I am trying to decide on accomodations in Carmel or Monterey area. I am down to either the Dolphin Inn or Svensgaard's Inn. Does anyone have any recent experience with the two and could offer an opinion? We are a couple plus 5 yr old. Looking for something under $150 for 2 - 3 nights (Thurs, Fri, Sat), but that appears to be a tall order. A number of places I've tried are sold out. Thank you.

Was just at Svensgaard (you'll be lucky to find people who have been at both and compare, but maybe....), in one of their smallest rooms. For the price compared to the other overpriced places in Carmel, it's entirely adequate with some pleasant features. But the bathroom was a tad smelly, the twin-bedded room tiny and only one window facing the courtyard, the breakfast convenient (brought in a basket to your doorstep) but sparse, and a number of the doors were warped such that people had to shove and slam them open and closed -- which made it noisy and shook the building.

Most of their rooms are larger, according to the floorplan, but probably more expensive -- and have more windows front-to-back.

Without knowing a thing about the Dolphin, I can at least say that the Svensgaard will be okay, conveniently located, but not (at least if you get our room, which I think was 36 -- on inside at corner) exactly splendid. At least try to be on upperlevel, since the lower level looked a bit dark and even mustier.

(If you have a child, which room will they be giving you, do you know?)

PS: your 5-yr.old will appreciate the breakfast maybe more than you will -- little bowls of either Cheerios or flakes of some sort, with small container of milk; plus small, plastic-wrapped croissant or sweet roll and a little fruit cup (melon wasn't ripe).

All I know from first call is that the room has 2 double beds ($180 - 10% AAA discount). The Dolphin Inn was also 2 dbl bed and indicated a private balcony so am guessing that is 2nd floor ($195 - 10% AAA discount). The other possibility was the Wayside Inn with King and sofabed ($210 - 10% AAA discount). Your description does not have me eager to pay that much (I know it's Carmel....). Thanks for the info.

The description of the Svensgaard room sounds like the one we had.

I think that price range is as good as you're going to get for Carmel. Be aware, just for orientation, that the main drag, Ocean Ave. runs east-west between 6th and 7th and downhill (heading west, of course) toward the water. San Carlos is about 9 blocks up the hill from the water and Mission is one block east of it. So all three are reasonably well-located.

Another PS: Out of curiosity (since we may return there) went to tripadvisor.com and saw that Wayside was rated #1 out of 34 Carmel B&Bs -- for what that's worth. Dolphin was #10 and Svensgaard was #23.

Carmel Country Inn is special - large, clean - I believe mostly suites - but not what we think of as suites - more like a charming little cottage with two bedrooms - so comfortable - Europeans' favorite. I know that is not what you asked.....

thanks cabovacation, but the Carmel Country Inn rooms that accommodate more then 2 persons look to be $245 and up.
I do welcome any suggestions though so thanks again.

Dolphin goes uphill, with more stairs than Svensgaard. Svensgaard better grounds. Upper level @ Svensgaard is better than lower. Both are part of the same chain of hotels, and are only a block apart.

Stayed at the Dolphin last October. For what it is (basically a motel type facility), it was fine. Nothing fancy, but the rooms were pretty good sized with the 2 queens. There was a fireplace, which was a nice touch. We were on the first floor facing the pool. No view except for the pool, parking lot. Second floor might offer some view. Clean.

Toliet, shower in separate enclosed room, but vanity area is has no door to the main living area (as is the usual design with these motel types), so hair dryer, etc., will definitely be a distraction to someone sleeping in, watching TV, etc.

Have a look at the Best Western Ocean View Inn (at least from the top floor)--pretty country-style rooms, swimming pool, adequate parking.

If this applies to anyone, I'll be glad I took the time to update here:

Hwy 152 at Hecker Pass is being widened and is closed until the end of Sept 2005, 129 is being suggested instead.

Sorry--the correct name of the inn is the BW Carmel Bay View Inn.

Thanks, I was wondering. Unfortunately the BW Carmel Bay View is booked for the days we need. I posted a new message, but in case, folks as checking back here, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Carmel Inn & Suites? They have availability with a King Suite - even has a separate bedroom with a daybed/trundle in the living room for $159 (AAA). Sounds good, but I can't find any reviews for it - it's not in Trip Advisor.