Located next door to the smaller, less ambitious Tickle Pink Inn, this place is the center of attention at Carmel Highlands, within walking distance of Point Lobos, and four miles south of Carmel. This is one of Park Hyatt's premier properties, and one that takes service and maintenance seriously. This hotel's only real competitor is the oceanfront Inn at Spanish Bay, though this hotel offers chic mission-inspired decor and mesmerizing bird's eye views of the rocky coast.
Built in 1916, the main lodge is the dominant feature. Dormers admit natural light, and the two gigantic granite fireplaces at either end flicker like Olympic torches. A wall of windows reveals the vast Pacific. The lobby lounge is a public space with a subdued elegance that does not distract from the fabulous view. It displays hardwood floors and a soft, earth-tone palette, light woods and plentiful seating. It is known for world-class photography exhibits, and the curator is Ansel Adams' son.
Offering 240-degree riveting views of the surf-battered coastline, high-octane service and renowned seasonal fare, the well-regarded Pacific's Edge restaurant, managed by Tom Fichera. The adjoining bar proffers light-filled surroundings that create an ambience akin to floating atop a cloud. A lovely private dining room with temperature-controlled walls holds more than 1,700 labels and 30,000 bottles. The downstairs bistro is a more casual alternative that is popular with locals. It serves all meals and dispenses picnic baskets and gourmet groceries. It also has a heated deck. The new outdoor fire pit is a wonderful new feature. A second lounge boasts spectacular views of rock-ribbed Point Lobos.
A private beach, a romantic outdoor heated pool, three hot tubs and meeting rooms fill out the facilities roster. For those not up to walking to Point Lobos, the hotel offers bicycles at no charge (but be warned: It's a long uphill trudge back). Three of the six meeting rooms boast ocean sweeps, and rare is the Sunday without a wedding. Valet parking is free.
The standard accommodations, 90% with at least glimpses of the ocean, display sophisticated residential styling with slate-floored entries, sand- and kelp-colored soft goods, and comfortable light-wood furniture with clean lines. All are thoughtfully appointed with large TVs, CD players, coffeemakers, laptop-sized safes with outlets, multiple phones with voice mail and data ports, robes, irons and even binoculars. New king or paired queen beds are piled high with fine linens and down for warmth and comfort. Two-thirds of the units are one- and two-bedroom suites that face the ocean from private patios or balconies. All have living rooms, fireplaces, wet bars and whirlpool tubs for two. Oversized baths come with stall showers and whirlpool tubs for two (complete with candles and appropriately oversized towels). Sliding shojis ensure privacy in sleeping quarters. Some suites also have fully stocked kitchenettes.
Room service never stops. Pets are not permitted.
Constantly escalating rates and standards make this retreat most popular with well-to-do older travelers, splurging honeymooners, and upper-end managers, all of whom enjoy the high level of service. The congenial staff is professional and unpretentious.
