Escape to Carmel Valley’s wine country with a stay among the vineyards at Mediterranean-inspired Bernardus Lodge. Its 57 rooms include fireplaces, a complimentary “wine grotto” mini bar, free Wi-Fi, oversized tubs, and garden or mountain views. If you’re not content lounging on your private balcony, relax by the heated pool. Although the lodge is a popular romantic getaway, it’s also a good choice for families who want high-end amenities and stellar service. On-site restaurants include Wickets (bistro-style dishes like salads, sandwiches and hearty meat plates) and Marinus (California cuisine featuring local organic produce, seafood and artisan-farmed meats). The Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers a variety of services, from marine-inspired treatments to vinotherapy. Complete your stay with a wine tasting at the Bernardus Winery, 2 miles from the lodge.
Carmel’s best hotels range from sweet little bed and breakfasts to full-service, award-winning hotels and resorts. Many of the quaint and cozy B&Bs with ocean views can be found in Carmel-by-the-Sea—conveniently located in the village near a wealth of shopping and restaurant options. One of the benefits of staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the ability to walk from place to place without having to drive unless you’re taking a trip to the Mission or Carmel Valley. But getting off the beaten path has its benefits, and setting up at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley or one of the hotels in the Carmel Highlands will allow an away-from-it-all feeling and unparalleled views. Budget lodging is possible here, but in only a handful of properties. Many of Carmel’s best hotels have two-night minimums on the weekend.
The Tradewinds at Carmel
Neighborhood: Carmel-by-the-Sea Price Range: ExpensiveFor a little bit of Asia among Carmel’s Mediterranean-style villas and Tudor-influenced cottages, check into the romantic Tradewinds. This luxurious retreat has 28 rooms and suites decorated in a blend of Asian and tropical design—many with fireplaces and ocean views (best views are from the second level of the hotel). Complimentary Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast buffet (with pastries, breads, yogurt, fruit, coffee and juice) are included. The tranquil courtyard garden features a fountain, ponds and circular seating around a fire pit for those cool Carmel nights. In-room spa treatments and private yoga sessions are available for an additional charge. The Tradewinds is ideal for couples or travelers looking for quiet relaxation; while children are accepted, families searching for active entertainment should look elsewhere.
L'Auberge Carmel
Neighborhood: Carmel-by-the-Sea Price Range: ExpensiveL'Auberge Carmel opened in 2004 in the completely remodeled former Sundial Lodge, a wood-frame and stucco building built in 1929 that seems to have been plucked from an alpine forest village and dropped in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The three-story hotel’s 20 guest rooms, decorated in stylish dark-wood furniture with brown and taupe fabrics, feature luxuries like down bedding and radiant-heated floors. Rooms on the upper floors offer a peek of Carmel Bay. Amenities include both complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, with room service available from its award-winning Aubergine—an intimate 12-table restaurant serving market-driven California cuisine prepared with French finesse (which might mean a fava-bean risotto with porcini mushrooms or foie gras with plums and almonds). In-room massages and wraps are available for an additional charge. L’Auberge is no place for toddlers; it’s best for couples seeking an upscale, romantic retreat.
Mission Ranch HotelThe Mission Ranch Resort
Neighborhood: Carmel Price Range: ModerateGet a taste of the countryside with a visit to the Mission Ranch Hotel. Rescued from developers by actor/director and former Carmel mayor Clint Eastwood, this 22-acre, 19th century dairy ranch now offers 31 rooms in a variety of white farm buildings trimmed in forest green. Some offer ocean views, some have fireplaces, some whirlpool tubs, and some private patios. Vines cover the intimate honeymoon cottage. Complimentary continental breakfast is included (see Restaurants for more information). A fitness center and tennis courts are available for guests. Wi-Fi is only available in the hotel’s conference room—when it’s not reserved for meetings, guests can use the room and the Wi-Fi connection for no charge.
Carmel River Inn
Neighborhood: Carmel Price Range: BudgetJust a mile from Carmel-by-the-Sea (and only a 5-minute walk from the Carmel Mission), the Carmel River Inn’s rooms and country-style cottages with English gardens are set on 10 acres of garden and forest. The most popular rooms here are the 20 cottages scattered on the grounds (named after historical California figures), or pick one of the 19 rooms in the main inn, many of which are less expensive than the cottages. Some of the cottages are pet-friendly, with an additional fee, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests. An outdoor swimming pool is available, right next to the main inn building.
Carmel Oaks Inn & SuitesCarmel Oaks Inn & Suites
Neighborhood: Carmel-by-the-Sea Price Range: BudgetRight in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Carmel Oaks Inn & Suites is an easy option for families or business travelers on a budget. The two-story, 18-room, shingled motel-style inn’s accommodations vary from standard queens downstairs to upstairs suites with fireplaces or balconies. A breakfast basket with cereal, fruit, pastries and orange juice is delivered each morning to your room, and Wi-Fi is complimentary for guests. The inn is walking distance to the restaurants and shops of Carmel-by-the Sea, but off the main drag, so it’s also nice to relax on the outdoor patio during your free time.
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Carmel Crystal Bay InnCarmel Crystal Bay Inn
Neighborhood: Carmel Price Range: BudgetRight on the edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Carmel Crystal Bay Inn offers convenient access to the village. The motel-style inn’s 16 rooms, some of which include fireplaces and kitchenettes, were renovated in 2008 and decorated in a floral, Old-World style. Rooms here are also dog friendly, for an extra fee. The complimentary continental breakfast includes quiche, as well as pastries and granola. Wi-Fi is also complimentary. In-room spa services are available for an additional charge. Start your day surrounded by the inn’s sweet garden, and discover your own Carmel.
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Carmel Village Inn
Neighborhood: Carmel-by-the-Sea Price Range: BudgetConveniently located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, directly across from Carmel Plaza and Devendorf Park, the flower-draped Carmel Village Inn allows easy walking access to the seaside village. The 34 rooms in this two-story motel are decorated differently—some floral, others in earth tones—and include complimentary Wi-Fi and a free continental breakfast buffet. Some rooms have fireplaces and wet or dry bar with microwave. Free limited off-street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests, which saves a lot of time moving your car from two-hour spot to two-hour spot on the street.
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