cox2

Please help! I am planning a surprise romantic weekend for my husband - it's our 20th anniversary! I just can't decide where to stay! I'm set on Carmel and cost is not a big concern. We like quaint, well-located, great service, good wine and dining (or breakfast). I've narrowed down our hotel/inn choices to the following 4 (no particular order):

1. Lamp Lighter Inn
2. Cypress Inn
3. Tradewinds
4. Sea View

I'd love to have your advice!

starrs

I stayed at the Cypress Inn and loved it. I would definitely choose it over the Lamplighter. Can't speak to the other two.

Bowsprit

starrs, you and I like so many of the same places, it seems. I loved the Cypress Inn too.

It's Very pet friendly. We loved having all the dogs around us but if dogs aren't your thing, the Cypress Inn won't be your thing either.

Bowsprit

The Lamplighter Inn is also pet friendly. Are all the places in Carmel pet friendly? It's possible; it's a pretty laid back place.

I took a look at the rooms at the Lamplighter on trip advisor and I would say they're as nice as the rooms at The Cypress Inn. The Cypress Inn is perhaps more formal in its setting and atmosphere than the Lamplighter. I am guessing you really won't be disappointed in whichever you choose.

Have you considered staying at Tickle Pink Inn? It's also very nice, more upscale than the other two and has views of the ocean. It's in a stunning setting.

starrs

Doris Day wanted to have a hotel that was pet friendly and opened the Cyprus Inn to meet that goal. That was years ago, her hotel was one of the first pet-friendly hotels. When I read about her hotel I knew I wanted to stay there one day. It took years, but I finally made it. I'd been through Carmel several times for business but planned a deliberate stop in Carmel three years ago just to stay at the Cypress. I fell in love with both the hotel and Carmel. I changed my plans for the next few days so I could stay in Carmel longer. I don't know the status of other hotels in Carmel but I loved seeing pups in the morning as their Humans relaxed and read the papers in the sunroom. Also loved sitting on the sand at Dog Beach at Carmel Beach, watching the sunset and the pups at play. (Tom Sneed, if you are reading this that's when I took the sunset picture of Carmel Beach).

Bowsprit

starrs: We had a delicious dinner in the outside courtyard when we were there a few years ago. I also have such pleasant memories of that beautiful front room; the proportions of that space are lovely. If I could afford it, I'd live in Carmel during the winter months. It's one of my favorite places.

cox2

Starrs and Bowsprit - thank you for your help. We love dogs, and I wish we could bring ours along. My concerns about The Cypress Inn are (1) pet odor and (2) noise/barking. Any comments on these issues?

Maybe I should take a closer look at Tickle Pink, too? I didn't include it because it wasn't within walking distance of restaurants. But since we will have a car, maybe I should reconsider?

If you could stay anywhere in Carmel, where would you choose?

starrs

"If you could stay anywhere in Carmel, where would you choose?"

Cypress Inn

There were no problems with pet odor nor noise/barking.


Most hotels that are pet-friendly have certain rooms that are "pet rooms". I do not know if that's the case at the Cypress Inn but I've never experienced a problem with dog odor in a room, even when staying in a designated pet room in a hotel. I've also not experienced a problem with extended dog barking - and I've traveled a lot with my pup. I HAVE experienced problems with noises from other hotel guests - kids running up and down the halls, inconsiderate guests having loud conversations in the hall outside rooms, etc. To date, never a problem with pups in other rooms. Maybe it's because their Humans leave problem pups at home?

Enjoy Carmel. IMO it's magical. I also took a tour of the Cotswold cottages that I really enjoyed.

starrs

COMSTOCK! sorry
http://www.carmelwalks.com/

Bowsprit

No doggy smell. Intermittent barking but it is rather pleasant. Ask for a room that does NOT face the courtyard; the people noise goes on into the night.

I love the Cypress but I'm staying at Tickled Pink next time. The views of the ocean are just unbelievable! You can still enjoy the best of the Cypress Inn if you stay somewhere else...We were touring the area so the Cypress Inn was perfect for us.

Bowsprit

I had also considered staying in a place in Monterey. I'll have to see if I can find it; it is on Cannery Row (I think it is, it's on the end of the street) but faces the ocean. It also had romantic rooms, some with fireplaces.

Bowsprit

I honestly don't remember if I considered Monterey Plaza (not to be considered 'quaint'), or the Spindrift Inn. Both are lovely but you must splurge on an oceanfront room. I wouldn't consider Tickled Pink 'quaint' either.

I have to say: There isn't a 'wrong' choice here. It would be impossible not to be thrilled with whatever you decide. The area is gorgeous and the focus is on living well. Enjoy your weekend and Congratulations on 20 years!

Giulietta

I'd definitely look at Tickle Pink or the Highlands Inn - both gorgeous properties and very romantic. And Highlands has a couple of wonderful restaurants. Cypress Inn is also a good choice, as far as I can tell. (I'm a local)

cox2

Thanks for joining the discussion, Giulietta. So if you could stay anywhere in Carmel, where would you choose?

Bowsprit

Hi Giulietta! As a local, have you had the opportunity to stay in any of these choices? In your opinion, which would be best located for a weekend visitor? Is it essential to be in downtown Carmel for convenience sake? What's the drive like from Tickled Pink to nearby restaurants? Thanks, I'm earmarking all this for our next trip. This is one of my favorite places to visit.

Smeagol

I have stayed at the Cypress Inn and too thought it was lovely, gets my vote....

SAB

If I had never been to Carmel before I would choose some place close to Ocean Ave (the village center), so that I could be in walking distance of restaurants, etc. Since I have been to Carmel numerous times, I now stay some distance from the village center (actually in Carmel Meadows) and rarely go into the village except to eat. So for a first time visitor Cypress Inn would be a good choice. Tickle Pink will require driving into Carmel (about 15 mins or less each way), nothing too dramatic.

kimamom

I would definitely choose Tickle Pink Inn for a romantic getaway. You will not be disappointed. This property offers so many nice amenities and personalized service. Upon arrival you will be greeted with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. There are always homemade cookies in the lobby. The views are spectacular from this property. Once in the room (all have beautiful views) you will find comfy beds, robes, beautiful bathrooms. In the afternoon there is a wine and cheese reception for guests. This is served in their oceanview terrace room which is very pretty.

There is an outdoor terraced hot tub at this proeprty with views of the rocky coastline. In the morning they offer an extensive breakfast buffet served by the glowing fire or in the terrace. The pasteries served are very flaky and delicious. Gee... I think I need to book a room there for us for my birthday in May, ha ha!

The short drive into Carmel is not bad at all. One of the nights you could dine at Pacific's Edge @ The Highland's Inn, rigt next door to TPI. If you do decide to go into town, Le St. Tropez, PortaBella, Grasing's or Demetra Cafe are all great choices for meals in the area. Have fun! ***kim***

cox2

Thanks, everyone, your advice is invaluable. I called Tickle Pink Inn and got a great rate --- so I'm officially booked!