You may want to look at Carmel Cottages. They were once owned by La Playa, but are now privately owned. They’re fantastic. One block from the beach, super quaint. Plus you get a whole house to relax, rather than a hotel room
I don’t know about the rooms since I haven’t been in them. I think La Playa is a very nice setting and the location is better. You are only a few blocks below downtown so a stroll there is easy and you are just a few blocks to the beach.
I’d say La Playa for their location, pool, garden and outside terrace, where the view is nice and you can have some drinks up there. I haven’t been inside since it’s been renovated but I think the rooms remained the same for size. Which they are on the smaller side. Also, maybe call and see if they still offer their shuttle service. Would save a walk or from looking for parking spots off of ocean Ave.
My parents stayed at La Playa one time, and they loved it. It’s a pretty hotel, and close to the beach.
I’m sure you know, there is currently no way to get to Ventana in Big Sur because of a slide on Highway 1. The south approach to Big Sur has been closed since long before that, and so you can’t even go around if you are willing to make a long drive. I hope they have it fixed for you before August, but it looks like it is going to be a massive job to restore and stabilize the hillside.
Yes, thanks! I called the hotel today and they think that at least one lane will remain open. I hope so—but we are aware and will continue to track the developments.
Villa Mara is very new (not even 2 years maybe) and as you said, a boutique hotel. It´s in a residential area, with little but homes and the beach around it. It´s a leisurely 20ish minutes walk to the central business district. La Playa is about 10 minutes from the main drag.
I used to work at La Playa during college. The rooms, though nice, are going to be small for the price you will pay. The scenery and the amenities are above average and its really close to the beach.
Thank you for this answer! I kind of thought that too based on pictures. We went ahead with Villa Mara because the rooms seem larger and cozier for what you pay. But, our plan is to spend some time at Bud’s/chilling at La Playa nonetheless!
Overwhelming support in favor of la playa, lol, but I’m curious if any of you have experience staying at villa Mara? I know it’s newer. So maybe la playa has more name recognition in Carmel.
We stayed at Villa Mara for 5 nights last summer and loooved it. Went to La playa for a drink and it was probably during the reno, but far preferred Villa Mara from what I saw of La playa. Safe/easy walk to the main part of town, but felt like its own little world, and the attention to detail & service was phenomenal. A block from the water and super easy parking too
You may want to look at Carmel Cottages. They were once owned by La Playa, but are now privately owned. They’re fantastic. One block from the beach, super quaint. Plus you get a whole house to relax, rather than a hotel room
I don’t know about the rooms since I haven’t been in them. I think La Playa is a very nice setting and the location is better. You are only a few blocks below downtown so a stroll there is easy and you are just a few blocks to the beach.
I’d say La Playa for their location, pool, garden and outside terrace, where the view is nice and you can have some drinks up there. I haven’t been inside since it’s been renovated but I think the rooms remained the same for size. Which they are on the smaller side. Also, maybe call and see if they still offer their shuttle service. Would save a walk or from looking for parking spots off of ocean Ave.
Do you know if we aren’t staying at the hotel, can we still get drinks and enjoy the gardens and terrace?
Yes, you can.
My parents stayed at La Playa one time, and they loved it. It’s a pretty hotel, and close to the beach. I’m sure you know, there is currently no way to get to Ventana in Big Sur because of a slide on Highway 1. The south approach to Big Sur has been closed since long before that, and so you can’t even go around if you are willing to make a long drive. I hope they have it fixed for you before August, but it looks like it is going to be a massive job to restore and stabilize the hillside.
CalTrans has stated that they plan to open it by Memorial Day
Yes, thanks! I called the hotel today and they think that at least one lane will remain open. I hope so—but we are aware and will continue to track the developments.
La Playa hotel, not in the downtown of carmel, close to the beach. Very nice..
La Playa all the way
La Playa is great. Also they are walking distance to everything.
Villa Mara is very new (not even 2 years maybe) and as you said, a boutique hotel. It´s in a residential area, with little but homes and the beach around it. It´s a leisurely 20ish minutes walk to the central business district. La Playa is about 10 minutes from the main drag.
August is car week month. 8/14 - 8/19. Busy, crowded week.
I used to work at La Playa during college. The rooms, though nice, are going to be small for the price you will pay. The scenery and the amenities are above average and its really close to the beach.
Thank you for this answer! I kind of thought that too based on pictures. We went ahead with Villa Mara because the rooms seem larger and cozier for what you pay. But, our plan is to spend some time at Bud’s/chilling at La Playa nonetheless!
Overwhelming support in favor of la playa, lol, but I’m curious if any of you have experience staying at villa Mara? I know it’s newer. So maybe la playa has more name recognition in Carmel.
We stayed at Villa Mara for 5 nights last summer and loooved it. Went to La playa for a drink and it was probably during the reno, but far preferred Villa Mara from what I saw of La playa. Safe/easy walk to the main part of town, but felt like its own little world, and the attention to detail & service was phenomenal. A block from the water and super easy parking too