Pet-friendly hotels, motels, and inns...so important! As the adoring owner of two small dogs, both of whom are getting older and having health issues, using pet-friendly hotels, etc., has become a higher priority when planning travel. With connections from coast to coast and several spots in mid-America, I've chosen a few spots, in some of USA's most scenic locales, urban and out-of-the-way, that are great for those who want pet-friendly accommodations, and in all cases, these are excellent choices for the pet-less as well!

First, the Nine Zero on Tremont Street. For visitors, this hotel has a fantastic location...it's truly just steps away from 90 percent of Boston's most historic/popular sites! AND, you'll know it's pet-friendly because your canine-cutey is welcome from the moment you walk in the lobby. A doggie water bowl, and desk clerks with pooch-treats are at the ready. The hotel sponsors a lovely wine hosting on most evenings in their small but oh-so-chic lobby. The décor here NOT for those interested in a colonial flavor, this place up to the minute modern in style from wall art and furnishings to menu offerings in their (award winning) restaurant. But, really, there's soooo much colonial influence everywhere you look in Boston, that this warm, comfortable modern environment is a nice break from the abundance of those dressed like Betsy Ross or Samuel Adams. Check out all the amenities of this hotel here. And for a fun break from the modern sleekness of the NineZero, the Beantown Pub is just two doors down Tremont Street. Or, the historic bar at the Parker House Hotel is two doors in the other direction; a spot where Kennedy's and Massachusetts legislatures have enjoyed a brew for more than a hundred years. It doesn't get much better than pet-friendly at this Kimpton hotel, the Nine Zero.

Second, the Onyx Hotel, another pet-friendly hotel in Boston. The neighborhood looks a bit more industrial than the Nine Zero (both hotels are part of the Kimpton hotel group), but if you're in town for a sporting event, or other happening at the Fleet Center, this is definitely the spot for you. Plus, since it's just a bit more off the main tourist spots, you can often get a less expensive room than at the Nine Zero. And, the accommodations are just as new, modern, and sleek as Nine Zero. Lots of sports bars dot the area, not surprising considering it's proximity to Fleet Center, and no Duck Tour boat/vehicles passing by, truly a convenient location for lots of Boston's sites...just a bit more ‘hidden' than the Nine Zero. And, again, your pooch welcome here! Doggie treats and doggie water bowl always prominent in the lobby, and even a Welcome board, noting arriving pets by name! Cute! Check their pet-friendly services here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico's Las Palomas...hidden behind an oh-so-Santa-Fe-style stucco wall, this is a lovely, peaceful, friendly spot just a quick walk from the historic plaza. Can you tell I enjoyed it here? And they're absolutely bend-over-backwards cooperative about their guests' doggie companions. It's truly a little haven, lovely landscaping, it all feels so uniquely Santa Fe. The staff so helpful and friendly, the architecture so unique, a family owned facility...great breakfasts...just Perfect. Check it out here.

P.S. While in Santa Fe, you must have dinner at La Boca...a favorite of Foodnetwork TV chef Giada De Laurentis and a wonderful, wonderful unique food experience at about half the price of such a gourmet experience in someplace like L.A. or San Francisco. Check here to see more about this award-winning hide-away.

The San Francisco area: Every great city has a famous spot for famous views of the city. And those great skyline shots are available....outside of the city! Brooklyn to look back at Manhattan, West Seattle to look back at Seattle, Sausalito to look across to San Francisco, and there's another place for great views of San Francisco and to experience the bay... the Doubletree Inn, Berkeley Marina. This spot, part of the huge chain, feels like it's got you nestled in one of the most scenic spots on the entire bay. It's so close to the water that the only issue could be, in the name of full disclosure, the harbor horns at all hours can take a bit of adjusting to. But whether walking dogs or just stretching your legs, this place beautiful and peaceful and the city glistens across the water, a mere 20 minutes away. And, if you've business in Oakland, Berkeley, or anywhere in the east-bay, this a great spot. PLUS, for being in the San Francisco area, hugely expensive, this is a true bargain! Located adjacent to a park that has great walking/running trails and near to a great waterfront restaurant, with gorgeous views of San Francisco across the water, Skates On The Bay.

At Zion National Park, Utah...

Just outside the entrance to Zion is the Canyon Ranch Motel in Springdale, Utah. Older rooms, but well maintained, this place definitely gets you prepared for the glories of the area. Calm, peaceful, clean and nice...it's a great place to stay. No restaurant, but right across the street is a wonderful hotel (not pet friendly) with gift shop, coffee shop, etc. And for a great evening meal...you've got to try the BitandSpur restaurant. Their enchiladas are made with sweet potato 'meal' instead of cornmeal....mahhhvelous!

And nearby in Moab, near the entrance to the Arches National Park, don't miss an evening at the Desert Bistro, a wonderful dining experience out on the patio or indoors. But with scenery like this, who wants to be indoors?

For pet friendly lodgings, it's back to a national chain location, Moab's La Quinta Inn. This might be part of a large chain,and so not particularly scenic or charming, but the help was friendly and welcoming, lots of amenities for doggies, and a convenient inter-state highway location.

Some of these pet-friendly places have more charm or atmosphere than others, some are newer, some older...some quaint, some 'chic.' All of them are in fantastic locations...leave your cars in the parking lot! And each of these facilities has so much more to offer than just being pet-friendly. All had good comfortable mattresses, clean baths with good water pressure, wonderful staffs, in short, all the basics and more!

When there's tons of sightseeing to do, these places will help you make the most of traveling with your pet.