Hmm, let’s see: the confines of the kennel, or sun and fun on the Vineyard? Fortunately for Fido, more and more inns, hotels, and B&Bs on the Island are accepting four-legged guests. Policies differ (and change), so always call ahead.
The Mansion House on Main Street in Vineyard Haven recently added eight ground-floor rooms that are all pet friendly. Rooms have double beds (and dog beds), balconies, and hardwood floors. Fee: $50 per pet per stay. Info: 508-693-2200; mvmansionhouse.com.
Last summer The Harbor View Hotel and the Kelley House (both in Edgartown) debuted their Vineyard VIP (Very Important Pup) policy. Right across the street from the historic Harbor View is a path to the Edgartown Lighthouse and a small dog-friendly beach. Fee: $50 per night, per dog, up to two dogs of any size; pet amenity pack extra. Info: 508-627-7000 or visit harbor-view.com for more information.
The M.V. Surfside Hotel in Oak Bluffs has always been a pet-friendly (cats, too) establishment. They will even call in a local pet lover who can be hired to sit in your room with your dog. The town beach, just steps away, is off limits to dogs during the day, but open to all before 8 am, after 5 pm, and anytime in the off season. Scenic Ocean Park, a popular spot for dog romps, is close by. Fee: $10 to $15 per night. Info: 508-693-2500; mvsurfside.com.
While the hotel at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama does not cater to dog owners, at least a dozen of their 80 private townhouses are pet-friendly and dogs are allowed in certain areas on the expansive grounds. Dogs are not allowed on South Beach at any time, from Memorial Day to Labor Day except for a small area by Norton Point. Instead, pet owners can enjoy a walk on the adjacent bike path. Fee: $99/week. Info: 508-310-1733; winnetu.com.
The Vineyard Vacation Homes compound in Edgartown is a mini resort made up of four houses on two shared acres of land. All are pet friendly (cats welcome) with strict rules regarding pet hair on upholstery and picking up dog waste. There are dog-friendly wooded trails behind the property. Fee: $22/night ($100 max); waived for stays of over a week; $150 returnable deposit required. Info: 508-299-3291; vineyardvacationhomes.com.
All of the Island Inn’s self-contained suites on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs are pet-friendly. There’s plenty of space for dogs to romp; the bike path out front extends along the ocean to a public beach within easy walking distance (beach open to dogs during limited early morning and evening hours in-season). Fee: $0. Info: 508-693-2022; islandinn.com
More than half of the accommodations at The Beach Plum Inn and its neighboring sister the Menemsha Inn in Chilmark are dog-friendly. Between the two inns there’s plenty of open and wooded ground for leashed dogs to cover; one of the many trails leads to the dog friendly Menemsha Beach. Info: 508-645-9454; beachpluminn.com.
Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites (formerly the Colonial Inn) in downtown Edgartown has two dog friendly suites. Fee: $0. Info: 508-627-4711; vineyardsquarehotel.com.
Other hotel options
Hob Knob Eco-Boutique Hotel, Edgartown. 508-627-9510; hobknob.com.
Victorian Inn, Edgartown. One pet-friendly room available in the shoulder seasons. No additional charge. 508-627-4784; thevic.com.
Dog friendly B&Bs
Brady’s NESW, Oak Bluffs. Three rooms, all dog-friendly. Open year-round, no extra fee. 508-693-9137; sonsol.com/bradys/
Tivoli Inn, Oak Bluffs. Six rooms, all dog-friendly. Year-round. $10 pet fee per night. 508-693-7928; tivoliinn.com.
Kathleen’s Cottages, Oak Bluffs. May to October. Four rooms, all dog-friendly. $25 pet fee per night. 508-863-2734; kkonmv.com.
SummerStone, Vineyard Haven. Three rooms, all pet-friendly. Fenced-in yard, no extra fee. 508-696-3963.
