Dodger and Rocket are part of our family vacations, so finding a hotel that works for the dogs and our son matters. We’ve stayed at all three of these California resorts, most recently at Ojai Valley Inn. Each gave us room to enjoy the trip together.
Pet fees and rules can change. The details below reflect what each hotel’s website said in September 2026, so check with the hotel before booking.
At a glance
| Hotel | Pet fee | Dog limits |
|---|---|---|
| Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai (summer 2026) | $300 + 15% tax per pet | 2 per room; dogs are not allowed at the golf course, Spa Village, pools or Olivella |
| Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad (2024) | $75 per reservation; $200 for suites and villas | 2 dogs; some breeds are not accepted |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara, Goleta (2022) | $250 per stay | 2 pets, up to 50 lb each |
Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai: Our favorite
When we stayed: 2026.
If Dodger and Rocket could pick one hotel to revisit, we think they’d choose Ojai. There was plenty of space for long walks, and our room had a huge balcony where the dogs could sit and watch the trees and birds. We found dog friendly places to eat, and some even had items for dogs on the menu. It was an easy, relaxing stay for all of us.
What the hotel says about dogs
- The non-refundable cleaning charge is $300 plus 15% tax per pet, with a maximum of 2 pets per room.
- Dogs must be leashed on the property and cannot be left unattended on the property or in a guestroom.
- Dogs are not allowed at the golf course, Spa Village, pool areas or Olivella restaurant.
- Pet-free rooms are available for guests with allergies.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad: Fun for everyone
When we stayed: 2024.
Omni La Costa gave us plenty to do as a family. The resort is close to Legoland, the kids had pools and activities, and we had a great time golfing. On our visit, Dodger and Rocket even got to ride along in the golf cart.
What the hotel says about dogs
- The one-time, non-refundable fee is $75 per reservation for up to 2 dogs, or $200 for suites and villas.
- The resort allows up to 2 dogs per reservation.
- The resort does not accept Pit Bulls and Pit mixes, Dobermans, Rottweilers, or Chows and Chow mixes.
- Dogs must be leashed, caged or held outside the guest room.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara, Goleta: A beach getaway
When we stayed: 2022.
Bacara felt polished and spacious, with plenty of room for dog walking. The pools and activities worked well for our family, and the nearby beach was a highlight. Dodger got to play in the sand and run in the water, which made this stop especially fun for him.
What the hotel says about dogs
- The non-refundable pet fee is $250 per stay.
- The hotel allows up to 2 pets per room, with a 50-pound weight limit per pet.
Our stay was in 2022, so check the current pet policy before making plans around it.
Before you book a hotel with your dog
- Check the pet policy. Fees, size limits, breed rules and the number of dogs allowed vary by hotel.
- Ask where dogs can go. Pools, spas and some restaurants may be off limits, even at a dog friendly resort.
- Look for good walking routes. Having somewhere pleasant to walk made each of these stays easier for us.
- Think about the room. Outdoor space, like our balcony at Ojai, gave the dogs a nice spot to settle in.
