California Wine Lovers: Unique Rooms at Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites

Vendange wine is a brand my husband and I have bought in a pinch, thanks to it’s low price point, since college.  The name translates from French to “grape harvest” and is also the name of Carmel’s newly acquired and renovated hotel, Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites.  We recently reviewed the inn and met with owner, Brian Lee, coincidentally also an alumni of my husband and my alma mater and immediately felt a connection to the fabulously unique hotel concept!

Beneath the pergola, around the firepit, and among the beautiful landscaping, Mr. Lee filled us in on how he came about tying the hotel in with the area’s expanding wine scene.  You see, there are 18 rooms in the Inn, 15 of which are sponsored by local wineries and are specifically decorated to reflect each individual brand.  Among the top of the line memory foam beds, marble-tiled bathrooms, and flat screen TVs, you’ll find that the thematic rooms also include wines from the sponsored winery, maybe on a table, or hanging as art like in the Twisted Roots room.  Often you find a mini-bar in a hotel room, well at Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites, you get an opportunity for a wine tasting bar in the privacy of your suite!

Our suite was themed after the Twisted Roots winery.  Just before checking into the hotel, we were at the Twisted Roots tasting room in Carmel Valley speaking with Josh Ruiz, wine maker, about his story.  Our room reflected the seasons on the vineyard and both Josh and Brian mentioned they’re changed out quarterly.  Above the fireplace an amazing shot of a grapevine that can almost resemble an oil painting.  As I mentioned, the wine is displayed on the wall as art and also there’s a photo book in the room that gives you a look into the vineyard along with space to write about your stay in the room. I was happy to know the prices of the wine matched the price you’d find if you purchased at the tasting room, not inflated!

Brian gave us a tour of the property and a look into the J. Lohr room complete with wine barrel on the patio overlooking the pergola, where on some evenings during spring and summer live music can be enjoyed.  I also fell in love with the art in the colorful and interesting Cima Collina room with headboard made with wine bottle bottoms that light up!

The staff and hospitality are warm and welcoming at Vendange Carmel.  Upon check-in you’re given a map of downtown Carmel (a bit of a far walk, but do-able) and if you have questions about dinner locales, they are more than happy to offer suggestions.  Evening wine and cheese hour (available on weekend nights) is one of my favorite perks at a hotel and this was no exception!  We met a lovely couple from the bay area and found that they also lived in New York.  We chatted, enjoyed both red and white wines of California, cheese and salami, crackers, and nuts.  We had such a great time, we spent the entire 2 hours eating, drinking, and talking and never went to dinner!  Each morning there’s a filling continental breakfast for a 2 hour block!  I loved it didn’t begin until 8pm and lasted until 10, makes for a relaxing morning and a chance to sleep in a bit!

Travel incentives are offered at Vendange Carmel.  If you’re a member of a partner’s wine club, your room will be discounted, check with the hotel for more information when booking!  The “Sip, Savor and Enjoy” Rewards Program can:

• Earn free nights
• No blackout dates
• Priority check-in
• Wine upon check in
• Chances to win monthly raffle prizes

The program is simple:  For every 5 nights you stay, you receive 50% of the 6^th night.  (Consecutive night stays not required).  For every 10 nights you stay, you receive the 11th night complimentary.  (Consecutive night stays not required).  There is no sign up required! Just provide your email when booking a reservation and they will let you know when your rewards are redeemable!

Our stay was incredible, romantic, and fun!  The only thing I’d suggest is to not sleep with both the heater and the fireplace going, it got so warm I had to open the window!  I know we’ll be back to Vendange Carmel for a staycation again soon, the variety of rooms will have you enjoying a different experience each time!  Visit Vendange Carmel online, http://www.vendangecarmel.com/,  to book your next stay in Carmel!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions our own.