My husband I just decided to take a last-minute trip to the West Coast this weekend. We have both been to SF many times, but neithr of have been to Carmel, Monterey, or Big Sur. We will fly into SF on Friday, and stay until Monday evening. Looking for ideas on great hotels along the way. I have read about the Post Ranch, but know the prices are quite dear. We would like a great spot though, so if anyone has any great ideas, please let us know.

And, would love ideas on restaurants and other must dos. He is a photographer, and I'm more of a shopper reader, type!

Thanks

Cindy

Staying in Carmel will give you a look at the Monterey Peninsula. Carmel is a totally quaint, charming village with lots of galleries, shops, restaurants, beutiful town beach, all close together for walking around. Pacific Grove, 17 mile drive nearby. Check out Vagabond's House B&B, in the heart of town. Quiet B&B, quaint, charming.
See www.vagabondshouseinn.com
For fine food and romantic setting,
Casanova Restaurant has been perfection for some 30 years.

The Highland's Inn and the Tickle Pink Inn are both excellent properties, located in the Carmel Highlands area. Beautiful views of the ocean from the rooms here and just a short drive into Carmel.

If you want to stay right in Carmel, we like La Playa. A historic hotel with beautiful grounds, pool, nice restaurant, etc. Bouchee is very good and Casanova is also very good. I would consider going to Roy's in Pebble Beach for a meal, listen to the bagpiper play at sunset.

In Monterey, we like the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. If you don't stay at Post Ranch Inn, try to have a meal at Sierra Mar. Excellent food and gorgeous views from their upscale dining room. Cheers! ***kim***

Thanks Kim & xkenx for your excellent rec's.

I will check these out!

Cindy

Kim:

If you had to choose from the Tickle Pink Inn or the Mont. Plaza and Spa, which would you choose?

Cindy

That's a tough choice. When we travel with our kids, we stay in Monterey. Carmel has always been when it's just the two of us. Tickle Pink Inn is very romantic. Truffles and champagne brought to your room, wine and cheese reception, robes for the hot tub, etc. If you want a romantic time, I'd opt for the Tickle Pink with your hubby. ***kim***

Kim:

Thanks. I just checked with the Tickle Pink Inn and they are currently sold out. Do you like the La Playa just as much?

You are a great help!

Cindy

Someone pass the popcorn...this is gettin' good.

I've got some ***raisinettes***. I'm ready for the long haul.

Hi Cindy! Yes, La Playa is very nice. You just won't have the gorgeous coastal views like you get in the Carmel Highland's area. If you like Historic Hotels, you'll love La Playa.

I think it was recommended to me here by moneygirl. We stayed under the wine country package which included a bottle of Morgan Pinot Noir brought to our room with a small vase of gorgeous flowers from the gardens there. Let me know what you decide on! ***kim***

Hi Cindy, I don't know why Kimamom didn't mention to you to check out the suites at the LaPlaya in Carmel which have ocean views. Have a beautiful time.

Has it peaked, Kal?

Go to www.pacificgrove.org. Great town on the Monterey Peninsula. Good luck on hotels. The area really busy now. We live there.

got a cigarette?

Hi Cindy,

A great hotel in Monterey is the Monterey Plaza Hotel. (http://www.montereyplazahotel.com) It is beautiful and right on the bay. You can enjoy watching otters eat and play as well as seals and other marine life from your hotel room. Not sure how it compares price-wise however to Post Ranch, but there are a variety of room categories. Also, a fabulous restaurant near Monterey/Carmel is Passion Fish. (Pacific Grove, 5-10 minutes from downtown Monterey by car or a 1/2 hour walk along the sea path). My husband and I were just there last week and really enjoyed this little find. When we returned home, we found out it is acutally rated as one of the top five places to eat in the Carmel/Monterey area. (Who knew?) We can't recommend it enough! As the name suggests, the main attraction is the beautifully prepared fish. They also have a reasonable and extensive wine list. We were charmed by the restaurant, the wine and the service. However, I would make a reservation in advance as it is quite busy.

Passion Fish ...
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA - (831)655-3311 -

Cindys original post is almost two years old.
Your recommendation for Passion Fish is spot on.I had dinner there last night with three out of towner's and they were all suitably impressed with the food and wine list selections.

We live in Pacific Grove. Love Passionfish. Probably take all our visitors there at one time during their trip. Great spot!

Cellar Door, up the street from Passionfish, is also good. Owner Scott is a great host!

Years ago I stayed the the Ventnna Inn (Big Sur) and thought it was amazing. as was the view dining at Nepanthe