The rooms were ok, good bed and spacious room. They could use nicer towels!!…read moreThe breakfast was very disappointing!! Dry breads, no hot food, fruit. No amenities for my pet. They could put way more effort in for a more pleasant stay!!

I really loved my stay here. It was so cute and cozy and the location couldn't be better. We…read morestayed in the smallest room, the katydid, and it did get a bit hot in there because the room faces the sun but we would just leave the windows open for a few hours before going to bed. It offers breakfast in the morning which was nice, but our favorite thing was spending the evenings next to the fire place every night. I will definitely be returning!

My husband and I stayed at Vagabond Inn in Carmel this week, and there were definitely some highs…read moreand lows. The property is really charming and has that classic cozy Carmel vibe. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the happy hour with wine, cheese, and fruit was a great touch. The courtyard with the stone fire pit and waterfall is beautiful and makes the whole place feel extra inviting. You also really can't beat the location--it's an easy walk to the village, shops, restaurants, galleries, and the beach. Our room was updated, very clean, and well-appointed with a fireplace, large TV, microwave, fridge, and a nicely renovated bathroom. Now for the downsides... Carmel happened to be in a heat wave while we were there, and the room was HOT. There's no AC, and the tiny fan they gave us barely made a difference. It definitely made sleeping uncomfortable. But the biggest disappointment by far was the breakfast. For the price you're paying per night, it was honestly shocking how underwhelming it was. The only protein option was hard-boiled eggs (and if you don't eat eggs, you're out of luck). Everything else felt like the bare minimum--mediocre toast, bagels, croissants, granola, yogurt, etc. The yogurt was so watery we couldn't even eat it, and the rest was just very basic and forgettable. We did appreciate that it was delivered directly to our room. Overall, we did enjoy the stay because of the charm, location, and friendly staff, but the heat and especially the breakfast were definite letdowns. We'd consider coming back, but with much lower expectations for the food--and definitely not during a heat wave.

We stayed in room 11. It's clean, there is the sound of a water feature in the courtyard that is…read morenice, the bathroom is amazing, there's a fireplace, fridge and a real coffee machine with some comfy chairs to relax in. The service is great! They also bring you a nice breakfast in the am! The downsides and probably dealbreakers for us is the noise-you can hear everyone talking, closing doors, etc. The actual bed mattress feels old and isn't very comfortable. The WiFi is spotty too.Put double paned windows in, better WiFi and a new mattress and you'd have it! Unfortunately we won't be staying here again. Back to the candle light we go.

Fantastic management. Friendly, kind and helpful staff. Great location, walking distance to hey…read morerestaurants and locations.

Amazing views! So close to the beach. It was a wonderful experience. Hundred percent recommendedread more

My wife and I came for my birthday I would highly recommend! Great service, clean rooms.read more

I have stayed here numerous times once every year for a number of years in a row with my mom. We…read morehave gone as a mother daughter get away for the weekend. We tried a number of different inns in Carmel and this was definitely our favorite so we quit even trying any others. We just started going to this one and only this one. They always had wonderful breakfasts and just the cozy atmosphere and the location is great for walking to the beach; and into town is a little farther but we loved walking all around and looking at the beautiful homes! And we always we also walked all along the ocean walkway! It's only two blocks from the inn. I wish I could keep going the with my mom ; but she is 97 years old now and in a wheelchair. I hope to be going soon with a friend instead!

I feel like pictures do not do this place justice. I was a bit hesitant about the place, but it was…read moreso stunning and it was in the absolute best location to explore the downtown with a group of girls! I was so obsessed I will stay here every time after!

In major need of TLC and upgrades. The strong smell of perfumed laundry soap and cleaners knocked…read moreme over upon arrival. When I went to open windows to air it out, I discovered that none of the windows opened, except for a small one in the back. It lacked accessible plug ins and the water pressure was barely a dribble. I never use an alarm clock and one had been set to go off. In order to unplug it, I would've had to have moved the bed away from the wall. I love Carmel, but this was a very disappointing accommodation, and $190/night! I was definitely fooled by the pictures.

We stayed at Carmel Country Inn from Friday to Sunday for a girls' trip, hoping for a relaxing and…read morerestful weekend. Unfortunately, our stay was quite disappointing. We booked one of the double rooms with a fireplace. While the room itself was fine, the walls and ceilings are extremely thin. From around 9pm to 1:00 AM, we could clearly hear footsteps from the room above us, along with conversations. It didn't seem like the guests upstairs were being intentionally disruptive -- it felt more like an issue with how the property is built and the lack of sound insulation. We did call the front desk and asked if they could notify the guests upstairs. After that, they were more mindful of their steps, which we appreciated, but we could still hear them trying to whispering. We chose this property because we were looking for a peaceful place to rest, reset, and enjoy quiet evenings. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. For the amount we paid for a weekend stay, we expected much better soundproofing and overall comfort. Sadly, we won't be returning or recommending this property to our family or friends.

The most DARLING bed & breakfast…read more I loved the tea, coffee, and variety of delicious homemade cookies in the lobby when you check in. The homemade breakfast is amazing - warm mini-quiches, yummy pastries, yogurt & berries. Don't go crazy on the cookies and pastries here though- I did and experienced the horrible sugar crashes everyday, sob. The rooms are adorable, clean, and updated - with the most cozy beds too. The staff members are also the sweetest. Sandy is wonderful and make sure to say hi to Butters too, her adorable pup. Walkable to downtown Carmel & easy parking.

Beautiful rooms and kind staff with easy parking! Just be ready for the "steepish" walk back from…read moredowntown

Loved hotel hopping in this area! Horizon was one of the spots we checked into first. Cute b&b vibe…read moreclose to the ocean. Cons: -No a/c (fans only and more by request) Pros: -Fireplace (would love to stay in cooler weather to use this) -Daily wine cracker cheese -Daily complimentary breakfast (so good!) -Private patio -Friendly staff -Late check out 12pm -Close to shops and restaurants -Easy parking in lot and on street Pros definitely outweighed the con list, so that says a lot!

Room interiors are nice…read more Easy parking Breakfast quiche is really good. Overall bf worked well. Everyone at the desks was nice Convenient location Massive downside is that our room was 80F even with the windows open and both fans blasting when it was much colder outside Probably a solid choice if you come a colder time Some other inns (eg vagabond) are more quaint Overall just feels ridiculous to spend $500 for a night when it's unbearably hot inside

Excellent everything!!! I have not stayed in a hotel with the service they gave. I felt like I…read moreWas in a luxury hotel. When we got in, It was about time for the wine social. They had offered us wine (red or white) and a whole variety of snacks that one Can find on a charcuterie board. They also have a coffee machine where they can make you a personal cup of coffee. Shayla had checked us in and showed us to our room and explained how things worked inside the room and where things were placed. We had booked the deluxe guest room. The room had a fireplace and a 2 person tub. The bed had fine Italian linens with down feather topper and pillows. I slept so well from the comfiness of the bed. They also included 2 beautiful robes and slippers. Parking was a bit snug, but there were 2 spaces that fit much larger cars. You can also park on the street as well. Location was excellent as we were just a few blocks from ocean Ave where all The shops were. The breakfast was amazing which included freshly baked quiches, muffins, croissants, granola and yogurt and more. They will bring the breakfast into your room every morning with your choice of time. They will also include two flasks where you can refill water in the station outside. I highly recommend coming here and will definitely visit again.

One of the best! I've summered at Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and other high-end boutique hotels,…read moreand this one is unmatched! It's intimate, it's private, it's the perfect weekend getaway! I get giddy over complimentary services and these are just a few included with your stay: welcome cocktail, slice of cake in the evening, unlimited loose leaf herbal teas and coffee, freshly baked warm cookies during turn down service, and brunch....The powder room is supplied with Dyson appliances and Le Labo amenities, all while being surrounded by book matched marble showers- if you know you know. The best way to describe Villa Mara is Curated. I truly felt like someone traveled the world and grabbed little treasures and local finds to furnish and add heart to the villa. Good thing I don't live far because I will be a guests again to receive rest at Villa Mara. One of the best birthdays yet, cheers!

Villa Mara is pure California luxury, and easily one of the nicest boutique hotels I've ever stayed…read moreat. Opened in 2022, it feels brand new yet already timeless, with design that's both elegant and warm. The rooms? Incredible. Heated bathroom floors (yes, heated floors), a complimentary snack bar and fridge stocked with goodies, a sleek Dyson hairdryer, and even a fancy bidet -- every detail has been thought through. Our patio looked out toward the ocean, and at night you could hear the waves. But the real star of the show is breakfast. The coffee is excellent, the quiches are light and flavorful, and the almond croissants... wow. Hands down the best croissants I've ever had. I would come back just for those. Service was top-notch from start to finish. The staff made us feel so welcome -- kind, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. Add in the location (just steps from the beach), and this place checks every single box. If you're looking for a Carmel getaway that blends luxury with charm, Villa Mara is it.

Le Petit Pali in Carmel is a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it's absolutely adorable. On the other…read morehand... well, let's just say the experience doesn't always live up to the Pinterest board. First, the good stuff. The design is fantastic. Whoever did the interiors clearly knows what they're doing. It's charming, colorful, layered with patterns, vintage touches, cute wallpapers, cozy fireplaces. You can tell a talented designer was involved. The vibe is very "European seaside inn meets California boutique hotel." It's stylish without feeling pretentious. The staff was also great. Friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The location is excellent too. You're within walking distance of everything in Carmel, including the beach and restaurants. Now... the reality check. The property itself is basically a refurbished old motel. And while the designers did a heroic job dressing it up, you can still feel the motel bones underneath. I saw another reviewer call it "lipstick on a pig," and honestly that description is painfully accurate. The walls are paper thin. If your neighbor sneezes, you'll probably say "bless you." Our front door was close to parking and we barely slept as there was so much commotion and noise overall. Parking? Technically there is parking, but it's the kind of parking where you feel like you just won the lottery if you get a spot. Breakfast is advertised as "complimentary champagne continental breakfast," which sounds fancy until you realize it's basically coffee and a pastry, or maybe a soft boiled egg and yogurt. It's more "snack before real breakfast" than actual breakfast. Rooms look cute but are surprisingly impractical. There's basically nowhere to unpack. No storage. No space in the bathroom for toiletries. It feels like the designer won the battle but functionality lost the war. Very uncomfortable. Tech-wise the rooms are stuck somewhere around 1990s. The TV is very old school and you can't stream your own subscriptions. There's also no HVAC system or fan, which is be very surprising for a boutique hotel at this price point. They market themselves as pet friendly, but it didn't really feel that way. Yes, they allow dogs, but it costs $150 and there were zero dog amenities waiting in the room. No bowl, no bed, no treat, nothing. So where does that leave us? If you love design and want a cute, Instagram-friendly place in a great location, you'll probably enjoy it. But for the price they charge, it feels grossly overpriced. For what you actually get, this feels more like a $250 a night stay at very best, not the premium boutique pricing they're asking. In short: beautiful design, great location, lovely staff... but underneath the pretty wallpaper it's still an old motel 6 trying very hard to be something else... and failing. We will definitely find a better place next time in Carmel.

We just stayed at Petit Pali on 8th in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is a lovely property, and there is a…read morelot to genuinely like here. The hotel itself is undeniably charming. They clearly invested a lot of time and money into the remodel (they proudly note the "$20M renovation," and it shows). The aesthetic is cohesive and very modern British country cottage in the best way. Our room was quite large, almost suite-like, with a divider separating the sitting and sleeping areas, a double-sided fireplace, and a TV on each side. Check-in was lovely and welcoming, and we were offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, which set a nice tone. They offer complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and a hosted happy hour with wine and beer in the early evening. The staff running both were consistently friendly and attentive, and the quality of the snacks was very good. The community area was small but cozy and there's enough room there to crack open your laptop or read a book whatever you want to do. Evening cookies delivered to your room are also a charming touch. Cleanliness was ok but could be improved. The shower grout had visible mold, which is not something you expect at a hotel in this category. Housekeeping also felt a bit surface-level -- for example, couch pillows weren't straightened when the room was serviced. Small things, first world problems, I know. Storage is a primary area where the rooms fall short. While there were a few drawers, the closet is very small -- essentially enough to hang a handful of shirts. With suits, dresses, and winter coats, there simply wasn't anywhere to put anything, and we ended up draping clothes all over the furniture, which took away from the otherwise beautiful room. Given the generous size of the room, this feels like something management could easily improve (hooks? Coat rack? Armoire?). Also, the nightstands, while attractive, don't pull much weight functionally. There were three small drawers in the room and that was it. We clearly noted we were traveling with a teenager and needed the daybed prepared. Despite that, we arrived short towels and without bedding for the daybed and had to request both. And of course there's no storage in the room so we had to look at extra pillows and bedding piled up in a corner on the floor during our stay. The following day, we again had to ask for a third set of towels. Even the evening cookies initially came up short (two instead of three). Every issue was corrected quickly and politely when mentioned, but ideally guests shouldn't need to keep flagging these things. To be honest, this is not a particularly family oriented hotel, and has much more of a couples vibe, but that's kind of Carmel in general. The bed was also not particularly comfortable for us. The linens were lovely, but the mattress itself was quite firm. That's just a personal preference. TBH the hide a bed was actually softer! In-room amenities were fine. There's a cute small fridge stocked with snacks for purchase (we removed them and used it for our own items). There's no microwave. And there is no coffee in the room -- only tea. While I understand the theme, most guests expect coffee, or at least the option of both, especially at this price point. The gas fireplace was awesome as Carmel is always cold. The hotel is dog-friendly, which we appreciated, though you do pay a premium for your furry friend. Given that, I was surprised there weren't more thoughtful pet touches -- you have to ask for a dog bowl, and there were no treats, dog bed, or similar amenities. The hotel itself felt quiet, which we liked. However, if accessibility is a concern, note that the upstairs rooms do not appear to have elevator access. The location is excellent -- an easy walk to downtown Carmel, shops, and restaurants. Parking can be a bit of a challenge if you plan to come and go because there is no lot - all street parking in a residential area with a lot of parking restrictions during the day, but once parked, it's very walkable. Overall, Petit Pali on 8th is a lovely, well-designed hotel with genuinely nice staff and a great location. With a smidge more attention to housekeeping and storage, it could easily justify its price. Since no one asked for feedback at checkout, I'm sharing it here. I would absolutely consider staying again next time we go to Carmel and I do recommend this location.