From the Simple to the Sublime: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, California

Pet-friendly hotels on California's Central Coast run the gamut from the very modest to the most luxurious. That's great news for people who love to travel with their pet rather than leave them behind in a kennel or with a pet sitter. Many of the coast's pet-friendly hotels are located in Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, two of the most popular towns for a vacation or weekend getaway on California's Central Coast.

Before reserving a room in a pet-friendly hotel, ask some questions. First, are there limits as to what kinds of pets the hotel accepts? Some hotels accept dogs only and even at that, limit dogs to a certain weight. Thirty pounds is often the weight limit for dogs.

Ask what extra fees the hotel charges for pets. Also ask if there is an extra pet deposit. Pet-friendly hotels sometimes outline a specific pet policy, so do ask if there are specific rules that apply to pets. Also, ask what to expect. Some pet-friendly hotels will supply your pet with a bowl and bed so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.

Avila La Fonda, Avila Beach

Designed to feel like a 19^th century Mexican village in California, Avila La Fonda is a boutique hotel with 30 luxury suites. This upscale hotel's San Miguel Street façade is a colorful representation of what actual Mexican Mission-style casitas (houses) looked like in the late 1920's.

All rooms at this pet-friendly hotel have a jacuzzi tub, fireplace, 500-thread count sheets, and many other luxury amenities. There is an organic day spa on the premises for that extra pampering on your weekend getaway. In July, 2010, Avila La Fonda's spacious rooms range in price from $329 to $699.

Avila La Fonda accepts small dogs under 30 pounds. The pet fee is $50 per night, the same as it is for an extra person. (I know many of you think of your dog as an extra person anyway.) There is a 3-mile walk along a creek where you can walk your leashed dog as well as a beach where dogs can romp and play unleashed. A dog bowl and bed is in your room upon arrival. Check their pet-friendly policy for more information. Call 805-595-1700 for more information on this luxurious pet-friendly hotel.

The Cliffs Resort, Pismo Beach

Another upscale pet-friendly hotel in the area, The Cliffs Resort sits atop a bluff overlooking the ocean, just as its name suggests. Located in the Shell Beach area just north of Pismo Beach, the Cliffs Resort has 160 well-appointed rooms and suites plus a day spa. Marisol, the on-site restaurant, has both indoor and outdoor dining with spectacular views of the ocean.

The Cliffs Resort has a "Dogs in the Lap of Luxury" package for $50, which will get your dog a Cliffs Resort dog tag, dog bed and bowl, a dog room service menu for both small and large dogs, and upon arrangement the hotel will also take care of walking your dog. Rooms (in July, 2010) run from $189 to $409. Call 800-826-7827 for information on this upscale pet-friendly hotel.

Dolphin Bay Resort, Pismo Beach

Right next door to the Cliffs Resort is the exceptional Dolphin Bay Resort. Rather than rent "rooms", the Dolphin Bay Resort rents "villas" - one or two bedroom suites with full kitchens that are stocked with everything you could possibly need. Honestly, staying at this pet-friendly hotel is more like staying in your own private luxury oceanfront condo.

Villas range in size from 985 sq. ft. to the penthouse at 2100 sq. ft. The list of amenities must be read to be believed. This is not your normal hotel. On site are La Bonne Vie Spa and the gourmet Lido restaurant.

Pets at the Dolphin Bay Resort are welcomed and promptly spoiled upon arrival. Treats and other amenities await your pet in your private villa. The daily fee for pets is $65, and reservations that include pets must be made directly.

Villas at this pet-friendly hotel in July, 2010 range from $338 to $1100 per night, depending on the size of the villa and whether the reservation is during the week or on the weekend. The crème de la crème villa is the 2100 sq. ft. penthouse suite on the top floor with 2 bedrooms, an oceanfront private balcony, and a fully upgraded kitchen. Call 800-516-0112 for more information on this fabulous pet-friendly hotel.

Sandcastle Inn, Pismo Beach

One of the best features of the Sandcastle Inn is its location - right on the sand in Pismo Beach, California, making it the perfect place to romp with your dog. This pet-friendly oceanfront hotel is right next to the Pismo Beach Pier and the touristy district, which includes restaurants and gift shops. The location is so perfect that you can park your car when you arrive and never have to use it until you leave.

Rooms at the Sandcastle Inn are nicely decorated in a nautical theme and reflect the casual elegance of the hotel. This pet-friendly hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and afternoon cookies to its guests. Trip Advisor reviews of this hotel are highly favorable.

In July, 2010 rates at the Sandcastle Inn range from $167 during the week (if you book early) to $459 for an ocean view suite on the weekend. They accept various discounts, so call or go online to find out about their discounts. The pet fee is $20 per night. Call 800-822-6606 for more information on this pet-friendly hotel that sits right on the beach.

Cottage Inn by-the-Sea, Pismo Beach

The Cottage Inn by-the-Sea is a mid-range pet-friendly hotel and has a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, so plan in advance if you choose this hotel. All rooms have a cozy fireplace, complimentary coffee maker, free high speed Internet, and free local calls. The Cottage Inn has a free, expanded continental breakfast each morning, plus cookies in the lobby in the afternoon.

Along the top of the bluff is a wide path, perfect for walking your dog. In fact, you will probably see a number of people - both locals and tourists - walking or running with their dogs on the path in the morning. The views from atop the bluffs are breath-taking. You're liable to want to walk your dog more than usual, just as an excuse to look at the view.

Cottage Inn states that they take "all well-mannered dogs, cats, birds, and fish" and will also accept as many as two pets in each room -- both pretty rare in this area. Email them for a copy of their pet policy. Rooms (July, 2010) run from $167 (by booking early) to $369. Pet fees are $20 per night. This is a non-smoking hotel. Call 888-440-8400 for information on this mid-range pet-friendly hotel.

Spyglass Inn, Pismo Beach

Located on the northern edge of Pismo Beach, the Spyglass Inn is probably the least expensive pet-friendly hotel that sits right on the coastal bluff in this area. The views of the Pacific Ocean from atop these bluffs are absolutely incredible and keep guests coming back year after year.

The 82 guest rooms at the Spyglass Inn have either full ocean or partial ocean views. The downstairs full ocean view rooms have fireplaces. The Spyglass Inn conveniently has a restaurant next door where guests get a discount.

The pet fee at the Spyglass Inn is $20 per night. In July, 2010, rooms at the Spyglass Inn run from $143 to $239. They often run specials, such as a dinner package special, so call ahead and ask about their specials. Groups, such as weddings or dog associations, can get a discount. Call 800-824-2612 for information on this reasonably priced pet-friendly hotel.

Oxford Suites Resort, Pismo Beach

If staying right on the beach is not a priority, consider going to Oxford Suites Resort. This all-suite pet-friendly hotel has spacious, nicely decorated rooms. A complimentary breakfast is available to guests in the morning, and in the afternoon the hotel hosts an adult reception in the hotel bar, complete with a free drink and appetizers. There are 25 pet-friendly suites (out of 132 suites) that accept up to two dogs each, and all pet-friendly suites are located in the same area.

The hotel is right off Hwy. 101 and near shopping. An extra feature is that they have a fenced-off dog run where you can take your pets off the leash as long as you monitor them. Rates in July, 2010 range from $109 to $223. Smoking optional rooms are available. There is a $25 flat fee for a stay up to 6 days. Call 800-982-7848 for information on this pet-friendly hotel if you're not concerned about being right next to the ocean.

Summing It Up

When traveling with your pet, planning well in advance is paramount. Making early reservations, asking all the right questions, and preparing your pet for the journey are all important elements in ensuring a relaxing vacation or weekend getaway for both you and your pet at a pet-friendly hotel on California's Central Coast.