The small beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, located on California’s Monterey Peninsula, is a must-visit. The charming place boasts historic sites, museums, beaches, and the renowned village-like center with art galleries, shops, and upscale eateries. While here, learn about the destination’s past in Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Love tasting vintage wines? Spend a day at Caraccioli Cellars and you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to kick back by the emerald green waters of China Cove. Aside from its exciting attractions, this city also has lavish accommodations to complement your experience. Check out these top luxury hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, designed to make your stay unforgettable.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. L'Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux (from USD 525)
Dating back to 1929, this luxury hotel is the epitome of comfort and charm. The property is famous for its personalized guest services, including in-room spa services and a gourmet restaurant.
The best part is the 20 guestrooms, individually decorated by the renowned San Francisco designer, Helga Horner. Each room highlights radiant floor heating, custom fabrics, original antiques, a fireplace, and much more for guests’ convenience. What’s more? The hotel is within walking distance from Carmel Beach.
L'Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux
Address: Monte Verde & Seventh Avenue, P.O Box J
7.41 km (4.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Other luxury accommodations in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
2. The Gardens at Plaza Carlos (from USD 1497)
This uniquely designed penthouse scores high when it comes to modern comfort facilities, decorations, and location. It sits in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea close to nightlife, shops, dining options, and much more. After a beautiful day, return to the home’s 800-square-foot (74.3-square meter) outdoor space. Here, you’ll find a relaxation patio with a herb garden, a wine fridge, and a barbecue grill.
Additionally, the rental has an elevator for your convenience. Inside, you’ll find an eye-catching living room with a fireplace and a chef’s kitchen. There are laundry amenities at your disposal too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
It was great cooking in this amazing kitchen and loved that each bedroom had their own bathroomIt had everything you could need in the kitchen & all top of the lineThe elevator opening directly into the penthouse is amazingly convenientIt's the perfect spot for a few couples to stay because each room has its own private bath and the kitchen / great room area is perfect for entertainingThe kitchen setup is fantasticHost:
We hope to return next yearAlex was very helpful and attentiveThe manager took great care of usthe outdoor deck/kitchen all were fabulous and truly unmatchedThis property is the best of the many places we've started in Carmel Even with all the amazing things to do in CarmelRead more reviewsLocation:
It really is just steps to all of the great restaurants and shopsTerrific location if you want to be in the heart of downtown CarmelWonderful condo located steps from all of the top attractions and restaurantsLoved everything about this place - rooftop patio isshopping and restaurants Became friends with the market right across the street
3. The Vagabond's House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio (from USD 441)
The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio nestles on the serene side of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Until 1946, it functioned as regal studio apartments. Today, the accommodation still maintains its vintage vibes combined with modern amenities, including Smart TVs. Some units even include free-standing bathtubs.
On-site, a spa offering facials, and massages await. At the same time, the bed and breakfast has a garden stone courtyard with a waterfall for you to relax while enjoying your complimentary wine and cheese.
The Vagabond's House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio
Address: 4th Avenue and Dolores Street
6.94 km (4.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
4. Splendid home with award-winning gardens (from USD 666)
A grand stay awaits you in this 100-year-old cottage situated on a large property with award-winning private gardens. The interior of this place is well-lit and beautifully decorated with fine art, antiques, and more. You will love relaxing in the plush living room with a fireplace and Smart TV.
The rental’s French doors open to the beautiful gardens with boxwood-edged pathways to stroll around and admire the various flowers. There are two outdoor dining areas, too. Other perks in this place include a gourmet kitchen and barbecue grill.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furnishings are all thoughtful and extremely comfortableevery room in the cottage looks out to the amazing garden viewsthe garden the courtyard the living room with bay window the elegant dining room the kitchenthe beds and linens were plush and comfortable; we slept greatthe fountain out back next to a large teak dining table creates the perfect outdoor dining roomCleanliness:
extremely clean and very comfortablegreat place super clean exactly as advertisedeverything is so clean comfy and absolutely gorgeousit’s a quiet clean beautiful housethis cottage was so beautiful everything was clean and well-maintainedHost:
hillary was a perfect hosthillary is the most thoughtful hosthilary was a great host: proactive attentive and kindshe was always incredibly responsive and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortablehillary was also helpful and readily available for any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
location wise it is walkable to the downtownlocation- wise this house has been the most ideal locationlocation is great easy access to highway 1 and a scenic walk to downtown and the beachthe location is just as perfect just blocks from downtown and the beacha beautiful walk through the neighborhood takes you to downtown in about 10 minutes
5. Historic penthouse with upscale features (from USD 825)
This enormous penthouse dates back to the 1930s. You’ll remember every moment you spend within its walls long after you’ve left. The place still has some of its old-world features, including original mosaics for you to admire. Furthermore, it includes an elevator for your convenience, laundry amenities, a well-equipped kitchen, and a living room with a fireplace.
When you want to relax outdoors, make the most of the spacious terrace with a seating area and a barbecue grill at your disposal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable furnishingslighted closets full size shower amenities fluffy towels filtered water and amazing artwe loved the central location large rooms well equipped kitchen and balcony overlooking dolores ave" truly the most beautiful well appointed and comfortable airbnb i have enjoyedCleanliness:
clean comfortable accommodations and easy communication with the hosteverything is very clean comfortable and attractive with pleasant outdoor spaces as welleverything was very clean and the finishes in the home were truly top-notchsuper clean and comfortable stay overall thank you bobbeautiful clean comfortable and best locationHost:
a great spot with excellent hoststhe owners are easy to communicate with and very responsivean absolute dream of a spot with responsive respectful and helpful hostshosts were very responsive when i got turned around trying to find the place- our favorite places robert is quick with responses and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatexcellent location and beautifully decoratedgreat location in downtown carmela great location in a beautiful towngreat condo in a perfect location
Superhost
6. Sleek abode close to Carmel-by-the-Sea attractions (from USD 636)
Planning to stay close to some of the most exciting places in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Look no further than this three-bedroom accommodation, located south of the famous Ocean Avenue near world-class eateries, wine-tasting venues, and art galleries. Even the beach is only a 10-minute walk from the luxurious rental.
The accommodation is sleek and highlights a refurbished kitchen, hardwood floors, and a comfy living room with a large Smart TV and fireplace. Guests have access to a spacious recreational patio outside as well.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a great kitchen and back patio are some highlightsHost:
amazing place & location great host brenda was an amazing host who was very responsive helpful & accomodatingbrenda was always quick to respond and made check-in/out super simple a very hospitable hostbrenda was very communicative and made the stay very pleasantRead more reviewsLocation:
the perfect location an easy walk to downtown carmel and carmel beach made our trip so enjoyablethere are endless things to do close by and many great restaurantsgreat place for a family getaway
7. Villa Maré (from USD 950)
You would be glad you chose this new Italian-style accommodation for your next family trip. It’s situated in a tranquil area only a 20-minute walk from Carmel-by-the-Sea. The luxury home is deluxe and features a fine living room with a fireplace and a Smart TV with Roku, Netflix, and standard cable for your entertainment.
What we love the most about this place is the spacious decks, where you can kick back with a cup of coffee and enjoy Santa Lucia Range, Carmel Bay, and Carmel MissionBasilica Museum panoramas. Villa Maré also boasts free parking, a barbecue grill, and an elevator.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean quiet and safethe house was under meticulous condition - spotless clean and and absolutely gorgeousthe house was also immaculately cleanthe house was very clean and well-stocked with everything we neededthe house is brand new enormous and exceptionally cleanHost:
the owners preparation/ thoughtfulness is off the chartsthe elevator proved quite helpfulhosts are very responsive and helpfulthey were very responsive to all of our questions ahead of our arrivalexpect the best care and attention form these hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectwonderfully located near the beach and downtown but not too closegreat location near trails and downtown carmelthe location affords super easy access to 'downtown' carmelthe location is great and convenient to the area attraction
Enjoy your best life in Carmel-by-the-Sea
With its state parks, museums, hiking trails, and beaches, this city has something for everyone. Plus, you’ll cherish every moment in one of these luxury hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
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