Most romantic accommodation on the central or northern coast for a 20th anniversary in April?? Recommended restaurants, too? 3days, 2 nights

Sorry- almost forgot. Price almost no object. Post Ranch @ $890/ night is too steep. ;(

Carmel is an incredibly quaint & charming town (no neon, no fast food joints, not even numbers on bldgs). Lots of galleries, shops, restaurants, gorgeous beach. Take a look at Park Hyatt Carmel (formerly Highlands Inn), right on the ocean just south of town-many rooms & suites have spectacular ocean views. In town, one of the most romantic restaurants we have ever been to is Casanova-small, charming-like being in Europe. Food is outstanding, French-Mediterranean-Northern Italian. We've been going there whenever in Carmel for nearly 30 years-never disappointed.

The Park Hyatt in the Carmel HIghland's is an excellent suggestion. We spent our 20t anniversary there and have been back several times since then. The Pacific's Edge right at the hotel is outstanding and very elegant. Happy Anniversary! ***kim***

There are many. I live on the Monterey Peninsula. The restaurants previously suggested pale to so many of the greats we have. What kind of cuisine do you prefer? What are you looking for when you say romantic? Do you like modern, rustic, peaceful, 5*, on the ocean?

Great destination choice for a 20th! hee hee! Tickle Pink Inn... Room 31.

http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....1&tid=34452270

Thanks for the questions TTess (& other responses, as well). We are eclectic in our cuisine tastes. Romantic would include quiet, peaceful & beautiful surroundings. Rustic setting is preferred, but modern, if tasteful, would also work. On the ocean or near with a good view line would be good.

Is $600 a night too steep? Ventana is beautiful and peacful, with ocean views:

http://www.ventanainn.com/resort.asp

Hey, TTess, any restaurant suggestions would be welcome--we're going to Carmel this spring. We also like Grasing's and will be trying Le Coq D'Or.

Have you been to Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. I haven't been there for a few years, but there used to be some rental apartments (painted very brightly) or something right on the beach, next to where the creek comes in. This would be a neat place to stay in my opinion, especially in April when the weather may be great.

I believe olyman is referring to The Venetian. It's a nice & unique place to stay if you intend to visit Capitola, but for the very special trip you have planned, you could probably do better.

If you do go to Carmel, be sure to tour Tor House. Poet Robinson Jeffers built Hawk Tower by hand for his wife. Just the tour for an anniversary.

Casa Palmero was the first place that came to mind after I read your post. Have you ever heard of it? http://www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?id=1385

Pebble Beach has some very nice places to dine. For an over the top expensive and absolutely exquisite meal, make a reservation at Club XIX. Make spa reservations for the two of you at Casa Palmero (they have packages in April, by the way).

Roy's and Peppoli are two favorites at The Inn at Spanish Bay, located at Pebble Beach. By the way, this property is also incredibly beautiful and would be a wonderfully romantic place for you and your wife. Spanish style, lots of marble, your own fireplace, canopy bed, incredible staff...you name it.

Dining in Carmel is very nice, too. Christopher's is a family favorite. When I say family, I mean a family that knows food - not kids running around. Fresh Cream in Monterey is a nice romantic and fabulous spot for food. Fandango in Pacific Grove is a Mediterranean place that is highly regarded. If you like Japanese and incredible sushi, Wasabi Bistro at the Crossroads Shopping Center, Carmel, is the best. Steakhouse? It has to be The Whaling Station in Monterey.

Are you a cheese and wine aficionado? The Cheese Shop at the Carmel Plaza is the place to go for amazing cheese and a bottle of wine to bag up and take to the beach for a memorable Carmel sunset. Our sunsets rival Maui's.