Affordable B&B in Carmel, CA?
Mar 12th, 2012, 06:25 AM
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Affordable B&B in Carmel, CA?
I'm traveling to Carmel next month and am trying to find budget accommodation. Obviously, this is a challenge in such a town. The cheapest hotel is running around $130/night with a Triple A discount. I can handle that, but I wonder if anybody has a recommendation for a b&b at that price or lower, with a location convenient for shopping and restaurants.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Mar 12th, 2012, 08:22 AM
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Mar 12th, 2012, 08:33 AM
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Carmel is definitely cute - but again - you can stay for less in nearby Monterrey. For example:
http://www.booking.com/city/us/monte...6059516956;ws=
http://www.booking.com/city/us/monte...6059516956;ws=
Mar 12th, 2012, 08:43 AM
#5
I loved Carmel so much I changed my plans for the next few days of my trip to stay longer. The hotel I was in was too expensive so I moved to the Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn. VERY nice. Nice room - even had a fireplace in the room. Free breakfast. The location was not in the middle of town but on a hillside overlooking it and a great place to walk around the charming town. I HIGHLY recommend it.
I had stayed in Monterrey many times for business and it's okay. I LOVED Carmel and found that hotel to be a great value and was much happier staying in Carmel.
I had stayed in Monterrey many times for business and it's okay. I LOVED Carmel and found that hotel to be a great value and was much happier staying in Carmel.
Mar 12th, 2012, 09:24 AM
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aggiegirl: I would suggest that you do some research online on the hotel reviews before you choose a location based on recommendations here or on price.
Carmel is a very difficult place to get good lodgings at an inexpensive rate. Some of the places are like rundown Motel 6's but at double or triple the rate.
If you have a car, tomsd's idea is a very good one, try and get lodging in Monterey, which is bigger and has a lot more choice of inexpensive but good lodgings.
Monterey is very close to Carmel, no more than 5-10 minute drive, depending on where you're starting and stopping.
Monterey, too, has its not-so-great hotels, so check out tripadvisordotcom. Yahoo and google both run reviews as does Yelp.
Hope you find something in your price range and to your liking!
Carmel is a very difficult place to get good lodgings at an inexpensive rate. Some of the places are like rundown Motel 6's but at double or triple the rate.
If you have a car, tomsd's idea is a very good one, try and get lodging in Monterey, which is bigger and has a lot more choice of inexpensive but good lodgings.
Monterey is very close to Carmel, no more than 5-10 minute drive, depending on where you're starting and stopping.
Monterey, too, has its not-so-great hotels, so check out tripadvisordotcom. Yahoo and google both run reviews as does Yelp.
Hope you find something in your price range and to your liking!
Mar 12th, 2012, 10:19 AM
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All,
Thank you for taking the time to post. I will have a car, and I have looked at a lot of places online.
While there may be a possibility of finding a cheaper place in Monterey, I don't want to stay there. I want to chill out in Carmel.
Starrs, I thank you for your recommendation. That has been a place I have been considering. Easytraveler, I had not seen Lobos. Just called them and they have $135/night, not too bad. Thank you for mentioning it.
Thank you for taking the time to post. I will have a car, and I have looked at a lot of places online.
While there may be a possibility of finding a cheaper place in Monterey, I don't want to stay there. I want to chill out in Carmel.
Starrs, I thank you for your recommendation. That has been a place I have been considering. Easytraveler, I had not seen Lobos. Just called them and they have $135/night, not too bad. Thank you for mentioning it.
Mar 12th, 2012, 11:08 AM
#8
Hi aggiegirl,
All of my visits to Monterrey were for business (on expense account) and we stayed at the nicest hotels in town. One was especially nice, because it was waterfront, but nothing like Carmel.
Carmel is just magical. Again, I had planned to stay only one night but I loved it so I changed my trip plans and stayed longer. Loved the town. Loved the Comstock cottages. Loved walking down to the beach to watch the sun set. Loved watching the dogs play on the Dog Beach section. We had always gone into Carmel for dinner so I'd "been there", but until I stayed there I didn't succumb to its magic. Some of my favorite pictures ever were taken as I just walked around the streets. I also enjoyed the Carmel Walks tour with Gale.
All of my visits to Monterrey were for business (on expense account) and we stayed at the nicest hotels in town. One was especially nice, because it was waterfront, but nothing like Carmel.
Carmel is just magical. Again, I had planned to stay only one night but I loved it so I changed my trip plans and stayed longer. Loved the town. Loved the Comstock cottages. Loved walking down to the beach to watch the sun set. Loved watching the dogs play on the Dog Beach section. We had always gone into Carmel for dinner so I'd "been there", but until I stayed there I didn't succumb to its magic. Some of my favorite pictures ever were taken as I just walked around the streets. I also enjoyed the Carmel Walks tour with Gale.
Mar 12th, 2012, 11:35 AM
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Good luck in your search, aggiegirl!
At that price point, you can't expect too much, given that the it's a "tourist" destination and caters to big to mid-range spenders.
Hope SAB checks in, as she's a great resource for the Bay Area and is very familiar with your area of interest.
If you have a car and love nature, then drive out to Point Lobos, one of the most beautiful spots along the California coast, and even south of there to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a hike among the redwoods. (There are also rustic cabins at Pfeiffer Big Sur as well as other locations in Big Sur) Then drive further south and dine at Nepenthe with its drop-dead gorgeous view. Food there can be great to so-so. There are all kinds of beaches to go to - if nature is callling you and not the shopping, shopping, shopping.
At that price point, you can't expect too much, given that the it's a "tourist" destination and caters to big to mid-range spenders.
Hope SAB checks in, as she's a great resource for the Bay Area and is very familiar with your area of interest.
If you have a car and love nature, then drive out to Point Lobos, one of the most beautiful spots along the California coast, and even south of there to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a hike among the redwoods. (There are also rustic cabins at Pfeiffer Big Sur as well as other locations in Big Sur) Then drive further south and dine at Nepenthe with its drop-dead gorgeous view. Food there can be great to so-so. There are all kinds of beaches to go to - if nature is callling you and not the shopping, shopping, shopping.
Mar 12th, 2012, 12:12 PM
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Hey all, I think I am going with starrs' recommmendation. Triple A rate is $116 per night for Friday and Saturday and $80 for Sunday. That beats all of the b&b's and nearly every other hotel I've checked.
Easytraveler, I do have Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state parks on my list. Those are the things luring me out there, along with the general charm of Carmel. I want to enjoy some really nice hikes. I am eagerly anticipating seeing some redwoods! Do any of the ones in Big Sur compare to the ones further north that are more famous?
Easytraveler, I do have Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state parks on my list. Those are the things luring me out there, along with the general charm of Carmel. I want to enjoy some really nice hikes. I am eagerly anticipating seeing some redwoods! Do any of the ones in Big Sur compare to the ones further north that are more famous?
Mar 12th, 2012, 06:27 PM
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Hi, aggiegirl:
Not certain which ones you mean by the "more famous" hikes further north.
For San Francisco visitors, Muir Woods to the north is the usual recommendation and it has both easy (wheelchair accessible) hikes as well as more strenuous and longer hikes up mountains and/or to the ocean. Point Reyes is more open meadows, scrub brush, grass-covered sand dunes plus a lighthouse and a gorgeous beach.
Or did you mean even further north?
How do the parks to the south compare with the places "immediately" adjacent to San Francisco?
Oh, boy, where to begin?
Remember that all of these have to visited on a clear day to get the maximum out of the vistas. So, assuming it's a beautiful, cloudless day:
1) Point Lobos - if you had to visit just one state park in the Big Sur area, then PL would be it. (Actually PL is just north of Big Sur and about 5 miles south of Carmel) - if you drive into the first parking lot (head straight west, do not turn off for Whaler's Cove), there's a small ranger station at the parking lot and you can get a pair of binoculars in exchange for your car keys/driver's license. Depending on what you want in terms of difficulty in hiking, there's a trail westward from the ranger station that is a pretty easy trail. If you hear barking in the distance (that'll be the "lobos" barking), head for the ocean thataways. This is the easy trail. Then there's the Allen Grove circular trail, and, lastly, you can go along the South Beach Trail. The $2 map at the entrance is well-worth the price, because you can't get lost by having that map.
I'll let the Yelpers describe it to you:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/point-lobos-...reserve-carmel
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur is inland, so there's usually sunshine there, even if the coast is socked in with fog. Pfeiffer Big Sur is all about redwood trees. It's a great experience. Depending on the rainfall each year, Pfeiffer Falls can be well worth the 1/2 hour hike in. There are plenty of other trails all through the park. Pfeiffer Big Sur has a very extensive Ranger Station right past the entrance. Again, get a trail map. Ask the rangers which are the best (safest) trails for single hikers.
3. Nepenthe - this is a spot to stop and maybe have lunch. It's just a couple miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur, so don't drive too fast! Look for signs for "Cafe Kevah" or "Nepenthe" on your right. Pay attention, because it's not easy to turn around if you miss the entrance!
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - everyone goes for the waterfall. You should too. This park is now getting into the really remote area and there are signs warning about mountain lions. Fortunately, since you have already hiked Pfeiffer Big Sur, so you don't need to hike inland at JFB. The park will be on your left from Highway 1. As you enter the park, the parking lot will be to your left as well. Park. Look across the road and you'll see a small set of steps. Go down these steps and turn to the right. That'll lead you to the McWay Falls by the ocean. I doubt if mountain lions want to come this way where there aren't many trees and too many people.
These are the places to stop south of Carmel. Then north of Carmel, there's the 17 Mile Drive. You should allot at least 1/2 a day for this.
Oh, wow! I just realized that you're coming in April! In that case, drive north to Monterey and try to get to the shoreline as soon as possible. You want to be on Ocean View Blvd in Pacific Grove. The magenta iceplants should be in bloom, an unbelievable sight! No single photo can do it justice!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjb4photos/6886693979/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27839521@N07/3532678322/
As you drive along the shoreline of Pacific Grove, you want to end up on Sunset Drive heading inland. A few hundred yards from where Sunset Drive turns inland, you'll see a sign for the 17 Mile Drive. Turn right and there'll be a toll booth. Ask them for a map as well as for a copy of the local Pebble Beach newspaper, the "Pine Cone". When you get back to your hotel, you can read the police blotter - "At 2am, we were called to xyz street where a nude man was seen walking in Mrs. ABC's yard. Turned out it was her husband." We LOVED the police blotter for Pebble Beach! Such exciting things happen in Pebble Beach!
There are plenty of places marked on the map for the 17 Mile Drive. Try to stop at the Pebble Beach Lodge. Park. Go inside and head for the big windows on the other side of the entrance. Go out onto the terrace and you'll see one of the most beautiful views of a golf course that could ever have been designed by the hand of man. If you feel like a splurge, dine at the Stillwater Grill in the Pebble Beach Lodge:
http://www.pebblebeach.com/dining/th...-bar-and-grill
Hope this helps a bit, been typing it off and on during breaks! Have a great trip to California! (I've got to go back to refinishing my bathroom!)
Not certain which ones you mean by the "more famous" hikes further north.
For San Francisco visitors, Muir Woods to the north is the usual recommendation and it has both easy (wheelchair accessible) hikes as well as more strenuous and longer hikes up mountains and/or to the ocean. Point Reyes is more open meadows, scrub brush, grass-covered sand dunes plus a lighthouse and a gorgeous beach.
Or did you mean even further north?
How do the parks to the south compare with the places "immediately" adjacent to San Francisco?
Oh, boy, where to begin?
Remember that all of these have to visited on a clear day to get the maximum out of the vistas. So, assuming it's a beautiful, cloudless day:
1) Point Lobos - if you had to visit just one state park in the Big Sur area, then PL would be it. (Actually PL is just north of Big Sur and about 5 miles south of Carmel) - if you drive into the first parking lot (head straight west, do not turn off for Whaler's Cove), there's a small ranger station at the parking lot and you can get a pair of binoculars in exchange for your car keys/driver's license. Depending on what you want in terms of difficulty in hiking, there's a trail westward from the ranger station that is a pretty easy trail. If you hear barking in the distance (that'll be the "lobos" barking), head for the ocean thataways. This is the easy trail. Then there's the Allen Grove circular trail, and, lastly, you can go along the South Beach Trail. The $2 map at the entrance is well-worth the price, because you can't get lost by having that map.
I'll let the Yelpers describe it to you:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/point-lobos-...reserve-carmel
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur is inland, so there's usually sunshine there, even if the coast is socked in with fog. Pfeiffer Big Sur is all about redwood trees. It's a great experience. Depending on the rainfall each year, Pfeiffer Falls can be well worth the 1/2 hour hike in. There are plenty of other trails all through the park. Pfeiffer Big Sur has a very extensive Ranger Station right past the entrance. Again, get a trail map. Ask the rangers which are the best (safest) trails for single hikers.
3. Nepenthe - this is a spot to stop and maybe have lunch. It's just a couple miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur, so don't drive too fast! Look for signs for "Cafe Kevah" or "Nepenthe" on your right. Pay attention, because it's not easy to turn around if you miss the entrance!
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - everyone goes for the waterfall. You should too. This park is now getting into the really remote area and there are signs warning about mountain lions. Fortunately, since you have already hiked Pfeiffer Big Sur, so you don't need to hike inland at JFB. The park will be on your left from Highway 1. As you enter the park, the parking lot will be to your left as well. Park. Look across the road and you'll see a small set of steps. Go down these steps and turn to the right. That'll lead you to the McWay Falls by the ocean. I doubt if mountain lions want to come this way where there aren't many trees and too many people.
These are the places to stop south of Carmel. Then north of Carmel, there's the 17 Mile Drive. You should allot at least 1/2 a day for this.
Oh, wow! I just realized that you're coming in April! In that case, drive north to Monterey and try to get to the shoreline as soon as possible. You want to be on Ocean View Blvd in Pacific Grove. The magenta iceplants should be in bloom, an unbelievable sight! No single photo can do it justice!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjb4photos/6886693979/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27839521@N07/3532678322/
As you drive along the shoreline of Pacific Grove, you want to end up on Sunset Drive heading inland. A few hundred yards from where Sunset Drive turns inland, you'll see a sign for the 17 Mile Drive. Turn right and there'll be a toll booth. Ask them for a map as well as for a copy of the local Pebble Beach newspaper, the "Pine Cone". When you get back to your hotel, you can read the police blotter - "At 2am, we were called to xyz street where a nude man was seen walking in Mrs. ABC's yard. Turned out it was her husband." We LOVED the police blotter for Pebble Beach! Such exciting things happen in Pebble Beach!
There are plenty of places marked on the map for the 17 Mile Drive. Try to stop at the Pebble Beach Lodge. Park. Go inside and head for the big windows on the other side of the entrance. Go out onto the terrace and you'll see one of the most beautiful views of a golf course that could ever have been designed by the hand of man. If you feel like a splurge, dine at the Stillwater Grill in the Pebble Beach Lodge:
http://www.pebblebeach.com/dining/th...-bar-and-grill
Hope this helps a bit, been typing it off and on during breaks! Have a great trip to California! (I've got to go back to refinishing my bathroom!)
Mar 12th, 2012, 07:08 PM
#14
http://www.sanantoniohouseinn.com/ is just around the corner from Carmel beach/bay. Its normal rates are high (the little Garden room suite is $180 a night) BUT except in summer you can usually get your second night free. Making it just $90 a night. I've stayed there twice and got the special both times. Love the pretty garden.
They'd probably work out an additional discount for the 3rd night
They'd probably work out an additional discount for the 3rd night
Mar 13th, 2012, 03:12 AM
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booking.com bedandbreakfast.com for deals in Pacific Grove from
$100/nt for me. Carmelclifornia.com cheapest nice walk to everything for me the Knights Inn booked on orbitz.com cute for a chain hotel I liked it paid like $58/nt.Tally Ho my fav. Treebonesresort.com fun from $100 or so in Big Sur for some "glamping" was brilliant when there last.
$100/nt for me. Carmelclifornia.com cheapest nice walk to everything for me the Knights Inn booked on orbitz.com cute for a chain hotel I liked it paid like $58/nt.Tally Ho my fav. Treebonesresort.com fun from $100 or so in Big Sur for some "glamping" was brilliant when there last.
Mar 13th, 2012, 06:49 AM
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I have used www.hotwire.com and also bid on priceline and got really nice rooms at bargain prices.
Mar 14th, 2012, 07:17 AM
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Easytraveler, you are awesome! Thank you for the excellent information and tips. Hey, do I need to be worried about poison oak on any of the main trails at Pfeiffer or Julia P. Burns parks? I don't worry about mountain lions, but I do about poison oak!
Thanks everybody else too. lincasanova, while I love Priceline for some cities, I won't be trying it for this trip. A friend of mine used it for a recent trip to Monterey and was slapped with a $40/night extra "resort fee" on top of the rate that she paid and this was not disclosed anywhere. I'd rather know what I am getting up front for this trip.
qwovadis, I was considering Green Lantern, but I now have family coming with me and they don't have what we'll need at the price we want. It would have been fine if it was just me since they have a small room for $119/night.
Thanks everybody else too. lincasanova, while I love Priceline for some cities, I won't be trying it for this trip. A friend of mine used it for a recent trip to Monterey and was slapped with a $40/night extra "resort fee" on top of the rate that she paid and this was not disclosed anywhere. I'd rather know what I am getting up front for this trip.
qwovadis, I was considering Green Lantern, but I now have family coming with me and they don't have what we'll need at the price we want. It would have been fine if it was just me since they have a small room for $119/night.
Mar 14th, 2012, 09:29 AM
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travelzoo just posted this, not sure of dates. maybe this works for you or someone else.
http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals...m_medium=email
http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals...m_medium=email
