What can I expect from a motel trip to Carmel?

Because you'll save on your room, you can experience more of the activities in Carmel. Not-to-be-missed sights include Carmel Beach, 17-Mile Drive, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

What's it like to stay in a motel?

When you stay at a motel, you're likely to find a free parking spot and an outdoor pool. With a stay at a motel, you'll often have access to your room directly from the parking lot. In the U.S., motels became more commonplace after World War II with the popularity of car travel and road trips, peaking in the 1960s with over 60,000 properties.

What's the weather like in Carmel?

Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Carmel to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually September and October with an average temp of 60°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Carmel is 21 inches.

What are my options for getting around Carmel when staying in a motel?

We’ve gathered some information about getting around Carmel to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is located 4.8 mi (7.7 km) away from the city center. Otherwise, look for flights into Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal), which is 18.6 mi (29.9 km) away. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.

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Carmel Resort Inn

Carpenter Street and Second Ave, Carmel, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

Located in Northeast Carmel, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cherry Center for the Arts, Carmel Beach, and 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel ...

3.8/5 Good! (779 reviews)

"Always the best stay and value! Thank you."

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2021

Carmel Inn And Suites

5th And Junipero, Carmel, CA

Located in Northwest Carmel, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach. 17-Mile Drive and Carmel Mission Basilica are also within ...

3.7/5 Good! (981 reviews)

"liked the suite separate living room and the breakfast left outside our door."

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2021

Carmel River Inn

26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

Located in Mission Fields, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Beach, and Carmel River State Beach. 17-Mile Drive is 2 mi (3.3 ...

3.9/5 Very Good! (989 reviews)

"Everyone was very nice and cordial. The cottage we stayed in was very clea, cozy and warm. It has a little kitchen and a small refrigerator. We're definitely going make this one of our get away destinations. We loved it!"

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2022

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other property types in Carmel

Carmel Mission Inn

3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA

4.1/5 Very Good! (959 reviews)

"The property is very well maintained. Room cleanning is good, but the bathroom is ok. Bathroom tile floor and lack of the shower door need to be improved. We booked two Queen beds but the bed were actually two double beds."

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2022

La Playa Carmel

Camino Real at Eighth Ave., Carmel, CA

4.4/5 Wonderful! (988 reviews)

"Beautiful hotel with nice staff. Very nice breakfast. 2 blocks from ocean. Walkable to town center with nice shops and art galleries. If any downside, is the property is a bit aged that very very loud squeaking noise woke us up around 2am and another time around 6am by the heater that sounded like ..."

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2022

Carmel Bay View Inn

Junipero Street Between 5th And 6th St, Carmel, CA

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Carmel Resort Inn: Stay within a 5-minute drive of Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy access to the free WiFi and free parking, as well as room amenities like a microwave. Carmel Inn And Suites: Free breakfast and free WiFi are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a coffee maker. You’ll be located within a 5-minute drive of Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive. Carmel River Inn: Enjoy access to the seasonal outdoor pool, and freebies including WiFi and parking. Stay within a quick 2-minute drive of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Those who’ve visited Carmel speak highly of its shops and riverfront. While you’re sightseeing, check out the area’s art scene. Some popular places to visit include Carmel Beach, 17-Mile Drive, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Carmel River State Beach, and Monastery Beach. You’ll find these family-friendly sights in the area: Munras Avenue, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and North Fremont Street.

Recent Reviews in Carmel
expedia verified reviews

5/5 Excellent

"Staff was excellent. Felt very safe with COVID precautions. King bed was extremely comfortable. "

A verified traveler stayed at Carmel Bay View Inn

Posted 3 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"overall tgis is a wonderful place to stay. The suite we had this visit with have stayed in before and it really is in need of remodeling. And better placemnet of towel racks and electrical outlets!!!"

A verified traveler stayed at Svendsgaard's Inn

Posted 5 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"The Briarwood Inn is now our ‘go to’ for stays in Carmel! The room was cheerful, bright and very clean. Our room had adorable window boxes with colorful geraniums! Each furnishing was comfortable and useful- and the small desk was perfect for my artist daughter to pull out her supplies! The location is outstanding- within walking distance of everything including the beach. The blocks in Carmel are quite short, so paying more to be ‘closer’ is in my opinion a waste- we saved over $275. from our last location. Briarwood Inn is an OUTSTANDING value! We look forward to many trips in the future Staff was very friendly and cheerful. I couldn’t have asked for a better lodging experience at a relatively low rate ❤️🐋"

A verified traveler stayed at Briarwood Inn

Posted 6 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"We were greatly surprised by the size of the rooms, big, lighted and spacious rooms which is specially unusual for Carmel!! Modern, clean and very convenient! We will definitely stay there whenever we go to Carmel!"

A verified traveler stayed at Carmel Mission Inn

Posted 7 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"My only suggestion is that you install handrails in the showers. Room #2 did not have them. (search "ADA 213, 603, 604, and 608" for more info) There was no serious injury."

A verified traveler stayed at Carmel Wayfarer Inn

Posted 8 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"Quiet and walkable "

A verified traveler stayed at L Auberge Carmel

Posted 8 days ago

Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast

5/5 Excellent

"This was a gift for my son and his sweet wife for their 1st Anniversary. They loved their stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands"

A verified traveler stayed at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast

Posted 10 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"front desk he was very attentive. and answer all my questions. "

A verified traveler stayed at Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge

Posted 11 days ago

5/5 Excellent

A verified traveler stayed at La Playa Carmel

Posted 11 days ago

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Browse Select Carmel Motels

Carmel Resort Inn

Carmel Inn And Suites

Carmel River Inn