In the past, for Concours weekend, I find all room prices are severely jacked up, and extremely limited.

The furthest I've had to stay was in Seaside, just north of Monterey.

Worse comes to worst, there's always Salinas. The main problem with Salinas is that you have to go on Highway 68, which is the main road passing Laguna Seca, where the Historic Races are held the same weekend.

You could also try Marina.

Is Carmel Valley too far or too hot??

Carmel Valley will not be cheap either. Over priced for what you get.

Found a vrbo for $275/night, a deal by comparison to what I am finding in closer.

Any other comments on Carmel Valley area??

Did you try Seven Gables B&B in Pacific Grove?

LOL! I did; it's my go to place. We got our first 2 nights there, at good price. Then no go for the other 4 nights - they told me they book a year in advance for the CdE. I asked if they had a waiting list, I could hear them giggle [almost]. No list, cancellations are rare, with stiff penalties etc. I doubt we could even afford it for the other 4 nights, I am guessing $600 or more per night for even the lowest priced rooms. At least we got 2 nights

EEK Debit! I thought the spring prices were bad!

America's best suites is $395.

Carmel Valley is a convenient, uncrowded, and beautiful area to stay in. See if you can get a good price.

We booked the cottage in Carmel Valley as there was nothing anywhere near reasonable any closer in. I think $275 is a fair price, all things considered. Now we just have to cross our fingers that the auction goes well and we get a good price on our motorcycle!

Carmel Valley is OK. It's in a dip in the landscape (as its name "valley" implies). I always thought that Carmel Valley is a bedroom community that lacked character - maybe because everything else around it has so much character!

If you don't mind driving a bit, look into hotels in Seaside, Marina (already mentioned), and Sand City. There are any number of lodgings in these towns immediately north of Monterey, they used to service Fort Ord. Further , on the inland side, is Salinas. Don't know if there's anything in Prunedale.

southbound, there are the expensive places ike the Ventana Inn. Or, even further south are the cabins at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

There are also campgrounds. You could rent an RV for the price that you're paying for those hotel rooms and find yourself a parking space, like at a KOA or at one of the state beaches.

You will be glad you got the cottage once you see how pretty Carmel Valley is. A great dinner place there is Cafe Rustica. And excellent breakfasts can be had at Jeffrey's.

I checked every little community, Seaside, Marina etc and the going rate for dumpy roadside motels is far above what we are paying. Seriously, prices over $300 a night. Check it out if you don't believe me -- 8/16 to 8/20.

http://www.vrbo.com/272645

Bummer, Debi!

If you want to be by the ocean, then maybe look at the other end of the crescent Monterey Bay to Santa Cruz.

In the middle of the crescent is Moss Landing, where there's something, but I can't remember what it is, because that power plant makes me not want to recommend Moss Landing except for its great seafood restaurants.

If you want to go further inland, there's the Ridgemark in Hollister, where the rates are VERY reasonable and not that far a drive from Monterey.

http://www.ridgemark.com/

Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley is a hoppin' place on weekends with margaritas, music. Very fun.

Having a bridal shower there next month - wooo whoooo!

I agree with Michelle. Baja Cantina is a blast.

We live in Aptos, it takes us about 35/45 min. drive to PB depending on traffic. If you are interested, Seascape Resort or maybe cheaper yet is a Best Western in Aptos. Aptos is directly across the bay from Pacific Grove.

Carmel Valley is lovely. It was a ranching area that's turned into a wine area. It has it's own character that's very different from the coast. To me, Sand City/Seaside/etc are more what I would consider bedroom communities. We were just out in Carmel Valley yesterday and had a nice lunch at the newly opened Lokal. I like Cafe Rustica too.

Looking for more restaurant suggestions now that it's almost time to head out west. Thanks!

Hey Deb, I thought you found a place in the Carmel Highlands rather than the Valley. Sorry I don't have a lot of recommendations, we don't eat out as much anymore when we go to Carmel these days. We stay in a house and eat in a lot. Anyway one of our favorite places to eat other than Passionfish (of course) and Rocky Point is a place called Sea Harvest. It is a fish shop that has a little restaurant attached in the Crossroads shopping center No views, nothing fancy, no haute cuisine, just good fish. We always get the sand dabs and chips and fish and chips, as we did again this past weekend, so I cannot comment on anything else.

Hi, Deb-- I think that vrbo cabin looks awesome. Please report back on it, eh?

(Did you see my "infected" thread announcing my puppy fever?)

Another restaurant at Crossroads:

http://www.riogrill.com/

SAB - I may have asked about Carmel Highlands , but in fact we are staying in Carmel Valley. I also might have mistakenly said Highlands. I booked Passionfish already.

Well Deb the place you have picked looks lovely and it is always nice to experience something different when we go some place familiar. Have a great time and good luck with the auction.

Thanks, SAB!

Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch ?? Wickets?

I haven't explored Carmel Valley in quite a while, so it has been a few years since I had lunch at Wickets -I enjoyed it at the time, especially the outdoor dining. Bernardus is also home to Marinus, which is excellent (and should be for the prices).

You might check out Toast in Carmel Valley--I've never been but a couple of friends liked it.

Deb- how was your weekend in Carmel? Curious as to how your Vrbo worked out?

The week was great, although we did not sell the motorcycle.

The vrbo was really nice but it was very far out and took 45 minutes to get to Cabrillos Highway. We left in morning and didn't come back until after dinner as it would have taken at least an hour and a half to go back. So we never even got to swim in the nice pool.

It would be great if you wanted a place to just hideaway for a few days. It wasn't someplace to use as a base for day trips etc.


We had a wonderful stay at Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove. We just love it there.

Glad you had a nice time.

Sorry the bike didn't sell! Does that mean you went straight home?

So were many other vehicles/bikes selling?

Thanks for asking Michelle. Yes, CPG, no San Francisco

About 50% of the motorcycles sold at the auction house where we had the bike. Not sure what percent of the cars, at least that amount, probably more, Tom.

That's too bad, but viva la France!