Have found some decent rates here for an oceanview room, under $200. Is this place pretty nice? It seems that Best Westerns can have a lot of range on their quality. I'm also looking at the Highland Inn, though a bit more expensive.

We go to Carmel every Thanksgiving, and have stayed at many places. I had absolutely no reservations about the BW Carmel Bay View Inn, except that it wasn't cutsy, not charming. But it was well furnished, clean, very well located, and the breakfast included was not gourmet but adequate unless you must have eggs. If you do stay there, join the Gold Crown club, sort of a frequent-sleeper club. My Thanksgiving weekend was enough to get me a free night somewhere else. I'd stay there again.

I forgot to mention that the ocean is a number of blocks away, but from your deck (yes, all rooms have them) you can see the cliffs and the sunset, but not the waves crashing. but then, I know no hotel where you can do that in Carmel. Choose the room that is the highest up in the building for the best view. The motel has free parking too, and since it is right across the street from the Carmel Plaza and one block from the main drag, Ocean Avenue, and near to many good restaurants, its a relief to just leave the car and walk all over town rather than scramble for a parking place as we have often had to do. Eat at Casanovas, either in the patio during the day, or inside in their romantic interior; make reservations though.

I have stayed at the Highlands Inn and really loved it. Great views, but you do have the disadvantage of being away from town, and sometimes the drive can be quite bad.

ttt.

think that the Highland Inn and the BW Carmel Bayview Inn are in two different leagues. The Highlands Inn is more upscale and in a much more dramatic setting. I have not stayed at the Carmel Bay View Inn, but although it sounds nice, it sounds much more ordinary. The question should be whether you want to stay right in town or prefer a more scenic setting. Also, whether you find the difference in price worth it to you.

T.T.T.