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, particularly the village center, for its walkability and direct access to attractions.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the heart of Carmel, characterized by its charming, European-style village with cobblestone streets, unique architecture, and a central location just a few blocks from Carmel Beach. Ocean Avenue is the main thoroughfare, lined with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, leading directly to the Pacific Ocean. Its compact size makes it exceptionally walkable.

For couples, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an ideal setting for a romantic getaway. You can easily stroll hand-in-hand to a gourmet dinner, explore art galleries, or enjoy a sunset walk along the beach without needing a car. The village's quiet evenings and scenic beauty create a relaxed and intimate experience.

Families will also find Carmel-by-the-Sea suitable, especially those with older children who appreciate exploring shops and walking to the beach. The proximity to Carmel Beach means easy access for sandcastle building and ocean play, and many restaurants cater to a variety of tastes.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Carmel that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

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

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is highly praised for its exceptional staff and great location, just 0.8 miles from Carmel Beach. Guests appreciate the luxurious amenities such as rainfall showerheads, deep soaking bathtubs, and designer toiletries, along with champagne service.

Another highly recommended option is the 4-star The Quail, which has a 9.4 rating. This hotel is known for its beautiful and clean rooms, excellent restaurant, and comfortable beds. It offers convenient access to the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, making it ideal for golf enthusiasts.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

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

The 4-star Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, boasts an excellent 9.0 rating and offers a range of amenities superb for families, including a children's pool, on-site babysitting, kids' meals, a children's club, and a playground. Guests frequently praise the kind staff and delicious food.

Another great option is the 4-star Hyatt Carmel Highlands, rated 8.4. This hotel features child-friendly window designs, on-site babysitting, a pool gate for safety, and complimentary cribs. It is also conveniently located near attractions like Gravity Garden and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and guests often mention the friendly staff and beautiful ocean views.

The 4-star The Quail, with an outstanding 9.4 rating, provides child-friendly window designs, complimentary cribs, and connecting rooms, making it suitable for families. Travelers consistently highlight the helpful staff, beautiful rooms, and excellent beds.

Finally, the 4-star Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn, rated 8.8, offers a secured shared outdoor pool, pool gates, on-site babysitting, and a children's club. It is also close to popular spots like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Gibson Beach, and guests appreciate the beautiful, spacious rooms and the absolutely amazing staff. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Carmel

Question 4

What are the best spa hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

When seeking the best spa hotels in Carmel, consider The Quail, Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn, Hyatt Carmel Highlands, and Carmel Beach Hotel.

The 4-star The Quail, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers an extensive spa experience including massage and steam rooms, as well as an array of golf facilities like an onsite golf course, clubhouse, and lessons. Guests consistently praise the helpful and amazing staff, beautiful and clean rooms, and the hotel's beautiful location.

Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a 4-star hotel rated 9.0, providing a luxurious spa with aromatherapy, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, facial treatments, hydrotherapy, and couples treatment rooms. It is conveniently located near the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Guests frequently highlight the kind staff, delicious food, and big pool.

The 4-star Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn, with an 8.8 rating, features a full-service spa offering advanced notice massage services, hot stone and deep tissue massages, aromatherapy, and body treatments. It is situated within 1.6 miles of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and 0.8 miles of Weston Beach. Visitors consistently describe the rooms as beautiful and big, and the staff as absolutely amazing and extremely helpful.

Another excellent 4-star option is the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, rated 8.4. Its full-service spa provides deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages, along with couples treatment rooms. This hotel also offers easy access to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Weston Beach. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, great restaurant, and beautiful ocean views.

The 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, boasting an outstanding 9.4 rating, offers a spa with body scrubs, massage with advance notice, facial treatments, sports massage, body wraps, and other body treatments. It is ideally located close to the beach, the Golden Bough Playhouse, and Sunset Center. Reviewers often praise the excellent staff, charming and clean rooms, and the excellent breakfast. See all spa hotels in Carmel

Question 5

Which beach resorts in Carmel do travelers love?

Accepted Answer

For a highly-rated beach resort in Carmel that travelers love, consider the Hyatt Carmel Highlands.

This 4-star hotel, with an 8.4 rating, offers beautiful ocean views and is conveniently located near Gibson Beach, just 0.3 miles away. It is also close to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is 1.6 miles away. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the great on-site restaurant with delicious food, and the nice rooms. The hotel also features a pool and offers amenities like a kitchen and child-friendly options such as cribs, sofa beds, and babysitting services. 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 complimentary breakfast, consider the Stilwell Hotel, Villa Mara Carmel, Carriage House Inn, Carmel Bay View Inn, and Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, boasting an impressive 9.8 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily. Guests consistently praise the excellent and friendly staff, spacious and clean rooms, and the great location. It's conveniently located near Hatton Canyon and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Also rated 9.8, the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel offers a free local breakfast. This hotel is popular for its exceptional staff, fantastic location, and great food. It's situated close to Monastery Beach and Carmel River State Beach.

The Carriage House Inn, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, includes a delicious free breakfast. Guests appreciate its great location and the wonderful staff. Nearby points of interest include Hatton Canyon and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Carmel Bay View Inn, with a 9.4 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily. Travelers highlight the comfortable and clean rooms, superb location, and friendly staff. The hotel is close to Cherry Center for the Arts and Carmel Mission Basilica.

Finally, the 4-star Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave, rated 9.4, also offers a complimentary breakfast, including continental options. This hotel is frequently noted for its friendly and helpful staff, superb location, and delicious breakfast. It's located near Hatton Canyon and Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Carmel

Question 7

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Carmel, consider Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave, Carmel Beach Hotel, or The Vagabond's House.

The 4-star Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave, with an excellent 9.4 rating, welcomes dogs and provides food and water bowls for your furry companion. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the great location, and delicious breakfast options. It is conveniently located near the Golden Bough Playhouse and Carmel Beach.

Another great option is the 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, also highly rated at 9.4. This hotel permits both dogs and cats and offers food and water bowls. Reviewers often praise its excellent staff, charming and clean rooms, and fabulous breakfast. Its location close to Carmel Beach is a significant advantage.

The Vagabond's House, a 4-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, is another excellent choice for pet owners. This hotel not only permits pets but also offers pet-sitting services and provides food and water bowls. It is located close to the Golden Bough Playhouse and Carmel Beach. See more pet-friendly hotels in Carmel

Question 8

What are the best budget hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

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

The Carmel Bay View Inn, with a 9.4 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms, a great location, and friendly, helpful staff. Guests appreciate the free continental breakfast and free self-parking. It is conveniently located near Hatton Canyon and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

The 3-star Coachman's Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, rated 9.0, provides wonderful and delicious full breakfast, comfortable beds, and a superb location. Free self-parking is available, and it's close to Mission Trail Nature Preserve and Carmel Mission Basilica.

The Comfort Inn Carmel By The Sea, with an 8.6 rating, is praised for its convenient location, comfortable and clean rooms, and good breakfast, including a free full breakfast. It is near Carmel Mission Basilica and Cherry Center for the Arts.

The Hofsas House Hotel, rated 8.8, features friendly and helpful staff, comfortable and big rooms, and a good location. Guests enjoy the lovely free continental breakfast and free self-parking. It is close to Hatton Canyon and Cherry Center for the Arts.

The Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge, with an 8.0 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms, an easy walk to various points of interest, and great customer service from friendly and helpful staff. A free buffet breakfast and free self-parking are included. It is situated near Cherry Center for the Arts and Mission Trail Nature Preserve. View all budget hotels in Carmel

Question 9

What are the most romantic hotels in Carmel for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a truly romantic getaway in Carmel, consider the Stilwell Hotel or Villa Mara Carmel.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, boasting an impressive 9.8 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms, with many featuring mountain views. Guests consistently praise the excellent and friendly staff, the great location near attractions like the Golden Bough Playhouse and Carmel Beach, and the lovely complimentary continental breakfast. Free WiFi and free self-parking add to the convenience.

Another exceptional choice is the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, also with a remarkable 9.8 rating. This hotel provides a complimentary breakfast, including local specialties. It's particularly appealing for couples interested in wine, as it features a winery tasting room and is near locations offering winery tours. Guests frequently praise the exceptional staff and the superb location. See all romantic hotels in Carmel

Question 10

What are the best hotels in Carmel near Carmel Beach?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Carmel near Carmel Beach, consider the Stilwell Hotel, Villa Mara Carmel, or Carriage House Inn.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, with an impressive 9.8 rating, is just half a mile from Carmel Beach. Guests consistently praise the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the excellent and friendly staff. It offers free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking, along with mountain views.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, also boasting a 9.8 rating. Located 0.8 miles from Carmel Beach, this hotel provides free breakfast, including local options, and free self-parking. Guests highlight the exceptional staff and fantastic amenities. Bicycles are also available for guest use.

The 3.5-star Carriage House Inn, rated 9.6, is 0.6 miles from Carmel Beach. It offers free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking, with guests frequently complimenting the delicious breakfast and great location.

Question 11

When is the best time to go to Carmel?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Carmel is during the fall, specifically from September to November, when the weather is consistently pleasant and the summer crowds have thinned.

During these months, you'll find warm, sunny days with less fog than in the summer. This allows for optimal enjoyment of outdoor activities like walking along Carmel Beach or exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve without the peak season foot traffic. The ocean temperatures are also at their warmest, making beach strolls particularly enjoyable.

Spring, from April to May, is another excellent option. The wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is generally mild and sunny, though there can be occasional overcast days. This period is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, as the town is less crowded than in the summer but still offers beautiful scenery and comfortable conditions for dining al fresco.

While summer (June-August) is popular, it often brings "June Gloom" and "Fogust," where coastal fog can linger for much of the day.

Question 12

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 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 13

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

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Carmel hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 14

How much is the nightly rate at a Carmel hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Carmel often vary, but you can find a great deal from $156 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 the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$337
February	$346
March	$259
April	$307
May	$347
June	$329
July	$358
August	$396
September	$372
October	$364
November	$311
December	$307

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	Slightly Low
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	Average
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Find hotels in Carmel, CA from $156

Go beyond your typical stay in Carmel

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Carmel hotels

Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

The Quail

Villa Mara Carmel

Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Vacation Rental Home ~ 1 Mi to Carmel Beach!

Stilwell Hotel

Carmel Country Inn

Carmel Beach Hotel

Carmel Green Lantern Inn

Hotel Carmel

Carmel Mission Inn

Normandy Inn

Horizon Inn and Ocean View Lodge

Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave

Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites

L Auberge Carmel

The Vagabond's House

La Playa Hotel

Where to stay in Carmel

Downtown Carmel

Carmel Point

Hatton Fields

Mission Fields

Golden Rectangle

Stay near popular Carmel attractions

Carmel Beach

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

Learn more about Carmel

Top Carmel Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

More cheap stays in Carmel

Carmel Inn And Suites

Hotels in Carmel with star-rating

Price trends for hotels in Carmel

Find out more about Carmel

Top reasons to visit Carmel

Find great hotels near Carmel

Where to stay in and around Carmel

Things to do in Carmel

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carmel

Find the best attractions in and around Carmel

Best time to go to Carmel

The nearest major airports for your trip to Carmel

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia