CARMEL??? WHERE TO STAY
 

Help,
We're coming from TO 2nd week in May would like to spend the weekend in Carmel and the rest of the week in SF. Torn between L'Auberge or Hyatt Highland (was thinking it would be great to sleep at night and hear the waves) any thoughts? Also, I was going to do Sonoma instead of Carmel thought but I think Carmel is the way to go.
Open to ideas if I should be going or staying somewhere else.

What's TO?

TO = Thousand Oaks [I only know this 'cause I used to live there :o) ]

We stayed in Pacific Grove and loved the B&B we stayed in:

http://thesevengablesinn.com/

Beautiful rooms with rooms within hearing range of waves. Excellent breakfast, perfect location.

https://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/PacificGroveCA2008

The Hyatt Highlands used to be the Highlands Inn, an historic lodge. It is truly a beautiful property. However, now it is a timeshare, and part of the agreement with the county is that a certain number of rooms must be rented as a hotel. I am not familiar with those particular rooms, but we did visit the lounge/bar/restaurant last year. Have a drink and some snacks in the lounge by those amazing windows and enjoy a truly fabulous ocean view sunset!

I don't know how much wave sounds you will hear at the Highlands, it is not right on the ocean, it is next to Highway 1 and there are very expensive homes that are built on the cliffside on the other side next to the ocean. It is not my favorite place as it is removed somewhat from Carmel and one has to drive to do anything. I prefer being able to easily take a walk along the ocean in the morning and evening. However, it appeals to many because of its "upscale" reputation and especially the view from the lounge.

I am jealous that DebitNM has stayed at the Seven Gables Inn...I used to drool over that place whenever we were there.

Carmel is charming and a much different feel than Sonoma (not to mention a lot closer to home). We used to day trip to both places while we lived in Northern California so I don't have any advice on lodging.

So what are the pros and cons to actually being in Carmel as opposed to Pacific Grove. The last time I visited CA was about 25 yrs ago!

I think Pacific Grove is a bit less "stuffy". I loved the path along the water, the nice town...it was very relaxed. I felt Carmel was a bit - hmmm - stuck up. I am sure others will dispute this, but it is what we felt and saw.

DebitNM,
I checked out Seven Gables yesterday after your post and it is gorgeous. I hadn't wanted to go quite that high on the room rate, but I've just started doing research. Plus having a full breakfast included has to be factored in to total cost. Do they include a flat service charge in addition to all the taxes?

I don't remember there being anything like a flat service charge [do you mean like a resort fee?]Room and all the normal taxes.

The breakfasts are unbelievable. They also serve wine in late afternoon with some wonderful appetizers and then cookies, brownies, milk and cocoa in the evening.

They may have a special rate, call and talk to them and ask. Also, the smallest, least expensive room at this beautiful inn gets the same amenities :) so go for the lowest priced room.

I agree with what DebitNM said. That area of Pacific Grove is my favorite, although we've never been able to get a room at Seven Gables. We did stay at Martine Inn a couple of times and enjoyed the location, even though we did not have a view room. We had a room in the Carriage House in the back, but could just walk outside and be on that lovely trail along the bay. The breakfast room had a perfect view. Near that area, in Cannery Row, we really enjoyed The Clement Intercontinental Hotel. Nice rooms on the water. Even without the ocean view, the rooms were nice and you could enjoy the water views at breakfast as well as walk outside and be close to the sea otters and sea lions.

I prefer PG to Carmel too - but some people absolutely love Carmel. It just depends on your tastes. Carmel is gorgeous, but I find PG to be more laid back.

I probably won't explain this well, but here goes...Carmel is so cute it almost hurts, and compared to PG, is kind of claustrophobic, very compact and closed in. And a little snooty, like Deb said. PG is wide open, gorgeous views pretty much everywhere you look and you will definitely know you are on the ocean.

This thread is making me quite nostalgic...

TO is Toronto, Ontario Canada :))

No thoughts on L'Auberge in Carmel, went on line checked out Seven Gables it looks fab, now more confused than ever and time is running out, I better get booking!!

ha ha

T O, who knew?

Here are some pics and a recommendation for a walk in Carmel (from my trip report three years ago) -

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/344814/index.html
Sonoma to Carmel

http://www.carmelwalks.com/ravesandreviews.htm

I can't speak to the two hotel choices you list or to Pacific Grove, but I was enchanted by Carmel. I'd been to and through Carmel several times over the years but that trip was the first time I stopped. I stayed the first night at the Cypress Inn - and loved it. But I also fell in love with Carmel itself.

I think a big factor in that was the walking tour. I loved going down to the beach to watch the sunset - and the dogs on the dog beach. I loved strolling the shops (and I'm not much of a shopper). I enjoyed it so much I cancelled the next hotel, found a place to continue my stay in Carmel and rearranged my trip to make more time. I was quite literally, enchanted.

It is small. It is quaint. It is...enchanting. There are snooty people there, but I didn't find it a snooty place at all. I think the same can be said of almost any place, if you think about it.

Anyway, casting a vote here for a weekend in Carmel. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

(The pics start with the Sonoma day of my trip. We continued on to the central coast wineries of Paso Robles near Cambria )

here is a link to starrs trip report

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment

We stay in Carmel, but do like going into PG to walk along the ocean and to dine, especially at Passionfish. I prefer Carmel and it has nothing to do with the stores and galleries in the village, in which we do not spend a great deal of time. I have a dog and I love the fact that it is dog-friendly; I like the beaches; the beautiful gardens; the great views; and that away from the Ocean Avenue it is quiet and peaceful. Staying in Carmel also puts me closer to Big Sur.

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Carmel and San Francisco. I will do a trip report and a thank you to all the people, especially imaq and StuDudley, who gave me wonderful suggestions.

I booked my Carmel hotel through Resort2Me.com, a service of the Monterey visitors bureau. The service is free. After listening to my description of what I wanted to be able to do they suggested I stay at the Pine Inn in Carmel. It is located on Ocean Drive and is the oldest hotel in Carmel. The decor is rather flamboyant (consistent with the period of construction), but the rooms are large and comfortable and the bathroom was fantastic. We stayed in room four and it was very quiet. I loved the freedom to walk in the evening (especially enjoyed all the dogs out having their evening walks on the beach). Our rate included a $20 per person voucher for dinner, free parking, free breakfast and free internet. Water bottles were also complimentary and we had a fridge in the room. I had a great deal of difficulty finding a room with two beds as most accommodations are geared to couples, but really lucked out with the Pine Inn. It was great.

I also enjoyed our day in Pacific Grove. The Red House was terrific for lunch. I look forward to another visit.

Have a great trip!