what is the nicest place 2 stay in the town of carmel, ca.must in the town

zinny, we are staying in Carmel in early August at the Carmel Valley Ranch. Its 4 star, a Wyndham luxury resort. never stayed there before but it looks very nice (check wyndham's site), and they are having good special rates right now. We have a room booked for $149 and in the spring their rate was quoted as $370!

Carmel Valley Ranch is not in Carmel itself - it is about 7 miles inland in Carmel Valley. A very nice area but not in the village or near the water.

As for the "nicest" place in Carmel - there are over 50 hotels, inns and motels in the town and most are nice and some world famous. Carriage House (B&B) and Tickle Pink (motel) are two very nice places - in the $200 - 300 per night range. The La Playa is a converted mansion w/ gorgeous gardens. It has some smallish rooms for less the $200 but most are much higher. But there are probably 25 that could be recommended.

One problem with the valley is that, compared to carmel, the valley in the summer can get quite hot. I don't know if that is an issue for you. I particularly like walking by the surf in carmel, so it would be more convenient to be in town. I keep meaning to stay at the hotel/inn owned by clint eastwood, but never have---that is fairly close to town. Highlands inn, next to ticle pink in carmel highlands, is also in a great location--the rooms generally have fabulous views..

La Playa is a winner for sure. We also like the Cypress Inn which is smack dab in the center of things and the old Pine Inn (former stagecoach inn) is quirky and fun. I don't think there's a "bad" place to stay in all of Carmel. Be aware that many have 2 day minimum stays.