Where to stay in Carmel, CA?
 

I always check previous postings regarding these sorts of questions, but did not find too much. Hoping someone can give me some suggestions on where to stay in Carmel before/after Big Sur visit. (The four sisters inns there are booked, fine price range though). Also, what is the difference between Carmel and Carmel by the Sea? Thanks!

Shannon: <BR>What is your budget?(No need to tell me.) Try the Bed and Breakfast network. You will have lots of choices depending on when you are planning to travel. <BR>I live in that area 2-3 days a week. Carmel, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Carmel Valley are names that "generally" describe a very similar area. Carmel is more shops/restaurants..The sea is as it states and the valley is a little ways north from the two. <BR>Hope that helps <BR> <BR>Happy Travels <BR>Oaktown

I don't know about the 4 sister inns, but we recently stayed at the Normandy Inn which was right in the middle of town. We really liked it and it was simple but nice. Across the street was the Pine Inn which looked really nice from the outside. <BR> <BR>We loved Carmel and will certainly go back some day. Enjoy!!

I'm pretty sure that Carmel is just Carmel-by-the-Sea shortened and is the town by the ocean. Carmel Valley is another town inland from Carmel with wineries and a couple big resorts. Beware though that the weather is much hotter in the Valley. I prefer the town of Carmel by the Sea but many folks love the openess of the valley. Our favorites in Carmel are the Pine Inn, the Cypress Inn, Cobblestone Inn, the Normandy Inn and La Playa. Carmel Village Inn is an upscale motel type place, but does take reservations for only one night so we've stayed there quite often. Small but good location and parking. But, depending on when you are going, they might also be booked. There is a group of small places called the "Inns by the Sea" and they will check reservations at all properties for you. If you're really stuck you might look at Pacific Grove which is just north of Pebble Beach and has lovely little places as well. Good luck.

Where ever we travel in the US, we always stop at a Denny's the first day to pick up a hotel discount coupon book. There are 2 or 3 different ones but they're usually available in Denny's or rest areas. The coupons can be up to half price for one night in a hotel. Sometimes the coupons aren't good Friday, Saturday, and holidays. Last time we were in California, we had many coupons for Monterey and Pacific Grove which is close to Carmel.

Believe it or not when we were there in Fall of '98 there was a Best Western in a great location (in the village/city) with really good prices. Carmel has very strict rules about building appearnaces so you would never know from the outside that this place was a Best Western but indeed it was and it was clean and cheap.

I have stayed at Lobo's Lodge in Carmel several times. It's downtown, only a block from the wonderful shops. It's not fancy, but very nice. Flowers and hanging baskets are everywhere, spacious rooms, and fireplaces. Not expensive. Good place to stay.

We stayed at the Highland Inn in Carmel and would definitely NOT recommend it. Overpriced for what you get. It was across the street from the Pacific Ocean and even though we had deluxe accommodations overlooking the ocean, bright hotel lights, trees and traffic noise detracted from the feeling of being near the water.

We have a second home in this area in Pacific Grove...about 15 minutes from Carmel. <BR> <BR>Pacific Grove really has the better selection of B and Bs that are right on the ocean. It is also a real town versus Carmel's tourists shops. Check out the Pacific Grove web site or check into the Green Gable Inn or Seven Gables. Both are on the ocean overlooking the Monterey Bay. PG also has some old victorian homes on Lighthouse that are nice. Then you can drive easily over to Carmel.

Stayed at the Carmel Marriott on a business trip and it was wonderful. Very friendly staff and helpful concierge. Within walking distance of the pier and several good restaurants.

I've stayed at the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley - beautiful, very upscale, great golf course, short drive to Carmel. Also stayed at Ventana in Big Sur - peaceful, wonderful spa, very serene, a longer drive to Carmel. I highly recommend both. <BR> <BR>As a sidebar, I stayed with a friend in Pacific Grove (right on the water) but preferred Carmel.

Nancy, why did you prefer Carmel to Pacific Grove?

We have stayed at the Pacific Gardens Inn several times...in Pacific Grove. It has a wine (inexpensive carafe) & cheese hour, warm cookies most days, fireplaces in most rooms, popcorn in all rooms, tiny fridges and decent continental breakfast...jacuzzi. It's in a quiet residential area, unlike busy, Carmel. It is across from the Asilomar Conference grounds...you walk through the grounds and you are at at the end of the 17-Mile Drive and it is FREE! Take your binocs...plenty of rocks, seals and otters! Very relaxing place...deer roaming... One goes to Carmel to spend money in all the overpriced boutiques and to see the famous mission, (my favorite!). One goes to Monterey to the pier and wharf areas, (Cannery Row). One goes to Pacific Grove to relax, smell the salty air mixed in with the pines. Pacific Grove has a small outlet mall. All of the towns have unique areas, but they are all tied together and not far from one another. (Don't forget Salinas, which has a new museum for Steinbeck!--but that is quite a few miles away....maybe 20+ or something.) Stop at Trader Joe's on the border of Monterey and Pacific Grove to buy some great-but-not-too-expensive wine, cheese, fruit, etc., and have a nice, quiet evening in Pacific Grove. P. G. also has the butterfly trees that are loaded with migrating monarchs in the fall..simply amazing..

Eat at Fandango's when in Pacific Grove. Great food, excellent service. <BR> <BR>You don't see what is happening to Carmel if you are a one time visitor. The locals are distressed as the high rents are driving out long time businesses on Ocean and the adjoining streets. What you have remaining is one long street of nothing real....just tourist shops with trees outside. Over 50% of Carmel is second homes. Therefore all the quaint homes in the area are dark at night because no one is in them. <BR> <BR>On the other coast is Pacific Grove. Still a real coastal town with real people living there. Walk Lighthouse and the beach in the area and you will understand the difference. If you want Disney....Carmel. If you want reality....Pacific Grove.

I prefer Carmel because of the boutique shops and the more upscale dining (although there is casual dining in Carmel as well). Pacific Grove was lovely to visit but I prefer something a bit more upscale. The beach in Carmel was also lovely.

We stayed at the San Antonio Inn a couple years ago. It was a great place to stay, we could walk to the beach or in the town from our room. It was reasonable back then.

My next door neighbors have a 2nd home in Pacific Grove. I agree with their choice. Other friends have a 2nd home in Carmel. I don't agree with their choice. However, since I am a "tourist" in this area, I prefer Carmel because there's more going on and more shops and restaurants. If I were looking to buy something on the Monterey Peninsula, I would probably choose Pacific Grove. Does that make any sense? Bottom line is that all three towns, Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey are great for tourists depending on what they are interested in.

Oops! Responded earlier to your request suggesting the Carmel Marriott, when I meant to say Monterey Marriott. Sorry if I caused confusion.

It has been awhile since the post has resurfaced - so here goes...<BR><BR>I will visit Carmel and the area in August, and am torn between staying in two different hotels. Is there anyone that can share his or her feelings of either of the following hotels (or others)?<BR> <BR>The Normandy Inn<BR>http://www.normandyinncarmel.com/<BR><BR>La Playa Hotel<BR>http://laplayahotel.com/<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Paul<BR>

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