Updated on California, Central Coast, Destinations, USA

Where to Stay in Carmel: Best Areas + Hotel Recommendations

There’s no shortage of amazing hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding area. It’s important to choose not only a great accommodation, but also to find an option in an area that best suits your needs. 

In this guide, I’m diving deep into the different areas where you can stay in and around Carmel. I’ve also included hotel recommendations for each area, with options for all budgets and preferences. Consider this your ultimate guide on where to stay in Carmel!

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Where to Stay in Carmel, CA

We’ll go into more detail in a minute, but here’s a quick overview of the areas where you can consider staying: 

The Heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea – for those that want to be in the action, within walking distance of the best dining, shopping, galleries, and more.

Near Scenic Road – for those that want to maximize their time by the water (but still want to be close to town).

The Outer Edges of Town – for those that don’t mind being a bit further from the center of town, there are some amazing hotels worth considering (both luxury properties and budget-friendly finds). 

Carmel Valley – for those looking for a more luxury countryside experience (with amazing wine tasting and golf courses!). 

Monterey and Pacific Grove – for those looking for better-priced hotel options near Carmel-by-the-Sea (that are still set in a charming area with plenty to do!). 

Whether you’re planning a short weekend trip to Carmel or a longer getaway, these are all great areas to stay in when visiting the area. 

Staying in the Heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea

To make the most of your time in this gorgeous destination, I highly recommend staying in the heart of town. This allows you to enjoy some of the top things to do in Carmel. Carmel-by-the-Sea is super walkable, so this will help you minimize your time in the car!

Look for accommodations on or around Ocean Avenue – particularly between Junipero Street and Casanova Street. This is where all of the best shops, restaurants, and art galleries are located. 

Some of the best Carmel hotels that are in the heart of town include: 

  • Cypress Inn – a stunning Mediterranean-style 3-star hotel from the 1920s with a storied history (many Hollywood stars have stayed here – it was even once owned by Doris Day!), this pet-friendly hotel is the spot for a glamorous vacation in Carmel. Be sure to enjoy some cocktails and live music at Terry’s Lounge during your stay. 
  • Vagabond’s House Inn – this 4-star Tudor-style inn (which dates back to the 1920s) has a gorgeous property with storybook charm. It’s tucked away, but conveniently located just a few blocks from Ocean Avenue.
  • Svendsgaard’s Inn – Carmel isn’t exactly known as a budget-friendly destination, but this quaint, highly-rated 2-star inn is one of the best deals in the heart of town. 
  • Le Petit Pali at 8th Avenue – one of the newer accommodations in Carmel, Le Petit Pali (pictured below) has quickly become one of the best places to stay in Carmel. The luxury amenities and carefully curated design of this boutique hotel can’t be beat (I loved staying here during my most recent visit – check out my Le Petit Pali at 8th Avenue review for a more detailed look!). 
  • Le Petit Pali at Ocean Avenue – located just a couple blocks from the 8th Avenue location, this boutique hotel has the same perks and undeniable charm. 
  • L’Auberge Carmel – if you’re seeking a luxurious stay, consider this French chateau-inspired property, which is located less than a block off Ocean Ave. It is easily one of the best 5 star hotels in Carmel, and is known for its elegant design and upscale on-site restaurant. 
Pistachio-colored bikes with baskets on a bike rack
Couches and Red striped chairs in front of coffee tables in the lobby at Le Petit Pali at 8th Avenue
Two hands holding glasses of rose in front of a bed

Prefer a vacation home rental?

There’s a great selection of hotels in Carmel and the surrounding area. That said, if you prefer more of a private space, there are plenty of beautiful Vrbo vacation rentals in Carmel, as well. 

Staying Near Scenic Road (Right by the Beach)

If your number one priority is spending plenty of time by the water, consider staying near Scenic Road – a road that parallels the beach. You can still easily access the best restaurants and shops (on foot or by a very quick car ride), but you’ll be just a couple minutes from the water. 

To be clear, all of the hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea mentioned in the above section are still very close to the beach – they are at most about a 15 to 20 minute walk away! 

That said, those that really want to maximize their beach time may want to consider one of these hotels, which are all within three blocks (or less!) of the beach: 

  • Villa Mara Carmel – tucked away on a sleepy street in the scenic neighborhood of Carmel Point (and just a block away from Scenic Road), this beautifully designed boutique hotel is the perfect spot for anyone craving a relaxing weekend getaway.
  • Carmel Beach Hotel – for those looking for an oceanside escape, it doesn’t get much better than this intimate hotel, which is just steps from the beach. Those looking for true relaxation can also enjoy the on-site spa. 
  • La Playa Hotel – you really get the best of both worlds at this 3-star hotel, which is set in a stunning mansion that dates back to 1905. It is less than three blocks from the beach, but the heart of town is still just a 5-minute walk away. Whether you decide to stay here or not, I highly recommend stopping by Bud’s (the property’s bar, pictured below center and right) for a cocktail. 
View from the walking path along Scenic Road of Carmel Beach
An empty booth at Bud's with a dim lamp on the table an an eclectic mix of historic pieces hung up on the wall.
Two drinks on the bar at Bud's at La Playa

Staying in the Outer Edges of Town

For those that don’t mind being away from the action, there are some amazing hotels in the greater Carmel area. 

You can still drive to the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea (none of these options are more than 15-minutes away!), but can end your day relaxing at one of these highly-rated hotels:

  • Carmel Mission Inn – this modern 3-star hotel is an amazing option for those looking for a (comparatively!) more affordable hotel in Carmel. It is just about a 5-minute drive from the heart of town, and is located right off a picturesque stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. 
  • Carmel River Inn – for a bit of a different experience, check out this well-priced 2-star hotel, which is located right on the river. It offers cozy rooms, cottages (including some with kitchenettes), and glamping cabins – there’s truly an option for all preferences and needs! The pet-friendly inn is also just five minutes from the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 
  • Hyatt Carmel Highlands – set on a cliff above the coast, this oceanfront hotel is the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. It’s located just south of Point Lobos State Reserve, and only a 5-minute drive from the northern edge of Big Sur, making it a particularly great option for those planning on exploring these areas while visiting Carmel!

Staying in Carmel Valley (Inland)

For a bit of a different experience, consider staying in Carmel Valley – about a 15-minute drive inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea. This countryside destination is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains, and is known for its wine culture, golf courses, and beautiful outdoor experiences. 

It’s also home to some of the best resorts in Carmel (but don’t worry if that’s not your speed – there are some more casual hotels in the area, too!). Some great options to consider include: 

  • Carmel Valley Ranch – this 4-star resort is chock-full of amenities, making it the perfect option for those looking for a rejuvenating vacation. The property features a spa, golf course, two pools, tennis courts, a gym, and multiple dining options. 
  • Bernardus Lodge & Spa – enjoy a luxurious stay at this 5-star Carmel Valley resort, which features a pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, a spa, a croquet and bocce green, and a fine dining restaurant. 
  • Carmel Valley Lodge – located within walking distance of Carmel Valley Village (which is chock-full of wine tasting rooms!), this 3-star hotel (which has a pool on-site) is a great place to fully enjoy the charm of the area. 
  • Hidden Valley Inn – one of the more budget-friendly options in Carmel Valley, this 2-star hotel (which also has a pool) is another excellent option that is within walking distance of the village. 

Staying Nearby: Monterey and Pacific Grove

This area is one of the best places to stay near Carmel for those looking for better deals on accommodations (because Carmel isn’t cheap!). You’ll find a ton of accommodation options in these towns, from low-key stays to charming inns to luxury hotels. 

These towns are also just a 20-minute drive north of Carmel-by-the-Sea, so they are super conveniently located. Of course, one of the benefits of staying in Monterey and Pacific Grove is that they both have plenty to offer on their own! 

Some options in the area include: 

  • Martine Inn – located in what was originally an estate built in the early 1900s, this charming and intimate 3-star hotel in Pacific Grove has a gorgeous oceanfront property that is filled with character. It’s also within walking distance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.  
  • Centrella Hotel – this Victorian-style historic inn in Pacific Grove dates back to 1889. The 3-star hotel is just a couple blocks away from Lover’s Point Beach. 
  • Seven Gables Inn – another gorgeous Victorian estate in Pacific Grove, this highly-rated 4-star hotel offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 
  • Wave Street Inn – located in Monterey just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this modern 3-star hotel is the ultimate spot for reasonably priced coastal escape. 
  • Jabberwock Inn – just a couple blocks inland from Wave Street is this intimate craftsman-style 3-star bed-and-breakfast. 
A building of Monterey Bay Aquarium, which juts out into the shallow ocean water
The front of a white Victorian building in Pacific Grove
Looking out at Old FIshermen's Wharf in Monterey from the land

Once you’ve booked your stay, use this guides to plan your ultimate Carmel vacation: 

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Kyra is the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. As a type A traveler who loves to extensively research destinations to create the perfect vacation itinerary, she’s here to help readers so that their travel planning process is as easy as possible. In addition to running this site, she is a professional content writer in the wellness and skincare spaces, and also works as an actress.

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