Boxer

Although I've not yet stayed in Pacific Grove, from the pictures that I've seen it looks like the kind of fabulous ocean views you're looking for (us too).

You can drive to Carmel for the day and see and do all the things that Carmel is famous for.

I seem to be saying the exact reverse of what your first responder said "Monterey and Pacific Grove can be easily driven to for some daytime activities".

You get the idea ... it is all quite close together and dependent on what you REALLY want to be closest to.

curiousgeo

Lizzie518, looks like you have made some progress in your research, but are still unsure of where to stay. Coming from the East Coast as you are, my inclination for you would be the Tickle Pink Inn.

It offers the best combination of nice accommodations, great coastal ocean views and some rooms have fireplaces as well. The Highlands area is not too far from Carmel so you have relatively easy access to the village, which still gives you plenty of time to walk around and explore.

I think most of the B&B's in Pacific Grove tend to have the same "quaintness" issues you would find in Carmel. But no matter where you end up staying, the overall beauty of the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area will more than make up for any accommodation deficiency you might run into. Just my 2 cents.

TTess

ttt

Lizzie518

Thanks to all for the great responses. I hesitate to say I am narrowing it down, because I seem to be flip flopping. But all of this information will be quite helpful.

I am from Connecticut and grew up on Long Island sound. The water and beach has always been a part of what I do. That beng said, I've never seen the Pacific. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the Rhode Island beaches and the Maine coast (Atlantic waves crashing against the rocks).

Maybe it's time to see what DH has to say.

mouseRD

We've chosen to stay at the Tickle Pink Inn in the Carmel Highlands; my second choice would have been Seven Gables Inn in PG. If money were no object, I would spend a couple of nights at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur.

starrs

I loved being IN Carmel so much, I extended my visit to stay in Carmel.
I enjoyed the Cypress Inn very much.

Lizzie518

mouseRD: when are you going to Tickle Pink? What kind of room did you reserve, and if you don't mind, what was the rate?

starrs: could you elaborate a little on the rooms at The Cypress Inn. It was another inn that caught my eye. Did your room have a view? King or Queen? What rate were able to pay nd what time of year? Thanks.

We are hoping to spend under $400/night.....but in the $300s works.

By any chance has anyone who has been to Carmel also been to Newport, RI? I'm picturing it to be similar.....and when we do visit Newport RI we tend not to get a room with a view since we enjoy being in town.

starrs

Lizzie, I stayed in probably the smallest room in the place at a rate that is a fraction of what you are quoting. I LOVED my room so a pricier room would just have to be even more wonderful.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed staying in the little, lovely village of Carmel. I just couldn't bear to leave. I cancelled my reservations for the next phase of the trip deciding I would figure out how to stay longer in Carmel and where to stay later on when I finally left Carmel

mouseRD

Lizzie - We'll be going mid-May during the week; our rate for an ocean view w/ fp was $369/night (the reservationist said we could show our AAA card when we check in & she would deduct 10% from that rate). On the confirmation we received in the mail, it indicated we'd be in the "Crow's Nest" room.

jtrandolph

I have not read all of these comments, but the Green Gables and Seven Gables Inns both have great water views, are just across the street from a walkway, and are within walking distance of several great restaurants in Pacific Grove.

If you want to shop and browse, drive to Carmel, but stay in Pacific Grove.

andrew8

Lizzie,
I would stay in Carmel which has so much character and charm. You have the ginger bread houses, the shops, good food, the beach and the panoramic coastline with ocean views and beautiful sunsets.

TTess

Visit PG but stay in Carmel. Carmel is a beautiful village with much to see, do and dine.

We do not have any hotels on our beaches but we do have some nearby with ocean views. I wouldn't stay in PG, Carmel Highlands or Tickle Pink if I wanted to be able to stroll down the street to access most anything my heart desired.

mjs

We have been to the Monterey/Carmel area about 15 times over the last 10-15 years. Last visit was late March. Have stayed in all sorts of places. Would not stay at Highlands/Tickle Pink. They have nice views and parking and a decent restaurant at Highlands but you have to drive everywhere. Staying in Carmel is nice as you are able to stroll around to the beach, shops, restaurants etc. Our problem with Carmel is that we have never really stayed at a hotel we really liked enough to return. May try Mission Ranch on our next visit.
Do rather like the Hotel Pacific in Monterey as their rooms are good sized and pleasant with fireplaces. Easy walk to one of our favorite breakfast places, the old Monterey Cafe.
Pacific Grove is another good location next to the ocean and a easy walk to several decent restaurants.
Passionfish is decent with an excellent wine selection.
I lived in New Haven for awhile and Boston and Philadelphia so am familiar with the northeast.
Maine is fine but the central coast of California is much prettier and Carmel is much more interesting than Newport. I would lean towards Pacific Grove but Carmel itself would also be nice for you.

onemoneygirl

Lizzie518,

Without reading back through all of the posts... here's a suggestion:

Since the Tally Ho Inn has rooms, a great location and it caught your fancy... stay there! You will be in the very best possible location for restaurants, shopping, one minute from Carmel Beach, the library, the deli and browsing around the charming Carmel by the sea.

Make sure you leave an evening to drive and park in PG somewhere off of Ocean to walk and enjoy the stunning views of the bay, the old victorian homes, the Episcopal Church... if you can walk two miles... head around to Spanish Bay Inn and enjoy drinks at sunset.

You could also go the other direction and drive 5 minutes to downtown historic Monterey... Colton Hall and the first theatre of CA. Monterey was the first capital of CA and there is a lot of history if you like that kind of thing! Do drive up to Highland's Inn for lunch or dinner, see if they have a room you can tour and check out Carmel Valley your way back ... the Barnyard, The Mission, Carmel Valley Ranch etc...

I think for a first visit this would cover your bases and get you a little bit of everything!

You've got to figure out where you're staying so we can talk about activities and restaurants!

TTess

Walk to Spanish Bay from PG? Are you kidding me? I didn't read where she said she's Episcopalian but hey, if you're not, there are other denominations, too. Why not visit the Mormons in Monterey? The Catholics are everywhere. As a matter of fact, there's a fabulous Mission in Carmel...LOL! The Barnyard is now a ghostyard, alas, sign of the times and bad landlords. The Crossroads, if you're in that neighborhood, is much better. You could even stop at the Morgan Tasting Room at the Crossroads to sip and shop.

Lizzie, I drive by the Tally Ho, frequently. The views of the ocean are spectacular and it's in town, which makes it terrific. I haven't seen the rooms, yet but ought to stop by one of these days for a peek. The Green Lantern is adorable and in a good location. The Colonial is a bit farther from town but all of these inns provide views. I've been in the rooms of both of the latter properties and can vouch for them.

SusanCS

Every thread needs a contrarian so I volunteer! I grew up spending lots of time on the ocean and am absolutely enchanted by the sights and sounds (including fog horns, birds and other water critters). For that reason, I'm crazy about rooms on the water at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Not only are the rooms and the hotel really nice, but sleeping with the balcony doors open is my idea of heaven!

Of course, we always drive to Carmel for lunch and I do understand how it's much more convenient for walking excursions, but I love Monterey, too.

TTess

Susan - I agree with you. There's nothing wrong with Monterey, at all. It's a beautiful town. You described your idea of heaven quite well.

limegreencurl

bookmarking

Thanks to all for the great info!

Lizzie518

There is so much information to sift through....and I am still sifting. Thanks to all who provided great info. I will let you all know what I decide when I decide it....and then we can discuss restaurants! Right now I am leaning toward staying in Carmel, followed by PG. Monterey would be in third place as we would stay at the Marriott and save money by using points. I'm not there yet....

I'm trying to decide if I want to wake up with the waves crashing and a view of seals lounging, or if a distant view of the water with a village atmosphere is more to my liking. Hopefully I can figure it out.

starrs

Well, when I stayed on the water in Monterrey we were awoken at dawn to Marines running down the streets doing their songs. I know "songs" is not the right word, but you know what I mean. On the water in Monterrey was less picturesque to me than Carmel. Oh, but DO kayak in Monterrey Bay on your trip. One of my favorite travel memories EVER!