Le Boss: "You need to sloooooooow down, you don't have to answer every email so quickly!"
Me *as I'm rehearsing my to-do list in my head*: "NO, I CAN'T! Things will pile up..."
Le Boss: "You need to chill!"
Me: "Ok, I'm taking a couple of days off for a staycation in Carmel - see ya on Tuesday!"
Le Boss: "Wait, WHAAA - I need you to...!"
Hey, he said to chill so I'm going to chill! Peace out!!!
But, as a neurotic Virgo, this staycation was planned six months ago (he just forgot that he approved my time off months ago)...
I love Carmel for its quaint, small town charm and picturesque ocean water views. And, I love how incredibly dog-friendly it is but when looking for dog-friendly accommodations, it was a bit challenging. I like supporting independently owned businesses and most places I looked through were super dated and/or charge $600+ a night with a ridiculous $100+ pet fee per a night. Why am I paying $100+ for my dog to sleep on the floor? Hobos sleep for free on the floor!
I came across The Vagabond's House on Yelp and instantly fell in love with all the pictures of this small English-style Bed & Breakfast (it looks just as beautiful in person). There's only 11 rooms and most of them have been recently renovated so each room has a unique mix of modern vintage charm.
I stayed at Room #11 for two nights over the weekend. It was $379/night and totaled about $900 including the $30/day pet fee, $30 room guarantee, and tax. Two night minimum stay on the weekends. Considering the location, renovated rooms, amenities, and complimentary breakfast, I thought it was a good value.
(+) Boutique B&B located within walking distance to all the restaurants, cafes, and shops in downtown Carmel.
(+) I adored my room, it was well-appointed with a rustic chic décor: https://bit.ly/2R5fxyu. Great attention to deal with initialized pillow throws, blankets, and bathroom wall paper.
(+) Comfy bed and pillows: https://bit.ly/2zAhzja.
(+) Quiet AND Peaceful!!! I'm a very light sleeper so this was a huge plus. They have a "quiet time" that starts at 9 pm.
(+) Awesome deep soaking tub (buy a bath bomb from LUSH several blocks away): https://bit.ly/2zA4nuS and a huge marble shower. AND, heated marble floors.
(+) Microwave and a mini fridge in each room (some rooms have a kitchen): https://bit.ly/2DBToF8.
(+) Complimentary breakfast in bed, sherry, fruit, and happy hour everyday (4 pm - 6 pm) in the lobby with wine, cheese, and crackers: https://bit.ly/2ImJ1Ue.
--Breakfast was simple but excellent with ingredients from the local farmer's market: https://bit.ly/2IlexSx. Buttery, flaky croissants, sweet ripen fruits, and the soft-boiled eggs were perfection with a molten custard center. They even brought Tater Tot treats with the breakfast tray: https://bit.ly/2NLdrWs.
--Make sure to check off your breakfast selections and give it to the innkeeper by 9 pm the night before: https://bit.ly/2DBWOaW.
(+) Smart HDTV and complimentary access to Netflix: https://bit.ly/2xX1Fx8. Free WiFi.
(+) Dog-friendly and they mean it! Tater Tot received a welcome note and his own blanket: https://bit.ly/2Ioh0fm and https://bit.ly/2xK3xtZ. And, I received a list of all the dog-friendly restaurants in the area: https://bit.ly/2N4vi5j.
(+) Enchanting courtyard with a fire pit: https://bit.ly/2R4TQP1, lounge chairs, and soothing sounds of the waterfall: https://bit.ly/2NK0M5P.
(+) Spa onsite but I totally forgot to book a massage. Next time!
Not negatives but feedback/minor inconveniences:
*Some staff is nicer than others. Quinn was great and even took the time to show us the grounds and walk us through Room #11.
*Strict cancellation policy. You have to cancel within 172 hours (7 days) before your arrival time and there's a deposit of one night's charge.
*No a/c but fans are provided.
*No phone in rooms so if you need something (e.g. more toilet paper), you will have to go inside to the office and ask.
*Weak shower pressure and the pump for the shampoo and conditioner kept getting clogged.
*Private lot (free) has very, very tight spaces so if you're worried about getting scratches/dents from other drivers, look for street parking. 4th avenue has 24 hour parking (make sure to check the signs as most streets have 2 hour limits).
*Bring your own shower cap, q-tips, and cotton balls. None are provided.
I had a fantastic weekend getaway at The Vagabond's House and so did Tater Tot. When it was time to leave, he wouldn't leave the heated marble bathroom floor. It was just what I needed to decompress from work and city life.
The Vagabond's House is the best place I've stayed at in the Carmel/Monterey area. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a quiet and romantic getaway. I can't wait to return next year! read more