Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Carmel is Carmel-by-the-Sea, the village centre, for its unparalleled access to the beach, shops, and dining.

This charming village is highly walkable, with picturesque streets like Ocean Avenue leading directly down to Carmel Beach. You'll find a delightful array of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants tucked into courtyards and along the main thoroughfares. The architecture is unique, often described as fairy-tale cottages, giving the area a distinctive character.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, staying right in Carmel-by-the-Sea is ideal. You're just a short stroll from sunset views over the Pacific, and evenings can be spent enjoying gourmet meals and wine tasting without needing to drive. The proximity to the scenic 17-Mile Drive also makes it superb for leisurely explorations.

Families will also find Carmel-by-the-Sea a wonderful base. The easy access to Carmel Beach means kids can enjoy building sandcastles and playing by the ocean, while parents appreciate the convenience of nearby cafes and amenities.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Carmel that travellers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Two of the best hotels in Carmel that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are the Villa Mara Carmel and The Quail.

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, is praised for its luxurious amenities such as deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads, along with champagne service. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional staff and its great location, being just 1.3 km from Carmel Beach and 1 km from the Golden Bough Playhouse.

Another highly recommended option is the 4-star The Quail, which has a 9.4 rating. This hotel offers excellent facilities including an on-site golf course and tennis courts. Guests often comment on the helpful and amazing staff, the beautiful and clean rooms, and the excellent restaurant. It is conveniently located just 0.1 km from the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

For family-friendly accommodation in Carmel, consider Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hyatt Carmel Highlands, The Quail, and Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn.

The 4-star Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, with an impressive 9.0 rating, offers a wonderful experience for families. It provides connecting rooms, a children's club, travel cribs, and supervised childcare. The hotel also features a pool and a restaurant with a dedicated kids' meal option. Guests frequently praise the kind and great staff, delicious food, and the big pool.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Hyatt Carmel Highlands, rated 8.4. This hotel provides child-friendly window designs, a children's club, and a pool. Families will also appreciate the fireplace guards, sofa beds, and free cribs. It is conveniently located near Gravity Garden and Gibson Beach, both just 0.5 km away, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is 2.6 km away. Customers consistently mention the friendly and helpful staff, amazing restaurant, nice rooms, and beautiful ocean views.

The Quail, a 4-star hotel with an outstanding 9.4 rating, is highly regarded for its family amenities, including connecting rooms, child-friendly window designs, and free cribs. Guests frequently highlight the helpful and amazing staff, beautiful and clean rooms, beautiful location, excellent restaurant, and comfortable beds.

Finally, the 4-star Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn, with an 8.8 rating, is another great option for families. It offers on-site babysitting and childcare, a children's club, and a secured shared outdoor pool with cabanas, sun loungers, and umbrellas. Similar to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, it is close to Gravity Garden (0.5 km) and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (2.6 km). Guests consistently praise the beautiful and large rooms, absolutely amazing and extremely helpful staff, great food, and excellent customer service. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Carmel

Question 4

What are the best spa hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

For the best spa hotels in Carmel, consider the Carmel Beach Hotel, The Quail, or Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

The 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers a fantastic spa experience with amenities such as body treatments, massages, sports massages, body scrubs, facial treatments, and body wraps. It is also conveniently located just 1 kilometre from Carmel Beach and within walking distance of the Golden Bough Playhouse.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star The Quail, also rated 9.4. This hotel provides a relaxing spa experience with advance notice massages, a steam room, and dedicated treatment rooms. Additionally, it boasts extensive golf facilities, including an on-site golf course and golf lessons, making it ideal for those who enjoy both relaxation and recreation.

The 4-star Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, with a 9.0 rating, features a full-service spa that offers couples' treatment rooms, body scrubs, body wraps, and a variety of massages and facial treatments. Guests also appreciate the daily on-site spa services and the steam room. It is also very close to the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. See all spa hotels in Carmel

Question 5

Which beach resorts in Carmel do travellers love?

Accepted Answer

For a highly-rated beach resort in Carmel, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands is an excellent choice that travellers consistently love.

This 4-star hotel, with an 8.4 rating, is particularly popular for its beautiful ocean views. Guests frequently comment on the friendly and helpful staff, the great restaurant with delicious food, and the lovely rooms. It is conveniently located near Gibson Beach and China Cove, both just 0.5 km and 0.7 km away respectively, making it easy to enjoy the coastline. The hotel also offers a pool, and for those travelling with children, amenities such as a complimentary crib, a children's club, and child-friendly window designs are available. See more stays near the beach in Carmel

Question 6

What hotels in Carmel offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Carmel that offer free breakfast, consider the Stilwell Hotel, Villa Mara Carmel, Carriage House Inn, Carmel Bay View Inn, or Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, provides a complimentary continental breakfast and free breakfast options. Guests frequently praise the excellent and friendly staff, and the spacious, clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Hatton Canyon and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, also boasting a 9.8 rating. This hotel offers both free breakfast and free local breakfast. Guests often highlight the exceptional staff and superb location. It is situated close to Monastery Beach and Carmel River State Beach.

The 3.5-star Carriage House Inn, rated 9.6, includes free continental breakfast and free breakfast. Travellers appreciate its great location and delicious breakfast. Mission Trail Nature Preserve is just 0.7 km away.

Carmel Bay View Inn, with a 9.4 rating, provides complimentary breakfast and continental breakfast. Guests frequently mention the comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. It is located near Cherry Centre for the Arts.

Finally, the 4-star Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave, rated 9.4, offers both free breakfast and free continental breakfast. Guests often compliment the friendly staff, superb location, and the beautiful and delicious breakfast. It is a short distance from Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Find more hotels with breakfast in Carmel

Question 7

What are the best budget hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly accommodation in Carmel, consider the Carmel Bay View Inn, Coachman's Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, Comfort Inn Carmel By The Sea, Hofsas House Hotel, or Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge.

The Carmel Bay View Inn, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms, a great location, and helpful staff. Guests particularly appreciate the free continental breakfast, free toiletries, and complimentary self-parking. It is conveniently located near the Cherry Centre for the Arts.

Another highly-rated option is the 3-star Coachman's Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, which has a 9.0 rating. This inn provides comfortable and clean rooms, a wonderful full breakfast, and a great location. Guests also find the free self-parking super convenient. It is close to Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

The Comfort Inn Carmel By The Sea, rated 8.6, is known for its convenient location, comfortable rooms, and good breakfast. Free full breakfast and free self-parking are included. Mission Trail Nature Preserve is just a short distance away.

Hofsas House Hotel, with an 8.8 rating, is praised for its friendly staff, comfortable and spacious rooms, and good location. Guests can enjoy a lovely continental breakfast and free self-parking. The hotel is also near the Cherry Centre for the Arts.

The Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge, rated 8.0, offers comfortable and clean rooms, a great location within easy walking distance, and helpful staff. Guests appreciate the free buffet breakfast and complimentary self-parking. It is also close to the Cherry Centre for the Arts. View all budget hotels in Carmel

Question 8

What are the most romantic hotels in Carmel for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic stay in Carmel, consider the Stilwell Hotel, Villa Mara Carmel, or Carriage House Inn.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is praised by guests for its spacious and clean rooms, as well as its friendly staff. Many rooms offer mountain views and some even have a balcony, great for enjoying the scenery together. It is conveniently located near the Golden Bough Playhouse and Wrath Winery.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, also rated 9.8. This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional staff and fantastic location, with many rooms offering ocean views and balconies. Guests can enjoy complimentary local breakfast and the hotel is close to Monastery Beach.

The 3.5-star Carriage House Inn, rated 9.6, provides a lovely experience with its delicious complimentary breakfast. Guests appreciate the fire places in the rooms, adding a cosy touch to their stay. The hotel is well-situated near the Golden Bough Playhouse and Wrath Winery. See all romantic hotels in Carmel

Question 9

What are the best hotels in Carmel near Carmel Beach?

Accepted Answer

For excellent hotels in Carmel near Carmel Beach, consider the Stilwell Hotel and Villa Mara Carmel.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is just 0.8 kilometres from Carmel Beach. Guests consistently praise the excellent and friendly staff, and the spacious and clean rooms. Complimentary amenities include a free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Some rooms also feature mountain views.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, also with a 9.8 rating, located 1.3 kilometres from Carmel Beach. This hotel offers a free local breakfast and free self-parking. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional staff and the superb location. The hotel also provides free WiFi and offers private winery tours and a tasting room.

Question 10

When is the best time to go to Carmel?

Accepted Answer

While Carmel is a lovely destination year-round, the best time to visit for consistently pleasant weather and fewer crowds is typically late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October).

During these shoulder seasons, you'll generally find clear skies, comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties Celsius, and less fog compared to the summer months. This makes it ideal for enjoying the town's outdoor attractions, such as strolling along Carmel Beach, exploring the shops and galleries, or playing a round of golf. The tourist influx is also reduced, meaning you'll have an easier time securing dinner reservations and hotel bookings.

Summer (June to August) brings the warmest temperatures, but it's also when Carmel experiences its famous "June Gloom" and "Fogust," where coastal fog can linger well into the afternoon. This is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Winter (November to March) is the quietest time, with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain.

Question 11

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Carmel.

Question 12

How can I save on a hotel booking in Carmel with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Carmel hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 13

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Carmel often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$373 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	53.4°F (11.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	55.2°F (12.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.3°F (14.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

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Our top choices for Carmel hotels

1. Carmel Mission Inn

2. Carmel Bay View Inn

3. Pine Inn

4. Normandy Inn

5. Comfort Inn Carmel By The Sea

6. Hotel Carmel

7. Tradewinds Carmel

8. Carmel Wayfarer Inn

9. Carmel Fireplace Inn

10. Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge

11. Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites

12. Tally Ho Inn

13. Carmel Beach Hotel

14. Cypress Inn

15. Briarwood Inn

16. Stilwell Hotel

17. Clarion Collection Carmel Oaks Inn

18. Coachman's Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

19. La Playa Hotel

20. Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave

Our guide on where to stay in Carmel

Downtown Carmel

Carmel Point

Hatton Fields

Mission Fields

Golden Rectangle

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Carmel Beach

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Stilwell Hotel

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Carmel Resort Inn

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