Clean but basic

If you can't get into another place because you have a big dog like we do or because they're full or because we just have to accept that this is how hotels are in Needles, then it's an acceptable choice. Very kind and efficient front desk woman; very clean room; working AC, fridge, micro and tv in the room; dog park across the street with grass, water, and shade; working ice machine. Otherwise, there's just so much deferred maintenance. I'm guessing that the owners are doing the best they can, but there's just so much to do that they can't keep up with it. Our room was on the small side, but again, very clean, and it had tile floors which is so important for the dog.

Jul. 02, 2023

Good spot for a stretch/run

This is Needles, and it's in the summer, so it's a miracle that there's a dog park. We're so grateful that they take care of the grass. There's shade and a picnic table, and there's a hose and a water bucket. It's right next to the Days Inn and Suites, and we stayed there because they allow big dogs and some people gave it five stars as a place to stay. (Why they thought it was five stars is beyond me, but that's a separate review.) Anyway, we went about 8 at night and again at 6 in the morning. No one was there at night, but there were three local dog owners who regularly go in the morning, and they had sweet dogs for our GSD to play with before getting back on the road. The only thing that was disappointing is that the splash pad isn't working, and that would've been great in the 110+ degree heat.

Jul. 02, 2023

Best park in 10 states

We've been on the road from California to Alabama and back, and we've been to dog parks every day with our GSD, Lucy Rose. (In fact, one day we visited three parks in three states; GSDs need a lot of exercise, and she's a one year old.) This park is the absolute best one. It's so well thought out:
-beautiful grass and trees;
-big concrete pad with buckets, pools, and a hose;
-benches in the shade;
-rocks filling in where water drains so that it prevents mud holes;
-separate sides for small and large dogs;
-in addition to the double gate that most parks have, there is also another fence barrier which is really smart because it cuts down on the greeting committee thing that happens when a new dog comes in and the other dogs want to run over and surround the new one; this is great because it gives you time to get the leash off and lets your dog acclimate in case they're a bit timid until they get the lay of the land;
-nice walking path around it on the inside;
-nice people who come regularly (we talked to everyone in the evening and when we came back again in the morning before we left town);
-close, easy parking.

We're looking for a place to retire in the south, and yes, dog parks are important. Montgomery is definitely in our top three places thanks to this park and the Garden District neighborhood.

Jul. 01, 2023

Pretty but impractical

We're traveling cross country, so we're visiting dog parks every day. We never would've stopped here if we'd known two things:
1) The parking is about 1/4 mile or so from the dog park. If it's a lovely day, that's fine, but if it's hot and humid, you've got to get your dog and yourself across the concrete walkway, through the tunnel that goes under the road, and finally to the park. And there nothing posted with directions, so it's weird to park without any dog park in sight. Our other concern would be that if your dog gets hurt, you've got to get them to the car. Good luck carrying a 60-lb German Shepherd (ours is a year old female) all the way back. If you have a dog bigger than ours and you're by yourself, you're stuck there.
2) They do have water, but the concrete pad is small, and we didn't realize that there's a large mud hole next to it. Some other dogs must have dug the puddle into a small pond. Well, our dog found it quickly. She was so dirty that she looked more like a black GSD than a black and tan one. Fortunately, we travel with towels, and there's a pet store only five minutes down the road where we could walk her. She was filthy.

However, there's lots of shade in the park, there are benches, and there's enough room to chase a ball. There's also a creek that runs nearby and another owner said that she lets her dog play in it. The water looked clear (unlike the mud puddle in the park.) Our dog had a great time there with a couple of other dogs who also came in the evening of this very hot day on June 27, 2023.

Jul. 01, 2023