Carmel California Trip Report
Marie and Mark left their girls at home, but many guests bring their “kids” to Carmel California.
A four-night stay in Carmel California was the prize in the first Getaway contest on Authentic Luxury Travel. Marie and Mark Bologna won the trip and spent their anniversary there in April. I always love hearing from readers, but this note was a special pleasure. Read on and you’ll understand why:
Dear Elizabeth,
I wanted to write and thank you for the wonderful trip of four nights in Carmel California. I won your contest last December and we went for our anniversary the first week in April. Everything was top notch and the staff at both places could not have been more gracious and welcoming. It was a wonderful respite and allowed us to recharge. We have 18 month old twin girls and this vacation provided us a much needed break.
Mark wrote up his notes on the places we stayed and asked me to send them to you.
Thanks again!
Marie
I also want to add that Marie’s note was written on a beautiful floral card she made on Shutterfly: “Photos by Marie Bologna taken in Carmel-by-the-Sea, April 2013.” How cool is that?
Carmel California: Cypress Inn is owned by Doris Day.
Mark’s comments:
Cypress Inn
Located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Cypress Inn is a great little hotel owned by Doris Day. Everyone was extremely friendly from the moment we arrived.
Our room (226) had a sitting room and a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed. The bed and the sitting area furniture were all very comfortable. The bath included a whirlpool tub. There is also an in-room wall safe that was large enough to hold my laptop. The windows opened, which was very nice considering the weather in Carmel in April. Breakfast was included and it was terrific – even the coffee!
This hotel is dog-friendly and abounds with visiting dogs of all sizes. While we are not dog owners, it was really nice and not a problem at all. In fact, I think it’s a plus unless you really don’t like dogs or are allergic.
The hotel is just a short walk to the beach and is surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops. They have a small, free parking lot, though there was also ample street parking nearby.
Overall, this was a wonderful place to stay. Friendly, inviting staff and a really nice, comfortable hotel make this a great choice in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Award-winning Bernardus Lodge is located in Carmel Valley.
Bernardus Lodge
We also spent two nights at Bernardus Lodge. Everything about this resort is relaxing, from the entrance and greeting area, to the grounds and the room itself.
We stayed in Suite 16, overlooking the bocce lawn. Our room had a king bed, cafe table, sitting area with a fireplace, and a very large bathroom. It also had a very nice outdoor sitting area which was raised slightly above the lawn. Our room was probably a standard room, maybe a little higher, but it was wonderful. It came stocked with a variety of snacks and several half bottles of wine, plus soft drinks and a carafe of drinking water.
Our package included dinner at Marinus, the upscale of the two restaurants on the grounds. Dinner was terrific; in fact, we never saw a menu. We were simply fed a selection of the chef’s choice, which included a crabmeat and beet salad, roasted duck breast, and a dessert. There were also a couple of amuse bouche between courses. While our dinner was included, we opted for the wine pairings which were $45 per person, but well worth it. The sommelier poured a different wine with each course, and explained each one. We enjoy wine, but never would’ve selected the wines or the pairings, yet we enjoyed them all.
On the day we left to return home, my wife and I each had massages at the Berandus spa. The massage was excellent, as was the spa itself. Before our appointments we were able to lounge in the heated pool and were able to enjoy a sauna as well.
Bernardus is not inexpensive, but it a wonderful place to relax for a couple of days. It is also a nice change of pace from the also terrific village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Wildlife, Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel California
I really appreciate it when travelers take the time to share their experiences – then we all win. Even though I’ve been to Carmel California several times, I’d never heard of Point Lobos State Reserve. Now that I’ve read Mark’s comments, I’m definitely going the next time I’m up that way.
Point Lobos State Reserve is about 4 miles from downtown Carmel. (The $10 per car entry also includes admission to Big Sur.) It gets quite crowded, so it may be best to go early. We got there around 10:45 AM and did find a parking spot, but had to walk a good ways to get to the trail we wanted. This is not a bad thing though – the views are gorgeous from almost every vantage point.
The docents are really friendly and very informative. We were able to see sea lions and harbor seals using binoculars provided by one of the docents. We also walked along the Cypress Grove Trail and saw one spectacular view after another. The trails are very easy; we wore flip flops and had no problem. There’s some elevation change, but nothing too strenuous.
This place is very peaceful and beautiful – a must-stop if you are in the Carmel area. Pack some drinks and a lunch, and plan on spending several hours there.
Thanks Marie and Mark!
Marie and Mark Bologna had a great time in Carmel.
Category: Hotels, Northern California
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