Hello!!!

My dad is sending Mom and I to Carmel for 4 days in September... the 15th-19th... Mom doesn't know yet! ;o) I would like to spend a few nights in Carmel and then maybe 1-2 nights somewhere a little more scenic. I've read a lot about the Tickle Pink, Highlands, and more. What are anybody's thoughts about the Normandy Inn vs Cobblestone in Carmel? We'd like a place that offers breakfast in the morning. Also... I heard the jazz festival is during our trip in Monterey. I'll take any suggestions I can get! Shopping, dining, hotels, and tourist attractions not to miss!!! ;o)

Thanks for your help! ;o)
Maria
Issaquah, WA

Wife and I stayed last month at the Best Western Bay View Inn. Nice clean, comfy, reasonably priced rooms in a great location, but nothing special. We walked all over town and saw the inns we had considered. Of the two, I would recommend the Normandy over the Cobblestone. Both, however, looked fairly tired from the outside. Of all the inns I saw in Carmel, I would stay at the Adobe Inn. Looked really elegant and modern from the outide. Highly rated by AAA. I would stay there next time.

I had also considered the tickle Pink and Highlands, but am soooooo gald I saved a ton of money and stayed in town. First, while I'm sure they're nice, are they worth that much money? I'd just end up being disappointed with something at those prices! Second, we loved walking around the quaint restaurants, shops, and beach at night and staying in town was so convenient.

Definately go to Point Lobos--the greatest meeting of sea and land in the world!

If your visit coincides with the Jazz Festival, I'd book your hotel reservations now. Don't spend too much time analyzing...

Well... after a final recommendation from a friend who goes to Carmel with her mom yearly... I booked the Carriage House Inn for all four nights. I got an upstairs vaulted room for the 1st two nights and a downstairs room (all that was left) for the last two nights. I had considered changing to the Normandy Inn for the last two nights... since it is considerably cheaper... any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Maria

My husband and I have stayed many times at the Cobblestone, but it has been a few years since we've been there. Heard from friends that the Carriage House is nice, but it wouldn't warrant a change in hotels or rooms. That takes alot of time when you're trying to have fun. Why not try the Adobe or LaPlaya for all four nights. They are both wonderful!

We've stayed at both the Normandy and the BW Carmel Bay View Inn. Both are very nice; the Bay View Inn has a slight edge on parking, and it's close to a grocery market if you need to pick something up. It's also a bit quieter. However, the Normandy is closer to the beach area. Breakfasts at both motels are okay but nothing special. If you stay at the Normandy Inn, walk up a block or two and eat at The Tuck Box, a charming little English spot that makes griddle scones, among other good things.

The Carriage House Inn is VERY nice; I love the window seats filled with pillows. The motel is very close to a French restaurant (can't remember the name offhand) that does a wonderful continental breakfast, and parking is adequate. Rooms are large and pretty, and the buildings are well shaded.

I forgot tomention that the Carmel Bay View Inn has an elevator, and some rooms have fireplaces.

THanks for all the tips and info!
I tried to book the Cobblestone... it was booked. The Normandy and Adobe had availability... but the Adobe was more $$$ than Carriage House and I liked the look of Carriage House/Rooms, etc... better. It was also $40 cheaper a night during the weeknights and equally priced on the weekends. I think I'd rather move rooms once half way through our trip vs spending another $80 or more. ;o)

I have heard that Grasings is a great lunch/dinner spot. ANy thoughts about going out to Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay for lunches or dinners? I was told that we HAVE to go to Clint's restaurant as well... Casanova I keep reading about as well. Thoughts?

Thanks everyone!
Maria ;o)

I'm confused. If you are traveling to the Carmel area to begin with and thinking of shopping and eating at places like Casanova and Pebble Beach why are you even considering the hassle of changing hotels midstay all for a $40 a night savings? That's chump change in that area.

The $80 saved on a motel room will buy at least one good dinner.

A nice place for lunch is the Thunderbird, out at the Barnyard shopping center. The T-bird is a combination bookstore/café, and it serves a wonderful tuna sandwich, among other delicious offerings.

Thanks Underhill... I realize that money is spent quite freely in Carmel... Remember, I'm going with my mom... as a treat from my dad who is footing the bill for the trip. If I can find ways to cut corners and save a little here or there... than I'm going to do my best to do so! It might be "chump change" as you say in Carmel... and for most of those visiting the place... but that doesn't require me to spend in the same fashion, does it? I want to take my mom to places that she will enjoy and that I've been told are worth a trip.

I came here to ask for help in finding those types of places, etc... and do appreciate the feedback that I've gotten.

THis is also the first time I've flown in 12 years... as I am a very fearful flyer... so I plan to make the most of this trip! It takes a great deal to get me onto a plane!

Thanks,
Maria

Note... we are staying at The Carriage House Inn for all 4 nights. Although we will change rooms half way through... that is truly not a big deal to me. I guess being a stay at home mom with my own business... I find cleaning up after my kids in the playroom a much more daunting task! ;o)

Maria

Even if you don't stay at the Highland's Inn ( my favorite) you must take your mom there for lunch or dinner at The California Market. The views are gorgeous from the outdoor patio and the food is wonderful.

Also, I would suggest a dinner at Roy's in Pebble Beach. Your mom would enjoy hearing the bagpiper play at sunset and the setting is beautiful.

Venture over to Pacific Grove, it's also a beautiful area. Dine at the White House for dinner there. It's a prix fixe meal for $29/pp. Excellent food, service and ambiance!! Enjoy your trip!! ***kim***

Whoa--I didn't make the comment about "chump change." That was another poster.

Underhill... I knew you didn't make that comment. I should have previewed my post better, as it came across that way. Sorry 'bout that!

Kimamom... thank you for all your great tips too!

MOm and I were online last night looking at pictures of places, reading posts, etc... I'll start planning our itinerary now!

Thanks everyone!
Maria