Traveling with Darby the dog
Time for a close-up of the luxury-loving, soft-coated wheaten terrier. With so many luxury hotels putting on the dog these days, Darby and his owner were curious. Would they really be accepted or would they be shunted off to a room at the back of the hotel with a view of the parking lot? Trips to five dog-friendly
Is my room ready? Darby checks in at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Some of
The room service pet-i-fours at the Ritz-Carlton. At the waterfront hotel, the pet amenities are first-rate: welcome notes, toys, pet towelettes, beach body spray, an issue of Bark magazine and a nice doggy bed. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
Darby makes friends with Jules Taylor, 9, at the Ritz-Carlton pool. Darby turned on the charm for the young New Yorker. Jules scratched his head. Darby kissed her. She kissed him back on the top of his nose. Darby wagged his fluff ball of a tail. Such a flirt. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
Darby visits other guests at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa. The hotels pet perks include a cushy doggy bed, a personalized gift bag full of goodies, a delectable pet menu and plenty of activities. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
What do you mean, No Dogs on Beach? Never fear dogs may not be welcome on Moonstone Beach near Cambria, but they can promenade along a boardwalk that runs for 1.5 miles round-trip along craggy bluffs overlooking the beautiful beach. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
The four-legged traveler celebrates his birthday in style at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. Darby, mindful that dogs and chocolate dont mix, just admired the cake and then gave it away. For pets and their owners, the view is splendid at the Hilton every room has a balcony and a view of the Pacific. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
How much is that doggy in the window? The display at Cold Nose Warm Heart in downtown Palm Springs catches Darbys eye. In the desert city, Darby relaxed at the San Giuliano, a small boutique hotel that offers private gardens and patios, as well as special doggy perks. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
At the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, a sign alerts hotel employees of a furry, four-legged guest inside. Flip the sign over, and it says Meow. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
Oh, the life: Darby gets comfy at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa. No need for a cushy doggy bed when the real thing will do. Who could resist the plush pillow-top mattress and the rich Egyptian cotton linens? (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
Darby works off his gourmet dinner at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa with a naturalist-guided walk along the shady shoreline. Another dog-friendly option: a starry, starry night astronomy show on the hotels grassy lakeside terrace. (Rosemary McClure/For The Times)
