Schmap Monterey and Carmel Where to Stay

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Monterey and Carmel - Where to Stay
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Monterey and Carmel Home
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The Monterey Bay area has a 230-year history of hosting guests. Indeed, it is possible to stay in adobe colonial inns almost that old. Today, Monterey and the other communities of the Central Coast host visitors from around the world, drawn to the area by its beauty, seclusion, or the conferences that are an increasing stock in trade of Monterey hotels. The choices of where to stay range from well-appointed chain hotels on the Monterey waterfront to cozy Victorian bed-and-breakfasts in Pacific Grove.

Monterey

Stay near the water or not? A quaint period hotel or something modern? Those are the two questions to ask when looking for lodging in Monterey proper. For those who can afford it, the increasing number of large, new, waterfront-area hotels is the obvious choice. Many of these are chain hotels on the order of the Best Western, the Marriot, and the Hyatt Regency. Of these, the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa (pricey at $200-$300 a night), flaunts what is arguably the best location, right on Cannery Row. The Spindrift Inn, a renovated hotel from the 1920s, features a more modest 42 rooms (still a lot for a hotel its age), but offers a romantic Cannery Row alternative. The Doubletree Hotel Monterey, near Fisherman's Wharf, is another popular hostelry of more recent vintage. The Merritt House Inn, an historic adobe building from the 1830s, sits back a bit from Cannery Row. It is an elegant reminder of the area's Spanish history.

Pacific Grove, Monterey

Bed and Breakfasts are Pacific Grove's specialty. The high-toned Gatehouse Inn (a John Steinbeck favorite), the prim Gosby House Inn, the Green Gables, and the Seven Gables are some of the stateliest. In each, you will feel as if you've slipped back into the 19th century. Which is, of course, exactly what their proprietors want.

Modern hotels have made a beachhead in Pacific Grove, however. Best Western runs the Lighthouse Lodge, and there is a Days Inn and a Quality Inn, as well. Those attracted by the quiet dunes of the Asilomar shore can stay at the Asilomar Conference Center, but be advised that there are no phones and no televisions in the rooms.

Carmel Area

The famous, the infamous, and the obscure have been coming to Carmel for more than 100 years in search of a little peace, quiet and privacy. And, no matter how many of them come, it always seems that there are rooms for them all; Carmel has somehow stuffed into its scenic, manicured surroundings more accommodations than at first seems possible.

The stars of Carmel's hotels have always been its beautifully situated resorts: the Highlands Inn , the Bernardus Lodge, and further out, the Los Laureles Lodge. Among them, these hotels provide every possible shading of hushed and understated luxury. Once pampered by these resorts, guests return year after year to escape the frenzy of a world apart from these laps of luxury.

Another popular way to squeeze the most romance out of lovely Carmel is to choose from one of its bed and breakfast inns. These inns provide a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere from which to roam about the natural settings throughout the area. While the posh resorts cater to every imaginable amenity, these cozy accommodations owned and operated by locals woo their guests through tranquil surroundings, casual atmosphere, and the owner's insiders' knowledge of the local legends, lore and nearby attractions. The Carriage House Inn, the Sandpiper Inn, Stonehouse Inn (The), Cobblestone Inn and the Carmel Fireplace Inn are but a few in and around Carmel proper.

Somewhere in between the luxury resort and the B&Bs, are the more conventional hotels such as the Chateau de Carmel, Dolphin Inn (with Colonial-styling and located in the center of town) and the Carmel Sands Lodge (within a short walk to the beach, galleries and restaurants). These hotels offer charm, location and convenience while being a bit more manageable money wise than many of the luxury resorts.

The Colonial Terracce Inn and the Pine Inn are two of Carmel's traditional vintage non-resort hotels, and are perfect choices for those hoping to taste a bit of Carmel's historic past.

The Tickle Pink Inn, a AAA 4-Diamond in Carmel Valley with its charmingly whimsical name and complimentary pink terry robes, has what is without question, the best name of any hotel on the Monterey Peninsula.

No matter which type of accommodations best suit the visitors' needs while visiting Carmel, there are many options. As they have for more than 200 years to date, the hotels of Carmel provide genteel hospitality--welcoming all whether your plans include being pampered at a ritzy resort, being indulged as family at a locally flavored bed-and-breakfast inn, or while being provided the best of both worlds at one of the accommodating full-service hotels.

Pebble Beach

Do you have $2,075 to spend for a night in a hotel? No? Well, how about $330? That's the very least you will pay for a room at the Inn at Spanish Bay (The), a sumptuous 270-room resort on the fabled Seventeen Mile Drive. And, you will have spent your money wisely if you like a four-poster bed, a marble bath and a fireplace in your room, to say nothing of the breathtaking ocean view many of the rooms feature. The spa here is complete, but the hotel, naturally, is a favorite of the power golfers who appreciate the preferred tee-times their room key guarantees them. The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a holdover from an earlier, more graceful era. The 1919 lodge pampers its guests and assumes they're golf nuts: the hotel, which looks out over the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach links, is graced throughout with golf-themed decorations and memorabilia. Rooms here top out at $1,810, by the way.

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Bernardus Lodge

The art of living

415 Carmel Valley Road
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93924
United States
+1 888 648 9463

For those who enjoy the art of living, this lodge situated in the Bernardus Winery, is the place to be. You can stroll through French doors onto your own private deck overlooking the valley and then sleep next to a stone fireplace. You can play bocci ball or croquet outside, or you can swim in a heated pool. At the restaurant, dine on epicurean cuisine and wine country-style. The lobby is an ocean of polished wood, and the patios and gardens outside are incredible.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Carmel

Monterey and Carmel
United States
Carmel takes quality-of-life matters very seriously, which is why you will see no neon signs, telephone poles or street numbers on houses. Affluent Carmel preserves its idyllic gracefulness with a stern propriety one might associate with Martha's Vineyard. In spite, or perhaps because of this, the town, known far and wide for exclusive gift shops, award-winning restaurants and secluded resorts, has been a popular destination for more than a century. That the city fathers remain so adamantly opposed to the intrusions of the late 20th century (to say nothing of the 21st) has inevitably brought them into conflict with development-minded area businessmen. It was just this that swept Mayor Clint Eastwood into office. Mr. Eastwood has served his term and stepped away from Carmel politics, although he remains a Carmel resident.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Chateau de Carmel

Relaxing and affordable At the corner of Junipero and Fifth Avenues
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93921
United States
+1 831 624 1900 This basic, affordable inn is both comfortable and within walking distance of everything in Carmel. You can relax in the elegantly decorated lobby (by the fireplace, of course) or lounge out on the sun deck by the heated pool. The rooms are airy and colorful; decorated with huge comforters, drapes in lively colors, and an all-around charm that will satisfy anyone. This is a quiet, relaxing and inviting place, suitable for romance or business.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Highlands Inn

The gateway to Big Sur 120 Highland Drive
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93923
United States
+1 831 620 1234 Built in 1916, this hotel is situated in a pine forest at the gateway to Big Sur and has hosted many celebrities, including John Travolta, Tony Bennett and Oprah Winfrey. The rooms are top-notch, with subdued lighting and breathtaking views of the ocean. Especially gorgeous is the view from the restaurant, where you can listen to jazz while gazing out over the waves below. Upon entering the atrium-style lobby with its polished wooden columns and dark blue glass, you will be at home away from home.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Inn at Spanish Bay

First class all the way around 2700 17-Mile Dr
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93953
United States
+1 800 654 9300 / +1 831 647 7500 Consistently voted a top mainland resort, this deluxe hotel surrounded by pine trees, is one of three resorts at Pebble Beach. Guest rooms overlook the forest and the golf course, and are loaded with top-notch furniture, art and fireplaces. The balconies and patios also make great places to take in the ocean air or watch the golfers below. This is a truly world-class resort that continues to win numerous awards.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Lodge at Pebble Beach

None better 1700 17-Mile Dr
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93953
United States
+1 800 654 9300 / +1 831 647 7500 Indulge yourself at some of the finest accommodations in the world. Consisting of 11 buildings, this luxury resort caters to golf devotees from around the globe who come to partake of the wonders of Pebble Beach. Lush, exotic rooms have fine furniture, outdoor patios and fireplaces. In addition, four gourmet restaurants are available for guests. The huge stately complex gives you access to country clubs, spas and a wealth of luxuries that are found nowhere else.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Merritt House Inn

Nostalgic & Elegant 386 Pacific Street
(near Franklin Street)
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 646 9686 / +1 800 541 5599 This historic and elegant adobe structure goes back to 1830. You will be impressed just looking at the gorgeous yard with the fig and olive trees as well as the rose garden. The rooms are exquisite, with a luscious, earthy feel and fireplaces that look like they could belong in a fantasy inn. You will feel like the Victorian era has returned. The hotel is located close to all the sights, and the staff is very friendly, catering mostly to tourists and honeymooners. See website for more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

A spectacular view 400 Cannery Row
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 646 1700 / +1 800 334 3999/ +1 800 368 2468 The view does not get any better than this - you are right on the water. The hotel has immaculate European-style architecture and elegant rooms with marble baths and patios overlooking the ocean. Lush fabrics and European-style furniture fill the rooms, and you will want to take advantage of the elegant spa as soon as you arrive. It is a luxurious, self-indulgent getaway in an oceanside environment with sweeping views. Let the staff pamper you.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Pacific Grove

Monterey and Carmel
United States
West of Monterey along Highway 1 lies the cozy seaside community of Pacific Grove. Three hundred and fifty-five days out of the year, Pacific Grove is as quiet a town as one could hope to find, with tree-lined streets fronting small quaint houses (the mix of Spanish adobe construction with Victorian accents is irresistible). But in November, a peaceful madness descends: Pacific Grove truly becomes the "City of the Butterflies" as hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies stop off on their annual migration. Many of Pacific Grove's Victorians double as bed and breakfasts, and some as noteworthy restaurants. This is also the site of the Julia Morgan-designed Asilomar Meeting Center, situated in the dunes at the shore. Next to the meeting center is Asilomar State Park, with plenty of dramatically crashing surf.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Pebble Beach

Monterey and Carmel
United States
Famed as the site of the Pebble Beach Country Club and Resort and Spyglass Hill golf courses, and home to the yearly AT&T Celebrity Golf Tournament (where huge crowds await Bill Murray's schtick), Pebble Beach has what may be one of the finest stretches of coast on the Monterey Peninsula. Craggy shoreline, crashing surf and cypress groves mark the spot where Portola landed in 1769 on his first, fruitless expedition to find Monterey. Pebble Beach has long been the enclave of the very top tier of country club society.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Portola Plaza Hotel at Monterey Bay

Deluxe Resort with a View 2 Portola Plaza
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 866 711 1534 Relax in this deluxe resort hotel with a spectacular view of the Monterey Peninsula. The rooms have beige carpeting and white walls, so the coloring is not spectacular, but the service is. You are guaranteed world class service from the personable staff who will go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Enjoy the spa, which will relax you and take away all the stress. It is a great place to lose one's self in the sweeping views. See website for reservations, photos, and more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Seventeen Mile Drive

World-famous drive Seventeen Mile Drive
At the corner of Lighthouse Avenue
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93950
United States
+1 831 373 3304 One of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, this stretch of highway runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. You will see incredible beaches, six golf courses and more mansions than you can count. You will drive by several epicurean restaurants, all of which will refund the USD8 toll fee that you pay to drive this road. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free. The road snakes its way like a serpent, along the California coast and then through the Del Monte Forest. This drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Bring lots of film. See website for visitor details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Spindrift Inn

Elegance Personified 652 Cannery Row
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 800 841 1879 Right on Cannery Row, this elegant and romantic inn offers a quiet, intimate setting. Each room is different and most feature oriental carpeting, fireplaces, feather beds, marble baths and chic decor. All feature first-class service from the top-notch staff. Try to grab one of the rooms with an ocean view, and your romantic evening is ready to get started. The hospitality is top notch and the view is utterly magnificent. Room rates range from $179 to $409. See website for more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tickle Pink Inn

The quintessential romantic inn 155 Highland Drive
Off Highway 1
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93923
United States
+1 831 624 1244 / +1 800 635 4774 One of the most romantic spots in all of California, this spectacular inn immersed in flowers and shrubbery, overlooks the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks directly below it. The rooms are as romantic as it gets: a stone fireplace, soft beige and pink colors, and a king-sized bed smothered in drapery. And, there are complimentary pink bathrobes. The atmosphere of the entire place will renew any passion you may have lost. Do not stay here without taking advantage of the hot tub outdoors on the terrace.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Monterey and Carmel - Where to Stay"
Monterey and Carmel
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