When Doris Day became a co-owner of the Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1988, she was not simply investing in a historic California hotel. The Hollywood star and lifelong animal advocate saw an opportunity to create a place where people could travel without leaving their pets behind. Built in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the hotel already had a distinctive character when Day and local businessman Dennis LeVett became its owners. One of the biggest changes under its new management would be welcoming guests’ dogs. The Cypress Inn's own history now credits Day's vision with helping transform the property into one of America's best-known pet-friendly boutique hotels. More than three decades later, the hotel continues to carry the imprint of the actress whose second act became deeply connected with animal welfare.
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