Piano playing, hotel-dog named Mayor of Groveland, 2011-12

Meet the Mayor of Groveland


Okay, so it is purely an honorary title, but this little dog, named Goose, who is now starting his second non-consecutive term as Mayor, doesn’t know the difference! In his first year out, Goose, unlike most politicians, actually got something done for the town of Groveland having taken on the fundraising activities for the new dog park. This term’s “opus” remains undefined, but somehow a perfect project always seems to fall in our path.

Mayor Goose lives at the Hotel Charlotte in downtown Groveland where he welcomes visitors from around the world with a friendly bark “hello” and performs for them nightly, playing his favorite piano pieces with the aid of a delicious treat bandied about much like a conductor might wave his baton to the orchestra.

Goose’s hotel-home is a somewhat eclectic place with dozens of antique clocks all set at unique times, parasols hung upside down from the ceiling and a philodendron plant that nearly wraps around the dining room. In addition to the bevy of wonderments, this is a hotel filled with kindness and laughter—a place where visitors know they are always #1!

Guests to Goose’s hotel might be enjoying one of the traditional rooms, cozy, but with everything you need for a quick overnight into or out of Yosemite, or perhaps one of the family suites where parents and kids each have separate rooms with the bath between. There are a few larger, more amenity rich rooms to choose from for those who enjoy a touch more than the basics. Traveling with a group? Vacation rental houses are the way to go. Just two miles from the Hotel (inside the Pine Mountain Lake resort) where seven rental condos can host up to 50 people within one block. Perfect for reunions, golf tournaments, retreats or wedding parties.

A favorite of Goose’s and many of our locals and visitors alike is the food. Ah, Victor has really put together a sumptuous menu for both lunch & dinner. Goose wishes he could enjoy “people food” more often and thinks that the signature Chicken Jerusalem could be his favorite, but would also enjoy one of the perfectly prepared steaks. Check the menu online and let us know what your favorite might be.

Along with the entertaining dog, Hotel Charlotte is a center for events in the fall/winter season from our Cabaret Charlotte (October 20 & 23) to wine dinners, murder mystery plays and more. The Hotel Charlotte truly is where folks have fun—whether enjoying one of our programs or teaming with you for a private festive event from ladies get-away pajama parties to toga parties, a speak-easy or Hawaiian luau, or how about a costumed cowboy, country BBQ?

Did I mention how close Groveland is to everything? You already know we are 24 miles from Yosemite National Park, but also just seven miles from some of the best white water river rafting in the world on the Cherry and Tuolumne rivers. From here it is just a few minutes to boat, swim, fish, hike, golf, horseback ride, hunt and even pan for gold! For those who like to blend culture with their holidays, we have our local supported Groveland Museum, are fairly close to several wonderful theaters in Sonora, and if you like to shake it up a bit, there are two casinos 30-40 minutes away.

While “Mayor” Goose thinks Yosemite is the Cat’s Meow, he really does like just hanging out in Groveland, visiting Mountain Sage (the nursery, arts center, amphitheater and visitors center). Sometimes he heads down to Rainbow Pool (our secret swimming hole) to take a quick jump off a rock or slide over the water fall, conditions permitting of course. But best of all are all the happenings around Groveland—from flea markets to tuxedoed balls, festivals and farmers markets. Many of which are pet- friendly venues, though Goose would be hard pressed to admit to being anyones pet!

Goose hopes to welcome you to Groveland and Hotel Charlotte. With our new fall-winter , Oct 30-Mar 29, rates starting at $99, there is no reason not to. Did you know that Yosemite IS most stunning in the winter with the snow-kissed granite walls? YOU own Yosemite on winter visits. With Goose’s Mayoral winter-weather guarantee, you can’t go wrong. Plan ahead or be spontaneous. Hotel Charlotte cancellations fees are waived in the event snow tire chains are required to enter the park on Highway 120 on the day before or of your visit.

We invite you to come, sleep with the Mayor. http://www.hotelcharlotte.com/ 209.962.6455