Where to stay … 

Hotel: Hotel Diva

440 Geary St. (at Mason), 415-885-0200 or 800-553-1900, www.hoteldiva.com   

The vibe: Sexy, chic, boutique    

Pet perks: The “Dogs are Divas” package is available at all four of Personality Hotels’ properties (Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square, Hotel Metropolis and Kensington Park Hotel). It includes deluxe overnight accommodations; a super-soft sheep skin throw rug for a luxurious night’s sleep; a personalized "Sexy Diva" dog tag; a Petco amenity box filled with a red paw print bandana, dog biscuits, treats and two flavors of dog food; a complimentary one-hour VIP dog walking tour highlighting the city's best parks and most popular fire hydrants (available Monday through Friday noon to1 p.m.); VOSS water; and designer dog bowls.   

Where to dine: Pickings are slim for doggie friendly dining in the theater district, but you can order in from Colibri Mexican Bistro, which is adjacent to the hotel. Jazzy and I opted to share a big roast turkey sandwich from Lefty O’Doul’s across the street (she’s not big on Mexican).

   

What to know: Only one dog per room allowed, 40 lbs. maximum (they made an exception for Jasmine). No cats allowed.

   

Jasmine and I felt instantly welcome when we walked across the “Sidewalk of Fame” in front of the hotel where guest dogs have left their paw prints, as well as by the friendly Diva staff. They all cooed over her beauty (which she loved), and she was intrigued by the shimmering stainless steel and cool blue light in the lobby. Getting her in the elevator was another story – this was her first hotel stay, and she had never seen one before. After several minutes of gentle coaxing from me, the staff and patient guests, we headed to our room. The cobalt blue is carried through to the carpet, as is the stainless steel in sleek 50s’-inspired furniture, and a headboard that climbs the wall behind the bed. I spread Jazzy’s favorite blanket from home at the end of the bed, and she went to work on the dog biscuits from her Petco swag box. One thing about pit bulls – they snore. Jasmine snores louder than any of my ex-boyfriends. The bed was king-sized, but I still woke up squished in one small corner with Jazz sprawled diagonally, on her back, snoring away.

Hotel: Four Seasons San Francisco
757 Market St. (at Stevenson), 415-633-3000, www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco

The vibe: Hidden heart-of-the-city luxury

Pet perks: Dogs receive bowls, a matt, Evian water, a stuffed toy by Booda, and biscuits.

Where to dine: The hotel restaurant, Seasons, helmed by Executive Chef Jeremy Emmerson, has always been quite good. This month it is changing to “Seasons Steak & Seafood,” but because Emmerson is still in charge, they’re in good hands. The seasonal menu will include a surf ‘n’ turf tasting menu, top quality meat and fresh seafood. No dogs allowed, of course, but the kitchen will gladly send your dog something from the pooch menu while you dine at the restaurant.

What to know: The kitchen has a special menu just for your pooch that they will be happy to deliver to your room under a shiny silver dome. Select from “The Barnyard Chase” (grilled chicken, rice and corn niblets), “It’s a Dog’s Life” (scrambled eggs and Niman Ranch ground beef) and “The Lassie Come Home Special” (beef tenderloin with rice).

It turns out Jazzy loves kids – she never jumps up and she’s very gentle; in the Four Seasons lobby when a toddler wandered up, she laid down to be more at her level. The little girl giggled with delight, gave Jazz a kiss on the ear and wrapped her arms around her neck. I thought the kid’s parents were going to have a heart attack (“That’s a pit bull,” I heard the woman say to her husband), but it was quickly apparent what a sweetheart Jazzy is and they ended up petting her right along with their daughter. Several sloppy kisses later, we all got on the elevator together. After several stays, Jazz was a pro at elevators. Tonight’s challenge: the view from the 14th floor. She had never been up this high or had such a great view – our room gazed downtown and onto Market Street. It was a rainy night, and when Jazzy got up in the window seat, she started barking at all the “miniature” people popping open their umbrellas. At first she barked, but after I sat with her awhile, she found it more a source of fascination than angst. She grabbed the Booda stuffed hedgehog from her swag bag and brought it to the window, where she stared down at the tiny people, hedgehog in mouth, for most of the night.

The Four Seasons is a luxury hotel in the heart of downtown, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. The rooms are elegant and the staff is gracious. The mattress was so comfortable that it ranked among the best nights’ sleep of any hotel we stayed in. I still woke up squished in a tiny corner with a snoring pit bull hogging the bed. Another thing about pit bulls – they fart. A lot. Jazzy has worse gas than any of my ex-boyfriends. My friends and I call them “pittie poots” – they’re horrific. At the Four Seasons, I didn’t need an alarm clock or a wake-up call because Jazzy’s nose was by my toes, meaning the rest of her was … well, by my nose.

 After tearing up the toys in her swag bag, the "Jazmanian Devil" turns back into a relaxed Jasmine Blue  after a massage in her room at the Hotel Vitale  

Hotel: Hotel Vitale  8 Mission St., (at Embarcadero), 415-278-3700, www.hotelvitale.com 

The vibe: Eco-chic sleek

Pet package: A “size appropriate” dog bed, bowls, a “Good Dog” towel, treats, and toys. They also have dog food on hand should you forget yours or run out. You can also order a massage for your dog in your room.

Where to dine: Unfortunately, the patio at the hotel’s restaurant, Americano, is not dog friendly nor is any of the Ferry Building Marketplace across the street, but we ordered in from Americano, where Chef Paul Arenstam continues to do some nice things with ingredients from the Ferry Building farmers market.

What to know: Vitale is extremely accommodating toward dogs, and there are no size restrictions. They do ask that you not leave dogs unattended in the room.

By the time we got to Vitale, Jazz was a pro at elevators and being up high. In fact, when we entered our room, she sniffed out her swag bag, grabbed a toy, hopped up on the sofa, and looked out the window as if to say, “What’s my view?” Hotel Vitale is one of the most beautiful hotels in The City with breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge, water and Ferry Building. The earth tones and natural elements (such as smooth stones under the glass of the beside table) add to the already relaxed feel. Pamper yourself silly in the private soaking tubs in the penthouse-level secret garden overlooking that stunning view, or take in a complimentary yoga and stretching class in the morning. Vitale is all about the well-being of you and your pet – you can even order in-room massage for four-legged travelers (including cats, though rumor is they don’t appreciate it quite as much as dogs). When we arrived, Jasmine and I received a packet that included a list of dog friendly parks and beaches as well as dog friendly restaurants and cafés around San Francisco, and the concierge was also knowledgeable. Jazz and I took in the sunset before settling in for the night. As usual, she tore the complimentary toys to bits in seconds (I get the feeling these hotels are used to smaller dogs with smaller teeth), and as usual, I wound up squished in a tiny corner of the bed with Jasmine on her back, stretched out and snoring away.

 
Hotel: The W Hotel
181 3rd St. (at Howard), 415-777-5300, www.starwoodhotels.com

The vibe: Cool but comfortable luxury

Pet package: The P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program at the W is one of the most extensive we’ve found. Not only does your pet receive a swag box containing fresh-baked, hand-cut, all-natural “W” shaped biscuits and extra doggie walk bags (which was a good thing because I forgot mine), the concierge happily arranges appointments including dog sitting and walking, parks and dog runs, veterinarian services, grooming, pet boutique excursions, and birthday cakes. The W is also dedicated to animal welfare, partnering with Planet Dog Philanthropy (www.planetdogfoundation.org) to help fund programs working for the environment, animal welfare and education. The hotel also holds many dog-friendly charity events on their beautiful terrace, including one that Jazzy and I attended last fall for canine cancer research.   

Where to dine: XYZ, the hotel’s restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and they just added a new brunch menu that I’ll be checking out in the coming weeks – Chef Paul Piscopo will be making cinnamon rolls topped with currants, brown sugar caramel and walnuts; fresh doughnut holes with orange blossom honey; and a pizza of rapini, fennel sausage and fresh mozzarella topped with a fried egg (just like grandpa used to make!). Afterward you can swim it off in the indoor lap pool, and dry off in the sun with one of XYZ’s signature cocktails while kicking back in one of the semiprivate cabanas that line the roof terrace. If you want to indulge yourself a little more, head to the 5,000- square foot Bliss Spa.    

What to know: While you can’t bring your doggie to the restaurant, pool or terrace (except during special dog events), many associates are comfortable with dogs and will happily take them for a walk upon request.All 410 guest rooms feature panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline. From the 23rd floor, Jazzy and I snuggled on the sofa and watched the rain fall on the rush hour traffic below through charming white-shuttered windows. At 9 p.m., an attendant knocked on the door with fortune cookies, ice, and grooming spray for Jazz (she was more excited about the fortune cookies). Later, I decided to grab a glass of wine and take a bath, but I discovered something new about Jasmine Blue – she is obsessed with bathwater. She kept trying to drink it, and I kept trying to push her out. She finally got her front two feet in and, when I turned to set my wine glass somewhere safe, she slithered the rest of the way over the edge of the tub and plopped in the bath with me. Because she was already in, I made her endure a good scrubbing with the wonderful Bliss spa products the W provides. She was less than thrilled with the bath, and even less thrilled with the blow dryer. Windows filled the entire front of the room, and I left the curtains open so I could fall asleep to the city lights. I didn’t get to see them for very long (the custom pillow-top mattress layered with a featherbed and a down duvet, and a plethora of goose down pillows could have had something to do with that). I awoke to the soft orange glow of the sunrise, another heavenly nights’ sleep, and this time I managed to retain nearly half the bed.

 
Hotel: Hotel Palomar 12 Fourth St. (at Market), 415-348-1111, www.hotelpalomar-sf.com
   

The vibe: Artsy, sophisticated, urban sanctuary

   

Pet package: Hotel Palomar is a Kimpton property, and Kimpton was pet friendly long before it was cool. Palomar is so pet friendly, in fact, that on March 28 they were awarded the Hotel Hero “Innovation” Award presented by the Hotel Council of San Francisco for their red carpet customized care. Canine Concierge Virgil Romua, who’s own Yorkshire terrier, Cooper, often accompanies him to work, is considered the best in the business. Not only do staff members bring their own dogs to work, most are happy to watch your pet while you conduct business, or do some serious shopping at the new Westfield Centre. Reserve the “Woof for Wellness” package and your dog will receive a tin full of all-natural botanical products from Spa Dog, a tin of treats from Robbie Dawg, a toy, bowls, and a luxurious leopard print bed. You also get some “Guppy Love” – guests can bring a fish to their room (they rotate the fish, who spend most of their time in a huge aquarium behind the scenes). Kimpton’s commitment to animals goes beyond hotel amenities – staff is encouraged to volunteer for efforts including San Francisco Zoo Clean-up Day and 10 percent of all Woof for Wellness revenue is donated to the San Francisco SPCA.

Where to dine: Fifth Floor, the Palomar’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is still looking for a replacement for acclaimed chef Melissa Perello, but rumor has it they’ve interviewed some hot prospects. Considering that the chefs who preceded Perello were even more renowned (try George Morrone and Laurent Gras), I have an inkling that the Palomar will once again find someone exceptional.
   

What to know: Kimpton Hotel Group puts their biscuits where their mouth is – a staffer told me that the Palomar once hosted a small traveling circus that rented rooms for the human performers and rooms for the animals – including an alligator – so if your miniature pony needs a vacation, this is the place for you.
 

As the valet unloaded our bags (three for Jasmine, one for me) another guest, accompanied by his Yorkshire terrier, stopped to take a look inside the car. “Wow, a real dog!” he shrieked, adjusting the Yorkie’s pink cashmere poncho. “Wow,” I said back, “a snack!” He and his friends laughed, I petted his pooch (“Wow, this poncho is soft. Do they make it in extra large?”), and we all went on our merry ways. We chatted with the charming desk staff – all of them came around to tell Jazzy how gorgeous she was (which she loves), and then, well aware of the routine at this point, Jazz walked me to the elevator. Once inside the room, she checked out her view (“Is that Ross Dress for Less? Where’s the bridge and the water?”), while I quickly spread her blanket at the end of the bed. Jazzy had learned quickly that the bed was the most important thing in any room, after views and swag. The biggest thrill for me was the four-foot deep Jacuzzi soaking tub – it was too tall for Jasmine’s tongue to reach, so I was finally able to enjoy a relaxing bath.

 
Hotel: Hilton Financial District
750 Kearny St. (at Clay), 415-433-6600, www.sanfranciscohiltonhotel.com

The vibe: Modern, high-tech, home-away-from-home comfort

Pet package: “Dogs of the Bay” package includes in-room meal service, gourmet treats, chew toys, bowls, doggie walk bags, Evian water, and a cozy bed. You also receive a customized walking map so the two of you can take off and see The City. Dog sitting and walking services are also available.

Where to dine: The Hilton Financial District is smack dab in the middle of one of San Francisco’s most culturally diverse areas – bordered by Chinatown and North Beach, as long as you know how to avoid the tourist traps, you’ll find plenty of great food. If you want to dine with your dog, North Beach is your best bet because most of the outdoor cafés are dog friendly. Jasmine and I decided to share a little take-out Chinese from one of my favorite places – Utopia Café (situated in a little alley just off Grant Avenue at 139 Waverly Place), which specializes in fresh, authentic Hong Kong cuisine.

What to know: The Hilton recently completed a $45 million renovation and they’re not done yet – expect more upgrades in the coming months.

As soon as I opened the door, Jasmine bounced in the room, pounced on the stuffed red dog waiting in her swag bag, and pranced proudly around the room, butt wagging (pit bulls don’t just wag their tails, they wag their entire butts). She hopped on the bed, checked out the amazing 23rd floor view – Coit Tower, the neon lights of Broadway, the calm, dark waters of the bay – flopped on her favorite pink fleece blanket and proceeded to destroy the red stuffed dog. Moments later she passed out in front of the flat screen TV watching American Idol (who wouldn’t with that Sanjaya guy and his ponyhawk?). Even the ergonomic chair and complimentary Internet service couldn’t get me to open my laptop. Instead, I made myself a dry Kettle One martini, and gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows as The City streets went from bustling to empty. Fortunately, Jasmine’s snoring drowned out Sanjaya’s rendition of Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

The Hilton “Dogs of the Bay” experience made me realize just how great it is to book a hotel room in your own town with your best four-legged friend and play tourist. Jasmine and I took a long walk to check out sights I’d passed by a thousand times and barely noticed.