Mary

My husband and I will be coming to the area in October to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Does anyone have any opinions about the Highlands Inn and the Carriage House Inn in Carmel, Old Monterey Inn in Monterey or the Post Ranch Inn. We aren't sure whether to stay in one place or to go to 3 different places. We will be there for 4 days. Thanks for any help or other suggestions.
Mary

Lisa

My husband and I are also going to wine country/san fran/Carmel in October to celebrate our anniversary! After much research, we decided to stay at the Highland Inn Park Hyatt. For the money, it seems like the best choice.The post Ranch was very expensive. $650 for the smallest room without a view. About $1200 for oceanview. We got a suite at Highlands for $450 with oceanview and balcony. While still alot, decided to go for it! good Luck!

Bob

We live on the Monterey Peninsula. Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove are the main cities and they are all very close together. You only need one hotel if you plan on staying in that area.

The city of Pacific Grove has some great spots with ocean views and easy access to beach walks. Many first time visitors do not even know the city exists even though it has more coastal area than Carmel, just not as well known.

Two bed and breakfast Victorians are on the water in Pacific Grove: THE GREEN GABLE INN and THE SEVEN GABLE INN. The Seven Gable Inn is so well located that is was featured in a Visa commercial on TV a few years ago. Check out the city of Pacific Grove on their web site at www.pacificgrove.org and you will see what I mean. Plus, you will be in the city anyway while you are there if you drive the coast.

Great spot to eat in PG is FANDANGO's. Well known in the area.

Highlands Inn is always a good place to stay. Great views and it would not be a bad choice.

Clint Eastwood owns the MISSION RANCH in Carmel. That has a beautiful setting and also well known in the area. Good place to go for drinks and dinner even if you do not stay there. It is located behind the famous Carmel Mission.

Hope this helps.

Leslie

Hi Mary (note: yesterday 8/28/02 was my 25th anniversary!) We were just in Big Sur/Carmel/Monterey with the kids a few weeks ago!

I think all of those places you have named are safe choices. My husband and I honeymooned at the Carriage House Inn 25 years ago so I can't vouch for it today but we passed by it recently and it sure looked the same. The honeymoon suite (assuming it's been redecorated) had a great fireplace, bay window and Japanese style sunken tub.

However, for our 9th anniversary we stayed at the Old Monterey Inn which is an incredible elegant Tudor home in a quiet residential neighborhood...beautifully furnished, fantastic gardens, elegant in everyway, and close to lot's to do.

I guess I wouldn't spend 4 days at Big Sur, myself as I think you'd run out of things to do (2 days is good). I'd stay in either Carmel or Monterey/Pacific Grove at either the Old Monterey Inn or the Inn of the Seven Gables with a view of the bay. I haven't stayed there myself but it sure looks spectacular - very Victorian!!!

And yes, do eat at Fandango's!!!

Mary

Thanks for everyone's help - I think it will be a great trip!
Mary

Bob

Gotta add one more restaurant that just opened: BAHAMA BILLY'S.

It is located in the Barnyard Shopping Center (a beautiful center by itself) in Carmel and getting rave reviews. We have been there 4 times with different friends and always good food. Try it if you are in the Barnyard. This center has better shops than downtown Carmel as all the locals understand.

navyflyer

I live accross the street from the Barnyard in Carmel. I would say that Bahama Billys is a nice environment but too expensive for what it offers. As Bob says, go to Fandango's. It will be worth every penny and more.

Bob

Re above from navyflyer. If you are worried about expensive restaurants do not go to Fandango's. It is more expensive than the casual Bahama Billy's. We found both places to be fairly priced and the food very good.