Sands Hotel and Spa
Indian Wells, California, United States · 5 Star Hotel
Sands Hotel and Spa Dog Friendly Review
Sands Hotel and Spa holds an acceptable C Roch Rank, and for owners weighing up where to take a dog on holiday that puts it in solid, dependable territory rather than the very top tier. The hotel has a sociable, welcoming character that comes through in the way dogs are allowed into the bar, the restaurant and the terrace or patio, so you are never left choosing between your dog's comfort and your own evening out. Green spaces and parks nearby give you somewhere proper to walk your dog beyond the hotel grounds, and the fact that staff share the pet policy before you book means there are no nasty surprises on arrival. Free treats, poop bags and dog toys are thoughtful extras that suggest a genuine effort has gone into thinking about what a travelling dog actually needs.
Day to day, the practicalities are handled with a reasonable amount of care. Most rooms are dog friendly, so your options at booking are not unduly narrowed, and there is no damage deposit to worry about, which takes some of the financial anxiety out of bringing a dog along. You will be charged $100 per dog for the stay, and against the backdrop of free treats, toys, poop bags and walking route guidance that fee buys a reasonably well-rounded stay rather than a bare-bones one. Dogs may be left alone in the room, which is useful if you want to head out for a meal without your dog in tow, though it is worth remembering this is a permission rather than a service, so there is nobody specifically looking in on your dog while you are away. The hotel also occasionally runs dog friendly events, which can be a nice bonus if the timing lines up with your visit.
The main restriction to plan around is the 40 lb weight limit, which rules out larger breeds outright and is worth checking carefully before you book if you have a bigger dog. There is no dedicated dog space, no garden set aside for dogs, no dog wash or shower area, and no real food or water bowls provided, so you will want to bring your own bowls and be prepared to manage cleanup after walks yourself. There is no dog-walking or dog-sitting service, no grooming, and no staff specifically trained for canine guests, so this is a hotel that welcomes dogs warmly rather than one built around pampering them. There is also no emergency vet number on hand, which owners of nervous or elderly dogs may want to sort out independently before travelling. This suits a confident owner with a smaller, easygoing dog who wants sociable communal spaces and modest extras rather than spa-level dog care, while owners of larger dogs or those wanting hands-on support services should look elsewhere.
Roch Score: 26/77. This hotel does not meet the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. This hotel has been evaluated, ranked and reviewed using the Roch Standard, the world’s first dog friendly standard for the hotel industry. We gathered data directly from the hotel and benchmarked it against thousands of other hotels to accurately and fairly derive its rank.
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This hotel was last certified on 23 September 2026.
Sands Hotel and Spa With Your Dog · Pet Policy
Is Sands Hotel and Spa dog friendly?
Sands Hotel and Spa welcomes dogs, and we have independently assessed and listed it against the Roch Dog Friendly Standard, where it holds a Rank C rating. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Standard, so it sits below our top-rated dog friendly hotels; the review above explains what a stay is actually like with a dog.
Is there a pet fee at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Yes. Sands Hotel and Spa charges a pet fee of $100 per dog, per stay. There is no additional deposit. It is always worth confirming the current pet fee when you book, as charges can change from time to time.
How many dogs can stay per room at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Up to 2 dogs are permitted per room at Sands Hotel and Spa, which makes it a practical choice for households travelling with more than one dog. It is always worth confirming the details with the hotel when you book.
Is there a weight limit for dogs at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Yes. Dogs up to 40 lb are welcome at Sands Hotel and Spa. If your dog is heavier than that, it is worth speaking to the hotel before booking to see what can be arranged.
Can I leave my dog alone in the room at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Yes. Dogs may be left unattended in the room at Sands Hotel and Spa. We would still suggest letting reception know and making sure your dog is calm and settled before you head out, so housekeeping and other guests are never caught by surprise.
Where are dogs allowed in Sands Hotel and Spa?
Dogs are welcome in several public areas at Sands Hotel and Spa, including the bar, restaurant and terrace. We would always suggest keeping your dog on a lead and settled in these shared spaces, out of courtesy to other guests.
What amenities does my dog get at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Sands Hotel and Spa provides free treats for your dog. With these laid on for you, you can travel lighter and leave some of the usual kit at home.
Is Sands Hotel and Spa pet-friendly?
Sands Hotel and Spa welcomes dogs. We hold no confirmation that it accepts cats or other animals, so check with the hotel before bringing any pet other than a dog. Our independent assessment gives it a Rank C rating.
Are pets allowed at Sands Hotel and Spa?
Yes. Sands Hotel and Spa allows dogs to stay. Dogs up to 40 lb are accepted. Tell the hotel you are travelling with your dog when you book, so they can prepare the right room for you both.
What is the pet policy at Sands Hotel and Spa?
The pet policy at Sands Hotel and Spa covers the essentials: a pet fee of $100 per dog, per stay applies, up to 2 dogs per room, a weight limit of 40 lb and dogs welcome in the bar, restaurant and terrace. There is no additional deposit. Every detail here comes from the hotel's own independently verified assessment under the Roch Dog Friendly Standard.