For me, a 5-star rating is perfect so I don't give many 5-star ratings. Well, the place isn't…read moreperfect, but it's pretty close. It's a new place. It's a very nice place. It's in downtown Carmel and has a good location. It's clean and comfortable. The staff was always friendly and helpful. We'll probably stay there again. That said, here are the few areas we didn't care for. 1) There are lights under the bed that come on when you get out of bed. We don't want lights on in the middle of the night if we need to get up for some reason because that disturbs our sleep. We asked them to disable that after the first night, which they did. 2) The thermostat doesn't seem accurate. It seemed to be 2-4 degrees warmer than the reading. For example, we set it to warm to 68 which is normally cool and comfortable for us, but when it heated the room to 66, it seemed on the hot side for us. We dealt with this by just turning off the heater. 3) There were literally 4 people standing there checking us in. Sometimes between two of them they even asked us the same question twice. We just want to check-in, park our car, and get the key to our room. We don't need 4 people to do that.

Small but gorgeous hotel. I want to give like a 3.5-3.8, but am doing a 4. While it has an intital…read morehigh end appearance and price point, the Stilwell Hotel lacks the some of the essentials of a true luxury stay. - Staff: during check in, we were helped by a tall blonde young man with a deep voice . He has 0 customer service skills and should not be customer facing. He had minimal eye contact, cold demeanor as if we were bothering him, mumbling, and just overall unpleasant. He had the demeanor of a bro cashier at a GNC. There was a guy next to him which I assume was IT or something since he was messing with something at the front. There was a woman who brought us a welcome glass of champagne, and Angel - who gave us a brief tour and brought our luggage to the room. Angel and the woman were nice. Champagne was good, however I wish they offered non alcoholic options like a juice or sparking cider. Throughout our stay, we encountered many staff on the property in passing - not a single smile from any of them. Even the housekeeping staff at a BestWestern are nicer than the staff here. - Room: gorgeous but small. Booking a room for 2 does not just mean having a big enough bed, but actually room for 2 humans to move around. There is not enough room to lay your luggage out anywhere, and the bathroom was narrow. I would've liked to have a towel bar by the sink instead of having a silly rock be what holds the towel up. The room is aesthetically stunning and the bed was very comfortable. I loved the ambient lighting options and motion activated under-lighting. I liked that we had a balcony. I enjoyed the soaps / lotions, as well all the nespresso in the room. Air conditioning worked well. Room was very clean. - Parking: parking was easy in the day. We lucked out at night but guests arriving after 8pm had nowhere to park, which we witnessed first hand. We saw a guest told the staff "the lot is full", and the staff said "just take the EV spot". What about your guests with EVs who need to charge their cars for the night? On another day, a large car was parked in the entrance into the hotel (not the street) and stayed there for 15 min which blocked entry for everyone else - i wish the staff came out to inform the guest that they couldn't leave their car the. The main lot is very tight with slim spots and awkward parking angles, but the back lot was good . While this wasn't an issue for me, I can imagine coming off of a long flight, finally getting to the hotel at night, and being frustrated at the lack of available parking. - Breakfast: this is the main reason we wanted to stay here. The breakfast itself is good, not great. The French toast, juice, chia pudding and eggs are best things - everything else is okay as I found some things to be stale such as the waffles and muffins. I did enjoy how the food is displayed, and there lots of variety. Staff is constantly refilling items so you never have to worry about things running out, regardless of when you arrive for breakfast. Breakfast is much later than it is at other hotels, and with a small window (8-10am), which can be an issue if you are planning to eat early prior to a hike. 2 staff stay in the area however they just stare at you from the corner of the room. No smile, no good morning. The first day, I felt like we were being stared at as if we were freeloaders sneaking in for free breakfast. It was very uncomfortable. Not sure if they were staring because we're younger than a majority of the other guests but there really is no excuse. I think they should do a wrist band system or something if they insist on eyeing people. Property- they have a cafe by the breakfast area where you can order hand crafted pizza. We didn't do this but it smelled great. The location is convenient with lots of restaurants within walking distance . As a hotel guest, you get a discount at the Foray restaurant, which is closed mondays and Tuesdays Overall: Beautiful, but I don't think I'd stay again. For the price point and all the amenities, I expected to be in love with this hotel. At other hotels with this price point, I'm usually like "I don't want leave!", but not here. It wasn't a bad stay, but the experience didn't match the price point. I hope they get better staff or else I could see this hotel failing in the future.

Love, love, love this beautiful boutique hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea!…read more Villa Mara is a gorgeous boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet seaside neighborhood. It blends so naturally into its surroundings that we actually drove right past it the first time. I imagine the town has strict design guidelines to preserve the charm of the area. We stayed here for the first night of our Big Sur vacation, and it was beautiful. When we arrived, we were greeted by a gentleman who escorted us to our room. He appeared to be handling everything himself that evening, yet every interaction was warm and welcoming. His hospitality made us feel genuinely cared for throughout our stay. Our room didn't have a microwave, which honestly suited the elegant aesthetic of the room. However, at night we needed to warm our 17-year-old Yorkie daughter's heating pad for about 30 seconds before bedtime, since she's a senior and warming her tummy helps her sleep comfortably. He happily heated it for us each night. We also needed to keep her food frozen, but the room refrigerator didn't have a freezer compartment. When we asked, he kindly offered to store it in their large commercial freezer in the kitchen. Because this is not a large, impersonal hotel, the warmth and personal touches made our stay especially comfortable and memorable. The service was so attentive that it felt less like staying at a hotel and more like being welcomed into a friend's home. In the evenings, guests were treated to complimentary slices of cake in the lobby along with a glass of wine. Our room had a lovely private terrace, and at night, when we opened the window, we could hear the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing as if the ocean were right next to us. It felt almost magical, and we fell asleep with the window slightly open, listening to the surf. The bed was very comfortable, and the TV was great--it had everything we needed. I especially appreciated the Japanese-made air conditioner, which made it easy to adjust the room to the perfect temperature. I was also impressed by the beautiful Waterworks shower in the bathroom--it was exquisite. Every corner of the hotel reflected impeccable taste and thoughtful attention to detail. Another thing that stood out to me was the scent of the hotel. When I first walked into the lobby, I noticed a beautiful fragrance that I believe came from L.A. Lab candles. It instantly created a luxurious atmosphere, and that same refined sense of style extended to the soaps and bathroom amenities as well. Honestly, we wished we could have stayed longer. On our second night we stayed at Alila Ventana, but next time we visit Big Sur, we'll spend both nights at Villa Mara instead. Finally, I accidentally left my white Japanese hair dryer in the room. When I called the next day, a staff member who hadn't been there during our stay immediately knew what I was talking about and kindly offered to ship it back to me. Less than a week later, it arrived safely at my home- thank you!

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.

Booked a stay at the Cypress Inn over the 4th of July weekend to enjoy beautiful Carmel and keep my…read morecanine BFF calm and safe. The historic building is impressive, as is the interior lobby, living room, restaurant/bar and 1st floor courtyard. Unfortunately, the guest rooms --or more specifically, Room 207 leaves a lot to be desired. As others have noted, the rooms are indeed small and in need of updating. Bed comfort is subjective. I've stayed at plenty of hotels and generally never had trouble falling asleep, but I did find both the bed and pillows to be overly firm and uncomfortable. The bigger disappointment for me was the noise. 207 is the closest room to the 2nd floor staircase landing, and there's a hallway bench right outside the room door. On multiple occasions, I had to listen to someone sitting on the bench right outside my door talking loudly on their phone before heading downstairs. The utility closet next to Room 207 also resulted in unwanted noise. And there was persistent noise coming from the alleyway directly below my room windows --loud talking, laughing, singing and coughing late into the night and early morning. The hotel staff I interacted with were all friendly and helpful and the building is ideally located in the heart of downtown Carmel. I expected more though for what worked out to be a $600 a night stay.

First off, I really like that the hotel is dog friendly and the Doris Day history is pretty cool…read more The lobby and dining areas are nice. But otherwise, the actual rooms are quite dated, dingy, tiny, and overpriced for what they are. The service is mixed: The bellboy was friendly and helpful but it was hit or miss with other staff -- some were friendly and some were kind of snooty. For example, I asked about Yappy Hour at 5 p.m. and was told at first "we don't do that anymore" and then weirdly said we missed it when other recent guests have said you can experience that at 5. So bizarre. A unique, historic hotel but the unfriendliness left me a bit disappointed.

I've traveled a lot, and this might be my favorite hotel I've ever stayed at. Everything about it…read moreis excellent. For once the pictures actually match the rooms and the amenities. It's small but not too small and it's located within walking distance to everything! It's cozy and quiet and most of all so clean. I never once asked myself "Did they wash that?." The spa area is so pretty and not busy and the robes are so comfortable. I love that they include a plug in fan in their rooms. At check in the concierge was super personable and friendly. They were quick to come to our room and help with the tv. Overall, no complaints and such a wonderful relaxing stay. I've already planned to stay here again soon.

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.

The Hotel is amazing and the hospitality superb, All of the staff are exceptional as wellread more

L'Auberge Carmel was a wonderful home base for our anniversary trip, and the town itself did not…read moredisappoint -- but a couple of details kept it from being a five-star stay for us. Due to a booking mix-up on our end, we actually experienced two rooms. Room 9 (our first night) was terrific -- cozy, well-appointed, and the shower had some of the best water pressure we've had at a hotel. Room 30, where we spent the rest of our stay, was lovely in its own way -- more space, a wet bar, a walk-in closet, and gorgeous views through the trees toward the ocean, with a charming little private staircase up to the room. But the shower there, despite being much larger, had noticeably weaker pressure, and the "king" bed turned out to be a California king mattress on a standard king frame -- leaving an odd 4" gap on one side. Small thing, but for anyone who loves stretching out on a big bed while on vacation, it's worth knowing. Where the stay really shined was the staff and the little touches: the warm arrival, a handwritten welcome note, fresh cookies and caramels every evening, thoughtful turndown service, and spotless daily housekeeping. Breakfast was simple, fresh, and just the right size to start the day -- we appreciated that it wasn't trying to be more than it needed to be. Just know that lunch isn't really available on-site, and dinner reservations book out months in advance at premium prices, so plan on walking into town for most meals. We'd happily return to Carmel, and there's a lot here to love -- we just hope some of these smaller details (especially in the upstairs rooms) get some attention.

Ok....where do I start? I'm well aware that check-in time is 4pm. Arrived early and just let them…read moreknow we were there and to call when the room was ready. Nearly 4 hours later and after checking with the front desk for a third time, I was told it's "almost" ready! Another hour goes by and I checked in yet again with Mary. Mary admitted that the other girl forgot to call her and let her know the room was ready. Everyone, I mean everyone within that time I waited got checked in to their room. Next day we never got our room cleaned and had to ask for fresh towels at 2:30 in the afternoon. Problem here is they only have one maid working. That "one" housekeeper is working her tail off with zero help. How about this, deliver your fresh cookies to your guests, only 20 rooms. For what you pay, the front desk folks need to step it up. Our bed was made with a sheet and a blanket then another sheet and then a comforter. Don't stay here!

My boyfriend and I stayed here for our anniversary and we had a nice time! The freshly baked…read morecookies were amazingggg and they change up the flavors which is fun. The people working the front desk were lovely and gave nice recommendations. The premium room itself was also nice, clean and spacious. The jacuzzi was clean and worked great. They turn on the fireplace outside in the evening and it's a nice way to end the night. Overall a great spot to stay at :)

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.

This place is my go to getaway for Carmel By The Sea. What makes this bed and breakfast stand out…read moreis they are very pet friendly and breakfast is brought to the room each morning. The fireplace and jacuzzi tubs are also notable and adds a touch of luxury to the stay. The pet fee is reasonable $25 (compared to $100 at other places). The You are not allowed to leave pets unattended which is a rule at manyother establishments. They offer pet strollers, towels and a rinse station for the dogs. My dog Boba is remembered by name and is welcomed with a treat. His picture is taken for their yearly album and our stay is personalized with his name on the welcome board. My dog likes to bark and I do my best to keep it down. But never have I had to deal with complaints because they get it - and the other guests seem to understand also. Snacks for humans and pets are available in the lobby throughout the day . The staff is super friendly and go above service to have our room ready for our stay - with accommodating early check ins when possible. They offer goodies to take home during check out. Breakfast choices include quiche, oatmeal, baked goods, fruit and yogurt. It's best enjoyed out on the patio or inside where dinner trays are provided. My favorite rooms have a patio and Jacuzzi tub. The rooms are spacious and bedding is soft. The price is very reasonable for their amenities. The location is 5 min walk to Carmel shops and restaurants. The beach is a few minute drive too. So location, breakfast, spacious rooms and dog friendly staff is why ai choose to stay here every time we visit Carmel and Monterey.

Such a lovely hotel with friendly staff! Highly recommend and would stay here again…read more The location is wonderful!

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

Lotte is a rock star in the managing of restaurants!…read more The Sunday buffet is excellent and well presented!! There are enough servers making sure things are covered. I'm a one plate guy and the staff was explaining that I could get more. LOL...Now thats funny! The views are great and very chilled. Great place for a Sunday breakfast.

Extremely disappointing experience at Mission Ranch…read more We were genuinely looking forward to eating at Mission Ranch while visiting Carmel, but the way we were treated completely ruined the experience. We arrived with our child and were told the wait would be about an hour and a half. We understood that the restaurant was busy, so we decided to wait. Two hours later, we still hadn't been seated. What made the situation especially frustrating was watching the woman at the front seat people who had arrived after us, while repeatedly seeming to look us over and pass us by. After waiting well beyond the time we'd been quoted, with no meaningful explanation or acknowledgment, we'd had enough. We left. A long wait at a popular restaurant is understandable. What isn't understandable is giving guests a 90-minute estimate, leaving them waiting for two hours, seating later arrivals ahead of them, and failing to communicate what is happening. For a place with Mission Ranch's reputation, location, and prices, I expected a much higher level of hospitality and professionalism. Instead, we walked away feeling ignored and unwelcome. We never even got the opportunity to find out whether the food was good, because the front-of-house experience was bad enough that we weren't willing to give them any more of our time. Two hours wasted in Carmel. There are far too many wonderful restaurants in the area to spend an evening waiting around somewhere that doesn't seem particularly concerned whether you're there or not.