Looing for a moderate, but decent hotel or inn in Carmel. It's our first-time there and we'll be traveling around the first week of December.
Any suggestions?

My favorite is Mission Ranch, however it is not in the center of Carmel near Ocean Ave, which is where may people, including, first time visitors prefer to stay. Mission Ranch is in quieter area near the Carmel Mission, overlooking the Carmel River Beach. BTW it is only a five minute drive to Ocean Ave. In January we have a double room for about $120 I believe.

CarmelMissionInn has some great rates in early december, even lower if you are an AAA member. It's a very nice hotel (with mediocre service when it's busy), but early December should be fine.

If you don't mind staying in Monteray instead, there are wonderful bed and breakfasts right on the coast line. Seven Gables for example.

We were just in Carmel this past September. We stayed at the Carmel Valley Ranch (a Wyndahm Luxury resort). It was very nice and we would recommend it. It really had an "outdoorsy" feel (there were deer and wild turkey walking all over). It's about 6 miles outside of Carmel. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I don't know what you call moderate, but the Seven Gables is over $250/night. If that price range is OK, I would suggest the Tickle Pink Inn in the Carmel Highlands. We just stayed there last month and the owner told me the rates would be going down in December.

If you want to stay right in downtown Carmel, the Normandy Inn looks very nice and just a few blocks from the ocean. The Green Lantern Inn also looked quaint, but we usually stay in the Highlands area at the Tickle Pink or the Highland's Inn. ***kim***

I stayed at the Normandy Inn during my first and only visit to Carmel. I was glad that visiting for the first time, that I stayed in town. I also checked out the Green Lantern across the street as kimamom has suggested. I also thought that place looked very nice.

I went through and saw a room at La Playa, and while the gardens were nice, I was very unimpressed with their rooms. {Not quite 'downtown' either.}

I believe that someone has suggested a Best Western in the downtown area. It was some chain motel like that. It is supposed to be nice and inexpensive. You might want to do a search.

Have a great time.

I would recommend the Normandy Inn. We've stayed there a couple of times and you can get a very nice room for two at around $100/night in Dec. It's right on Ocean Ave and in the middle of Carmel where you an enjoy walking around without worrying about driving/parking. You're about five blocks from the beach.Right across the street is the Pine Inn and an excellent Italian restaurant, Il Fornio. At least stop in for a glass of wine at the attractive bar or go for a latte in the morning.

Check out the PINE INN in downtown Carmel. They have winter specials. It is on Ocean Avenue and in the middle of everything. Nice historic place.

Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn. Stayed a few yrs ago. It was lovely, wtihin walking distance to all the towns' attractions, gas fireplaces in rooms, a breakfast included, nice views. Hopefully it is still as nice. Check Tripadvisor.com for feedback on Carmel area places.

If you're looking for a nice place to have lunch while in Carmel, consider Casanova. We had such a nice time there out on their patio. The sea bass salad was one of the best I've ever had they serve local Georis wines. Their Sauv Blanc paired perfectly with my salad. Enjoy Carmel! ***kim***

Casanova. Yep. Good eatin's there.

We just got back from Carmel and we stayed at the tickle pink. It was nice but it was hard to see the Ocen from our balcony as there were trees in the way. Also our Jacuzzi was having a problem. It is important to get a good room.Most of the rooms were lovely. Our room was nice but the view was a little blocked. You can hear traffic from route 1.If I was to go back I would stay at the Mission Ranch. My husband and I checked it out and it is serene and beautiful The food at the restaurant is good and you are close to everything but at the same time away from crowds.

We just stayed at the Tickle Pink Inn last month. I wish you would have asked what room was good to request. Room 15 was right in the middle of the property with gorgeous views from our balcony and we had a standard room.

Did you get to take advantage of their wine and cheese reception? It was very nice, featuring wines from local wineries. I think we sampled the wines from the Julien Vineyards which we very nice. That hot tub is a trek down, there, but once we were there it was very nice and working properly. ***kim***

Stayed last month at the Green Lantern Inn. Very quaint and clean rooms. Four blocks walk to Carmel Beach and two blocks to downtown. Thought their rates were very reasonable. We paid $89. per night which included great breakfast each morning.

That is an amazing rate for a Carmel Inn. ***kim***

Rates vary with the seasons in Carmel and weekday rates can be very good. Carmel Mission Inn is a solid 3 star for $63 weekdays and $89 weekends on many dates Nov to March.

Hi,

You might also look at the Vagabond's House Inn. The rooms are not luxurious, but we found our stay there really pleasant. We had a room with king-sized bed (beds had great linens and were so comfortable) and a fireplace. There are complimentary cholocates and sherry in your room daily and continental breakfast is delivered to your room...It was within walking distance of the beach and all the restaurants and shops.

I recall it being moderately priced....around $150/night in May.

Also, let me add, the rooms were not nearly as frou-frou as they look on the website...