lemidi

Just back from our California trip and on one night we stayed at the very charming and economical Comfort Inn Carmel. It is in a great location on the corner of Ocean Ave and Torres. From here you can walk anywhere in town, very central. They have a wonderful family suite with a peaked roof ceiling (all light wood) and a gas burning fireplace (which we used at night) that was very comfortable for our family of 2 adults and 3 children. This is room 58 and is called the Sunshine Suite. It had one king bed, one queen sleeper sofa and a rollaway (which surprisingly was in the room when we arrived) all in one very large, nicely decorated room. I highly recommend this motel for value without giving up on great charm, location, service and a simple but adequate and filling morning breakfast.

By the way, so glad we stayed in Carmel. It was perfect for us. We'd never been. Great small town atmosphere with sophisticated shopping, restaurants, galleries etc...And the beach...we were not prepared for the awesome beauty of that cove beach. Breathtaking. Also, just walking around we had a sense of tranquility that is hard to describe. We will go back. I'm sure those that live there understand what I mean. We were there early April though. I imagine summer is not so peaceful?

One thing though (and we are athletic) I did not realize that the town was built on a hill like this. So going down to the beach is easy but not in heels and coming back uphill can be a challenge if not prepared.

cabovacation

Thanks for the hotel tip! I think you make a good point about Carmel beach. We don't prepare people for how stunning and large it is. It is a part of the downtown area, and should be a big part of the Carmel experience.

TTess

I live in Carmel, Lemidi. Speaking of those hills, we always get a kick out of tourists asking us directions to the ocean. Ummm....sea level, the lowest point, just go downhill. Glad you had a nice stay. The grounds of the inn are very nice too, don't you think?

jannieween

Just checked this hotel from your reccomendation...Its $200 more a night when I will be in the area in October...I didn't know October is high tourist season in the area.

lemidi

Hi
I hope I did not mislead anyone. We paid $149.00 plus tax for the night of April 3rd for the Sunshine Suite which is room number 58. This was an excellent price compared to other hotels I checked for a suite. What is the price for October?

jannieween

the price jumps to $299 for gov't rate but is $149 for standard rate..I may check it out after all...thanks

elsiemoo

lemidi, I think Carmel must be known for it's nice accommodations, even budget ones. I was in Carmel the end of March, and spent one night at the Bay View Inn Best Western, with our room costing about $120/night including breakfast, and we were blown away by the place. One of the prettiest rooms we've ever stayed in, with a king bed, corner gas fireplace, beautifully decorated. The grounds were lovely, and the staff was great. We didn't want to leave.

That walk BACK UP from the beach is a killer. Told my DH that I intended to be in much better shape before I try that again! (And the way down was so quick and easy ... )

lemidi

elsiemoo
I'm glad to learn of another fine budget hotel to keep in mind for future travel. You're right, most properties in Carmel are probably nice but I also think that if we had paid $400.00 per night we would have been more critical and rightfully so.
I know how you felt, we did not want to leave either!

trippinkpj

July through October on the weekends is generally very high in Carmel. Same in other CA coastal towns.

elsiemoo

lemidi, don't know about you but I've been in $450/night rooms in Hawaii, and I swear they didn't have much on this place. Maybe a little bigger, with all the extra services but otherwise ... we were wowed!