Return To Canyonville Oregon

On October 18th, 2009, 10 days later, I returned to 7 Feathers Hotel and Casino.

Things were not as before.

I checked in about 6pm. No porters around. At the front desk only one clerk was working with a line of people waiting not patiently for their turn to get their room key.

One person was argumentative to the extent that he was not happy he had to pay a higher rate due to he did not have reservations.

All the hand carts were locked up (Only the porters may use them.).  I spent about 20 minutes in a rain storm bringing in my luggage, computer, dog gear, and dog to my room.

I was able to stay in the same convenient room. The bathroom and bed sheets were clean.

Bogart noticed unique stains on the carpet. Also he noticed scented areas on the bed cover. That told me that they did not clean up properly after the last pet, nor supplied a clean bed cover.

I ventured out once again in the rain to my vehicle to fetch my antimicrobial “Febreze” ( www.febreze.com ) (Not all Febreze kills bacteria. Read the label.)

I treated the areas that Bogart pointed out, and then proceeded to order room service while making Bogart’s meal.

The restaurant operator was friendly and advised me that my dinner would take an hour due to the crowd.

Fine no problem. As I began to settle into the room, I had a knock on the door. Yes, it was room service.

The teenager brought in my meal – 10 minutes after I ordered. I was impressed with the speed, but that was all.

The television was on and waiter was more interested in watching the program than putting my tray on the table (He actually put my tray on the bed.). I would say the amount of words uttered by this poor boy was 3 in total at best.

I gave a tip and then he left. I put the tray on the table and opened up to a dry cold steak, a hard baked potato and a salad made up of the cheap prepackaged brown iceberg lettuce, and whatever else was at the bottom of the bag.

My room service 10 days prior took care to make sure that the entire meal was hot, fresh, and they verified that I was happy prior to their departure from my room.

After retiring for the evening (i.e.: hitting the hay) the people in the room above me decided to have a party with friends after 2 a.m.. Not much sleep after that.

Would I stay here again? Yes. It was just a bad day for them. Not a bad place.

One thing i would like is a small refrigerator in the room. I travel with coolers.

Oh, one more thing. Due to the climate in Oregon (rainy) ask for old towels for your dogs and an old sheet to put on the floor. Do NOT use the hotel’s good towels.

No, your dog does not mind you all the time.

No, your dog does not mind you all the time.

I do not care if you are a trainer. I do not care if you are breeder. I do not care if you are a K9 specialist. I do not care if you had dogs all your lives. All dogs at some time in their lives are unpredictable and will not respond to your commands to stay and heel.

The reason for my scolding, nagging, or what may be perceived as a know it all, was my recent drive from Washington State through California via interstate 5.

For our convenience scattered across the states there are rest stops. Most north bound and south bound stops are across the highway from each other, with the occasional single rest stop for both sides of the highway removed far enough away from the high traffic of interstate travelers and truckers.

The rest stops that are across from each other are the basis of this article. The parking areas are mere yards from a well aged fence with traffic racing by at a minimum of 20 mph over the speed limit in both directions.

The median was full of debris from loose garbage from open vehicle windows and unsecured luggage toppers. Amidst the carless discarded rubbish I could clearly view the littering of corpses of faithful companions. Various breeds and sizes could be seen dead over a 900 mile corridor. Death of these dogs were by the hand of their over confident owners, not by the drivers of vehicles and trucks.

I observed during my respites nearly 85% of people traveling with their pets just let their dogs run loose in the rest stops.

Why take a chance? The traffic, the new scents and sights, the noises, and the commotion besides the excitement of traveling put any pet off their normal pattern and routine. No animal can be expected to respond properly.

I leash my dogs while off my property. I put them in harnesses and have the dogs either cable tie down in the back of my cover truck or attach a short strap to the seatbelts in the back seat of the cab.

As my dogs mature they mind me, stay by my side, total obedience. The younger dogs at times will chase rabbits, elk, deer, and foxes that get into my dog fenced area no matter what command I use.

This is what I call middle paw.

I love my dogs, and I know that they are dogs and that they need to be observed, controlled, and corrected on a daily basis, no matter how old they are.

However, as owners we should stop and think of the environment we thrust them into. Protect your dog – aka your companion. Please stop being confident that their training will suffice and take extra moments to leash up your dog before they leave your vehicle and unhook them after you securely settle them back into car or truck.

Post Note: I counted 30 dogs over 800 miles that perished along the interstate.

Additional Thought: I hope that these canine companions were not purposely left at these rest stops. That would be beyond my comprehension.

7 Feathers

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

I am traveling again, and I have not completed my back log on previous travels!

This time I am at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville Oregon. http://www.sevenfeathers.com (October 8th, 2009)

I was watching The Travel Channel a few weeks back and noticed that on the top 10 truck stops for the United States this resort was mentioned. I decided to see for myself.

I am staying at the casino resort in the old section. The old section is where dogs are allowed to stay for 20 USD. There are 2 other motels associated with the casino resort.

The facility is clean. The front desk night clerk was bubbly friendly with a quick check in.

I required a luggage dolly, so I need to retain a valet runner. The hotel portion of the parking lot was closed for maintenance, the valet patiently waited by the entrance door for me to return with Bogart.

I requested a king size bed. The room has vaulted ceilings, large window, and large bathroom. The amenities included in the bathroom are what one used to find at Embassy Suites.

Due to exhaustion I ordered a small room service. The time period was 40 minutes (what was promised). What was the bonus was that I asked for some items that was not mentioned on the in room menu.

The blanket and the quit on the bed are CLEAN. Not previously used. The heater’s vent dust free. The shower vent needs cobweb removal. The room does not smell. However, Bogart can tell there was a dog in here before. So, that tells me that the carpet, bed skirt, and chair has not been washed for a while.

You can hear the trucks from the highway; however, overall, the room is quite quiet.

I am going to be staying here in 10 days. I will ask for another room. This room and today’s services I would give a 4 to 5 stars. Very impressed. Very clean.

Bark Street Alley

Upon going through my notes, I found that I still was not putting this page to good use.

Years ago, before Bogart, I felt the need and desire to create a sanctuary for dogs in memory of my grandparents, my father, and Vangogh (my rescue dog from RI - ½ Husky and ½ greyhound).

What happens to your pet when you are put into a ‘nursing home’ or what is so sweetly called today a long term care facility? We all know. There is a hope for someone to care for the animal by family or friends. However the majority of the time the canine companion ends up at a shelter and for the most part put down.

In my neighborhood here in California we have foster youths. These boys lost their parents. Upon being put into the government system, they then lost their dogs. Their dogs were also put down.

This sickens me to the point where my heart mourns for those who cannot love their pet companion and dare not speak of them for the truth of knowing would break their hearts beyond repair, and for those pet companions that cannot understand the torn apart from the life they love to die in a cold and unfeeling dungeon of a facility.

As most people usually say, there is nothing to do, however I am a firm believer that there is always something you can do. It may not be the best solution, but it is the beginning process to the perfect solution.

On this blog I will be adding advertisements, soliciting donations, and offer services to hotels for evaluation of their facility and place an article on my blog promoting their establishment.

I just purchased a Bark Street Alley domain. I will be creating a 501(c)(3) Called “Bark Street Alley”.  (barkstreetalley.org)

As time and finances permit, a basic mission statement will be posted on the new website as well as information on how to participate in creating facilities nationwide from donation of time and services/skills to contributions from cash to supplies.

When either child or adult, by no choice of their own are put into the government system (foster homes/institutions), hospice, or nursing homes this dog sanctuary will be a haven for dogs (and eventually other domestic animals) that belongs to either the elderly, foster children, the disabled, terminal patients, and even people who are recovering from a major ailment/ accident.

This organization will provide shelter for these animals while their owners are unable to have them with them on a daily basis. These dogs will be transported to the long term care facility or to the foster facility once a week for the well being of both the animal and their human companion.

If the pet owner in the long term care facility pass, the dog will then be adopted out to a new loving home.

If the pet owner is discharged from the long term facility or the foster child is either adopted or becomes an adult, their canine companion will be returned to them at no charge.

Time to break new ground.

Coffee, Tea, and Cookies – Part 2: RUN FOR THE HILLS!

Pavilion Inn in Murray Utah.

This trip I am towing a cargo trailer across country.

Do to the weather, and traffic, my 12 hour day turned into 16 hours. I did not arrive at the hotel until 11:30pm MST.

Well, to start with, the desk clerk was not too thrilled I interrupted his relaxing time. I was assigned a second floor room. Since I had dogs, I asked for a first floor room. This clerk, belligerent, stated I did not request a dog friendly room. I showed him my CONFIRMED copy for the room request of dog friendly.

This clerk (cannot state gentleman, for that would have been a compliment) would not look at me, and fumbled through his stack of papers to find CLEARLY my request for a dog friendly room. With words spoken under his breath of the strength of a sailor’s pup (yes, I typed pup not pub), he tossed me a new room key on the first floor.

With the completion of checking-in done, I returned to my vehicle and drove around the parking lot (a full lot and tight) until I was able to place my truck under a street light with a second light covering the back of my truck. Roughly 90% of my truck was under lighting. I then brought in the most valuable items into my assigned room, then returning to the truck for the dogs to bring them in.

As I was feeding the ‘boys’, each one brought me a sock. No they were not mine, nor were they clean. It was safe to say I was exhausted, and decided to verify my next day lodgings online – on my laptop – on the bed. While bending over the head board to plug in the computer, I noticed something. There was a pair of dirty underwear – female with about an inch of dust over them.

Now with Utah being a ‘dry state’ I was really wishing for a glass of wine, to assist in halting my mood to become a whiner. So, I just quickly walked the boys, and verified my confirmation for Nebraska before turning the lights out.

Upon waking it was time, like everyone knows, to walk the ‘kids’. So, I walked outside towards the truck, just a mere 5 hours since I was there last. I was robbed. Yes robbed. The 10% that was not seen – a side door to the cargo trailer lock was cut off. The dog poop scooper was on the ground. I quickly took the dogs back into the hotel and then contacted the front desk, who then called the local police.

While waiting for the police to show up (2 hours), I was talking with the then morning manager about the left over clothing in my room, which they verified.

When the Murray officer showed up, he wrote the report, however... The officer was more interested in verifing my ownership of the trailer, the ownership of the vehicle, the validity of my driver’s license, and anything else that verified I was a truthful person.  Finally I was given a case number.

Now I did not lose too much, for the trailer was too full and too time consuming for a robber to find anything with ease. However, nearly $300.00 of items, one item being my 2008 Christmas gift from my husband.  Still this made me feel, to say the least, angry.  This anger grew more, for this officer informed me that EVERY HOTEL WITHIN THE METRO AREA OF SALT LAKE CITY has AT LEAST 1 robbery EVERY NIGHT. Targets are out-of-state license plates. I was lucky, for no windows were broken. Most are not as lucky as I.

The office instructed me that he was instructed, amongst other law officials and media, NOT TO let tourist find out about the crime spree in Salt Lake City.

Second strike criminals, mostly gang members, from Los Angeles California drive up to Salt Lake City to “maintain” their life style and habits.

Be careful, be warned. It is your choice to stay in the metro area of Salt Lake City. I will not until things change.

Oh, the hotel gave me a $30 discount on my stay. No apology.

Closest convenience to SMF... at the moment.

Residence Inn Sacramento Airport Natomas.

For years the Sacramento International Airport had a quaint, dog friendly hotel across from Terminal B. With the remolding and the UKF (unknown factor) of when a new hotel will be constructed at the airport, I was left with venturing down the highway back to the city limits of Sacramento.

Once again I found a great deal that accommodated dogs at the Marriott Residence Inn. It was a last minute reservations, however it was well worth it for both my husband and I.

The room was clean, well stocked and well-located.

The only negatives, which is not associated with the hotel per say, were:

1. The southbound off ramp to the hotel. Northbound, easy as pie to get into the hotel, however when exiting on the southbound exit you need to go around “Joe’s Barn” just to get to the hotel entrance.

2. Remember, when in city areas, and if you are driving trucks, the spaces and one way drive around are quite tight. Take 2 spaces if you need to so you are not trapped or blocked in the parking lot.

3. The area to walk your dogs is actually next to the hotel, on a vacant lot. Dog’s are not ‘cleaned up after’ – if you know what I mean…. The other worry, or for me was, with the overgrowth of shrubs is Rattle Snakes. Be on guard, you don’t want to have to find a vet with venom antidote.

Wings of Angels and the Souls of Russians

When traveling, there are certain places that one will repeatedly choose to take a moment out of a schedule just to feel at peace for a mere moment in their otherwise arranged lives.

Each time I am in the area of Jenner and Sea Ranch on the California coast I will, no matter how late I will arrive at my final destination, visit two very mellow and nearly oblivious to the main stream tourist special destinations.

The first one from Jenner heading north is Fort Ross; a Russian Fort. One of California’s unique state parks, here you will find the first constructed Orthodox Chapel south of Alaska. This fort was created in 1812 and last used by the Russian government/merchants in 1841.

The fort lies on the west side of the San Andreas Fault line. The fault itself can be found on the other side of route 1 in the middle of the fort’s apple orchard. (The trees still bear fruit!). You will know you are on the actual fault by the RED line on the pavement. Straddle the red line, and you will be standing on both the plates. It was an incomparable feeling or thought for me, how about you?

The best part of each visit for me is to visit the cemetery. The graves are marked with crosses, however, names are not found. These souls, who agreed to work for their government or merchant never planned on dying there. The heart mourns for those who never were able to see their family again. In some instances these individual’s family members never receive word of their passing. Never knowing what happened to them. At one time planted flowers now grow random and wild, these blooms smile nearly year round at various crosses and sites, while the salt mist lingers in the fragrant air with the soft lulls from the crashing ocean waves.

Second favorite scenic restful place along this exceptional stretch of highway is the Sea Ranch Chapel. Driving north on route 1 the chapel sits a good distance off the right hand side of the road, right after the fire house.

If you are not looking, you will not notice this unique structure. For me, the structure is designed with three (3) angel wings. All the shapes outside and within the structure are that of angel wings. This is a calm and joyful chapel that instantly places a smile on your heart and your face if you just sit and take a deep breath for just a moment. What do you sense or see? Anything more I would add to this portion of the blog would actually take away from your first hand experience, and I really would love you to find your way here without much more than what was written by me or by the chapels website.

I hope if you are in this area of California, you have the flexibility in your schedule to enjoy these two special interests of mine.

A walking, sitting, and dreaming/meditating retreat.

Traveling up and down the pacific coast via route 1 and 101, I found my soul would sing driving north of San Francisco up to the Olympic peninsula. These stretches of ocean, in places, are more magnificent than my childhood romps through the New England coastline.

Unfortunately, there are not as many ‘nice’ places to stay that are dog friendly in the remote regions of this wonderful scenic route. There are quite a few lovely hotels, lodges, and B&B that are stupendous next to the rocky pacific coast, however, with regret, not dog friendly.

When I travel to the ocean, I do not want to stay inland and away from the crashing waves of the pacific, I find the best place possible along the shoreline or nestled snuggly in a harbor.

My favorite, with the bare minimal is Sea Ranch Lodge (stayed there on 3 (three) different occasions). Located in a gated type community North of Ft. Ross, this lodge offers rooms of exquisite coastal views, private bathrooms, down bedding and fireplaces, spotty free WiFi (depending on the weather to be more truthful), and a hot breakfast at their restaurant (I enjoy their Eggs Benedict – different each day: ham, salmon, crab, etc.). A deluxe room during off season – weekday rate can run about $199.00/night. If you require a television in your room, you may pay up to $349/night not including taxes and pet fees. Old sheets and towels, dog beds, and bowls are provided for your canine companion. Personally spread out the sheets on the carpet if the paws are muddy. Save the cleaning crew some time.

There really is no need to travel anywhere once you arrive. Many trails throughout the property, park tables and benches, as well as comfortable chairs makes for a relaxing time. The Sea Ranch Lodge does have an onsite restaurant and bar that specialize in local fare (try the lavender soda with a beef dish). Reservations preferred. Be kind, and leave your companions in your vehicle during your dining experiences outside your room.

The only real draw back that we found was actually with other dog owners. The locals from the community also walk on the trails (why not, I would!), and many do not leash their dogs. A few uncontrolled canines charge over to the nearest leashed dog. The poor dog was not in his normal environment. This non-thinking action can cause much stress for your canine companion, and you. As a tourist, you are looked at like you have the vicious dog when reacting to a charge, which, in reality, this poor dog is scared of the other dog while also feeling that they need to protect you. So be observant, and shoo approaching dogs. Dog fights are not a fun thing any time, especially if you are in control of your dog and the locals are not.

Another problem we had was with another lodge guest. With large outdoor walkways, this patron would ‘hoard’ the entire width with a snippy large breed dog. The problem I had was the women looked at any other person and their pooch as if we were dirty peasant stock. It was obvious that this fellow traveler was from the Bay Area (noted by her vehicle – stickers- and location of the dealership), unfortunately for her, she exuded the stereotypical term of a city snob or elitist. Needless to say, this caused much trauma trying to walk the dogs to and fro the room. And, like any other paying customer, I did voice my dislike for her inconsideration to visitors with and without their dogs, and to the hotel staff.

So, will I stay here again? You bet ya! Advise: DO NOT stay in a smaller room than their deluxe rooms. You will not enjoy the stay as much. Request your room(s) that are the farthest from the lodge’s restaurant. A bit of a walk with the suitcases, however these rooms have better views and less foot traffic by your door. Remember, it is not a cheap retreat. However, what you gain in relaxing with your dog in a remote ocean front wilderness is well worth the expense and the peace you both will find in your souls.

Side note of favorite places to stay along the Pacific Ocean - so far: Best Western – Monterey CA, Best Western – Ft. Bragg CA, Harbor View Motel (No website. Very run down by the outside look, however CLEAN and nicely kept.) Winchester Bay OR. Places to stay near the pacific coast: Best Western – Carmel CA and Red Lion – Eureka CA.

5 Rooms

Red Lion Hotel

Winnemucca Nevada

No longer part of the chain, and I can see why, we stayed at what was formally called the Red Lion Hotel & Casino, now known as Red Lion Inn.

In a nutshell, don’t stay here. You check in and are given your room key. You go to your room and the word filthy is a mild phrase in the description. So, you go back to the desk, and you get another room. This room the was even worse, with an over flowing, well used toilet. By the time we got a room, we were given several room keys to “pick” a clean one. We finally found one. It was a smoking room; however it was the cleanest we saw. Then I returned the other keys.

The room had a sliding glass door to the parking lot.

If you cannot make it across 80 sleep in your car. Second I would say stay in either Reno area (not by choice, Reno seems like a dirty town due to the gambling aspect and it is near impossible to find a ‘nice’ good dog friendly hotel) or Elko.

Sorry Nevada. I have not yet stayed in a pet friendly CLEAN hotel. Not a dive, not a gang pad, but a clean hotel.

Was it worth $118.00 per night?

Red Lion – Salt Lake City

161 West 600 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Heaven be praised that I stayed for the first time at the Red Lion Hotel in Eureka CALIFORNIA. Since this blog starts with January 2009, I will have a write up on this hotel as a side note later in the blog site.

We were missing our friends up in Idaho, so we arranged to meet at a more centrally located hotel near the temple. The other requirement, other than a pet friendly hotel, was that we were looking for a restaurant within the hotel.

So, the 'food for thought' question you need to toss around is: convenience verses quality.

This Red Lion hotel is located in the downtown area (that is what I call it) of the city. The grounds are mostly pavement and concrete with little grass around the hotel, leaving favorable areas to walk the dogs too few and far in-between.

The restaurant serves liquor, which is not a common thing to find in Salt Lake. BTW:  The food was good to very good.

We usually ask for ground level floors near doors to aid in getting our dogs out as quick as possible when they need to go. It makes sense.

So, once again, like most hotels, they gave us a handicap room. From the back door it was on the right; second room in.

Now here is the monetary question. Would you pay for a room – not including pet fee, that incorporates duct tape on the sliding glass door windows and handle-less (sorry, created a new word). The sliding door being off track, the towels with previous occupants dirt, no floor drain in the shower, just a gaping hole, and a toilet that would not stop running…

No I did not stay in that room. After walking across the building to the desk and waiting in line, again, I was given another room. Another handicap room. This room had a sliding door that could not close all the way, sheets that you could read a newspaper through, cleaner towels; the doors to the closet did not slide, and a fully open plan shower, which flooded the bathroom.

Now referring back to Eureka California’s Red Lion at $83.00 per night that had new sheets, easy parking, grass areas, clean bathroom and a regular bathroom, and toiletries – OMG what a dump for a hotel in Salt Lake City!

Oh, and too boot, in the morning, my husband was walking the dogs around 6:00 am. Anyone want to guess at how many ‘gang’ type delinquents were perusing the parking lot for an alternative to purchasing items? No.

I would not recommend this hotel to any dog owner. Our friends stayed in the same hotel, but on another floor and in a ‘traditional’ room, had real sheets, non aerated blankets, a proper bathroom and by luck NO DUCT TAPE!

Icing on the cake.  When checking out, they asked how was our stay, and I mentioned all that informed the other shift.  They said.  Oh, we don't have record of any problems.... yeah right.

From snow to green grass in an hour drive…

Residence Inn
1127 Oakridge Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525

This Residence Inn sat back from all the main roads near a nice city park with a pond. We stayed for 2 nights.

Unlike the previous hotel, this Residence Inn had their suites inside one large building. The noise was a bit louder due to the location of our room being at the intersection of 2 halls. The rates were less and the dog fee was drastically cheaper than the Englewood Residence Inn.

The room was clean and nice. The biggest drawback, which usually happens, is that we were given a handicap accessible room, which includes the shower or lack there off. For some odd reason hotels think that because I am a dog owner I need to have low counters, a shower that just runs on the floor (no floor pan, no tub, etc) which floods the bathroom, and minimal amount of chairs. (i.e.: Lack of chairs in the room to accommodate a wheelchair).

This hotel was well maintained with easier parking than most. I felt secure and safe in this area.

Room was clean. Hotel was clean. The free breakfast was alright; better than most. The drawback was the room layout for my husband, me, and my dogs.

Dashing Through Before the Snowstorm

Mid January 2009

Residence Inn Denver South – Englewood CO.

8322 South Valley Highway

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Many know you should not drive through Wyoming during January, never mind 2 hours in front of a blizzard. I think the word is … UGH. Indirectly a fun challenge. Very indirectly.

Pulling off the highway to the street where the hotel is located was a breeze. Finding the entrance was a bit more of a challenge. The access resembled more of a private driveway over a hotel entrance at night time. I believe the major problem then was that the sign light was not on.

The check in counter is located in the first building on the left. The parking lot has islands and is not designed for large vehicles. We were some of the last people to check in for the night, and finding a parking place was a challenge with my ¾ ton extended cab/short bed pickup. Reason – most of the vehicles in the parking lot were either full size vans or very large trucks.

Our room was one of the farthest from the main building, which was about 4 buildings away from the designated dog walking area, however it was only a few steps from a side street walking path off the hotel property.

Now, my husband and I currently love the Residence Inn hotel chain, ESPECIALLY the individual apartment floor plans with a private door to the outside. The best thing for when traveling with dogs.

The room and layout was wonderful, and housekeeping staff cleaned and maintained the suite promptly during our stay in the greater Denver area.

The main issue or warning I had was with the parking lot and walkways.

I already mentioned large vehicles will have a difficult time maneuvering within their parking area. If you are pulling any kind of trailer or driving a class A or C you may want to park on the street before pulling into the complex.

As stated above, we were a mere 2 hours ahead of a blizzard. Well, come morning, our walkway was not cleared when we started to walk to the main building for the free breakfast. The parking lot was not cleared. We were one of the last vehicles to leave at 9 am this snow packed lot. Upon returning at 2:30, our walk way still was not cleared, the parking lot failed to be cleared! Sure, the maintenance man created only a path width clearing and huge snow mounds. Where the walk ways were cleared, ice formed. I repeated on the hour for several hours requested salt or sand to be put down. Not until a day and a half after my last call to the front desk was the walkway treated.

Rooms – 2 thumbs up. Free breakfast – 1 thumb up. Dog area – not convenient or accessible during snow storm. Parking lot – failed during winter weather. Would I stay again – yes. However, neither with my pickup truck nor during winter.

Coffee, Tea, and Cookies – Part 1

Welcome to Murray UT’s Pavilion Inn

http://www.slpavilioninn.com/

January 10th, 2009 my husband and I arrived in the evening at the Pavilion. We were greeted by a very friendly mature female receptionist. 24/7 coffee, tea, hot coco, and cookies are available at front desk. A warm buffet style breakfast is also include in price of room. Room rates for January were more than reasonable for clean sheets and towels.

Easy to find off the highway, however sharp corners and tight parking near the entrance of the hotel. The majority of the parking was located behind the building. This parking area was poorly plowed and sidewalks were frozen over with the daily melt and mounded snow. Not kept clear and safe by the hotel.

We were given a pet friendly room next to one of the back doors. The negative with these back doors that open to the main parking lot is that you cannot re-enter these doors unless you ‘jar’ the door open with your bag or a garbage can. Pavilion Inn does not have the room key swipes to open exterior doors. Most of the rooms are located at this far end.

Our room was spacious and it included a mini fridge. The windows were single pane and a constant draft was felt. This was hard for the small heater to keep up. There was a proper amount of towels and toiletries. The bedspread did not smell of dog. However due to the dark green carpet color, and the salt flat dust, I requested some old towels to put down on the floor.

The hotel is located in a business park area which provides plenty of places to walk the dogs.

Additionally, we did not see any place to walk to for dinner. Luckily I travel with cheese and crackers for back up snacks. The free breakfast, was good. However the scrambled eggs were rubbery.

This was our first time staying in the Salt Lake City vicinity. We prefer not to travel through the salt flats and highway 80 (50 is our preferred route to Colorado from California.). Too boring; too desolate – and that is the positive note. No place during that stretch to walk your dogs without getting that chalky salt all over their paws, interior of your vehicle, off your shoes. Dreadful.

This hotel, I felt, was worth staying at again… or so I thought, hence the Part 1 above. A second stay and review of this establishment will be posted during my June 2009 travels.

Back To The Basics

To begin with, my first and only question that is found on the top of this blog: Is my dog’s butt cleaner than your hotel room? Do you think this to be crass or a genuine question. I am not seeking a reply to your thoughts, just assisting you in a thought process.

As my friend Marty reminded me a few days back, with the extra money that these places receive from dog owners, I should expect and demand equal cleanliness and a well maintained room. And so should you! Remember you are the customer not the intruder.

Basic requirements that anyone really and truly desire while staying at any type of accommodations are: (1) Clean room (including carpet); (2) Clean bedding; (3) Clean bathroom facility that works; (4) Clean towels; and (5) Safety. To be exact, I want to feel that I am the first and only person EVER to use that hotel room.

If the facility chooses to include free breakfast, free social hour, free internet, free television, room service, swimming pool, exercise room, etc., than that is on the hotel to adjust their budget, not a requirement; nice, however not essential for a restful sleep. Technically, that is all that anyone wants. A good night sleep away from home.


Now onto the accommodations. 

My Life Style Choice

As dog lover, my canine companions travel with me throughout the United States and Canada. I am willing to pay without hesitation an additional fee in order to enjoy the accompaniment of my devoted and trustworthy companions. The price ranges from 10.00 USD per stay/pet to 175.00 per stay.

I agree that every pet owner should make sure their animal is well groomed. My loving dogs are bathed and groomed the night before travel and are fresh as daisies, even if they protest against the requirement I set. I take my ownership of canines seriously.

However, in many more cases, after viewing people in line to check-in, I have found humans to be quite dirty. I have seen people with boils on their bodies and was forced to smell their putrid stench radiating out from their bodies while they chatted with the front desk clerk on their requirements for their stay. These people do not have to pay extra for ‘room cleaning’ charge at check-in like I am required to with my dogs. I even hate to guess if these ‘classy’ individuals carry lice or mites on their person…….. Yuck..

Many hotels discriminate against “my life style choice”. These anti-pet friendly accommodations state that animals are filthier compared to people. Therefore even when we have to travel without our dogs we do not patron any hotel or lodging facilities that refuses to accept dogs.