Inside One of Silicon Valley's Most Dog-Friendly Hotels
If you're looking for a dog-friendly getaway in the Bay Area, Mountain View might not be the first place that comes to mind.
But after spending a weekend at The Ameswell Hotel, we found ourselves wondering why more dog parents aren't talking about it.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the hotel feels surprisingly tucked away. Between the expansive outdoor spaces, direct trail access, thoughtful dog-friendly amenities, and multiple onsite dining options, it strikes a rare balance between modern luxury and the great outdoors. It’s just as appealing for Bay Area locals looking for a relaxing staycation as it is for visitors exploring the area.
Why We Loved It
Plenty of Space for Dogs to Explore
One of the first things we noticed was just how much outdoor space there is right on the property.
The Ameswell sits on a sprawling 10-acre campus with walking paths, outdoor gathering spaces, and a large lawn that quickly became our dog’s favorite part of the stay. The lawn has plenty of benches, lounge areas, cornhole, and even a giant Connect 4 – but it’s thoughtfully divided into multiple sections so it never feels crowded.
Whether you’re playing fetch, working on recall, or simply letting your dog stretch their legs after a morning of travel, there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax.
Note: The lawn is turf, but it’s surrounded by native landscaping where dogs can comfortably potty.
Direct Access to Stevens Creek Trail
The hotel also offers easy, direct access to the Stevens Creek Trail, making it simple to step outside and head straight into a scenic walk without needing to drive anywhere. We loved being able to transition from the hotel room to trail time within minutes. For dogs that appreciate a good sniffari especially, this was a standout feature.
The trail is an easy, mostly flat, paved route with plenty of trees and shade that spans approximately 5 miles. It can get busy and watch out for bikers who also use the trail. Dogs are welcome but must stay on-leash.
Thoughtful Dog Amenities
The Ameswell offers a Puppy Love package that can be added during booking, specifically designed for guests traveling with dogs. The package includes a collapsible dog bowl, organic dog treats, and a reduced pet fee. The hotel also offers branded dog leashes and poop bag holders for purchase near the front desk.
One of our favorite touches was the pet-specific "Do Not Disturb" door hanger. It's a small detail, but it's exactly the kind of thing that makes traveling with a dog feel easier and more intentional. While small details might seem minor, pet parents know that the littlest things make traveling with a dog so much easier.
Throughout our stay, it felt clear that dogs weren't simply tolerated, they were genuinely welcomed. From the hotel staff to fellow guests, everyone greeted our dog with the same warmth and enthusiasm we'd hope for when traveling with her.
Multiple Onsite Dining Options
Having several food and beverage options directly on the property was one of the things that made this feel like a true staycation. While downtown Mountain View’s Castro Street is only about 10 minutes away, we found ourselves perfectly happy staying onsite for most of the weekend.
Dining options include:
The Flyby: A casual café and coffee bar offering coffee, pastries, and made-to-order breakfast and lunch options.
Roger:A casual California restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and beer. You can dine inside, outdoors on the patio, or even on the couches on the lawn. They occasionally also have live music in the area to enjoy.
They also offer a dog menu with protein bowls and snacks.
7 Paintings: An immersive, interactive 2.5-hour, 7-course dinner experience combining the finest cuisine with art and technology.
Note: This one is not dog-friendly.
The Verdict? Approved ✔️🐾
The grounds, amenities, and dog menu all earned high marks.
Whether you're visiting Silicon Valley, planning a weekend staycation, or simply looking for a dog-friendly hotel that goes beyond the basics, The Ameswell offers a thoughtful experience for both two- and four-legged guests.
Any hotel that lets us enjoy a full weekend together without compromising on comfort is an easy recommendation from us.
