Unique Hotels for Your Next Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea may be known for its luxury hideaways, but the village’s magic extends far beyond its most extravagant stays. Tucked along storybook streets just steps from galleries, tasting rooms, and the beach, these one-of-a-kind boutique hotels deliver walkability and local charm in equal measure. Even better, they leave a little extra room in the budget for other splurge-worthy discoveries.
Pine Inn
A landmark since 1889, Carmel’s oldest hotel blends old-school charm with one of the best addresses in town—directly on Ocean Avenue. From the sidewalk’s bustling cafes and boutiques, step back in time through the arched glass doors to a hushed lobby decked in red velvet, dark woods, fine antiques, and romantic lighting. Guest rooms at the Pine Inn range from cozy standards to penthouse suites, including some with ocean views. Just off the lobby, II Fornaio serves handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas in a warm, inviting space, while an in-house bakery offers coffee and pastries for a morning stroll along the beach.
Carmel Cottage Inn
Nestled amid tranquil gardens just a block from the beach, Carmel Cottage Inn offers an escape into Carmel’s storied past. Five vintage cottages—including a 1907 log cabin—were lovingly restored by a local artist who sought to preserve their historic charm and character. While nearly every element of the cottages was updated, the result feels less like a renovation and more like a return to form. These hideaways are ideal for couples and families looking to slow down, cozy up to the fire, snuggle under the quilts, and linger amid the gardens. Village shops and restaurants are just blocks away.
Coachman’s Inn
Set in the heart of Carmel, the newly refreshed Coachman’s Inn pairs contemporary comfort with effortless walkability. Redesigned in 2024, guest rooms feature custom furnishings, renovated baths, and a soothing coastal palette accented with saddle-brown leather and tweed—a subtle nod to the hotel’s equestrian roots. Plein-air paintings by a local artist add personality, while espresso makers and Bluetooth speakers bring modern convenience. Guests gather by the fire for breakfast and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres. In the far corner, a secluded hot tub and sauna provide a quiet retreat. Carmel’s galleries and tasting rooms are just steps away.
Tradewinds Carmel
Just blocks from Ocean Avenue, Tradewinds Carmel offers a tranquil retreat infused with understated luxury. Originally built in 1959 and beautifully renovated, the boutique hotel blends Japanese, Balinese, and Chinese design elements into a serene, transportive escape. The courtyard garden invites lingering with cascading fountains, bamboo, flowering ginger, and a glowing fire pit. Inside, guest rooms feel like private sanctuaries, complete with soothing in-room fountains, imported kimono robes, and plush linens. Select rooms feature fireplaces and balconies with views stretching toward Point Lobos and the Pacific.
Carmel Country Inn
While many hotels in Carmel are pet-friendly, few embrace four-legged guests quite like the Carmel Country Inn. The staff rolls out the welcome mat for dogs of all breeds and sizes, offering unlimited biscuits and treats, photo ops, pet strollers, and even a bathing station for sandy paws. Suites and studios—each with fireplaces and soaking tubs—offer a warm, residential feel that’s ideal for longer stays. Guests wake to a generous breakfast buffet, stock up on snacks before heading out, and return in the afternoon to freshly baked cookies and lemonade. It’s a thoughtful, home-away-from-home retreat for both you and your tail-wagging companion.
Hofsas House
Family-owned for three generations, the Hofsas House has welcomed couples and families to Carmel for nearly 80 years. The distinctive, pink-and-black Bavarian-inspired lodge is impeccably maintained, with hospitality that rivals pricier hotels. Perched above the village rooftops, many rooms offer private decks or balconies with sunset views of the Pacific. Each room is individually decorated and features Dutch doors to welcome the ocean breeze. Guests can unwind in the heated pool or sauna before taking the short stroll down to the shops, restaurants, and beach.
Tally-Ho Inn
Just a block off Ocean Avenue, Tally-Ho Inn is a hidden gem with sweeping ocean views that rival Carmel’s higher-priced stays. The intimate hotel offers just 12 rooms, each with private entrances, plush bedding, marble baths with whirlpool tubs, and 55-inch Smart TVs. Many of the rooms feature fireplaces and private balconies or terraces—perfect for sunset toasts over the Pacific. In the courtyard, an outdoor fireplace glows into the evening, while a quiet pair of chairs at the pathway’s edge offers a front-row seat to the sea.