OVERVIEW
In Wine Country’s city of Santa Rosa, home to the Charles M. Schulz Museum (The Peanuts) and world-famous Sonoma County vineyards, wineries, and gourmet dining, resides Flamingo Resort and Spa; a local historical treasure, offering a place to stay, dine, and be entertained; and serving well-behaved throughout the resort except for the gym and inside dining area. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to sleep and eat at the gateway of Wine Country, go do the CANGO at Flamingo Resort.
Read transcripts and descriptive text for this overview video.
One of the things I like about the Flamingo Resort is that it has a funky, retro-style that preserves its historic roots. Lovie and I stayed in a lovely Poolside Patio Suite ($150/night). It was tastefully decorated and had a nice flow to the layout. [Note: They are planning a major remodel and it is my hope that they can modernize it without losing its historical 1960 charm.]
Another thing I like about the Flamingo is that it is easy to access and locate; it is close to a number of familiar mainstream chain stores not out in the boonies, making it easy to find anything you might want or restock what you may have forgotten to pack. It felt like staying in a condo or timeshare with ample room since there was a living room, bedroom, and separate vanity and bathroom. Another reason it felt like staying in a condo is its laid back atmosphere by staff and other guests towards each other and visiting pets. We actually felt like part of the community; perhaps because many locals frequent the Resort to use the pool and Jacuzzi (by Montecito gym members) and attend musical events in The Lounge.
There was ample natural lighting with a full glass door that opened to the patio and pool area, and a window in the bedroom. The room also offered multiple artificial light sources with plugs and USB outlets (a very modern addition to the otherwise retro style). The furniture was comfortable and adequate for multiple people and pets.
Read Voice Over Transcripts and Descriptive Text for Quality of Service Video
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
The comfort level in terms of pet-friendliness is excellent. We felt extremely welcomed by the staff and even benefited from some insider tips by our helpful server at the Terrace Grill, Shannon with the “apparatus” arm tattoo, and enjoyed some playful tug-of-war with the check-in staff, Austin, after he presented us with the pet gift bag put together by our host, Robert. The gift bag included a toy, water bowl, and doody bags in a well-branded pink Flamingo tote bag. The gift bag is included in the $50 one time per stay pet fee that covers cleaning as well. I brought proof of vaccination but was not asked for it, but something to keep on-hand as many hotels do require proof of rabies vaccination. I heard mixed things about leaving a pet in the room unattended and size restrictions. My understanding is that as long as your pet is not disturbing other guests and is not massive in size, it is all good.
The level of overall service from both the front desk and wait staff was excellent as well. I did not have a chance to dine inside so I can only speak to the contrast in service between inside and outside. When we locked ourselves out, the front desk resolved the matter quickly and completely. (They also explained that if you deadbolt the door and exit out a different door, you may see flashing red-green lights- oops. I was able to educate another guest after my experience).
Read the voice over transcripts and descriptive text for the pet friendliness video.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
Parking is very easy, with ample free parking in shared lots by the rooms and in the front by the lobby and conference area.
The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly for the most part, the resort is basically located in “downtown” Santa Rosa with all the conveniences of home and familiar chain stores that are easy to access by foot or by car. I say “for the most part” because there is a fair amount of traffic given that the hotel is located right off of a busy thoroughfare, Farmers Lane and fairly close to Highway 12, so you would definitely want to keep your pet leashed at all times. It is safe and comfortable to walk around with a pet around the resort area though, on-lead of course but more as a policy than for safety measures.
It is extremely easy to dispose of waste with designated grassy area “relief stations” located in the overnight parking areas throughout the property that are equipped with fully-stocked doody-bag dispensers. The stations provide the opportunity to let your dog “go” before getting into your car to go on an outing, going to your room or enjoying time in the landscaped pool or outside dining areas- which we took full advantage of without any glares from staff or other guests. They also have trash and recycling bins conveniently located in the outside pool area.
We visited a number of nearby pet-friendly activity venues (parks) including: Robert’s Lake located 8 miles south in neighboring Rohnert Park, Riverfront Regional Park located 15 miles north in Healdsburg (recommended by our friendly and helpful Terrace Room brunch server, Shannon), Rincon Valley Community Park located 3 miles away in Santa Rosa, and A Place to Play also in Santa Rosa just over 5 miles away from the hotel.
I found two nearby 24/7 emergency vets: Redwood Veterinary Clinic located just over 3 miles away on Santa Rosa Ave in Santa Rosa and VCA PetCare East Veterinary Hospital located just under 3 miles away on Mendocino Ave in Santa Rosa.
*[Please note: We provide the veterinary locations as a reference and resource, not a referral or endorsement].
