Umm....October is our most beautiful month, weather-wise. You'll love it, absolutely love it. You'll find that if there is fog, it will roll in late afternoon and roll out in the morning.

As for "sea views" from the Tally Ho, they get Carmel Bay views. Carmel Bay views are heavenly. I'll see if I can get by the Tally Ho this week. My daughters took me to the Tuck Box for a late lunch on Saturday and we strolled our downtown. I tried to convince them to let me go to the TH but they insisted we do something fun. Oh well, I tried.

Thanks so much for everyone's help on this matter. And TTess.....if you still make it, that would be great.

I really enjoyed looking around this property, I was shown 2 rooms, one was not remodeled and was still very nice, the rooms are very spacious, you do have a peek of the ocean from the rooms. There is a nice sitting area with a fireplace and a very friendly staff. There is no lobby so to speak, just a small area for check in. The place is nothing to write home about from the outside, but once inside the rooms, it was wonderful. Yes, I would love to stay in Room #104 sometime. :)

As often as we have visited Carmel, I never tire of going here, there is always something new to discover. This time we took the Scenic Drive from the main beach to Carmel River Beach, I got some gorgeous photos here. We also viewed Tor House for the first time, it was gorgeous and I want to take the tour sometime. We love Carmel! ***kim*** ((#))

Lizzie518,

I stopped at the Tally Ho, today. Alas, room 108 was occupied. However, I was escorted to the same room somebody else mentioned, room 104. From the outside of that room, I could see room 108. 108 is isolated at the top of the property. Lizzie, the views are SPECTACULAR! I wasn't allowed to climb the private stairway, of course, but knowing Carmel as well as I do, I can tell you that you can see all the way to Pt. Lobos and of course, Pebble Beach. That room has a huge and very private deck. I can't remember if the manager told me there is a jacuzzi on the deck but not in the room. I'm pretty sure that's what he said, though. Just seeing that big deck and knowing the view, sold me on the room. It would have to be a dump for me not to stay there.

Room 104? Weird, weird, weird. The views were very nice and the bathroom was lovely, with a very nice jacuzzi. However, there was NO symmetry with the decor. The bathroom's modern design did not coordinate with the bedroom, which had an antique or reproduction bar. The bed was either antique or a repro. I couldn't really inspect the pieces closely. On top of that, I noticed, at a glance because I know the pieces, that the night stands were Tommy Bahama. Those pieces are wonderfully built but Hawaiian. The carpet and duvet are dark green and ugly. I don't know who their decorator is but seeing that it's owned by the same owner as the Pine Inn, I understand. It is poorly decorated, too.

If you want a wonderful ocean view with a very decent room in a quiet area and to be able to walk to the beach, walk all over town, to dinner, to the shops, bars, Sunset Center, and theaters, then stay at the Tally Ho in Carmel.

Tess, yes, my husband and I have stayed at the Tally Ho in Room 108 a few times and the view is truly spectacular. We are making a stop at Tally Ho this October before we continue to the Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur.

For those interested in the Tally Ho, I have some photos of the property that are now posted on TripAdvisor, just type in Tally Ho in the search section. I also have current photos of Tickle Pink Inn posted on that site of our time last weekend at the property. Enjoy! ***kim*** ((f))

I didn't get a chance to go into the rooms at the Cypress Inn, but did get a few exterior shots of the property and one of the lobby and courtyard that are now up on TripAdvisor. I would love to stay here sometime, also. ***kim*** ((#))

I just saw them on TA...thanks Kim!

We stayed at the Cypress Inn several years ago and loved it! It is an easy walk to the beach, the rooms were great, and of course, it was fun meeting new people and dogs. We stayed in the tower room with our two daughters and enjoyed the time. Sitting outside in the evening near the fireplace was also memorable. We were there in July and were surprised how cool it could be, so bring the right clothes.

Hi all,

Thanks for all of the great responses. My husband and I just got back from a long weekend jaunt to beautiful coastal Maine.....so what a lovely surprise to return to the "real" world to find some more information on this post. I can now delay reality for a short bit :)

Kimamom: I checked out your photos on TA for both Tally Ho and Tickle Pink. You certainly cannot beat the views at the Tickle Pink....and the wine reception looks lovely. I did not get a chance to look at your pictures of the Cypress Inn yet. Now on the pictures of Tally Ho....I'll get to that in a minute.

TTess: Thanks so much for checking out the Tally Ho. Your comments on the room do not surprise me so much after looking at kimamom's pictures. The decor is very strange and it is what's leaving me apprehensive about the place. I think the views and the private balcony are what we would be looking for....but I'm not sure if the room will leave us wanting more. The decor of the rooms (based on pictures on their website) is what left my coworker feeling a little underwhelmed originally. That's not necessarily a deal breaker.....I just have to decide if ultimately it will do. I totally appreciate you taking the time to check it out....how can I ask for better service....from kimamom too?!

Steelygirl: Could you provide more information on your experience in room 108 at the Tally Ho? Are the beds comfortable (mattress, sheets, ect.)? Do you find the decor to be distracting or a nonissue? Any comments on the views/balcony? How is service at the hotel? Any info you can provide on your experience with the hotel/room would be helpful....including any pros and cons.

I think I may be narrowing it down to either the Tally Ho in Carmel or Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove. (Seven Gables also seems to have some decor hindrances [overly gilded Victorian??]) I have not entirely ruled out the Cypress Inn, however, and I may need to revisit the Tickle Pink after viewing kimamom's lovely pics. I'm getting there though.....Hopefully I'm not sounding too picky....but this is more than a long weekend jaunt to coastal Maine for us, so I would like to be pleasantly satisfied.

You will be more than pleasantly satisified at the Cypress Inn - IMO anyway.

You're most welcome, Lizzie518. I toured the same room as Kimamom and for the life of me can't come up with her description of the decor being absolutely gorgeous, wonderful and that the view has a peek of the ocean. By the way, the view is much, much more than just a peek.

If you can just deal with the decor, appreciate the fact that the view and location are ideal, you'll love it. I'd rather stay there than a B&B such as the Seven Gables.

Re the Tickle Pink...the views are SPECTACULAR! You won't be able to walk anywhere, though. Remember it's 4 miles south of town so think about what is important to you.

We just returned from our SF/Carmel trip & really loved the Tickle Pink Inn; we were in the Crow's Nest (room 28) which was very private, FP, no jacuzzi, great views & THE most comfortable bed I have ever slept in - the best night of sleep in 7 nights. We had a late lunch at the California Market next door at the Highlands Inn- the Cioppino was too die for - never had such tender calamari! We ordered room service from the Highlands Inn for dinner as we didn't feel like going out. I want to mention that the Highlands Inn is beautiful; we enjoyed browsing in their gift shop, & meandering through the gardens outside & public areas inside. The staff at the Highlands Inn was very gracious & accomodating & we weren't even staying there & it is very elegant with big open spaces & gorgeous views from the sitting area & restaurants.

While visiting Pacific Grove, we stopped by the Seven Gables Inn & spoke w/ the manager on duty. It really is beautiful; has a Victorian appearance/furnishings & beautiful ocean views with easy access (right across the street) to a walking/biking path that goes along the ocean. We'll have to stay there on a future visit.

The big difference in view is that from the TPI or Highlands Inn, you are looking down at the Pacific from a cliff's view & from the Seven Gables, the ocean view is more at eye level.

Sorry Lizzie518, I just wanted to add that my husband & I really loved walking around the town of Pacific Grove (actually more than Carmel!). The Tickle Pink Inn was really fabulous we were only there 1 night, but wish we'd been able to stay at least 2-3 nights- there was such attention to detail! Our room had a hidden refrigerator, sink area with cabinets & coffee maker with freshly ground Starbucks coffee, plenty of living space with a sofa , chairs, outside table & chairs on a little private balcony, CD player (with CD's to purchase - we bought the classical & jazz CD's) wonderful Gilchrest & Soames bath products, the best evening wine/appetizer hour in a lovely area overlooking the ocean with indoor/outdoor seating, & a really great breakfast; we were feeling lazy so we had it delivered to our room. The evening was rather warm till the sun went down but the morning was cool so we had fire in our fireplace as we ate breakfast. If you are planning to stay several nights, you might consider splitting your stay between 2 places in 2 different areas. I wouldn't have minded 2 nights in each place.

Lizzy, I have lived in Pacific Grove and Carmel, and for me, it would also be between Tickle Pink and Seven Gables.

It's a short, but extremely beautiful, delightful 4-mile drive down the coast from Carmel to Tickle Pink, under pines dripping with old Spanish moss, so rent a convertible to take advantage of the warm Indian summer weather you will no doubt experience. You can ramble around Carmel all day, then escape down coast for some seriously relaxing R&R, sipping wine and watching the sun set into the sea. Pt. Lobos is practically across the street, so a leisurely picnic there is fabulous. California Market can fix you up with that. OR....

I'm very partial to Seven Gables and we go there often. Don't think B&B, think historic inn--it's definitely a step above. We know and appreciate museum-quality antiquities and these two mansions have some very fine things. The houses themselves are some of the prettiest architecture in town. The former Grandview Inn is now called the Beach House and is a part of Seven Gables. Our photos of the common areas, most of which aren't shown online just blow people away. The inn's especially beautiful at night when all the local artisan glassworks and sconces sparkle. It's so comfortable and you can have as much privacy as you choose there.

We love the panoramic bay views from the Breaker's room (only a third of it's view is shown online) so much it's almost hard to leave the room. Watching the sea lions, otters, pelicans, gulls and the occasional kayak so closeby is quite something. During our last stay, in the wee morning hours, I watched a family of deer slowly walking down deserted Oceanview Blvd. right in front of the inn, which was hilarious, but not at all unusual for Pacific Grove. Seven Gables is about 3 blocks from downtown, so you walk to dinner, past historic Victorian cottages from the olden days when the town was a private Chatauqua summer retreat.

Our favorite restaurant for dinner is Melange, across the street from the newly re-opened theatre (where Clint Eastwood's daughter recently chose to preview the new movie she directed), and Passionfish -- both have very good food and reasonably priced and interesting local wine lists. For lunch, Red House Cafe, there or take-out for a beach picnic (friendly owners, busy lunch -- go early, and don't miss dessert or the whimsical garden shop next door.) Also take out lunch from Bistro Moulin, a block up from Monterey aquarium and a good walk along the rocky shores from Seven Gables.

Maybe you could spend a night or two in both places! :-)

For walking around, I would pick PG before Carmel myself. Both are great though, more walkable than Old Town Monterey and the "zoo", Cannery Row.

Lissie518 - I am the wife of Fosterag. He introduced me to this website and am really enjoying it. He went to HS in Monterey but had to leave mid-term of his junior year and move to Japan. He still considers Monterey HS as where he graduated and they consider him so.
We go to Monterey for HS reuinons and have cruised with several of his classmates. We have usually stayed at the Marriott but this summer are staying at the Monterey Bay Lodge because of price. We are going to be there for 8 days. Marriott is great, within walking for everything in town. Two restaurants I would highly recommend are Rosine's on Alvarado in Monterey and Old Monterey Cafe. We have cruised with Rosine and Jim and they have wonderful food with resonable prices, especially their Sunday brunch. We have also stayed in Carmel and PG, but prefer Monterey because of proximity to classmates. We go at least every two years. My husband had to have his Monterey FIX!!! Wherever you stay I am sure you will enjoy it. I am from Texas but love the Monterey, PG and Carmel.

Thank you all so much for all of your opinions. It really has been very helpful narrowing it all down. At this point I think that my remaining choices will all be acceptable, it just comes down to what features I want most. When I figure that out, I will let you know. My husband is very partial to a good, close oceanview....so maybe he can opine on it this weekend.

Gemstone: I have (previously) looked at The Breakers room at the Seven Gables Inn (in addition to other rooms) and it is available for the dates of our stay. The views definitely look great.....but the furnishings (besides the bed) don't look that inviting given their antiquity. Granted, I love antiques and have many in my home, but not necessarily where I lounge around. Was this a hindrance in your opinion? I'm just curious if you still found the room to be comfortable. The quoted rate on The Breakers room is $355/night.

Tickle Pink Inn had a "full ocean view king - no fireplace, no jacuzzi" room available for $339 - $357/night (it jumps in price due to weekend nights).

The Cypress Inn did not have any "rooms with a view" available, but they quoted a "Queen Deluxe" in the new wing with a jacuzzi for $295/night. Or a king courtyard view for $250/night.

Tally Ho room #108 was quoted at $329 to $339/night.

They are all in the ballpark....

You really can't beat the views at the Tickle Pink Inn, they are truly stunning. One of the reasons why I picked TPI was for the nice amenities that are included with your room, this was our second stay. There are fresh baked cookies in the lobby upon arrival, after you arrive there is a knock on the door and Champagne and a box of chocoalte truffles with a red rose comes to your room. Shorty after check-in from 4:30-6:00 there is a very nice wine and cheese reception held in the oceanview terrace room, two reds and two whites from Chateau Julien are offered along with cheeses, and other nibbles, loved the Gharadelli Chocolate covered strawberries! There are comfy robes for the outdoor hot tub, we had soaks after dinner at Pacific's Edge and the next morning after breakfast, beautiful views from the hot tub. Breakfast in the morning is very nice with ham, Spinach Fritatta, fresh fruit, yummy freshly baked pasteries, we enjoyed breakfast by the glowing fire. There are flowers everywhere at the property and beautiful fresh bouqets in the fireplace room. ***kim*** ((f))

Yes, Lizzy, we do find Breakers very comfortable. As you see on the website, there are two "modern" swivel chairs located in the bay window nook--they're very comfortable and allow you to swivel to take in the panorama during the day and also the lights across the bay at night. As I mentioned, there's A LOT more views than you can see from the photo. You really have a very relaxing ring-side seat above it all, so much so that you might find it hard to leave the room, too!

We arrange for them to have a chilled bottle of champagne ready for us on arrival (or bring your own--they'll do a fast chill). Sit down in those chairs, sip, relax and watch the awesome "show" directly in front of you. With binoculars, you can watch the sea creatures' every move. Don't forget the fireplace.

The side tables are nothing to write home about, but there's a gorgeous massive armoire (not shown) with plenty of room to store all your things, a new and comfortable king bed and a nice marble bathroom. One thing--the bathroom is in a gable, so one side of the ceiling has a slant down that tall people might have to duck at the lowest part, but it's not a problem. By the way, the room (and the rest of the inn) is immaculate. I hope this helps.