We are planningto go to Carmel area in a couple of weeks. Does anybody know of a good place to stay for under $150/night. Also, is it best to stay in Carmel, Monterrey or Pacific Grove? Is there anything that we should not miss? Thanks!

The only Carmel I know is Carmel, Indiana. It is a nice and rather ritzy suburb of Indianapolis on the lake. Surely that is not where you mean. Please tell us where Carmel is?

Carmel is located in California along the coast. Beautiful area near Big Sur and Monterey - south of San Francisco.

Hi Carolyn,

My husband and I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Monterey a few years ago and were very pleased. I can't remember exactly how much it was, but I'm thinking $120 or so a night. While we drove around Carmel and down to Big Sur, we focused our mini-vacation on Monterey. Please take the time to visit the aquarium - an outstanding treat. There are lots of shops right in the vacinity of the aquarium and in a few blocks from the bay. Some upscale, some not, and none super "touristy/cheesey." We walked around at night and felt very safe. We had a meal at the restaurant right next to the aquarium - can't recall the name, but the seafood was outstanding. We also ate an Irish pub a few blocks in (again, Alzheimer's strikes!) from the bay and the sandwiches were yummy. Enjoy your visit to that area. The view of the bay is breathtaking!

I agree that staying in monterey or pacific grove could be cheaper than carmel. there is a marriott in monterey too. the are some nice b & bs in pacific grove, but I don't know if they are more than $150. however, many people find that carmel has great charm and it might be nice to stay in carmel. there are a number of rather ordinary motels in carmel and some b& bs that might cost less than $150.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think it's going to be hard enough to find an available hotel in the height of travel season, not alone one at a good rate. You better start calling travel agents and seeing if they can provide some much needed help. Good luck! Once you find a place to stay, you're going to love your visit to Carmel. It's a very pretty place.

I agree - get ye to a travel agent at once. Carmel and Pacific Grove are pretty much full from the end of June to Labor day. There are rooms - but finding them may be tough. Let a TA earn their money.

I love Carmel and we live within 1 1/2 hour's drive. But, we don't go there during June-August. It's taken over by the tourists during that time. They can charge those hotel rates because it's supply and demand time. Monterey is not as nice but Pacific Grove is an alternative. The point is not to say "we are planning to go to Carmel in a couple of weeks"---that doesn't work in the summer. Good luck Carolyn.