Question 1

What are the best beach hotels in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

Some of the best beach hotels in Carmel include Villa Mara Carmel, Carriage House Inn, Stilwell Hotel, Candle Light Inn, and Carmel Beach Hotel.

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with a superb 10.0 rating, offers partial or full ocean views from some of its rooms. Guests frequently praise its exceptional staff and fantastic location, and it provides a complimentary local breakfast.

Carriage House Inn, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, is located very near the ocean and beach. Reviewers often highlight its delicious complimentary continental breakfast and wonderful location.

For a 4-star option, the Stilwell Hotel, rated 9.6, is also close to the ocean and beach. Guests appreciate its spacious, clean rooms and the excellent, friendly staff, along with a free continental breakfast.

The 3-star Candle Light Inn, with a 9.4 rating, is conveniently located near the beach. It offers clean rooms and excellent staff, as noted by guests.

Finally, the 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, rated 9.4, provides ocean views or partial ocean views from its charming and clean rooms. It also offers a complimentary shuttle service and an excellent breakfast.

Question 2

How much does a beach hotel in Carmel cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices for beach hotels in Carmel vary, but you can find a great deal from £125 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're travelling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Question 3

Which Carmel hotels are near the best beaches?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near the best beaches in Carmel, consider the Villa Mara Carmel, Carriage House Inn, Stilwell Hotel, Candle Light Inn, and Carmel Beach Hotel.

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with a 10.0 rating, offers partial and full ocean views. Guests frequently praise its exceptional staff and fantastic location near the beach.

Carriage House Inn, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, is located very close to the ocean and beach. It provides complimentary self-parking and a free continental breakfast.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, rated 9.6, is also situated near the ocean and beach. It offers free breakfast and complimentary self-parking, with guests often highlighting its excellent staff and spacious rooms.

Candle Light Inn, a 3-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, is conveniently located near the beach. It offers free self-parking and free WiFi.

The 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, rated 9.4, provides ocean views and partial ocean views. Reviewers often mention its charming rooms and excellent breakfast, as well as its great location close to the beach.

Question 4

Which beach hotels in Carmel are good for families?

Accepted Answer

For families looking for beach hotels in Carmel, consider the Stilwell Hotel, Carmel Bay View Inn, and La Playa Hotel.

The 4-star Stilwell Hotel, with a 9.6 rating, is located very near the ocean and beach, making it convenient for family outings. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, which are ideal for families.

The Carmel Bay View Inn, rated 9.2 by guests, is also very near the beach and offers ocean views from some rooms. It provides complimentary continental breakfast and free cribs, which are useful amenities for families with young children.

The 4-star La Playa Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, is situated near the beach and offers ocean views. Reviewers often highlight the delicious and amazing breakfast, which is free and includes a buffet option, suiting various family preferences.

Question 5

What are the best Carmel hotels with ocean views?

Accepted Answer

Some of the best Carmel hotels with ocean views include Villa Mara Carmel, Stilwell Hotel, Carmel Beach Hotel, Carmel Bay View Inn, and La Playa Hotel.

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with a superb 10.0 rating, offers both partial and full ocean views. Guests frequently praise the exceptional staff and ideal location, and the hotel provides free breakfast.

Stilwell Hotel, a 4-star establishment rated 9.6, is located near the ocean and beach. It offers free breakfast and mountain views, with guests often highlighting its excellent and friendly staff, as well as spacious and clean rooms.

The 3-star Carmel Beach Hotel, with a 9.4 rating, features both ocean and partial ocean views. Customers frequently mention its excellent staff, charming and clean rooms, and superb location close to the beach.

Carmel Bay View Inn, rated 9.2, provides ocean views and is located near the beach. It offers free continental breakfast and free parking, with reviewers often praising the comfortable and clean rooms and the superb location.

The 4-star La Playa Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, boasts ocean views and is situated near the beach. It offers free breakfast, including a buffet on weekends, and guests consistently praise the excellent and attentive staff, along with the beautiful rooms.

Question 6

What are the top-rated beach hotels in Carmel with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For top-rated beach hotels in Carmel with a pool, consider the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, La Playa Hotel, and Carmel Mission Inn.

The 4-star Hyatt Carmel Highlands, with an 8.4 rating, offers partial or full ocean views from its rooms. It also features a pool for guests to enjoy.

La Playa Hotel, a 4-star property rated 9.2, is located very close to the beach and provides a resort-inclusive outdoor pool. Guests frequently praise its excellent staff and delicious breakfast.

The 3.5-star Carmel Mission Inn, with an 8.8 rating, boasts a lovely heated outdoor pool. Reviewers often comment on its spacious and clean rooms, as well as its convenient location.

Question 7

Which beach hotels in Carmel are good for couples?

Accepted Answer

For couples looking for a beach hotel in Carmel, Villa Mara Carmel, Tradewinds Carmel, and Hyatt Carmel Highlands are excellent choices.

The 4-star Villa Mara Carmel, with a superb 10.0 rating, offers partial or full ocean views from its rooms and includes free breakfast. Guests frequently praise its exceptional staff and fantastic location.

Tradewinds Carmel, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.2 rating, also provides partial or full ocean views and complimentary continental breakfast. Reviewers often highlight the excellent breakfast and the beautiful, clean rooms.

For a great experience, the 4-star Hyatt Carmel Highlands, rated 8.4, features ocean views and rooms with kitchens. While it also has features friendly for families, couples can appreciate the stunning ocean views and the quality of its restaurant, which guests describe as great and amazing.

Question 8

Which area of Carmel is best to stay in for beaches?

Accepted Answer

The best area of Carmel to stay in for beaches is Carmel-by-the-Sea, particularly properties located west of Junipero Street and south of Ocean Avenue.

This area is the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering straightforward access to Carmel Beach, which is known for its white sand and scenic views. Many hotels and holiday rentals here are just a short stroll from the sand, allowing you to easily enjoy the coastline. The village itself is compact and walkable, with numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants dotted along its tree-lined streets.

Couples often find this area ideal for a romantic getaway. You're close enough to hear the waves, and many accommodations offer ocean views. It's great for enjoying morning walks along the beach or sunset picnics without needing to drive.

For families, staying closer to the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea provides convenient access for children to play in the sand and enjoy the water.

Question 9

Which top beach hotels in Carmel offer water sport activities?

Accepted Answer

Some top beach hotels in Carmel offering water sport activities include Carriage House Inn, Stilwell Hotel, and Candle Light Inn.

The 3.5-star Carriage House Inn, with a 9.6 rating, has various water sports available nearby, such as scuba diving, parasailing, kayaking, surfing, and sailing. Guests often comment positively on its location and delicious breakfast.

Stilwell Hotel, a 4-star property rated 9.6, is near locations for scuba diving, sailing, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Reviewers frequently highlight the excellent and friendly staff, as well as the spacious and clean rooms.

For guests seeking options like kayaking, parasailing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing nearby, the 3-star Candle Light Inn, rated 9.4, is a good choice. Its clean rooms and great location are often mentioned by guests.

Question 10

What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Carmel is during the months of September and October. This period offers the warmest weather, with average temperatures in the low to mid-20s, which is ideal for enjoying the stunning coastline and exploring the village.

During these months, the sun is often at its brightest, providing great conditions for leisurely strolls along Carmel Beach or exploring the tide pools at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Many visitors appreciate this time for its consistent pleasant weather, allowing for full enjoyment of outdoor activities and dining with ocean views. It's a particularly favoured time for couples seeking a romantic getaway, with opportunities for sunset walks and al fresco dining.

As an excellent alternative, May presents a wonderful opportunity to experience Carmel with distinct advantages. While temperatures are a comfortable 15 to 20°C, it's a fantastic time for coastal walks and exploring the charming shops and art galleries without the peak season crowds. You may find better value on luxurious beach accommodations and it can be easier to secure reservations at top-tier restaurants.

Question 11

How can I save on a beach hotel in Carmel with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ —Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Carmel beach hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. But, if you're feeling spontaneous, check out the last-minute deals.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 12

What beach activities should we do in Carmel?

Accepted Answer

The best beach activities in Carmel are centred around Carmel Beach and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, offering a mix of relaxation and natural exploration.

Carmel Beach is a pristine stretch of white sand known for its scenic beauty and gentle waves, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. It's particularly popular for dog walking, with many visitors bringing their well-behaved canine companions to enjoy the shore. The beach is easily accessible from Ocean Avenue, and you'll find plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean. This beach is superb for couples looking for a relaxed day by the sea or families wanting a pleasant outdoor experience.

Further south, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers a more rugged and adventurous coastal experience. This reserve is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and diverse marine life. It's an excellent location for hiking along well-maintained trails, with opportunities to spot sea lions, otters, and various bird species. There are several designated diving and snorkelling areas, with clear waters revealing kelp forests and underwater creatures. For those interested in photography, the scenery is exceptional, particularly around areas like Cypress Grove Trail and China Cove. This area is ideal for active couples or solo travellers who appreciate nature and outdoor exploration.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to book flights and a beach hotel in Carmel as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking a beach vacation package well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 14

Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Carmel for you.

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