The Monterey Hotel takes up to two dogs per room for $35 per pet, per night, and dogs over 50 pounds can stay too with advance approval at booking. That makes it one of the more straightforward dog-friendly hotels in Monterey to plan around, since the policy doesn't hide behind size caps or breed lists once you know the number to call ahead about.
What's the hotel like?
The Monterey Hotel is a 69-room, Victorian-style property at 407 Calle Principal, in the middle of downtown rather than out along a highway strip, which puts Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and the waterfront trail within a short walk instead of a drive. The building's character, tall windows, period details, a look that leans historic rather than corporate, is part of what separates it from the chain hotels that also allow pets but don't offer much else beyond a room and a parking lot.
What's the pet fee at hotels in Monterey?
At The Monterey Hotel, it's $35 per pet, per night, which covers the deep cleaning a pet-friendly room needs after checkout. Two dogs are allowed per room, and while the standard cutoff is 50 pounds, dogs above that can still be approved case by case if you call ahead rather than showing up and hoping. Registered service animals are exempt from the fee entirely, though the exemption doesn't extend to emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals.
What does the hotel actually provide for dogs?
Waste bags are available at the front desk and in the pet relief area, so you're not stuck hunting for a bag on your first walk. The hotel can accommodate dogs in a variety of pet-friendly hotel rooms and suites, which can be booked only by phone at (800) 966-6490. They do not take pet reservations online. The Victorian-style building itself has a hot tub and a fitness center for the humans, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Where can I walk my dog near the hotel?
There are plenty of places nearby to get outside with your dog. El Estero Park and Whispering Pines Park offer convenient options close to the hotel, while Garland Ranch Regional Park has miles of trails to explore and allows dogs on leash.
For a walk along the coast, Asilomar State Beach is about 4 miles from the hotel and welcomes leashed dogs on the beach and trails. Carmel River State Beach is about 6 miles away and is especially popular with dog owners, with dogs allowed off-leash on the sand as long as they remain under voice control.
Do I need to worry about breed restrictions?
The Monterey Hotel welcomes all well-mannered dogs. No other types of pets are allowed. Two well-mannered furry friends per room are permitted. Dogs 50+ pounds may be allowed at the hotel's discretion, and you must obtain approval at the time you make your reservation. What does matter is the basics: dogs need to stay leashed in public areas of the property and the hotel may ask for proof of rabies vaccination. None of that is unusual for a pet-friendly hotel, and it's worth having your vaccination paperwork handy just in case, rather than needing to track it down from your vet's office mid-trip.
What should I pack for a Monterey trip with my dog?
Bring your own leash and a towel for sandy paws after the beach, since Monterey's coastal weather means damp fur more often than not, even on a sunny day. A crate or dog bed for the room and proof of vaccination is worth having on hand.
What else can I do with my dog in Monterey?
Downtown Monterey is walkable enough that a dog-friendly hotel stay doesn't have to mean long drives between stops. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf both draw crowds, and while indoor attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium don't allow dogs inside, the outdoor recreational trail running along the waterfront is a good stretch-your-legs option between meals, with plenty of outdoor patio seating at restaurants nearby that welcome leashed dogs such as Alvarado Street Brewery and Montrio. It helps to keep your plans flexible and build the day around plenty of outdoor time, with a morning trail walk, an afternoon at the park and a trip to the beach before dinner.
How does this compare to other pet policies in Monterey?
A lot of hotels in the area cap weight at 25 or 30 pounds or charge higher fees. The Monterey Hotel's structure, up to two dogs at $35 each per night, with larger dogs reviewed individually rather than turned away outright, gives owners of bigger breeds an actual path to book instead of a hard no. That matters more than it might sound like it should for anyone traveling with a dog over the usual 25-pound hotel cutoff, since it's often the difference between finding a room at all and starting the search over from a different city entirely.
Is it worth booking a pet-friendly room over boarding my dog at home?
If you’re planning to spend much of your Monterey getaway outdoors, bringing your dog can be a great option. With dog-friendly beaches, parks, trails and outdoor dining nearby, it’s easy to include your dog in much of your itinerary rather than planning your day around leaving them behind.
At The Monterey Hotel, the pet fee is $35 per pet, per night. It’s best to reserve a pet-friendly room in advance, and guests traveling with a dog over 50 pounds should call the hotel before booking. Once you arrive, you can spend the morning exploring a local park, head to Asilomar State Beach in the afternoon and return downtown for dinner on a dog-friendly patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monterey Hotel dog friendly?
Yes, up to two dogs per room for a $35 per night, per pet fee, with dogs over 50 pounds allowed at the hotel's discretion and by advance approval.
What is the pet fee at The Monterey Hotel?
$35 per pet, per night, covering the deep cleaning a pet-friendly room requires after checkout.
Are cats allowed at The Monterey Hotel?
No, the pet policy covers dogs only.
Where can I walk my dog near The Monterey Hotel?
El Estero Park and Whispering Pines Park are nearby, and Garland Ranch Regional Park has off-leash areas. Asilomar State Beach, about 4 miles away, and Carmel State Beach both allow leashed dogs.
Do service animals pay the pet fee?
No, registered service animals are exempt from the pet fee, though emotional support, therapy, and comfort animals are not covered by that exemption.