Perfect Family Getaway in Carmel by the Sea

Nestled in the hills above the ocean along the Central Coast is Carmel, with a very special downtown that is known to the locals as Carmel-by-the-Sea.  There are no mailing addresses in that part of town – only a central post office where everyone has to visit to collect their mail.  There are multiple choices of hotels and inns for visitors to stay at, and we were excited when we heard we were going to spend two nights at the  Hofsas House Hotel.

 The Hofsas House Hotel is a boutique family-owned inn with 38 uniquely decorated, spacious rooms, with many ocean views overlooking the pines in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When we met the owner, whose grandmother originally founded the hotel many years ago, we could see that she had a love for this place that has kept it growing and glowing for quite some time.  There’s something special and unique to be said for a place that has meant something to one family for so long.  We felt honored to explore and enjoy their hospitality.

 Upon check in we were greeted by a warm staff and a lovely welcoming lobby.  Our room was enormous with a large brick fireplace and a fantastic view of the ocean.  Better still, there was a chilled bottle of wine with cheese and crackers awaiting our enjoyment.  We were happy to partake once the kids were settled in the always 80 degree pool.  We could actually watch them from our balcony, which overlooked it perfectly.

 Within walking distance of the hotel are an abundance of restaurants and shops to enjoy.  We never moved our car throughout our stay, and instead walked everywhere we wanted to go.  That’s quite handy when you want to partake in the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea.  Hofsas House was kind enough to supply us with a wine tasting passport, which entitles you to one $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms nearby.  You can use them at your leisure and spread them out over days, weeks or even months.  I confess we didn’t use all of ours and are looking forward to going back again to enjoy them!

Another highlight of our trip was a deli lunch provided by the 5th Ave Deli in Carmel.  The shop is adorable and easy to find, filled with treats, a taco bar and a large variety of sandwiches that are made to order.  We each chose one (along with some treats) and brought them with us down to Carmel beach for a lunch with a view.  The food was delicious, and of course there’s nothing better than a picnic lunch at the beach.

Food, or lack there of, was certainly not an issue on this trip.  Hofsas House provides a delicious continental breakfast in the morning with all the usual amenities, including fresh pastries from a local bakery.  They have room in their lobby for you to sit, but they also provide trays for you to take your breakfast back to your room.  I was happy to enjoy my coffee on our deck with that beautiful ocean view.

If you can plan a family getaway in Carmel, I highly suggest you treat yourself to a stay at the Hofsas House.  We know we’ll be going back!