Located on the Carmel River facing extensive wetlands, adjacent to Carmel River State Beach, this resort has changed little since the last inspection, though its reputation as an unpretentious and affordable retreat remains intact. It continues to thrive under the guidance of its celebrity owner, Clint Eastwood. He converted a working ranch—rescuing the acreage from a planned condominium development—into this unique farm-style hotel. Goats and sheep graze under the ancient cypress and eucalyptus trees, much as they did in the mid-1800s when the ranch served as the area's first dairy farm. Local craftsmen replicated the original woodwork and iron hardware during restoration, further adding authenticity and a sense of Old California grace.
The 14 buildings sprawl across 22 acres and
reflect different architectural periods. The Bunk House is the oldest structure on the property. It houses the restaurant and the century-old family farmhouse. Continental breakfast is served at the tennis club. The restaurant (an officer's club during WWII) has a fireplace and large deck overlooking meadowlands and the sea. It serves dinner nightly and offers a reasonably priced Sunday jazz brunch. The piano in the bar provides the only entertainment, but everyone joins in after 9 pm for a sing-along.
The hotel has six unlighted tennis courts, and an exercise room with a treadmill, exercise bikes and free weights. Up to 50 cowpokes can gather in the two party barns, each with a bar, stage and dance floor. Parking is free.
Beautifully manicured landscaping surrounds all public buildings, including the 1857 farmhouse of the original owners. This has six bedrooms sharing a common living room with a fireplace and wet bar. Other accommodation units include five well-spaced low-lying cottages and a barn. The Bunk House has two rooms with queen beds and one bath. It can be rented in its entirety, making it especially good for families. Each of the four Meadowview buildings has three or four of the most expensive rooms, with gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and lovely views of the pasture and wetlands. The Hay Loft has all that Meadowview units have except meadow views and gas fireplaces, substituting potbellied stoves for the latter. Least expensive are the seven rooms in the barn. These units provide great value. All rooms are regularly updated and show simple country styling with patchwork quilts and painted wood furniture.
Limited room service is available until 9 pm. Pets are not permitted.
Nothing here is posh or pretentious, and guests will not have a fawning staff, as this is neither dude ranch nor boutique nor golf resort, just a simple taste of coastal California. Few changes have occurred here since the late 1980s, including the rates, which is just the way most guests like it. This unique blend of history, nature and fun in a ranchlike setting is a superb choice for just about anyone.
