iconic Hotel del Coronado allows guests to bring two pets of up to 40 pounds for an additional cleaning fee of $125 per stay in standard rooms or $200 per stay in suites or accommodations at their luxury enclave, Beach Village at The Del.

Your room will be prepared with all the creature comforts (special bedding, a crate if requested, delicious treats, and food and water bowls), and well-behaved pets are welcome to stay in rooms unattended so you can sightsee solo.

Dog Beach, a popular Coronado beach, is less than one mile from the resort (you can walk). Dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, and veterinary services are close to the beach hotel. Pets can not use the Coronado Central Beach in front of the hotel, however.

Important reservation tips: If you’re considering a specialty suite at Hotel del Coronado, take a look at Beach Village at The Del as pricing can be similar. The main resort is undergoing an amazing renovation through 2022.

Hotel del Coronado reservations: Through me, you have access to Virtuoso amenities at Hotel del Coronado and Beach Village at The Del. These include:

Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

Beach Village reservations:

If you’re interested in staying at Beach Village, I need to provide you with the Virtuoso rate manually. Please send me your dates.

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2. Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Location: Coronado

On its blog, Loews Coronado Bay Resort calls itself a pet paradise, and I don’t disagree. Guests can stay with two pets (dogs or cats) up to 40 pounds each for an additional fee of $150 per stay.

While pets can’t be left unattended in rooms, you can book pet sitters through the concierge. Every four-legged guest is welcomed with special gifts, including a signature pet tag, food and water bowls, and special treats.

Upon check-in, you will receive a detailed brochure with the gourmet pet room service menu and local dog-walking routes.

In your pet-friendly hotel room, you’ll find specialized bedding, leashes, collars, rawhide treats, litter boxes (and litter), catnip, scratching posts, pooper scoopers, and everything else your best friend needs to have a great time.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort reservations: There are usually various special offers and deals directly through Loews online.

3. Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Location: Downtown San Diego

The hotel’s posted pet policy is: “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” Amenities for pets include plush pet beds, food and water bowls, mats, courtesy bags for walking your dog, and door hangers to let staff know there are pets in the room.

The concierge can provide a list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers, and pet boutiques, and there’s a nightly wine reception at which pets are welcome.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar reservations: Kimpton is a part of IHG. Join their rewards program (it’s free) and book the member rate.

4. Manchester Grand Hyatt

Location: Downtown San Diego

This beautiful waterfront hotel in San Diego’s Marina district is a top choice for business travelers, but it’s also a lovely option for families looking for reasonably-priced pet-friendly hotels in San Diego.

You can bring two dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds for an additional fee of $100 per 5 nights, and they may be left in the room unattended if they’re well behaved.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt welcomes pets onto its patios and into its signature seafood restaurant, Sally’s Fish House & Bar. There, four-legged guests are treated to a special ‘pupcake’ to help them feel at home.

Plus, you can sightsee while walking the dog at nearby Seaport Village and along the Embarcadero past USS Midway Museum and beyond. It’s a great location.

Manchester Grand Hyatt reservations: If you’re going to stay two nights or more, you should book in as a Hyatt Prive guest. The benefits include:

• $100 USD Property Credit
• Room Upgrade*
• Breakfast for Two
• Welcome Amenity
• Guest Welcome Letter
• Early Check-In*
• Connecting Rooms*
• Free Wifi

* Subject to forecasted occupancy. Room upgrade occurs within 24 hours of booking, if available.

5. Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter

Location: Downtown San Diego

This boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter has a great rooftop bar, Aveda bath amenities, stylish rooms, views of PETCO Park, and more — plus amenities for pets.

Hotel Indigo welcomes both dogs and cats of any size for no additional fee and will outfit your room with fluffy pet beds, bowls, complementary pet food, and plenty of tasty treats.

When you want to get out and about, there are plenty of nearby restaurants that are dog-friendly, including Bub’s at the Ballpark and Breakfast Republic. 

Hotel Indigo Gaslamp Quarter reservations: Hotel Indigo is a part of IHG. Join their rewards program and book the discounted member rate.

6. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Location: Downtown San Diego

This pet-friendly San Diego hotel is close to both the San Diego Zoo and dog-friendly hotspot Balboa Park.

There’s also a four-acre park next to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, which is convenient for early morning or late evening bathroom breaks, and the hotel’s outdoor seating areas are all pet-friendly.

You can bring up to two pets for an additional fee of $75 per stay, and while the hotel’s stated policy is that they must weigh in at less than 75 pounds, they will sometimes accommodate larger dogs if guests contact them in advance. 

Hilton San Diego Bayfront reservations: Join Hilton Honors (free) and book the discounted member rate.

7. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Location: Downtown San Diego

When you’d prefer to stay in one of the dog-friendly hotels in San Diego near to the airport, the Sheraton San Diego makes a great home base.

You can bunk with one pet of up to 40 pounds for an additional fee of $35 per day.

Dogs can’t be left unaccompanied in rooms at the Sheraton San Diego, but there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and parks along the San Diego Bay and in Little Italy within a short walking distance of the hotel. 

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina reservations: Join Marriott Bonvoy (free) and book the member rate.

8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Location: Mission Bay

The San Diego Mission Bay Resort gives dog owners easy access to the running and walking paths all around Mission Bay Park.

The resort welcomes two dogs of up to 75 pounds in select rooms for a non-refundable pet charge of $100 for up to three days and then $25 for each additional night.

When you stay here with your pooch, you’ll be close to some of San Diego’s best-loved dog-friendly beaches, parks, restaurants, and cafes.  

All rooms are pet-friendly but be mindful that you can request a specific location but they will not guarantee it. So you can book this hotel anywhere and pay the pet fee when you arrive. I would still call them to note that a pet is checking-in with you.

TIP: BOOK FIRE PIT ROOMS WITH PETS

Guarantee yourself ground-floor access with back door access to the hotel grassy areas and more by booking a fire pit room.

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9. Empress Hotel

Location: La Jolla

The Empress Hotel La Jolla is one of the best hotels in La Jolla from a value perspective, and they happily welcome two pets of up to 65 pounds each for an additional fee of $35 for the first three nights and $10 per night for any additional nights. We have stayed here with our dog.

When you reserve a pet package, your room will be prepared with a soft dog bed, bowls, a bag of treats, and a special welcome treat.

You’ll also be able to book dog walkers for daily 30-minute walks via Rover.com, though there are many lovely places around the hotel where you can take a stroll with your dog on your own — just ask the front desk. The big La Jolla Recreation Center park is right around the corner.

Plus, La Jolla is dog-friendly. You can dine out at many restaurants and take your dog shopping in the Village, no problem.

While there is no swimming pool, you’ll appreciate that breakfast is included with your rate.

Empress La Jolla reservations: I would book one of their pet packages directly through the hotel.

10. La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

Location: La Jolla

Known as The Pink Lady, this iconic four-diamond La Jolla hotel has hosted Hollywood stars… and their pets. Guests may bring two pets — dogs or cats — of up to 40 pounds for an additional fee of $50 per night, and all furry guests are welcomed with soft pet beds, bowls, and treats.

La Valencia treats every pet like a VIP, but you can book the Pampered Pooch Experience if you want to give your pet some extra perks.

You’ll be able to dine outdoors with your pup with a $25 alfresco dining credit, and you’ll receive a welcome tote bag, a leash, a lightweight foldable dog water dish, a stylish VIP collar tag, and more.

Pets may be left unattended as long as the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign is hung on the door. The hotel also has a dog menu and a house Boston terrier dog named Pepper.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park, adjacent to La Jolla Cove, is behind the hotel and a lovely place to walk the dog.

La Valencia La Jolla reservations: I would book directly through the hotel. They also often have pet packages.

11. Estancia La Jolla

Location: La Jolla

All the rooms at the Estancia La Jolla are dog-friendly, and you can bring two dogs of any size or breed for an additional fee of $50 nonrefundable pet deposit per stay. They welcome cats also.

The pet package at this popular La Jolla hotel includes cushy dog beds and locally made grain-free Mutt Munchers peanut-butter treats from Muttropolis. You can order in organic treats and other pet-friendly fare like scrambled eggs and steak tartare.

Estancia La Jolla is less than nine miles from Del Mar North Beach where dogs can romp off-leash. When you want to sightsee without your pup, the concierge can help you book pet sitting or walking services. 

Estancia La Jolla reservations: Book into this dog-friendly hotel direct through Estancia.

12. Park Hyatt Aviara

Location: Carlsbad

This newly-renovated Carlsbad hotel, about 40 minutes north of La Jolla, offers five-star luxury for both people and pets. You can look forward to a new outdoor pool area, gorgeous contemporary rooms, and golf course views.

Park Hyatt Aviara allows guests to bring two dogs with a combined weight of up to 75 pounds (dogs may not exceed 50 pounds) for an additional pet fee of $150 per stay.

First-floor guest rooms open out onto private patios that offer lawn access, which makes early morning and late-night puppy potty outings easier.

Request a dog welcome kit when you book, and your room will be outfitted with pet amenities like beds and bowls. Note that reservations including pets must be made at least three days in advance. 

Park Hyatt Aviara reservations: You have access to Virtuoso amenities through me that include:

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

13. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego

Location: Carlsbad

This pet-friendly luxury San Diego hotel in the relaxed coastal neighborhood of Carlsbad offers guests the best in luxury living and welcomes both dogs and cats. The villas provide large accommodations with a separate bedroom and living room, laundry facilities, and a full kitchen.

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara allows guests to travel with one pet up to 75 pounds for an additional fee of $85 per stay in studios, $110 per stay in residences, or $195 per stay in two-bedroom units. If you have more than one pet, let me know and I’ll contact them.

Your pet will be welcomed with treats, beds, and bowls, and the pre-arrival concierge can stock your room with your pet’s favorite foods.

Four Seasons Aviara Reservations: I can book you in with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. These include:

(I lived in a Four Seasons hotel, stay in them regularly, have written for Four Seasons Magazine, and can tell you in detail about nearly every property in their portfolio. This is how I book my own hotels.)

14. West Inn and Suites

Location: Carlsbad

This relaxed boutique hotel doesn’t have a weight or size limit for visiting pets, and guests traveling with pets are automatically placed in rooms on the ground floor.

For an additional fee of $75 for one night or $150 for stays of two nights or more, West Inn and Suites welcomes both dogs and cats.

When you arrive, your pet’s name will be on the lobby’s welcome board, and your room will be outfitted with beds and bowls.

There is a special Canine Cuisine room service menu with everything from burgers to shepherd’s pie prepared by the Bistro West restaurant (which has dog-friendly patio as well, should you want to dine out with your pooch). A small grass dog run is next to the hotel.

You’ll also appreciate that there is no resort fee and self-parking is also free.

West Inn and Suites reservations: Book directly with the hotel.

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Service Animals and ESA Dogs in San Diego Hotels

Due to recent changes, you may find it hard to take your emotional support animal (ESA) to San Diego hotels that do not normally allow dogs.

This is because hotels are starting to abide by federal guidelines for service animals. Qualified service animals can stay with you regardless of the hotel that you choose. They will not be charged the typical pet fee.

Emotional support animals need to conform to the following service animal standards:

• Is the animal required due to a physical disability?
• Is the animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability?

If the answer is no to either of these questions, then your dog or animal does not meet the service animal criteria and can not stay in hotels that normally do not allow pets. The hotel can ask you these two questions, and you should be prepared to explain the tasks your animal can perform.

Even if you have a physician’s note stating that you need to travel with your ESA, this will not suffice.

Thankfully, you can turn to the pet-friendly San Diego hotels on this list if you are traveling with an ESA that is not considered a service animal.

More Tips for Booking Dog-Friendly Hotels

I personally believe that if you’re traveling with dogs or other pets, you should book directly with the hotel or through a travel advisor. This way, you will see if they’re offering pet-friendly packages that can definitely be advantageous rate and amenity wise.

Most of the best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego County do accept same-day bookings, but some do not. If you booked through another third party, you might not realize this and then go through the headache of trying to unwind a reservation and have a deposit refunded.

Booking direct or through a travel advisor also eliminates the risk of something getting lost in translation. You don’t want to arrive with pets and then be turned away because they weren’t expecting them. Always make sure that a hotel knows that a pet is checking in with you.

Most pet-friendly hotel options on this list have designated rooms for pets or like to place families with pets on the ground floor. This is one of the other reasons why I believe you need to tell the hotel in advance that you are bringing a pet.

You probably noticed that most pet-friendly San Diego hotels on this list have policies that specifically mention dogs and sometimes cats, but no other pets. If you’re traveling with a bird, reptile, small mammal, or another type of pet, call the hotel directly to ask if they’ll welcome your pet. Some hotels are willing to make exceptions for caged pets.

Which are your favorite dog-friendly hotels in San Diego?

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