I'm trying to plan a fabulous, romantic trip in April and thanks to another person on this board, am thinking of Carmel, Califoria. Never been there. If you have been, would you say it is wonderful for a three or four night trip? What about the weather in April? Where is a wonderful place to stay? Any advice would be appreciated!

My favorite place to stay in Carmel is the Mission Ranch. It's just a mile or so south of the main street of Carmel and was converted into an inn by Clint Eastwood about 20 years ago. If you inquire, be sure to ask for meadow view rooms. We actually have a favorite room. You can sit in a rocker on your balcony beside the huge meadow which extends to the ocean while watching sheep graze. I can call and find out the room number if you decide to stay there.

Does it offer a good view of the ocean?
Are you familiar with the Tickle Pink inn/hotel?

Have you been there in April, and is the weather good then?

THANKS!

Hi, I have stayed at the Tickle Pink Inn, we have been to Carmel many times during the first week of May for my birthday and have always had good weather. Both of our stays at the Tickle Pink Inn were enjoyable, there are many nice amenities here and a great outdoor hot tub with beautiful views. You will be right next to the Highland's Inn where there are two fantastic restaurants. We also love La Playa in Carmel, stayed there this past May in a King Patio room, let me know if you have further questions on either of these properties. We love Carmel! ***kim***

I think Carmel is very romantic, and a good choice. The weather should be very nice, but there can be some storms in the spring.

If you need an activity, I enjoyed touring the Tor House, which is a romantic stone house on the coast, built by poet Robinson Jeffers by hand for his wife, Una. There are $7 tours on Friday and Saturday. http://www.torhouse.org/

"Many influential literary and cultural celebrities were guests of the Jeffers family. Among them were Sinclair Lewis, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes, Charles Lindbergh, George Gershwin and Charlie Chaplin. Later visitors have included William Everson, Robert Bly, Czeslow Milosz and Edward Abbey."

I spent a romantic couple of days in Carmel in mid-March several years ago. The weather was nice, perhaps 70 during the day, a little cooler in the evening. I think it's a great location and a good time of year to go.

I've very likely mentioned this over the years, but while I love Carmel, walking and dining in the village, I have yet to find a special, wonderful place to stay there. I agree with kimamom about either the Highlands Inn, the Tickle Pink Inn or the La Playa. The first two are a short drive down the highway from Carmel and while you can't just walk out the door and explore the village, will probably provide the kind of hotel experience you are seeking. A deluxe room at the La Playa Inn might also work, it is located between Carmel Beach and the central village.