15 Stylish Boutique Hotels In Carmel By The Sea, California in 2023
You’re coming to California and searching for boutique hotels in Carmel by the Sea; well, you’ve come to the right place.
The tiny coastal city of Carmel is adored by many for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and hotels with an edge like no other destination in the US. When it came to the time for me to choose which of the luxury hotels in Carmel I wanted to stay in, I had some family members who had been there before, and they gave me some recommendations, which eased the stress of choosing between so many options.
Over the years, Carmel boutique hotels have become a huge trend. Maybe you want a contemporary property with a convenient location, closeby to high-end restaurants and some fancy facilities. Or, perhaps you’re planning a huge splurge on a lavish guestroom that replicates a palace. Either way, you’ll find something for you on this list.
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Travellers visit Carmel by the Sea for a multitude of reasons. One minute, you could be swimming in turquoise waters at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and the next, you could be indulging in one of the most unique dining experiences in the world at Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant. Whatever way you decide to spend your vacation, you’re in for a treat.
This list of the best hotels in Carmel by the Sea will showcase 15 options you can’t afford to miss. They all offer something different from the other but breathe splendour.
It’s time to get started!
La Playa Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.2 / 10 | Reviews: 260+
La Playa Carmel is the best boutique hotel in Carmel for its central location, beautiful property and outdoor pool.
Villa Mara – Adults Only
✓ Rating: 9.5 / 10 | Reviews: 35+
Villa Mara is the best boutique hotel in Carmel Point for its proximity to the beach and modern amenities.
THE VALLEY
Carmel Valley Ranch
✓ Rating: 8.8 / 10 | Reviews: 70+
Carmel Valley Ranch is the best boutique hotel in Carmel Valley for its estate property, wellness center and restaurant.
Where To Stay In Carmel By The Sea
Location is everything on vacation. You have to choose an excellent area to stay in that suits your needs to ensure your holiday goes smoothly.
Consider these districts when booking your hotel Carmel by the Sea CA selection.
Downtown Carmel
Downtown Carmel is where first-timers should base themselves. Everything is on your doorstep, from hip coffee shops to yummy Tex-Mex eateries, and you won’t have to worry about finding transport whenever you want to go for an ice-cold Margarita.
Carmel Point
One of the best places to stay in Carmel by the Sea is Carmel Point. It’s slightly outside the main center but not that far that you’re completely cut off from the action. Anyone who wants to be based near the ocean will love this pocket of the city.
Northwest Carmel
Northwest Carmel has some wonderful accommodation options that couples will like. It’s more of a residential area, but you’ll find some adorable traditional cottages in Carmel by the Sea that the city is famed for.
Carmel Valley
For a more rural escape, the Carmel Valley boasts dozens of luxury hotels Carmel has to offer and is surrounded by rugged mountains and lush green fields. If you need a break from daily life and want to immerse yourself in some Californian nature, this is the spot for you.
Carmel Highlands
3.5 miles south of Carmel by the Sea is the lovely Carmel Highlands, where extravagant properties are in abundance. Luxury travellers will find tonnes of options to fulfill their needs.
Best Boutique Hotels In Carmel By The Sea
1. Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Area | Southeast Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.1 / 10 | Reviews: 1,995+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Families
Location | Situated in Southeast Carmel, the Carmel Mission Inn is a boutique hotel Carmel CA has that families will particularly enjoy.
Displaying the class and grandeur that the city is known for, this property is near an array of upscale restaurants serving a selection of international cuisines.
Facilities | The Carmel Mission Inn offers a range of facilities for its guests to enjoy.
Dine at the Shearwater Tavern, which has extensive menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Put your feet up by the pool and soak up that Californian sun. Pop down to the 24-hour reception and see what experiences they have available for their guests, from a round of golf at a nearby course to a whale-watching family day out.
Rooms | The guestrooms at this luxury hotel Carmel CA boasts are hard to fault, with a contemporary touch and relaxed ambiance, a spacious private balcony, a swimming pool with mountain views, a coffee maker Keurig coffee pods, and a wide-screen television.
You won’t get much better anywhere else in California.
2. La Playa Carmel
Carmel Area | Carmel Beach
✓ Rating: 8.2 / 10 | Reviews: 260+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Couples
Location | Hidden seven minutes away from the glorious Carmel Beach is the unbelievable La Playa Carmel.
Offering guests a unique stay in a newly restored 1905 mansion and a couple of minutes walk from a number of exciting galleries and tasty restaurants, La Playa Carmel by the Sea has an unbeatable location.
Facilities | Like the rest of the boutique hotels Carmel by the Sea features on this list, La Playa Carmel has a great selection of facilities, from a champagne breakfast buffet filled with nutritious bites to an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tranquil green gardens.
Rooms | Featuring 75 superior guestrooms and six different room styles, visitors to La Playa Carmel will be spoiled for choice at this luxury hotel Carmel boasts.
All of which contain countless modern amenities such as a flatscreen TV with cable channels, a minibar, sleek en-suite bathrooms, and high-quality furnishings.
3. The Hotel Carmel
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.2 / 10 | Reviews: 115+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Those who are searching for convenience
Location | Lying just outside Downtown Carmel is the cozy Hotel Carmel, ideal for anyone looking to be close to all the city has to offer.
Romantic eateries like Casanova are steps away, a casual lunch at Bicyclette are within walking distance, and Carmel Beach can be reached in less than 10 minutes.
Facilities | The Hotel Carmel has a nice range of dining options available for visitors, from pub grub in Brophy’s Tavern to a continental breakfast served every morning in the lobby.
Although there’s no swimming pool available, the common outdoor areas provide a space for guests to catch a tan and mingle with others. An on-site ATM is available, so you never have to worry about running out of cash. This hotel Carmel by the Sea features, really does have it all.
Rooms | Following a vintage homey style, the grand 30 guestrooms at the Hotel Carmel are exquisitely designed with cottage architecture and furnished like your home space.
The amenities offered will almost make you feel like you’re staying in your humble abode with plush pillow top mattresses, soft white linens, and an ample bathroom with cotton robes for each guest.
4. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Area | Carmel Valley
✓ Rating: 8.8 / 10 | Reviews: 70+ | View on Booking.com
Best For | Luxury travellers
Location | Based on 500 acres of rural countryside in the magnificent Carmel Valley, the Carmel Valley Ranch is one of the top hotels in Carmel California.
A stay at this property will completely cut you off from the Californian chaos as you’ll be staying on a private estate. But if you need a dose of the big city, Carmel is only a 12-minute drive, and the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting is 450 meters away, their coffee is to die for.
Facilities | The facilities at the Carmel Valley Ranch easily challenge all the best luxury hotels in Carmel CA.
Fit your morning workout in at the on-site fitness center, fully equipped with all the latest machines. Treat yourself to a deeply relaxing massage at the spa and wellness center.
Order something different every night of the week from the sizable menu at the Clubhouse Grill crafted by award-winning chef Richard Cariaga.
Rooms | Spanned across a space of 74 m²; the guestrooms at Carmel Valley Ranch take fancy to the next level.
Providing occupants with a welcoming atmosphere with modern ranch-style décor and smooth palettes, you’ll never want to leave after you step foot in the door. The 16-room styles will have you spoiled for choice, but to really go all out, book the Carmel Suite Trio.
5. Briarwood Inn
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.1 / 10 | Reviews: 860+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Budget travellers
Location | Nestled in the beating heart of Downtown Carmel, the Briarwood Inn offers a gorgeous place to stay Carmel by the Sea-style for an affordable price.
Just 1.7 kilometres away from interesting attractions such as the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum and a couple of minutes’ walk from Mediterranean restaurants like Yafa, you can be anywhere you want with the click of a finger.
Facilities | Guests who stay at this accommodation in Carmel by the Sea have several facilities they can take advantage of. The property provides free on-site parking for all visitors.
High-speed Wi-Fi can be accessed across the whole estate. Pet rooms are available for an added fee if you want to bring your furry friend along.
Rooms | There’s a huge range of room options available at the Briarwood Inn, from Cambridge Cottage’s that sleep four to Essex Rooms that sleep two. Whichever option you go with, you’ll have a fully stocked kitchenette, a minibar, a flatscreen TV, a coffee machine, and much more.
6. Carmel Fireplace Inn
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 7.8 / 10 | Reviews: 910+ | View on Booking.com
Location | Spend a night in one of the cutest inns in Carmel by the Sea, the Carmel Fireplace Inn.
Five hundred fifty meters away from Carmel Beach and within walking distance of Downtown Carmel, this property gives tourists access to all the most sought-after locations in the city while staying in a quaint traditional cottage.
Facilities | While the Carmel Fireplace Inn doesn’t have all the fancy facilities like other hotels Carmel by the Sea California offers. It does, however, provide guests with communal patio spaces dotted with garden furniture and encircled by beds of blooming flowers.
As well as that, free parking is provided with no prior booking required.
Rooms | This lodging in Carmel by the Sea CA charm grows even more as soon as you see the 18 beautifully decorated guestrooms.
All spaces have a gas or electric fireplace, kingsized beds, Amish-crafted furniture, an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub, a coffee machine, and high-speed internet.
7. Pine Inn Carmel
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 7.6 / 10 | Reviews: 1,045+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Lovers of fine works of architecture
Location | Constructed in 1889, The Pine Inn Carmel is a bit of a hidden gem that gives visitors coming to Carmel by the Sea a delightful property to take refuge in close proximity to intriguing exhibits like the Carmel Heritage Society.
Plus, Carmel Beach is only 350 meters away, which makes up for the hotel not having a swimming pool.
Facilities | For a small boutique hotel Carmel by the Sea has, the Pine Inn does have impressive facilities.
Their own Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio, offers some of the most scrumptious dishes in town.
Reward yourself with some retail therapy at one of their onsite boutiques. Through reception, golfers can arrange a couple of rounds at one of the nearby Pebble Beach courses.
Rooms | The Pine Inn Carmel doesn’t get called one of the best boutique hotels in Carmel by the Sea for nothing. With 49 exceptionally decorated rooms containing soft pillow-top mattresses, private bathrooms with curved shower rods and whirlpool bathrooms, and awe-inspiring views from each window.
8. Wayside Inn
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.6 / 10 | Reviews: 285+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Singles or couples
Location | You shouldn’t book your inn at Carmel by the Sea without taking a look at the sensational Wayside Inn.
Nicely situated next door to the Carmel Plaza shopping center and minutes away from an assortment of bars and restaurants like the Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro, you really can’t fault this property’s location.
Facilities | After a long day of exploring Carmel, spend your downtime on your own private terrace, using the board games provided and watching the sun go down with a nice glass of Californian wine.
Make sure you get down to reception early to sample the freshly made cookies for guests; they take tasty to a whole new level. There’s limited off-street parking outside the property too, but it’s first come, first served.
Rooms | Combining an old-fashioned look and a modern-day American vibe, the guestrooms at the Wayside Inn have a wealth of amenities available, including jetted bathtubs, a fully functioning kitchenette, a private patio, featherbeds, and a coffee maker.
You wouldn’t find this in any other boutique hotel Carmel by the Sea has to offer.
9. Villa Mara Carmel
Carmel Area | Carmel Point
✓ Rating: 9.5 / 10 | Reviews: 35+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Couples
Location | How would you like to stay in one of the brand-new luxury hotels Carmel California has to offer? The newly built Villa Mara Carmel is a 16-room property located in the lovely Carmel Point and accommodates adults only.
It’s only seconds away from the beach and has access to a trail that leads you to the Butterfly House, one of the city’s famous historical landmarks.
Facilities | Relax in the Villa Mara Carmel’s front and back yards, containing firepits, creative water features, and seating areas, and surrounded by over different plant species, the perfect spot to relish a nightcap.
For a fun daytime activity, take one of the property’s Linus Bikes out for a cycle.
Rooms | Pick between five room styles at this superb stay in Carmel by the Sea; maybe you want a private balcony with coastal views or a Premier King Room with a tub.
Every option comes with attractive bathrooms that have heated floors, rain showers, and a complimentary minibar with local snacks and beverages.
10. Carriage House Inn
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 9.4 / 10 | Reviews: 200+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | First-time visitors
Location | With an unbeatable location on a silent side street on the fringes of Downtown Carmel next to Ocean Avenue, the Carriage House Inn deserves a space on this list of the best places to stay Carmel. Nearby you have popular attractions such as the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum and ambient coffeehouses like the Treehouse Cafe.
Facilities | The complimentary breakfast served every morning at the Carriage House Inn is the ideal way to kick-start your day.
If there’s a restaurant you’d like to visit in the city, the staff at reception will be more than happy to help you out with a reservation. You probably won’t want to go too far, though, as there’s free wine and Hors d’oeuvres every evening.
Rooms | The Carriage House Inn pulls out all the stops with its 13 fashionable guestrooms; each one has its own fabulous touches and features feather beds, vaulted ceilings, relaxing spa-like bathtubs, high-speed internet, and a maximum occupancy of two people.
11. The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.9 / 10 | Reviews: 45+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Small groups
Location | Located three blocks away from the bustling Ocean Avenue, The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Once you’ve dropped your bags, head down to the Stationeary for lunch; when the weather is nice, take it to go and enjoy the beach.
Facilities | All the luxury hotels in Carmel California have great facilities, and the Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is no different.
Book yourself in for a facial or massage treatment at the onsite spa to give your body the rejuvenation it deserves. Before you return to your room, pop into reception for the free wine and cheese service available every afternoon.
Rooms | The dreamy guest suites at the Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio display elegant designs and fine finishes. With up-to-date amenities such as a flatscreen TV with Netflix streaming, a fireplace, cloudlike mattresses, and courtyard views, you’ll never want to leave.
12. Four Winds Carmel
Carmel Area | Carmel Valley Road
✓ Rating: 10 / 10 | Reviews: 5+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Large groups
Location | One of the top hotels in Carmel by the Sea, the Four Winds Carmel is set five minutes outside the main center on Carmel Valley Road.
Facilities | The Carmel Valley Road has all the best facilities to guarantee guests a wonderful stay. The inner courtyard has a BBQ area for guests to use as they wish, and there’s a sizable set of garden furniture for occupants to chill out on.
Free parking is offered, and you don’t need to notify reception beforehand to use it.
Rooms | The Four Winds Carmel welcomes its guests to enjoy their massive property with a peaceful location equipped with four immense bedrooms, which sleep up to 9 people.
Throughout the building, you’ll find a kitchen with the latest utensils, a fireplace beside a furniture suite, hardwood floors, and walk-in wardrobes. What more could you want?
13. Tally Ho Inn
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.7 / 10 | Reviews: 95+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Anyone looking to explore the outdoors
Location | Next up on my list of Carmel by the Sea luxury resorts is the Tally Ho Inn, a welcoming boutique accommodation almost like a quintessential bed and breakfast.
Situated on the western side of Downtown Carmel, only 300 meters from the beach, and the Parque Carmelo is across the street, it’s perfect for anyone looking to explore the outdoors.
Facilities | The Tally Ho has some brilliant facilities available to those who are spending their vacation there.
A short saunter away is the Il Fornaio Italian restaurant belonging to Tally Ho’s sister hotel, the Pine Inn.
Every evening midweek between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, they have a happy hour for guests to enjoy, whether you want to sip on an iced martini or a locally brewed craft beer. Also, in the mornings, their bakery is open for business. Nothing beats starting your day with a double espresso and a crispy pastry.
Rooms | Out of all the boutique hotels in Carmel CA, the rooms at the Tally Ho Inn really do stand out (in a good way, of course).
Decide between seven different boutique-style lodgings with state-of-the-art furnishings, marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, Bose wave radios, and LED TVs. After your first sleep in the humongous double bed, the nights of sleep will get cozier and cozier as your trip goes on.
14. Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley
Carmel Area | Carmel Valley
✓ Rating: 9.1 / 10 | Reviews: 165+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | Lovers of the outdoors
Location | Deep in the Carmel Valley, amid acres of lush vineyards, is the tremendous Bernardus Lodge & Spa, one of the best boutique hotels Carmel CA has to offer.
The closest restaurant near this luxe estate is 2.8 kilometres away, but the property’s on-site eatery with a carefully selected menu will surely make up for it.
If you do need to get into the city and haven’t hired a vehicle, the hotel reception will be happy to assist you.
Facilities | There will never be a reason for you to leave this eminent resort, as everything you need will be there for you.
Start your day with a calming treatment at the Carmel Valley Spa, provided by an experienced team of specialists. All hotel guests that are 18 and over are permitted to use the eucalyptus steam room, the swimming pool, and the dry sauna.
The property’s focal point is the Lucia Restaurant and Bar, where guests can get a taste of the Californian cuisine.
Rooms | This is one of the bigger accommodations in Carmel by the Sea, with 73 distinguished guest rooms, villas, and suites available.
Everyone wants to stay in one of the Valley Villa Suites, but be sure to book far in advance as they sell out quite quickly, especially during the high season and sometimes even the shoulder seasons.
There are so many other great alternatives, though, from the Luxury Croquet with a patio overlooking the bocce lawn to the Luxury Spa Room with a private outdoor hot tub.
15. L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux
Carmel Area | Downtown Carmel
✓ Rating: 8.6 / 10 | Reviews: 175+ | View on Booking.com
Best for | People who want to be close to everything
Location | I saved one of my favourite Carmel hotels by the Sea for last, the timeless L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux, sitting nicely on a tree-lined street where all the action is in Downtown Carmel.
Facilities | While this gorgeous property was built in 1929, it boasts some incredibly modern facilities.
Aubergine’s complimentary signature breakfast is served every morning with the freshest seasonal ingredients, with a warm cup of coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. The Aubergine Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 PM until 8 PM, for guests as well as outsiders.
Allow yourself to relax by ordering one of the spa or massage services.
Rooms | The extravagant selection of 20 guest rooms are what makes this one of the best hotels in Carmel by the Sea CA.
Designed with an imaginative touch and furnished with ancient antiques from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, there isn’t another property quite like this in Carmel by the Sea.
While each space is individually designed, they all have a flatscreen TV, a spacious walk-in shower, a booming music system, and radiant floor heating in the modern bathrooms.
Boutique Hotels in Carmel by the Sea Map
Carmel Boutique Hotels Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most luxurious hotel in Carmel by the Sea?
The most luxurious hotel in Carmel by the Sea is Carmel Valley Ranch. Situated in a 500-acre rural countryside, it offers privacy and shields guests from the outside chaos. Aside from its modern atmosphere, the place has fitness, spa, and wellness centers as well as a restaurant spearheaded by an award-winning chef.
What boutique hotels in Carmel by the Sea have the best amenities?
The boutique hotels in Carmel by the Sea that have the best amenities that will surely make your stay more convenient and delightful include Briarwood Inn, Wayside Inn, The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
Briarwood Inn has pet rooms, a fully-stocked kitchenette, and a mini bar, among others. Wayside Inn, on the other hand, offers jetted bathtubs, a fully functioning kitchenette, a and private patio. If your main purpose for visit is ultimate relaxation, then you will probably like The Vagabond’s onsite spa and Bernardus’ eucalyptus steam room and dry sauna
What are the best hotels in Carmel by the Sea with ocean views?
The best hotels in Carmel by the Sea with ocean views include La Playa Carmel, Pine Inn Carmel, Villa Mara Carmel, Tally Ho Inn, and The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio. The first two offer rooms with ocean views while Villa Mara is located only seconds away from the beach.
What is the most romantic boutique hotel in Carmel by the Sea?
La Playa Carmel is the most romantic boutique hotel in Carmel by the Sea. Couples can have a relaxing stay in the mansion’s luxurious rooms, hang out in its green gardens, and enjoy the champagne breakfast buffet in the mornings. The nearby galleries and restaurants also make perfect date spots.
What is the best hotel in Carmel by the Sea for families?
Carmel Mission Inn is the best hotel in Carmel by the Sea for families. This property provides easy access to nearby restaurants that serve international cuisines. Hence, there’s something for everyone. Family members can also swim in the pool, play at the nearby golf course, and go whale-watching together.
What Carmel boutique hotel has the most central location?
The L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux is the Carmel boutique hotel that has the most central location. With many popular attractions within only a short distance, this property is best for anyone who wants access to almost everything. These include the Pebble Beach Golf Course, shopping centers, restaurants, and art galleries.
Which Carmel boutique hotels are pet-friendly?
Briarwood Inn is a pet-friendly Carmel boutique hotel. They have pet rooms that are perfect for your furry friends who want to tag along during your trip! You can avail of these for an additional fee. This way, your pet does not get left behind. Just make sure to check in with the hotel before arriving to make sure your pet has a slot.
What is the most affordable boutique hotel in Carmel by the Sea?
Briarwood Inn is the most affordable boutique hotel in Carmel by the Sea for budget travelers. The hotel offers impressive amenities for its price. These include Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a fully-stocked kitchenette, a minibar, and a coffee machine, among others. Plus, they provide free on-site parking for all guests!
Best Boutique Hotels in Carmel by the Sea Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of hotels at Carmel by the Sea. There are so many outstanding properties to choose from in this tiny beachside city; you’re spoiled for choice. I’ve given you my picks; now it’s your job to book one of your favourite Carmel by the Sea luxury resorts in this post. What are you waiting for?
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