Lazy Dog Inn

Hotels and pets don’t often mix. There is usually an expensive cleanup fee and most lodging refuses to accommodate our furry friends. We’re stuck leaving our besties back at home, with begrudging family or friends keeping an eye on them — or, worse, boarding them in a kennel. We feel guilty that they cannot spend our valuable time off in their company or share priceless memories because of these limitations.
Enter the Lazy Dog Inn. For the past ten years, its proprietors, Steve and Lauren, have offered a unique twist to the traditional B&B: you can still have your getaway, but make it dog-​centric. This establishment adores dogs so much that they charge a fee if you stay without one. Dog haters need not apply.
A small, but stately, home resides at 201 White Mountain Highway in Chocorua. From the moment you enter, you can’t help but notice the meticulous attention devoted to dogs — from the mutt mugs to the puppy placemats. Every detail of this themed home is devoutly focused as a vacation spot for, well, Spot.
The first floor features a comfortable living room (dogs are allowed on the furniture), the dining area (dogs are welcome anytime except during breakfast), a communal kitchen, a screened-​in porch, and a gateway to the backyard (home to the Doggie Play Area, Doggie «Lodge,» and lots of grass for roaming).
We stayed on the third floor, accessible via two flights of stairs, in the Fetch me a Quilt Room. These cramped quarters hold a full bed, nestled beneath a low ceiling, angular roof with a spring-​coiled mattress that easily pre-​dates the Lazy Dog Inn (2004) with its noisy springs and uncomfortable lack of ergonomic support. The room’s stagnant air remained stuffy until we constantly ran the air conditioner — our only saving grace even after cracking a few ancient windows, one of which caught my hand as it descended down rapidly. The most glaring omission? No doggie bed. So much for letting sleeping dogs lie.
For an establishment that boasts an experience conducive to dogs, the lack of any canine creature comforts was unacceptable. The only doggie bed in the entire home was in the living room, more decorative than utilitarian. To be clear, dogs are allowed to spend the night in the room — the only (understandable) exception is that they cannot be left alone. That said, we had to check out the aforementioned Doggie Lodge where daycare would be provided.
This so-​called «Lodge» was nothing more than dog runs — fenced in cages that weren’t quite Guantanamo, but left too much to be desired. Its bare, gray walls and rough floors felt more like a warehouse than the barn it inhabits. The only personalization was a cheap chalkboard bearing our dog’s name. We didn’t have the heart to leave her amongst the cacophony of barking dogs longing for sweet release. And, with no supervision, there was absolutely no way this shamefully misrepresented prison would be suitable for a member of the family. Throw me a bone here!
Our fellow human inhabitants followed their own routines and we rarely crossed paths, except with a few quirky regulars who have made the Lazy Dog Inn their choice destination. Perhaps this was due in part to the delectable breakfasts prepared by Steve. Each morning, we began with a refreshing fruit cup, followed by a beautifully adorned plate of hearty, wholesome cuisine. From the fluffy scrambled eggs, silver dollar Canadian bacon, breakfast potatoes, and moist banana muffin, I was floored by the quality and care that went into producing our first meal of the day. The breakfasts that followed included tangy and tart lemon ricotta waffles, as well as sweet and crunchy cinnamon raisin french toast with real maple syrup.
The Lazy Dog Inn is in desperate need of a modern renovation. The shared bathrooms feature old fashioned fixtures and a narrow shower stream. The rooms cry out for new mattresses and box springs, recessed lighting, and central air conditioning (most of which are featured in refurbished motel rooms). The Doggie Lodge should live up to its name and offer supervision, providing owners parting with their pets for the day some peace of mind — not to mention a better floor, doggie beds, and some modicum of comfort.
Steve and Lauren have crafted a vacation experience inclusive of dogs (and, somehow, maintain a home that has no trace of a pet smell); they are knowledgeable about the area and offer helpful suggestions on outdoor activities and dining establishments. Steve’s sense of humor helps break the ice and Lauren’s sweet demeanor establishes a level of trust. Clearly, their operation is drawing dog lovers from across the Northeast and they have built a reputable brand of Bed and Breakfast that hopefully others will follow, but also vastly improve.
If these changes were implemented, I would consider returning — but, in its current state, I would recommend camping with your dog rather than locking her up for the weekend.

This is the perfect place to go with dogs! You can keep your dog in your room and when you are going somewhere like dinner they have a separate house with runs for the dogs. The innkeepers are extremely hospitable and breakfast is delicious. It is also meticulously clean.

Love this place! Lauren and Steve are great and made our first vacation with our dog Sox a great one. Accommodations are clean and comfortable for all of us. Sox made friends with Mack and enjoyed playing in the doggie yard. We will definitely be back!

I stayed here with my family and three dogs for New Years and I’m so glad we did! Steve and Lauren are wonderful hosts and as true dog lovers themselves they know how to make dog nuts like us feel at ease. I love their entire set up, from the quaint rooms to dog barn, where your dogs can rest comfortably in separate runs while you eat, shop, etc. I honestly could not think of one thing more I would have wanted for my dog’s comfort (and he is my pride and joy so usually I have a whole list!) We had two separate rooms with a shared one and a half baths for the third floor (three rooms total on the floor) and while the rooms were small they were very clean and cozy. Our priority really was the dogs on this trip, having stayed at the Red Jacket with our dog before and had a less than stellar experience. There is no evidence at all that dogs are allowed virtual free reign of the inn as it is spotless and has great dog themed decorations throughout. Breakfast both days was absolutely delicious, with fresh coffee and juice set up beforehand. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this inn and am already pushing my dog loving friends to plan a trip up there with us asap!

My husband, 5 year old basset Waldo, and I stayed at the Lazy Dog Inn for a weekend in July. It was such a fabulous experience. We have stayed in other dog-​centric B&Bs before, but Lazy Dog Inn really tops them all.
Why? Several reasons. Owners Steve and Lauren live on-​site. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Other places leave a manager in charge and you never meet the owners. Them living on-​site means that they care about what’s happening on their property and, more importantly, keep tabs on your dogs when you leave them in the kennel. Doggy daycare is provided in your stay and by daycare, I mean that Steve and Lauren will welcome your pup into their living quarters and make him or her feel right at home.
Secondly, Steve and Lauren also make an amazing breakfast from their kitchen. This isn’t ripped open from a package type of stuff. It is home cooked and really good.
Finally, they know the area. Because they live there, they know the best places to take your pup (s) and also the best places to eat or shop. They have two dogs and offer firsthand experience on any hike you’d want to do.
Please visit Lazy Dog Inn if you ever have the chance. Your pup will thank you for it.

This totally chill place totally exceeded my expectations. I’m a hotel guy, and have only stayed at one b&b before this. It was ok. Now that i’m a dog owner, travel has gotten… lets say a little trickier. Lazy Dog not only allowed me to take my dog, but made it so easy. There is an onsite building that looks like a charming barn, but is actually a self serve dog care facility! I loved hitting this place every morning to wake up and prep the dog for the day– them check him into a private run for the morning while i ate a kick-​ass breakfast.
My dog cries a bit after kenneling or crating, and i live in the city, so for me this can be stressful sometimes. Turns out at LD, this is not something i have to sweat. Kennel is setback from the house and pretty sound resistant. He was also pretty happy to be with the other pets, and chilled out in an Air conditioned pad with music– (don’t forget to bring your along your kong!) Self serve stainless dog bowls, towels, spoons, and more tools were always prepped by the owners. Comp. bins for dog stuff storage kept my hotel room less cluttered too. Rooms had tvs, and we shared a double room suite with our friends. Overall– good times. I’m going back surely enough.

A truly Dog Friendly Bed & Breakfast. The Innkeepers are wonderful, they become family, with the help of their own fury best friends helping in the wings.

The Lazy Dog is as good as it gets. Great rooms, great food, and you couldn’t find nicer people than Steve and Lauren.
Even if you don’t have pets, I’d still recommend staying at the Lazy Dog! It’s centrally located between a bunch of out door activities, easily accessible from Boston, but still feels like it’s off the beaten path.