If you are visiting the Central Coast of California, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a must visit city for shopping, dining, visiting the beach, or sight-seeing. This beautiful town is know for it’s natural scenery and artistic history and is home to one of the California Missions, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo and famous golf courses (Pebble Beach is 5 minutes away).
Just about 4 blocks from the beach and 4 blocks from quaint downtown Ocean Street you’ll find La Playa Hotel.
With its convenient proximity to the Pacific Ocean, its impeccably landscaped grounds, an intimate lobby, and professional staff, it comes as no surprise that La Playa Hotel and Cottages-by-the-Sea has been recognized as the Grande Dame of Carmel. Treat yourself to the landmark-classic choice of Carmel hotels, where you will find each detail well thought out and anticipated every time you return. A Mediterranean villa in 1905, today La Playa still rests in a picture-perfect setting – amidst oceans of flowers and cypress, with the sea itself just a stroll away. Here, design, décor, and atmosphere are all in the classic tradition of good taste. Discover this legendary Carmel California hotel, amid some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
The Landscape
Coming up on the hotel you’ll find it has a meticulously manicured layout. Just in the day we were there, we ran into 3 separate gardeners working to keep the grounds pristine and beautiful. Benches and tables and chairs adorn the gardens to sit and read, enjoy a cup of coffee or nice glass of wine.
The Hotel
As a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, La Playa is intimately connected to California’s colorful past, with a rich heritage all its own. Inside the lobby you’ll find many pieces of art including paintings, photographs, and maps dating back 80+ years. My husband is a huge fan of California history and along with being a land surveyor, the maps and photos of the area consumed him for a good hour. The pool is heated to a nice 82 degrees year round. There are conference rooms, a spa, and The Terrace Grill restaurant on the premises. We had dinner at The Terrace Grill during happy hour, where cocktails were regular price yet there were many crudites free with a drink purchase. Dinner is reasonably priced for the area (around $15/person), my husband enjoying a steak sandwich and fries, while I enjoyed the penne with sausage, both prepared perfectly for us. Internet access as well as a business center is offered during your stay to look for nearby attractions if need be.
The Accommodations
You can stay in the hotel in a luxurious room, suite, with a patio, near the pool or in a beautiful cottage just beyond the main building. A few of the rooms available have an ocean view, while you can’t go wrong anywhere at La Playa.The cottages make a nice romantic escape with fireplaces, decks, full kitchens, and other fabulous amenities depending on your choice. My husband and I were treated to the owner’s cottage with full kitchen, patio, living/dining room, fireplace and two bedrooms. The gas fireplace was lovely as we watched tv with our drinks and relaxed.
In the morning, we strolled down to the beach and took in the surfers, the dog walkers, and the view of Pebble Beach Golf Course. It was an overcast day, but about 58 degrees. The sand on this stretch of the coast is finer white powder than just south in Monterey and Pacific Grove, the water more turquoise. Take a ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea, and if you get a chance, stay at the La Playa Hotel, it’s a splurge worth making! We feel so very lucky that this is a spot we can drive to in less than an hour and take in all it’s beauty!
Our accommodations were compensated, all opinions are our 100% tried-and-true experience.
Beautiful place!