SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
- Home
- SF Lodging
- Carmel Hotels
Carmel California Hotels: Top Accommodations Options in Carmel-By-The-Sea
by Jill Loeffler •
Carmel, California hotels range from high-end resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. You can also rent out an apartment or a house from a local resident. If you are traveling with Fido, you'll be happy to know that many of these places are pet-friendly.
You will find prices are the most expensive during the busy summer travel months and over holiday weekends. The low season in Carmel is on non-holiday weekends from November to March.
The wonderful part about this beautiful waterfront town is that the weather is beautiful almost all year round.
One thing to note about Carmel is that no one has a formal street address. You will notice all of the hotels and other accommodations give you a street name and cross street. This might seem strange, but many years ago, they decided to provide houses with names instead of addresses. This means all businesses refer to their location by cross streets too. During your stay, you will get familiar with finding restaurants and shops with only the cross streets.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Top Five Hotels
1. L'Auberge Carmel
Address: Monte Verde Street at Seventh Avenue
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Estimated Room Rates: $525 - $1,200
The L'Auberge Carmel offers the ultimate in luxury. Located in the heart of Carmel's popular commercial district, this 20-room hotel offers you the chance to walk to dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms. On-site, you'll find the renowned 12-table Michelin-star restaurant, Aubergine.
- Pros: This recently renovated hotel features European-style luxury. Enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast before heading out to do some world-class shopping or wine tasting within walking distance. It's also just four blocks from Carmel Beach.
- Cons: If you require an elevator to reach your room, stick to the rooms on the first floor. Sometimes the street gets noisy, so request a room in the back if you are a light sleeper.
>> Find more information and how to book rooms at the L'Auberge Carmel
2. Cypress Inn
Address: Lincoln Avenue & 7th Street
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Estimated Room Rates: $359 - $659
This cute inn is right near Ocean Avenue and the center of the action in Carmel. It has 44 rooms and offers old-fashioned hospitality and several amenities. Terry's Restaurant + Lounge is incredibly popular and invites you to enjoy American and Californian cuisine during your stay.
- Pros: This is a lovely place for anyone looking for a nice, low-key weekend. It's perfect for couples and anyone else wanting to enjoy all that Carmel has to offer. It's also pet friendly!
- Cons: Some of the rooms are small and best for just couples instead of families. Many of the bathrooms are also on the smaller side. There is no air conditioning in most of the rooms, but Carmel rarely gets too warm during the day or at night.
>> Find out more information on the Cypress Inn and how to book rooms
3. Tradewinds Carmel
Address: Mission Street at Third Avenue
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Estimated Room Rates: $259 - $499
Tradewinds Carmel is on the northern end of the town's commercial district, located on a quiet residential street. It is a small hotel with just 28 rooms. For your stay, you can choose a king room, queen room, or one of two suites. Most rooms feature a fireplace and ocean views!
- Pros: There is so much to like about this hotel. The upper floors offer a view of the ocean, even though the hotel is several blocks away from it. It's within walking distance to the center of the commercial district, so you can quickly get to restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options. It's set on a quiet street with a cute courtyard that has a fire pit and chairs so everyone can enjoy the outdoors during their stay.
- Cons: It's close to all the action, but the last block up to the hotel is a little steep. You will want to be aware of if you choose to set out on foot.
>> Find out more information on the Tradewinds Carmel and how to book rooms
4. Carmel Mission Inn
Address: 3665 Rio Road
Rating: 3 Stars
Estimated Room Rates: $229 - $589
The Carmel Mission Inn is a three-star hotel with many amenities. This 165-room hotel with a colorful, retro vibe features an on-site restaurant, fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, and several suites. They also offer free parking and high-speed internet access.
- Pros: This place is an excellent value for your money. It offers several amenities for a three-star hotel, so you don't have to go far to find what you need. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious for the price.
- Cons: Since it's a bit off the beaten path, it is priced accordingly. There are some other restaurants and shops nearby. However, it's about a mile or more from the main commercial district in Carmel.
>> Book rooms and read reviews by guests at Carmel Mission Inn
5. La Playa Carmel By The Sea
Address: Camino Real at 8th Avenue
Rating: 4 Stars
Estimated Room Rates: $329 - $879
This historic hotel features 75 rooms and is centrally located in the commercial district. It's the perfect mix of both turn-of-the-century charms as well as modern amenities. Make sure you spend some time in their gorgeous gardens.
- Pros: This hotel is very charming and comfortable. It's in a great location, just two blocks from the beach, and close to dozens of shops and restaurants. They have a terrace swimming pool, beautiful courtyards and gardens, and a bar/restaurant on site. If you can, spend a little more for the ocean view rooms.
- Cons: Since it's an older hotel, some rooms are a bit tight (especially those with two beds). There are no elevators, so request a room on the first floor if walking up and down stairs is a problem (the staff will help you with your bags). Ask for a room away from the street to avoid any noise at night.
>> Find out more information and book rooms at La Playa Carmel-by-the-Sea
Top Five Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
A quaint bed and breakfast is a great alternative to the standard Carmel, California hotels. Due to the size of many of the buildings here, B&Bs are more abundant than the typical hotel. Here are just a few of my favorites.
1. Lamp Lighter Inn & Sunset House Suites
Address: S.E. Corner of Ocean Avenue & Camino Real
# of Rooms: 6
Estimated Room Rates: $225 - $495
This cute bed and breakfast is tucked away in an ancient grove of trees. It's also centrally located, which allows you to walk to several popular Carmel shops and restaurants. One of my favorite features is the courtyard area with tables and fire pits. This lovely area is also where you can enjoy your breakfast or the evening wine and cheese reception.
- Pros: This B&B is very cozy and comfortable. It's perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Carmel. The staff is amiable and helpful, and it's also just a few blocks from the beach. This is a fantastic pet-friendly option, and many of the rooms have a fireplace.
- Cons: Some of the rooms could use a little updating. The bathrooms are clean, but many are small and could use some remodeling to brighten them up a little.
>> Read reviews and find rooms for your visit to Carmel
2. Vagabond House Inn
Address: S.E. Dolores Street & 4th Avenue
# of Rooms: 11
Estimated Room Rates: $334 - $567
Vagabond House Inn is one of my absolute favorites. This charming English Tudor-style boutique bed and breakfast features just 11 rooms in a quiet yet centrally located neighborhood in Carmel. This place is unique, and their guests' needs are the most important thing to them.
- Pros: They serve breakfast in bed! Where else could you get this kind of service? You tell them when you want your breakfast, and they will bring it to you daily. Make sure you also take advantage of their complimentary afternoon wine and cheese reception by the fireplace.
- Cons: The breakfast is a little lighter than most bed and breakfasts. They serve an "extended continental breakfast," which includes a hardboiled egg, coffee, and some toast.
>> Find rooms at the charming Vagabond House Inn
3. Carmel Country Inn
Address: Dolores Street & 3rd Avenue
# of Rooms: 12
Estimated Room Rates: $359 - $659
The Carmel Country Inn is another excellent spot for couples seeking a weekend away from the chaos. This inn offers both suites and studios near the commercial district in Carmel.
The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and most rooms feature a fireplace and a two-person jacuzzi tub to warm things up at night.
- Pros: You will find this hotel set in a quiet and serene area, while still within walking distance to many fine shops and restaurants. The staff is friendly, and the owners can tell you anything you want to know about Carmel. This B&B is also pet-friendly!
- Cons: The treetop rooms require that you walk up a set of stairs. Make sure you consider this before booking.
>> Learn more about how to book rooms at the Carmel Country Inn here
4. Tally Ho Inn
Address: Monte Verde Street at 6th Ave
# of Rooms: 14
Estimated Room Rates: $289 - $489
The Tally Ho Inn offers a quiet countryside experience in the heart of Carmel, just half a block from the main restaurants and shops. Head in the other direction three blocks, and you will be at the gorgeous Carmel Beach.
Most rooms offer partial ocean views and feature jacuzzi tubs. You will also enjoy a complimentary glass of brandy in the relaxing courtyard.
- Pros: My favorite thing about this cute inn is the outdoor seating areas. They allow you to spend some time getting to know other guests or just enjoying the views. The staff is always so friendly and helpful here, too.
- Cons: Room #109 can get loud during the weekdays with the trucks delivering to the restaurant next door. Avoid this room if you are a light sleeper. A couple of the rooms are a little dated but still clean and comfy.
>> Find out how to book rooms at the Tally Ho Inn and more
5. Carmel Garden Inn
Address: NW Corner 4th Avenue and Torres Street
# of Rooms: 10
Estimated Room Rates: $249 - $399
You will also find this gem in the heart of Carmel's central business district. This place is very comfortable because the rooms are good sized for the price.
Some of the rooms even offer a small kitchenette, so you can make basic meals to eat in. They also serve a wonderful breakfast each morning and have a wine and cheese reception each afternoon with homemade baked goods.
- Pros: The breakfast here is delicious. It's one of my favorites in Carmel. The owners and staff go above and beyond to ensure your stay is up to your standards.
- Cons: This inn has a lot of charm and history, which means the rooms do, too. They are a little more rustic than others and the bathrooms are on the smaller side.
>> Find out more about how to book rooms at the Carmel Garden Inn
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
