De-Luxury for You and Your Pet

Canine-Welcoming Resorts with North Coast Style

by Linda & Pete Alexander

Want a special weekend with lots of amenities, but don’t want to leave your dog at home? You’re not alone. If the beautiful Sonoma- Mendocino coast is on the map for you and your four-legged friend, and you want to revel in a more deluxe experience, FETCH has a few suggestions for you!

Stevenswood: Dog-friendly elegance

A couple playing on the beach with their dog

An oasis of tranquility, pampering and fine dining await you at Stevenswood Resort and Spa, the first AAA Four Diamond recipient on the Mendocino coast. Located less than one mile north of Little River, Stevenswood Resort and Spa, owned and managed by Michael Webster and Seth Kelman (and their black Lab, Zack), offers a luxurious coastal getaway for you and your canine friend. When we arrived for a weekend stay at the inn we were warmly greeted by Michael, who showed us to our tastefully decorated suite with a view overlooking the garden, meadow and forest which surround the inn.

Our spacious suite, appointed with a luxurious Tempur-Pedic Swedish Sleep System bed, comfortable sofa and chairs, wood-burning fireplace and original art, beckoned us to kick off our shoes and unwind with a glass of the complimentary bottle of wine that awaited us. The bathroom, with its beautiful Venetian glass bowl sink, offered a bounteous assortment of fabulous Hermes amenities.

Once settled in our suite we took a walk with our Golden Retriever around the grounds of the inn and enjoyed the beautiful garden and meadows and the view of the ocean through the trees. Bobcats, gray foxes, black-tailed deer, squirrels and chipmunks populate the meadow, historically home to grazing elk. Occasionally, bears and mountain lions visit the area but are rarely seen by humans. Our tour revealed the two Jacuzzi spas, one of which is private by appointment, as well as a fully equipped ocean view exercise room and the full service state-of-the-art Indigo Eco-Spa, offering a complete line of spa treatments in an atmosphere of pampering and tranquility.

In the evening we dined at the inn’s five star, onsite restaurant, The Restaurant at Stevenswood, which offers delectable cuisine and fine wines in a beautifully decorated dining space. Original artwork, subtle lighting, warming fireplace and tranquil music combine to set the mood for a memorable dining experience. The Restaurant at Stevenswood’s menu changes often, but entrees may include such fare as Grilled Swordfish served over basil infused polenta and grilled Certified Black Angus Filet Mignon with Zinfandel sauce. A lavish, gourmet complimentary breakfast is served in the same dining room.

During breakfast, which among a choice of tempting dishes might include Wild Rice Pecan Waffles or a delicious quiche with flaky scones, one may view a variety of birds jockeying for position with chipmunks at the garden feeders, including Woodpeckers, California Valley Quail, Hummingbirds and Stellar Jays.

Stevenswood Resort offers a variety of packages, such as their Golf/Wine/Dine package, which includes two nights in a luxury suite, play at the scenic Little River nine-hole course and a VIP tour of the local Pacific Start Winery, set on a spectacular ocean bluff. Check their website for current package offers and other specials.

The Mendocino coast offers a tremendous variety of activities, including beach combing, three state parks, canoeing, kayaking, golfing, tennis, fishing, whale watching and visiting art galleries and boutiques. We took our dog on a walk in nearby Van Damme State Park, and while dogs may not be off leash here, there is still plenty of opportunity for them to exercise with their owners while on leash. Interested in a gourmet lunch to go during your hike? Just inform your hosts at Stevenswood, and they will have a basket of goodies prepared for you to take along.

For a truly pampered, luxurious and relaxing coastal getaway, Stevenswood Resort and Spa will exceed your expectations.

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek: A charming place to luxuriate

Originally a farmstead in 1860 and once a schoolhouse, this charming Inn now offers you a place to truly relax and enjoy its surroundings. There are 11 cabins, all unique, for you to choose from, as well as a main building. Right on the coast in Little River, you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, or wander through the amazing gardens that surround the cabins. Owners and innkeepers Maureen Gilbert and Steven Musser will greet you and your dog with a dog treat, Frisbee and ball. Other amenities include their large off-leash pet exercise meadow, dog bath, cover sheets for furniture, water and food dish with a rubber mat, a pet towel and waste bags.

Which cottage is the one for you? There are so many, each with their own personality. Choose the Water Tower Cottage for privacy and ocean views, as well as a private hot tub. After your soak, climb the stairs to the top of the tower for breathtaking views and sunsets. Or try the Shangri La, one of the two spectacular cliff-side cottages located on the Inn’s secluded property in Albion just three miles south of the main Schoolhouse Inn property. There you will get magnificent unobstructed white water ocean views, as well as large decks, gardens and a glass enclosed private hot tub spa. These are two of the many choices you have.

When you arrive, you will be warmly welcomed. After you are settled into your cottage, you can look forward to strolling the 10 acres of beautiful flower gardens, lush meadows, and cypress groves with your canine buddy. Then you can head over to try out the afternoon wine tasting. For dinner there are many choices in nearby Mendocino. Head south to Albion to dine at the Ledford house and watch the sunset over the ocean. In the morning before you continue your luxury adventure on the coast, enjoy the Schoolhouse Creek Inn’s wonderful buffet breakfast.

These two inns are true luxury destinations and how great it is to be able to share them with your canine companion.

Some North Coast Dog Friendly Spots

Doubletree Hotel: 1 Doubletree Drive, Rohnert Park; 800-222-TREE; Surrounded by two 18-hole championship golf courses, newly renovated mission style hotel features 245 spacious guest rooms, an elegant selection of suites and 18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. A scenic hour drive from the world famous San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and only 20 minutes from the Sonoma County Airport, guests can visit over 190 wineries in the area. Doubletree Sonoma Wine Country allows dogs for $15/night each; $25 for dogs over 50 lbs. No weight limit or other restrictions. Must be on leash, not left in room, and not allowed in food service areas unless a service dog.
Calistoga Ranch: 580 Lommel Road, Calistoga; 800-942-4220; Calistoga Ranch is a pet-friendly hotel in Calistoga, CA. Napa’s private vineyard retreat. 46 individual lodges on 157 acres designed to embrace the out-of doors. All lodges have a private deck and most have an outdoor living room with an indoor/outdoor replace. Some have private hot tubs on the deck. A full service spa is enriched by the local hot springs, muds and minerals of Calistoga. A one time $125 fee for your dog. On arrival, your dog gets a welcome package.
River Village Resort and Spa: 14880 River Road, Guerneville; (707) 869-8139; River Village Resort & Spa is a pet-friendly hotel in Guerneville, CA. Come luxuriate with your dog on the Russian River. Enjoy 20 intimate cottages set amidst lush gardens. Close to award-winning wineries and towering redwoods. $10 a tail, where you go, your dog goes, accidents in the room $100 for cleanup.
The Hill House Inn: 10701 Palette Drive, Mendocino; 800-422-0554; The Hill House Inn Mendocino is a pet-friendly hotel in Mendocino, CA. The Hill House Inn is situated on a bluff overlooking Mendocino and the Pacific Ocean, about a three-hour drive from San Francisco. It is a luxurious hotel and restaurant with the warmth and charm of a small bed and breakfast. Onsite drinks and dining are available at Sharon’s By the Sea and Rick’s of Mendocino. $25 fee per dog, First floor rooms for easy access for walking your dog.
McCallum House: 45020 Albion Street, Mendocino; 800-609-0492; Spread over two acres, the rooms here offer a romantic and peaceful environment in which to relax and enjoy Mendocino. The main house, built in 1882, features six rooms, each lavishly furnished with antiques. Many feature claw foot soaking tubs, sleigh beds and ocean views. Seven cottages surround the main house, each with its own unique charm. Most include wood stoves and private decks. The original barn features six rooms with river stone replaces, exposed old growth redwood beam ceilings and dramatic ocean views. Pet owners are charged a $25 fee per night to help offset the extra cleaning costs and additional services they are provided. In an effort to protect their rooms and property they provide you with a pet bed, a blanket and a blue pet towel. They also provide a stainless steel water and food dish on a rubber mat in the room. Enclosed in this kit are several waste bags and dog treats for your friend!
Stanford Inn by the Sea: Mendocino; 800-331-8884; Nestled on a hillside, the exquisite Stanford Inn sits atop a meadow overlooking Mendocino Bay. Embodying the best of the rugged Mendocino Coast, the Inn is a haven. The rambling lobby, guest rooms, and suites are paneled in pine and redwood. Every detail is attended to, from wood-burning replaces set and ready to light to the sumptuous organic breakfasts. Inspired by the Stanford’s Certified Organic gardens, The Raven’s restaurant is outstanding and nationally acclaimed for its vegetarian cuisine. Guests are indulged at the Inn’s Massage in the Forest and private yoga sessions. Canoeing and kayaking on Big River, California’s new State Park. Pets stay for a modest charge. If yours is a dog, you’ll find a welcoming treat, stainless steel food and water dishes, “dog sheets” to protect the furniture so that your friend can join you, pet waste pick-up bags and more.

Linda Alexander is a 13-year resident of Petaluma. She has volunteered with SF/ SPCA in a variety of positions, including mobile adoption outreach and dog walking, and at Guide Dogs for the Blind as a dog walker. She currently volunteers as a dog walker, puppy socializer, and foster parent for Canine Companions for Independence. Pete Alexander is managing editor of FETCH.

September 2006