Does anyone have any suggestions for a place to stay in Carmel? We are 2 adults and a 4 yr old. Also we are on business in San Francisco for a week but have 2 days and 1 night free. Carmel looks beautiful. Is it worth driving to? Are there other places that may be better for a 4 yr old? Thank you!

Probably the best things for a 4 year old is the town beach in Carmel and the Monterey Aquarium. Carmel is quaint and lovely. www.vagabondshouseinn.com is the website for a charming B&B in the heart of Carmel. They may have cots for kids.

If you want to be close to the aquarium in Monterey, stay at the Plaza Hotel there. In Carmel, La Playa is nice, they have a pool if your little one likes to swim. ***kim***

Thank you very much!

If you plan to be there on a weekend, there is often a 2 night minimum at hotels.

Stu Dudley

one nice carmel traditon is that a lot of people go with their dogs to the beach before sunset and let the dogs run around. your 4 year old will like that, i bet. i sure do.

you can walk from there to the pebble beach golf course, and
actually climb up to it.

To access the Carmel Beach, you just haveto drive down to the end of the "main drag", Ocean Avenue, park at the small parking lot there and just walk right onto the beach.

People walk (run) their dogs very early in the morning and towards dusk, but some will bring their dogs at other times of the day as well, weather permitting.

Just a couple of miles south of Carmel is Point Lobos State Reserve which is even more fun for kids with tidepools and barking seals. Easy hiking trails. It's very user friendly. When the weather is good, Point Lobos is gorgeous.

Carmel itself has some charming small hotels as well.

Two of the charming hotels in Carmel are the Dolphin and the Village Inn. Both walking distance to the beach. Dolphin is closer and the upper floors have an ocean view.

I would try to avoid the weekends, as Stu said about the 2 night minimums. And most rooms will likely be booked and pricey as well. Aim for a Sunday - Thursday for your one night stay and you should be fine.

My favorite spot in Carmel, perectly located on Ocean Avenue, with breakfast delivered every morning to your spacious room with a sitting area:

http://www.loboslodge.com/

P.S. You can easily walk to the ocean, down Ocean, from Lobos Lodge.

Thanks for all the information! As you guys said I cant find anywhere for just one night and we only have a Saturday night free. Do you think we should stay somewhere outside of Carmel or find another town. Someone mentioned Cannery Row. Anyone have any suggestions? I really appreciate all the help!

Cannery Row is just a section of Monterey (it is where the aquarium is)

You could try Marina - not as nice as monterey but nearby and you might find a place that doesn't have a 2 night minimum. Or as far away as Salinas. I'm sure most places in Salinas don't have min stay requirements . . . .

Have you tried the Best Western Beach Resort, about 5 minutes from Monterey, your little one will love the playing on the beach there, they also have a nice pool and jacuzzi and on-site restaurant. ***kim***

I think I have tried everything anywhere close. September 22nd seems impossible. My sister stayed at the Best Western Beach Resort in May and loved Carmel. Does anyone know of the Porto La Plaza Hotel? It is in Monterey but I am not sure of where it is situated. Thank you! Maybe we should try Napa area?

Sorry, that's Portola Plaza Hotel on Fisherman's Wharf. Is that within walking distance of Cannery Row? I was really excited about Carmel. Is this close? Thank you for all your help!

Yes, probably the most upscale hotel in Monterey and probably booked. Check Seaside, Marina, and even Santa Cruz if nothing else works.

Most seaside properties will have a 2 night minimum. Or at least any nice ones will.

So instead of just hunting and hoping, try inland like Salinas. Its not all that great as a destination (except for the Steinbeckmuseum) - but is close to Monterey/Carmel, cheaper accompdations, and you can probably book just one night.

oh - to clarify -- I meant lower case seaside. Hotels near the coast, not just in the town of Seaside.

Thank you so much for all your help! I will check out the other places.