Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

“Tradewinds was perfect for our stay. It is close to town but on a very quiet street. The 1950’s motel is in great shape and they did a wonderful job refurbishing it. Our room had a fireplace. Lines were very nice and towels were thick - and beautiful robes. A basket breakfast was included- a perfect touch.”

“My wife and I started lodging here about 3-4 years ago and fell in love with the location. We've received exemplary service at every level and truly enjoy the amenities available to the guests.

We now feel like family and planned our stays for 2026 for celebration and relaxation.

It's no surprise that The Quail Lodge has been voted Number-1 in the industry.

I want to especially recognize Melissa, and the other young ladies that manage the front desk. I applaud all the hard working staff that take care of the property, restaurant, housekeeping, and overall maintenance.

We live in Penryn,CA and this has become our (in state) getaway location.

Truly pleased customer/family

Rev. Louis C. Starr III”

“This is a great hotel in the heart of Carmel. Room was well appointed with every item you might need. Service was exceptional ... valet parking, cooked breakfast in room, twice daily maid service. Only reason we didn't leave a 5 star review was the room noise ... on the ground floor so some noise from above and outside. Would definitely stay again.”

“We loved our stay here. The room was very large and quiet. We thought the location was perfect -- you are right at the hub of downtown Carmel, but on a quiet residential street one street over from the shops and restaurants. So you are right where you want to be, but it is also nice and quiet. The breakfast, delivered to our room, was lovely. The service, especially at check in, was 10/10. Bed was a little hard. But would definitely stay here again. Monterey airport was just 15 minutes away.”

“The staff was wonderful, and the grounds were beautiful. One complaint is that I like my coffee in the morning in my room, either through room service or delivery. This general service is missing to make a complete list of services; I don't need room service other than just coffee.

The room was very cluttered, and there was a randomly placed sofa that was not in line with the TV. The fireplace was very nice in the room and made for a great evening.”

“Had the most special weekend at Sea View Inn. Just a few blocks from the beach, it feels like a quiet little gem tucked into a peaceful neighborhood by the sea.

The interiors are so charming and thoughtfully done, and the space is perfect for hosting a group. We loved cooking in the kitchen, spending time in the backyard, and waking up each morning to birds chirping and the sound of waves from bed.

Tree-lined streets, slow morning walks, coffee by the ocean… it all felt easy and cozy in the best way. I’m already looking forward to coming back.”

“In General
Somebody on YouTube called Quail Lodge a “hidden gem” in Carmel Valley. I’ve played both, and there’s no contest: Carmel Valley Ranch is the clear champion and one of the most memorable resort courses I’ve ever played.

The “wow” moment hits you the second you step on the 10th tee. The front nine feels like classic American resort golf—beautiful, rolling, framed by oaks and million-dollar homes—but the back nine suddenly transports you to the Alps. Dramatic elevation changes, blind shots, and jaw-dropping views over the valley make it feel like two completely different courses stitched together into one unforgettable ride. Word of advice: take a cart. Walking the back nine is for masochists only.

At just 6,117 yards from the tips, it’s short by modern standards, but don’t let the scorecard fool you. Every shot demands respect—tight lines off the tee (houses lurk close on the front), water, bunkers, and trees placed exactly where your ball wants to go. If you’re not used to mountain golf, the sloping lies and wind will humble you fast. And that’s exactly why we keep coming back.

In Detail
- Condition: Pristine. Tee boxes are carpet-like, fairways are perfectly manicured, bunkers have that fluffy white sand you see in magazines, and the greens… oh the greens. Smallish, severely contoured, and lightning-quick in the breaks. Someone here truly cares—every blade of grass looks hand-trimmed.
- Greens: Not Poppy Hills fast, but sneaky fast and devilishly tricky. Miss in the wrong spot and three-putts come in bunches. Spend serious time on the practice green; it’s huge and rolls identical to the course.
- Clubhouse & vibe: Upscale yet relaxed Carmel style. Staff are warm, pro shop is well-stocked, and the patio overlooking the valley is the perfect 19th-hole spot.
- Practice facilities: Unlimited free range balls (yes, really—as many as you can hit). Only downside: mats only (probably seasonal). No dedicated short-game area that I found, but the massive putting green right in front of the 1st tee more than makes up for it.

Suggestions for Improvement
Range mats vs. grass – If it’s possible even a few months of the year, give us a few grass tees. Hitting 50 balls off mats before a round on this gem feels like warming up on carpet.
Cart-path to parking lot – After the round, build a short paved path from the cart return to the parking area. Dragging bags up that gravel hill after 18 holes on these hills is the only un-luxurious moment of the day.
Ball-mark police – The greens are too good to be pockmarked by afternoon. Station a friendly staffer on a par-3 with free divot tools and a 20-second demo. One Saturday of gentle reminders would fix the problem for the entire season.

Bottom line: Carmel Valley Ranch is a bucket-list must. Short? Yes. Easy? Absolutely not. Beautiful, strategic, perfectly conditioned, and unlike anything else in Monterey. Book it, take a cart, warm up your putting stroke, and prepare to have your mind blown on the back nine. Easily one of the top five resort courses in California.”

“I am from the Monterey area and worked in Carmel-by-the-sea but was not familiar with Lobos Lodge and I was pleasantly surprised with the well appointed, clean rooms on top of the great location. We would definitely stay here again.”

“Truly a first class resort! Our family used to come here every year with friends of ours. And then COVID hit. This year, we decided to come back. We discovered that they had just completed a multi-million dollar renovation to their family friendly River Ranch, so we couldn't wait to check it out (and it didn't disappoint). There is something for everyone! My husband and son golfed, our kids swam, we played bocce ball, and I went to the spa. We left relaxed, not like we needed a vacation from our vacation (like we sometimes do). We can't wait to come back!”

“My wife and I booked a night here during our honeymoon across the PCH. Definitely a must check out for price/convenience/staff friendliness. They gave us a bottle of champagne in our room when we got there. Easy walking distance to beach/restaurants/shops in Carmel.

The tub and bathroom were great, with heated floors. We loved the robes and bedroom view.”

“Stayed here for two night on a road trip.
Normandy inn is a great base for exploring Carmel and Monterey.
Rooms are spacious and the beds were fabulous like sleeping on a cloud.
Check in staff welcoming and friendly.
Pool though small was perfect for a dip at the end of the day, towels are provided.
Breakfast room is small and can feel a little crowded.
If you are looking for a drop over in Carmel then look no further.”

“It is a simple hotel/motel. There is plenty of parking around and some parking in the hotel. Parking is free. Room are clean and spacious for 1-3 people. They have a small kitchen. Really like it how close it is to downtown area. About 5-8 min walk. It is a well overall hotel. You get what you pay for and usually with the price of this stay it is right on the money.
Breakfast is very simple and delivered to your room.”

“Lisa was very nice to us, she gave me a discount. And was very nice. And the room was awesome. You should go here if you need to stay somewhere in Carmel by the sea.”

“Best Best Western experience! Amazing location. Great service. Beautiful hotel in the quaint city of Carmel. Very walkable to lots of nearby shops and food. Somewhat of an ocean view from our hotel. Room was remodeled, not the nicest in the world but still comfortable and cute.”

“My friend and I stayed here during our weekend getaway to Carmel. The room was nice and our balcony gave a great view of the ocean as well. Keurig coffeemaker in the room. Elevator to get to our room was helpful and parking is close to our room.”

“One of the smoothest hotel experiences we’ve had. The property was clean, quiet, and thoughtfully maintained. From arrival to departure, everything felt effortless and enjoyable. A fantastic place to stay and explore the surrounding area.”

“This hotel blew my expectations out of the water. So clean, cozy and welcoming. I’ve never been so tempted to extend a trip just to enjoy more of the hotel. And David in the bar makes the best of espresso martini I’ve ever had in my life. Highly recommend. We will be back as often as possible!”

“Got the 5 days through redweek.com. Beautiful views..no water pressure. So many.people burning wood in their fire places that the air was sooooooooo smoky..we had to close all of the windows.”

“Honestly, a truly great hotel stay. See my detailed highlights for more, but short version, this hotel:
Affordable for the area
In arguably a perfect location (walk-able for most of Carmel, quick drive to Monterey Aquarium and to Big Sur).
Has a hidden gem of a restaurant literally attached to the lobby.
Safe and comfortable rooms, which while small compared to modern hotels, were more than sufficient. We had 2 families, one stayed in a single Queen layout, while the other stayed in the double twin, without issue.
Overall, don't overlook this place, you won't be disappointed.”