Well, I couldn't decide which hotel to use, so I made reservations at both for now (I'm not going until Deember and will release one in June). So I need the expertise of this board as to which I should choose. And please, no other recommendations as it will just confuse me!

1. Normandy Inn - regular king size bedroom on first floor

2. Best Western Carmel - King size bedroom with balcony, fireplace and view of ocean on a higher floor.

The price ended up being about $10 cheaper (total for three nights) at the Best Western than Normandy for what seems like a lot more so I really need honest assessments as to which one I should choose. Thanks!

The Normandy Inn's fireplace rooms are spectacular for the price in my opinion, but this sounds like one of the smallish ones we had -- still nice, pretty decor, very comfortable bed.

I guess the answer is pretty obvious. If you want a balcony, fireplace,and view of the ocean for less money, I think your mind is already made up for you.

I'm curious though. This is March. If you can decide, why do you wait until June to cancel the other one? Now I know why it is so hard to book a room in Carmel months ahead.

well, I wanted to see the opinions here first - I very well could cancel earlier - what I meant was that the beginning of June would be the absolute latest I would keep one of the rooms for that very reason. I don't want to hold it up.

The normandy room is the moderate one - no fireplace - that room was much more expensive - would have added another $200 to the stay there.

also, I know Normandy is right in the midst of everything while I think Best Western is not - but is it within walking distance?

So I guess I wanted the pros and cons of each to see what outweighs the other, if that makes any sense.

I have always liked the Normandy Inn because of its charming architecture, etc. But I think that I would go for a fireplace, balcony and view. The BW Carmel Bay View Inn looks as if it has traditional furniture (in the ad in AAA) and is not cookie cutter. I would stay there.

I've stayed at the BW Bay View. Yes, it's not cookie cutter, and has a great small inn ambiance. It's not really close to the beach though (1 mile maybe?). It is a quick 3 -5 blocks from most of the shops/ dining. I also liked the Carmel Garden Court which is a small inn. The rooms are smaller though. There is another BW, Town House Lodge which looks more reasonable and centrally located. I'm not personally familiar with it though.
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/selectHotel.do

Just to add, I think the Normandy Inn is a big step up from both BW's. Since the money isn't much different, I'd go for it.
We had "challenges" last summer booking and finding Carmel and Monterey Hotels/Motels/Inns for a late July weekend (for my daughter's wedding).

thanks to all so far.

any other opinions?

ttt

I'm not even sure which I'd do, so it is harder to tell you which you should do.
I think it is clear that the Normandy Inn is a much nicer, more charming, better decorated, more upscale sort of place in a better location. The BW on the other hand has some nice amenities, mainly the balcony, fireplace, and a view.

I think at this point no one can tell you which should be more important to YOU. You need to decide which YOU would rather spend your money on -- the "upscale" qualities or the extra amenities.