Why We’re “Mutts” About Cypress Inn

Posted by Billy Francis

Dogs are always the guests of honor at Cypress Inn. Located in Carmel, it was the city’s first boutique hotel to embrace pet-friendliness, thanks to Hollywood legend and longtime animal advocate Doris Day. Your pooch will be treated like a VIP from check-in to the moment they bid a fond farewell to the inn, which is located  in one of the best pet-friendly beach towns in America. It’s no surprise that we’re “mutts” about this extraordinary place that rolls out the red carpet for every four-legged visitor.

The Origins of Cypress Inn

“I told you, one of us has to pedal!” Photo by @maddogscarmel

In 1929, Hotel La Ribera opened its doors and was hailed as “one of the show places of the Monterey Peninsula.” It was renamed the Cypress West in the 1960s, and made headlines in the 1980s when Dennis LeVett persuaded his lifelong friend Doris Day to join him in buying the property. She was excited to get involved, but had one caveat: dogs must be made just as welcome as human guests.

Doris Day

Whatever will be, will be! Photo by Cypress-inn

When she passed away in 2019, Doris Day left behind an unrivaled legacy. The former bandstand singer released more than 600 songs, including the timeless classic, “Que Sera, Sera,” and appeared in 39 movies over her lengthy career on the big screen. But her dedication to animal advocacy is perhaps the most important of all her accomplishments. One of her crowning moments was to help establish Spay Day USA in 1995, which went on to become World Spay Day and has helped spay and neuter millions of animals and cut overpopulation around the world. No mere pet project, her pioneering work to make Cypress Inn a place where guests on two legs and four were equally welcome made it one of the most famous pet-friendly hotels of its day. You can find out more about her efforts and how you can help the cause at the Doris Day Animal Foundation and Doris Day Animal League.

Why Fido Will Love Cypress Inn

“Can I help with your bags (of treats)?” Photo by @goldenwoofs

Furry guests will be pleased to know that Cypress Inn has always stayed true to its word to Doris. The elegant boutique accommodation goes above and beyond for furry guests, providing pet blankets, bowls and welcome treats. Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to check out some of the pet-friendly sights around town. Carmel Beach welcomes dogs to play off-leash in the surf with pups of all shapes and sizes. When you return to the inn, clean your pup’s sandy paws in the wash station located in the courtyard before heading inside. Fido is also welcome at the on-site restaurant, Terry’s Lounge, where he can indulge in menu items designed for dogs.

Travel Tips

“No dog is too big to be a lap dog!” Photo by @neverboredcenval

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for being accommodating to canine residents and tourists alike, but it can get busy during the summer months. If you’re driving to popular places like Carmel Plaza, one of America’s coolest pet-friendly malls, or the beach, then be sure to leave well in advance to find parking. Or, you could ditch the car for a bicycle and sidecar from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop and not have to worry about parking. Cypress Inn welcomes one pet for an additional fee of $30 per night, two pets for $50 per night, and three pets for $70 per night.

Have you and your dog stayed at Cypress Inn? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!