Inn-Escapable: Hotel Carmel
You can check out anytime you like, but you may never want to leave the intimate cottage-style charm of the Hotel Carmel. Freshly revamped from its former life as the Dolphin Hotel, this boutique hotel may be small in size, with only 27 rooms, but it’s definitely big on breezy Carmel-bythe-Sea ambience.
From the dreamy coastal photography to the fire pit-centered terrace, this romantic little hotel, the sister property of La Playa Carmel, is irresistible. The courtyard garden with its cheerful mix of Spanish tile, potted succulents, a hot tub and an outdoor fireplace is such an inviting place, you may not get in quite as much as sightseeing as you had in mind.
ZZZZ’S: Light and airy beds are draped in fluffy white duvets and high-thread-count linens. The mellow decor is accented by oak furniture and wicker chairs that befit a beach getaway. Balconies give you the perfect spot to sip some local vino or Nespresso (from the in-room machine). Many rooms have fireplaces where you can cozy up to the hearth while you watch the fog roll in.
SPLASHES: Soothing hues of sandstone and granite heighten the seaside atmosphere of the bright bathroom with its impressive water pressure and high-end Lather bath products. There’s no pool, but you can soak in the outdoor hot tub, with its whimsical waterfall, in the sunny courtyard garden, and the crashing Pacific is pretty close by.
EXTRAS: Brophy’s Tavern — a lively pub laden with beer memorabilia and upscale comfort food, including Cobb salads, grilled cheese sandwiches and sublime bacon burgers — is on the property. The hotel also provides a complimentary bagel bar with granola and fruit for breakfast and a lively wine reception every evening in the living room-ish lobby, which is also notable for its retro board games and cassette tape collection. Save time to roast some s’mores at the fire pit at night and stroll just a few blocks to lively Ocean Avenue with its iconic restaurants and shops.
DETAILS: Rooms $189$645. Parking can be tight in the hotel lot, but street parking is pretty doable. Hotel Carmel, corner of Fourth Avenue and San Carlos Street; www. thehotelcarmel.com