In the heart of Carmel Highlands (Carmel's own Riviera), this family-run property looks like it could be an annex to the Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt Carmel next door—which is one reason this unheralded hotel is often overlooked. It is just 100 feet farther down the narrow road that runs past the Park Hyatt's lobby. Less expensive than its famous neighbor, this place has equally spectacular views (better, in some cases) and comfortable, custom-designed guest rooms loaded with amenities. That said, the rooms here are less imaginative than the romantic digs at La Playa, L'Auberge and Cypress Inn, but the views here are unbeatable.
This 35-unit inn steps down a hillside in five dramatic levels. Covered walkways link its wings. Distant kelp beds and frothing surf make for spectacular panoramas. Potential guests should be aware that dense fog frequently obstructs those views (especially in the summer months). Winter weather is generally the best time for enjoying the panoramas. However, on most days, even rooms with the poorest blue-water exposures here would qualify as full oceanfront in most hotels. All but one of the units have balconies.
Guests sit down to register in a tiny lobby displaying attractive traditional appointments and plush carpeting. Management keeps the place looking good, with the last renovations focusing on new beds and bedding in the accommodations.
Continental breakfast is laid out in the elegant fireplace lounge and served on the terrace or brought to rooms. Later in the day, wine and cheese appear in the lounge located below the reception area, and guests can also stop in for freshly baked cookies. The hotel lacks a restaurant, though many guests choose to spend their savings on the excellent dining room at the Park Hyatt. The only other amenities here are an oceanview deck with a whirlpool and a paneled boardroom seating just 10. Parking is free of charge.
Lodging consists of spacious standard rooms, rooms with stone fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and suites. Decor in the main building runs along residential lines with soft washes of color and a smattering of new traditional furnishings that blend comfort and modest style. Marble foyers front the rooms, which are well-equipped with TVs and VCRs in hardwood armoires (complimentary videos are available at the front desk), wrought-iron beds (many canopied), and robes hanging in carpeted vanity areas. All baths provide robes and coffeemakers with coffee, but baths in standard units lack tubs. 15 rooms provide fireplaces, and some, such as 25 and 26. have furnished balconies big enough to qualify as terraces. Whirlpool tubs are in all king-bedded rooms. The stone cottage off Highway 1 has one king and one queen bedroom, a fireplace and a whirlpool tub. The best pick is Suite 14, a residential-style one-bedroom unit with a 60-ft furnished terrace focused on one of the world's most beautiful views.
Room service is not offered. Pets are not allowed. Three units are fitted for the needs of disabled guests.
In the same hands since opening in 1953, this pocket version of the Highlands Inn regularly receives returnees drawn by the oceanview lodging, extroverted service and attractive rates. Guests at the Park Hyatt pay substantially more for a view room, but the Park Hyatt's decor and service are miles above this place.
