Los Laureles Lodge - Carmel Valley
I was hesitant to stay…read morehere because the property looked very rustic, but it was one of the recommended hotels for a wedding at Stonepine Estate and a shuttle stop, so I decided to join the group. Unfortunately, the reservation process was a major issue. Despite multiple calls ahead of time confirming room types and occupancy, several reservations were incorrect upon arrival, leaving guests scrambling to find rooms, adjust arrangements, or pay unexpected additional costs.
The property itself is rustic but clean. We did not experience any bugs or critters, and the grounds are actually quite nice to explore. The rooms, however, are very basic and dated, with dark wood paneling, minimal amenities, cramped bathrooms, and inconsistent shower temperatures. Our decorative headboard was not securely attached and fell off the wall, which was unsettling, especially since one of the few outlets was underneath it. The refrigerator worked well, and the front desk provided extra towels when requested.
The complimentary breakfast was simple but adequate (coffee, tea, hot cocoa, juice, melon, hard-boiled eggs, and coffee cake). We did not use the restaurant or bar during our stay. The property has a pool and event spaces that looked nice, although they seemed quiet during our summer weekend visit. Bonus: there are two resident cats, one very friendly and one more mangy.
The best part of our stay was Colin at the front desk. He was kind, helpful, and went above and beyond,helping with questions, last-minute deliveries, and even assisting with a wedding-related printing request.
Overall, I'd rate this as a solid 3-star hotel. It's clean, safe, and has a charming rustic setting, but the rooms and amenities are very basic. I would consider staying again only if the price was reasonable and options were limited.