By Kim P. Alden
The Best Hotels in Carmel
There are many reasons to visit Carmel, California. Carmel
beach is consistently chosen for "best
beaches in America" lists. The town is enchanting with a variety of boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. It's easy to walk around the main street, the side streets and then visit the beach. Visitors to Carmel will appreciate the variety of accommodations that are available. The following are some of the best hotels in Carmel.
Carmel Valley Ranch
The multilingual staff at the Carmel Valley Ranch prides itself on intuitive and luxurious service. This exclusive hotel sits on 400 secluded acres and provides accommodations that are all suites. Suites range in size from the 650-square-foot studio-style Santa Lucia Suites to the 1,200-square-foot two bedroom Carmel Valley Grand Suite. Each suite features at least one wood-burning fireplace, an oversized bathroom with designer bath amenities, a separate soaking tub and shower, plush bathrobes, coffee maker, two dual-line telephones with voicemail, a fully-stocked refrigerator, complimentary Internet access, iPod docking station and stunning views of the mountains, valleys or fairways. Among the hotel's many amenities are a concierge, a tour desk, valet parking, in-room spa services, valet services and dry cleaning, secretarial services and babysitting. There are plenty of opportunities for recreation with an 18-hole golf course, a tennis complex, a workout center and outdoor heated pool. Beautiful, winding trails invite hiking, jogging and bike riding. The Carmel Valley Ranch has two restaurants and a bar.
Carmel Valley Ranch
One Old Ranch Rd.
Carmel, CA 93923
866-282-4745
www.carmelvalleyranch.com
L'Auberge Carmel
Photo: Frank Michel
Only four blocks from the Carmel Beach, L'Auberge Carmel is right in the midst of the action. It's an easy stroll to Carmel's charming shops, galleries and restaurants. This luxury hotel has 20 guest rooms around a landscaped courtyard. No young children are allowed in this quiet spot. The minimum age is 18. Designer Kathleen Fink individually decorated the guest rooms in rich, warm, soothing tones. Each room has fine linens, down bedding, large bathroom with radiant heat in the floor, original photography by Helmut Horn, flat-screen television, CD player, designer bath products, bathrobes, minibar, in-room safe, room service and housekeeping twice daily. In-room massage and spa services are provided by the hotel's Serenity Therapists. The award-winning Aubergine Restaurant features fresh local products and is supervised by executive chef Christophe Grosjean.
L'Auberge Carmel
Monte Verde St.
Carmel By The Sea, CA 93921
831-624-8578
www.laubergecarmel.com
La Playa Hotel
This legendary hotel was built in 1905 as a Mediterranean villa. La Playa is surrounded by cypress and flowers and is only a short walk from the ocean. Guests can choose from the 73 guest rooms, two suites or five private cottages. The cottages are half a block closer to the beach and have their own gardens. Cottages, which range from a one-bedroom suite to a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps eight, have full kitchens, and most have fireplaces. All guest rooms have warm Mediterranean decor and offer an ocean, garden or village view. Amenities include refrigerators, turndown service, complimentary Internet access, free parking or valet parking, concierge service, same day laundry service, a heated outdoor pool and room service from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. The hotel has five function rooms and a business center. A wide variety of garden spa treatments are available, including the Beautiful Image Lunchtime Facelift. The Terrace Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Terrace Grill Lounge provides cocktails and a selection of California wines.
La Playa Hotel
Eighth at Camino Real
Carmel, CA 93921
831-624-6476
www.laplayahotel.com
Resources
About the Author:
A professional writer and editor for more than 25 years, Kim Alden is also a certified yoga therapist who has lectured in and traveled to many parts of the world. She combines her travel savvy with natural health and yoga expertise to write for various online publications. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Photo Credits:
Photo: Tim McMahan
