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The unspoiled jewel of the California Coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is truly an idyllic haven with its small-town charm, vibrant culture and natural beauty. The one-square-mile village has more than 100 art galleries, wine tasting rooms galore, farm-to-table dining, fairytale cottages, chic boutiques and a dog-friendly vibe. For an intimate stay, two boutique gems, The Getaway and The Hideaway invite guests to experience Carmel like a local, while enjoying the best that the seaside village has to offer. These sister boutique hotels, both recently remodeled, are walking distance to the action of town or to the peaceful serenity of Carmel Beach.
The Getaway enchants with its quaint beach cottage ambiance. The 34-guestrooms feature cozy built-in gas fireplaces, stylish décor, black and white surf-themed photography, little fridges, and comfy beds. Sliding barn doors reveal pretty white tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers and luxe Malin + Goetz products. Morning breakfast baskets arrive at your door with fresh juices, coffee, tea, yogurt parfaits, and pastries, while the complimentary happy hour calls for sipping local Monterey wines from Puma Road paired with gourmet cheeses by the fire pit. The Getaway also serves a local favorite — El Jefe Nitro Margaritas — on tap, which adds a little fiesta feel to any happy hour experience. Yellow umbrellas dot the upper patio, an airy perch where you can catch the sunset, cozy up with a book or swap travel tips with fellow guests. The communal “family room” is another pleasant place to relax by the stone-faced fireplace after a day at the beach or shopping trip in town. With all of its features, friendly service and thoughtful touches, you’ll understand why The Getaway is ranked #2 out of 26 on Tripadvisor’s Best Hotels of Carmel.
The Getaway
Set on a tranquil street, The Hideaway is another Carmel charmer. Stones plucked from the Carmel River bed cover the exterior walls and entrance, lending a rustic vibe to the upscale boutique inn. Thanks to a massive redesign and stellar service, The Hideaway now ranks #3 out of 26 on Tripadvisor. The handsome guestrooms are dressed in mid-century décor, neutral calming palettes, plush beds with blonde wood backdrops, pretty accent pillows and black-and-white coastal imagery. Consider upgrading to a spacious suite to enjoy a double-sided fireplace, reading alcove and cozy fireside club chairs. The Hideaway’s rooms horseshoe an inviting courtyard with wicker lounge seats, a flickering fire pit, gurgling fountain and blooming Japanese Cherry Tree. Guests enjoy a daily happy hour of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with nibbles like cheese and vegetables in the fireside lounge or al fresco on the patio under the grey-and-white-striped umbrellas. Morning food baskets mean you can enjoy a fresh continental breakfast in the comfort of your bed. Be sure to try the granola as it’s a personal recipe created by the staff.
Carmel is known as a dog lover’s paradise and both hotels welcome four-legged friends to their properties, spoiling them with soft fluffy beds and tasty treats on hand. Dog-friendly Carmel Beach is an easy 10-minute walk away so your pooch can run free across the soft sand or play at the edge of the surf. The town’s passion for man’s best friend is also evident by the myriad storefront water bowls, free treats and restaurants that welcome dogs. Your hotel concierge will happily share a list of pet-friendly eateries and play areas.
When it comes time to explore the natural wonders of Carmel or the town’s treasures, turquoise beach cruisers with baskets await at each hotel. Pedal into town or cruise along Scenic Drive that parallels Carmel Beach for epic views of the sea and white sand. You can also walk the Scenic Bluff Path that arcs along the coast and reveals views of Pebble Beach, sculptured Monterey Cypress trees and architectural treasures like the beachfront Clinton Walker House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Carmel’s famed 17-Mile Drive stands out as one of the most stunning drives in the world and you can explore the coastal beauty for free on an electric bike. Take in views of Seal Rock, The Lone Cypress, Ghost Tree and the palatial mansions that pepper the coast on a leisurely cruise.
It’s also easy to commune with nature in this wildlife wonderland. Head to the world famous Monterey Aquarium or rent a kayak and paddle in the company of sea otters in the bay out front. Explore the tidal pools and hiking trails of Point Lobos, home to sun-lazing sea lions, dive-bombing pelicans and spouting migratory whales of the rugged coast.
The Hideaway
There’s no shortage of cultural experiences in this coastal town. Carmel is revered for its art scene with incredible galleries like the Weston where you’ll find both vintage and modern photography. A variety of walking tours reveal in-depth knowledge of the town’s history, art exhibits, architecture, food and wine. For a portal to the past, visit Carmel’s Mission, built in 1797, one of California’s most well-preserved Spanish missions. When it’s time to tee it up, world-class coastal golf at spectacular Pebble Beach is a stone’s throw away.
The Carmel culinary scene offers everything from casual gourmet bites and small intimate cafes to white-table-cloth dining and celebrated chefs. Don’t miss the award-winning Dutch Door Donuts across the street from The Getaway in the Carmel Plaza where you’ll find artisan, made-to-order donuts in flavors like maple bacon, pistachio cardamom and Carmel plum. Another nearby favorite is the rooftop bar at Vesuvio’s where you can enjoy craft cocktails under the market lights at sunset, and then head downstairs for fresh pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, wood-fired meats and Southern Italian wines. Another standout is newcomer The Pocket for Aperol Spritz and charcuterie Happy Hours or delicious leisurely dinners featuring global cuisine and curated wine pairings.
Considered two of the finest boutique hotels in this Central Coast seaside hamlet, The Hideaway and The Getaway give you perfect access to the best of Carmel’s culture and natural beauty. So park your car, drop your bags and immerse yourself into the magic of this seaside hamlet.
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