Best in the Northwest - Have Dog, Will Travel

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With warm weather upon us, it’s time to think about vacays and quickie getaways. Don’t you love it best when your destination is one where your dear doggies can have as much fun as you? 

We asked Spot readers for their favorite pet-friendly places for overnight stays. Here are their favs, appearing in no particular order, where not only two-footed folks are welcome, but four-pawed guests are treated like the VIPs they are. 

Ester Lee Motel 

Built in the 1940s, these 53 units, including motel-style rooms and '40s-style cottages, retain the décor and ambiance of that era while offering all the right updated amenities. The units are all oceanfront, with incredible views. Pet amenities include treats, blankets and sheets, and a pet run. Far from just a patch of grass, the run is whimsically decorated. Family owned and operated for more than 35 years, The Ester Lee welcomes all well-behaved pets, and over the years has hosted iguanas, rabbits and birds. Visit the website for a virtual tour. 

541-996-3606, 3803 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City, esterlee.com

Looking Glass Inn 

Just walk out of the Inn and cross the street, and you’re on flat, sandy beach — no stairs to navigate. As long as your dog is under voice command he or she is allowed off-leash on Lincoln City beaches. Doggie visitors receive treats, bowls, sheets, towels and baggies. Dog beds and crates are available upon request. Managers know their Ddoggie guests by name, who even get their own registration cards, and managers know them by name. “We treat them just like any other guest,” says manager Heather Zink. “We really love to have them here.” Two dogs per room of any size are allowed at The Looking Glass Inn, which has a grassy pet area complete with water, and a fire hydrant for “sprinkling.” After your visit, be sure to send photos of the pups enjoying their stay — they’ll be featured on the Looking Glass Dog Blog. Looking Glass is walking distance to a glassblowing studio and dog-friendly restaurant. 

541-996-3996, 861 SW 51st St., Lincoln City, lookingglass-inn.com

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O'Dysius Hotel

Owner and manager Cindi Taylor says the Family owned and operated, O’dysius Hotel family owned and operated O’dysius Hotel owner and manager Cindi Taylor says they offer offers “an experience, not just a hotel room.” The popular property is elegant without pretensions. Complimentary wine and cheese are served each evening, and staff happily help guests find the Lincoln City experience they’re after, be it restaurant or recreation. While at dinner, guests’ rooms are refreshed, complete with chocolates on the pillow and dog treats on the nightstand, plus water for the pups if you request it at check in. Slippers and robes are provided. In the morning, continental breakfast arrives at your door — breakfast in bed with an ocean view! You may be tempted to linger — with luxurious pressed sheets and top-of-the-line Serta, the bed wraps its arms around you. Taylor says the O’Dysius attitude is, ‘What can we do for you?’

541-994-4121, 120 NW Inlet Ave., Lincoln City, odysius.com

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Fireside Motel

Contrary to many places that advertise as being pet friendly when they’re really just “pet tolerable,” 80 percent of the Fireside’s rooms really are pet friendly: each doggie guest gets a bathmat, sheet, doggie towel, scoopie bags and treats. Manager Wendy Inkster affirms that the entire staff are pet lovers who are likely to remember the names of their pet guests before their human guests. She says Fireside is “phenomenal,” with affordable rates and accessible location, and an incredible ocean view. Even rooms without ocean views are close to the water. Upper rooms have fireplaces and cathedral ceilings. Yachats is a small, friendly town of about 600, with Cape Perpetua Scenic Area in the Siuslaw National Forest nearby, plus parks, lots of trails, and of course, beaches. 

800-336-3573, 1881 Hwy 101 North, Yachats, firesidemotel.com

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Salishan Spa & Golf Resort

The name says it all — the Salishan is popular for its world-class spa and 18-hole golf course. Doggies guests enjoy special dishes and beds and, if he or she attends check-in, a treat at the front desk. Doggie stations for waste disposal dot the property, which boasts 250 generous acres of playspace. Salishan overlooks tranquil Siletz Bay, with an indoor fitness facility with tennis courts, and a hot tub overlooking the water. General Manager Jason Connor says almost all 205 rooms allow pets, who get the run of the place. The lodge is located in a wooded area with private beach access across the street, and a fairly secluded nature trail. The town of Gleneden Beach is also home to many pet-friendly merchants. 

800-452-2300, 7760 Hwy 101 North, Gleneden Beach, salishan.com

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Bennington Properties 

The Bend/Sunriver area is a perfect family destination, thanks to urban appeal and outdoor adventure galore — from hiking and biking to rafting and snow sports. Even in winter it’s a good bet the days will be mostly sunny. Bennington Properties operates 180 vacation home rentals here, more than 100 of them dog-friendly. Properties range from rustic cabins to new luxury homes so nice it might be ight shocking some that not only are they are dog-friendly. Fbut families with multiple dogs are treasured guests as well. Dogs are welcomed by name with a guest packet containing doggie bowls, treats, bandannas, tennis balls and tags (bearing Bennington’s phone number, in case the pup ventures too far). This summer, Bennington plans to open a fenced, off-leash dog park and free dog bath at its Sunriver location. 

888-610-9700, 56842 Venture Ln., Sunriver, benningtonproperties.com

The Crest Motel

Quiet, clean and comfortable, The Crest Motel Quiet, clean and comfortable, withoffers moderately-priced rooms, The Crest Motel . presides Perched on a hill on 2½ 1/2 acres at the edge of Astoria. , Tthe hill-side property boasts an outstanding view of the Columbia River. This is country living close to town: no traffic or downtown noise except the music of sea lions living nearby. Guests can enjoy an outdoor hot tub, with Wi-Fi in each room. Huge windows frame views of ships plying the waters, a bridge, breakers off the bar, and the Washington coastline. A resident crow with attitude, known as Big Head Fred, takes his work as guard as seriously as his pay — crusts of bread from guests. Nesting eagles are often sighted during summer months, dramatically swooping down to the bay. A sweet patio seating area is appointed with fountain and picnic tables, and nearby is a riverfront dog walk. 

800-421-3141, 5366 Leif Erickson Dr., Astoria, astoriacrestmotel.com

Driftwood Village Motel

Perched on a cliff above miles of beach that invite strolling, taking in sand, sea and tidepools, t. The Driftwood is small and out of the way. , N has nine studios and suites, all with ocean views, lending the feeling of having your own private beach. Pets have free run on Lincoln City beaches as long as they will respond when called. There’s no pet size limit, and pets get treats at check -in. Six rooms are equipped with fireplaces and utensils, and all have balconies with gorgeous views, and barbecue grills. The room designation alone conveys a little of the feeling here—: rooms aren’t numbered but named: Seabreeze, Admiralty Suite, Lighthouse, Spindrift. Really want to get away from it all? Driftwood Village rooms have no phones! 

541-265-9396, 7947 N Coast Hwy 101, Newport, driftwoodvillagemotel.com

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La Quinta Inn & Suites 

Another reader fav is La Quinta Inn. With locations throughout Oregon, Washington, and the nation, there’s almost nowhere you can’t go and find one. All La Quinta Inns welcome up to two pets per room with no fee. Many pet-friendly rooms are on the ground floor, making it easy to answer nature’s call. Spot readers like the Newport location, which neighbors the beach and historic bay front, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and South Beach State Park. 

800-SLEEPLQ (753-3757), lq.com

Beverly Beach Campground

For adventure that’s a bit more “ruffing it” than a hotel, pet guardians love Beverly Beach Campground. While pets must be on leash and the campground doesn’t provide special doggie accommodations, they are welcome to visit this place of natural beauty. The campground is canopied by large oak trees, a walking path goes under the highway and emerges at a beautiful sandy beach, and there you can see Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The campground is located close to the popular attractions in Newport.

800-452-5687, Hwy 101, 7 miles north of Newport. Campground direct line is 541-265-4560 or Oregon State Park website.

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Vanessa Salvia lives with her two kids, one very sweet, fluffy cat (named Fluffy), and a husband (also very sweet), in Eugene, Oregon. When not clickety-clacking on a computer, you can find her browsing the farmers markets or feeding ducks from her patio. A freelance writer for more than 10 years, Vanessa has written extensively about music and entertainment in the Northwest. As mom, wife and companion to countless animals over the years, she has vacuumed more than her share of pet fur.