The Cypress Inn, Carmel, California
The Cypress Inn in Carmel, California, is a pet-friendly, people-friendly landmark.
My husband and I just spent two wonderful days in Northern California at The Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and I can’t decide what I loved most about it.
First of all, the inn is pet-friendly and standard schnauzers, labs, and cocker spaniels give it a homey feel and provided natural ice breakers for meeting other guests. On a rainy afternoon, I enjoyed reading in front of the fireplace in the living room with a beautiful golden lab curled up nearby at his master’s feet.
Doris Day and her actress friends Kim Novak and Betty White lobbied to make Carmel a pet-friendly community – and then she bought the Cypress Inn so Fido and his parents would have a place to stay. Doris Day still owns the hotel and memorabilia from her movies is displayed throughout the property.
Not everyone at the Cypress Inn is traveling with their dog, of course. One area of Terry’s Lounge, where we lingered over a wonderful dinner, is a pet-free zone – but honestly, all the dogs were so well behaved that it really wasn’t necessary.
The Cypress Inn is also very people-friendly. The hotel staff creates an informal, welcoming feel and goes out of their way to be helpful. We especially enjoyed Drago (“just Drago, like just Madonna”), the bartender who presides over the Yappy Hour. He showed us the book he’s compiled on the history and original recipes for 1930’s and ‘40’s cocktails and mixed a “Dark and Stormy,” made with ginger beer and Goslings Black Seal Bermudian Rum for my husband. In the meantime, I sipped a Martin Estate cabernet from Napa Valley. A real raconteur, Drago is as well known in Carmel as Clint Eastwood, the former mayor.
After dinner, we relaxed in the living room where live music is presented four nights a week. Because it was slightly off-season, lots of locals wandered in for a drink and some tunes. I wasn’t surprised to learn than many guests return three to four times a year – it’s just that kind of welcoming place.
The Cypress Inn is centrally located and just a short walk from a leash-free beach.
The centrally-located Cypress Inn was built in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial style. The exterior is white stucco with a red tile roof. Inside, tile floors, fireplaces, and open-beam ceilings give the historic landmark a cozy ambience.
From our suite (#221), we had a view of the famous Church of the Wayfarer, a favorite spot for weddings. It’s not uncommon for brides to wait inside the lobby of the Cypress Inn until it’s time to walk down the aisle.
Each of the hotel’s 44 rooms is different. Many have fireplaces, plantation shutters, and jet baths. Downstairs rooms have tile floors; upstairs offers open-beam ceilings. Almost all face a plant-filled courtyard. Two rooms have a large oval tub in the bedroom.
More than anything, the beautiful, leash-free beach and unusual galleries and shops are what draw me to this destination. In fact, the white sand, ocean breeze, and opportunities for “retail therapy” make Carmel-by-the-Sea one of California’s most visited places. The area is also popular with golfers and those with an interest in fine wine.
And here’s my bottom line on the Cypress Inn: Any place can purchase high-thread-count linens, but you can’t buy character – and that’s what I love most about this place.
Category: Hotels, Northern California
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