Best Hotels in Carmel
La Playa Carmel
Carmel is one of my favorite places to visit along the Pacific Coastline for a weekend trip or longer. It has an English village vibe to it with loads of quirky art galleries, delicious restaurants, and white sand beaches to explore. It also has a great selection of luxurious and comfortable hotels to choose from!
Here are some of the best hotels in Carmel:
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La Playa Carmel
La Playa Carmel, originally built as an early 1920’s mansion and nicknamed the "Grand Dame of Carmel," has been impressing visitors and locals alike with its beautiful views, upscale Mediterranean style buildings, and amazing location near the beach.
Amongst the 75 rooms, there is a wide variety of styles ranging from ocean views to poolside casitas and garden patio views. You really can’t go wrong with any of the rooms which are all comfortably outfitted with high thread count sheets, nice mattresses, reliable soundproofing, and a nice light color theme.
One of the highlights of the property is the gorgeous pool surrounded by lush gardens. There are also complimentary shuttles to many nearby attractions.
You can also walk to downtown Carmel from the hotel to do some art gallery browsing or sample some of the delicious cuisines in town.
If you have a car or an e-bike you can check out the fabulous 17 Mile Drive or the astounding Point Lobos Natural Reserve.
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L'Auberge Carmel
We love the European-inspired architecture at L’Auberge Carmel which made us feel like we were thousands of miles away in some French village.
Even though the hotel is smack right in the middle of Carmel, it will feel like a secret hideaway due to its intimate surroundings.
The rooms have recently been renovated as well, so you’ll be quite comfortable here!
In addition, one of the highlights here is the award-winning Aubergine restaurant, which serves a daily dinner tasting menu.
It’s one of our splurge-worthy restaurants to try when visiting Carmel!
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Hofsas House Hotel
The Hofsas Hotel has been owned and operated by the same family since it opened in the 1940s. It was designed to have a Bavarian look and feel and has adorable hand-painted murals all over the property.
The rooms are quite large and comfortable. Ours had a fireplace and deck that had views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a wonderfully heated pool for those cold Carmel days! They also allow pets if you’re traveling with your furry friend!
For a personal touch, a bottle of wine and local cheese with crackers is included in each room.
The owner, Carrie Theis, is a big supporter of local art and when we were there local artist Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham was in the process of painting custom murals and headboards all over the property. You might recognize Marie-Clare’s famous Carmel Clamshell of Instagram fame!
Cypress Inn
Doris Day, a famous lover of anything canine and co-owner of Cypress Inn, wanted to have a place for travelers to bring along their pets. So along with having lovely Spanish colonial architecture, you can enjoy it with your furry pal!
There are 44 beautiful suites here but only one has a veranda with an ocean view.
Make sure to grab a bite at their great breakfast selection in the mornings and stop by Terry’s for a nightcap.
The Vagabond's House Boutique Inn
Looking like something straight out of the English countryside, this lovely bed and breakfast has a quaint Hansel & Gretel vibe with a modern twist. It was originally built in the 1920s for artists and writers traveling through the area and became one of the most charming inns in Carmel since then. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and have a nice balance between modern and rustic. We really love the heated tile floors of the bathrooms!
The Vagabond House is also one of the few inns to offer breakfast in bed delivered to your door every morning.
The Hideaway
Located on a quiet street, The Hideaway is a peaceful haven for those seeking stylish comfort in the middle of Carmel. The sleek rooms surround a courtyard lounge area that has a communal fire pit that is great for mornings and late-night hangouts. The exterior walls are lined with stones from the Carmel River, leading to a rustic vibe. All the rooms have plush beds and if you like pick one with a fireplace and a sitting area. We definitely loved the bathrooms that are filled with colorful Moroccan tiles.
Be sure to grab a loaner bike to explore Carmel and the beach!
The Getaway
Another dog-friendly hotel, the Getaway is a recently renovated hotel that made its debut in 2018. The rooms are well-appointed with Denver Mattress Co beds, a fireplace, and bright cheery bathrooms.
There is a lovely fire pit area and outdoor terrace to enjoy your daily breakfast on.
Hotel Carmel
Located right in the center of Carmel, this modern Hotel Carmel is a great place for exploring the city or relaxing by the fire pits all day. Breakfast is served with all the bagels you’d like along with free wine in the afternoons.