The laid-back, picturesque California seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea welcomes visitors year-round with white-sand beaches, excellent dining, eclectic shops and culinary experiences. Lodging options have expanded with three new boutique properties — Carmel Beach Hotel and two locations of Le Petit Pali — while renovations are underway at two cherished local hotels: La Playa Carmel (soon to reopen as La Playa Hotel) and Carmel Lodge (to become the Stilwell Hotel).
Carmel Beach Hotel © Visit Carmel
Amy Herzog, executive director of Visit Carmel, notes that local hoteliers are reinvesting in their properties to raise the standard of comfort and amenities. The town’s combination of relaxed luxury and timeless charm continues to attract travelers looking for a restorative coastal escape along the Pacific.
Stilwell Hotel © Visit Carmel
The newly opened Carmel Beach Hotel blends upscale comforts with distinctly decorated rooms and a dining program overseen by Michelin-starred chef Justin Cogley. Part of the Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group, the hotel occupies the site of the former Colonial Terrace Inn and comprises 26 guestrooms and suites across seven historic buildings, offering a boutique experience close to the shoreline.
Le Petit Pali © Visit Carmel
Le Petit Pali has expanded to two new properties near the corner of Eighth Avenue and Ocean Avenue. Each location offers suites that blend classic coastal charm with modern details, and together they provide 58 rooms. Guests enjoy elevated touches such as a daily continental Champagne breakfast with fresh pastries, complimentary bicycles for local exploration, personalized concierge service and a selection of premium toiletries.
These openings and renovations highlight a renewed focus on boutique hospitality in Carmel-by-the-Sea, ensuring a range of accommodations that match the area’s scenic beauty and culinary appeal. Whether visitors come for a weekend of beach walks and gallery visits or a longer culinary and wine-focused retreat, the refreshed hotel scene delivers intimate, design-forward stays and thoughtful service close to the Pacific coast.