Carmel Mission Inn

Modern, spacious, good value for money, attentive staff, robes in room, other nice touches in room more typical of a much more expensive property

The $28 amenity fee as an add on that I was not aware of for wifi, etc and other basics. Better to plainly disclose the for rate rather than having an add on for something I thought was part of the rate.

no breakfast included

we loved the hotel installation and the kind crew, the breakfast is amazing!

we were in 4 people and just two flip flops available

Large and very clean rooms, with nice windows for natural light. The beds are very comfortable. the rooms have a mini fridge and coffee maker and everything you may need in the bathroom. They provided us a crib even if we only asked for it on the day of our arrival. The heated pool is fantastic and provides towels, etc. They have a very nice outside area with some games, couches, etc.

The bar/restaurant is maybe not too family friendly (specifically the bar area). Even though the hotel location is a bit far from Carmel downtown (you need a car because it’s mostly near roads), it is situated in an area with many cute restaurants and shops.

We enjoyed our stay at Carmel Mission Inn but found it a little more basic than expected, as regards amenities. The Happy Hour is only available Tuesday to Saturday (including pool snacks) which doesn’t work well when you’re staying for a long weekend. The lobby and outdoor areas are very well presented and look great.

Although asked at check in if we would like daily housekeeping (which we did), this wasn’t done on our first day. We did hear a very quiet knock at 8am(ish) on a Sunday morning which we presume was housekeeping. We were out all day and returned to it not being done. When we’d specifically asked, this was poor. There could be more food/drink options through the day and not just Tues-Saturdays.

The room was comfortable and clean. It had plenty of towels, The shower was nice, and there were pumps in the shower with shampoo, etc. The temperature was easy to maintain. Each queen bed had three pillows. I liked the extra cushioned low bench for sitting. There were plenty of electrical outlets in the right places. There was ice and filtered water available close by, and the hotel restaurant had delicious food. The location was nice and included several restaurants, groceries, and coffee within walking distance.

The in-room coffee was tasteless. There was a refrigerator that made a strange noise. Having a microwave, either in the room or close by would have made it better.

The decor was adorable throughout the whole property. When we booked our stay we thought we would not like being away from downtown Carmel but we actually preferred it, feeling like we had a little more space and it was a little quieter.

I didn’t recall reading that there was a resort fee at the time of booking. So that could have been more clear.

Although it’s outside of the village of Carmel, there are plenty of places surrounding the hotel within walking distance (the Barnyard and the Crossroads with shopping and dining). Plenty of parking at the hotel and a convenient restaurant/tavern that we availed ourselves of. The staff was friendly and helpful. Three outstanding employees were in the restaurant: Stephanie, Angel and the bartender who name I failed to get. We were there for a mother-daughter weekend, she coming from just north and I from down the coast so it was kind of in the middle. I actually remember back 50ish years ago when that was a Holiday Inn but they’ve redone everything and it’s beautiful and comfortable. I’ve been coming to Carmel almost my whole life but have never before stayed outside of town but it was just fine, with Lyft rides to dinner.

I thought the bed linens could have been a better quality and the room was small with little closet space or drawers. For a few nights, it was fine.

The location is conveniently located 10 min away from Point Lobos (amazing park by the way!), good breakfast and dinner options (seafood at sea harvest is a must) that you can walk to and minutes away from downtown Carmel. Modern room design, bath robes and hot tub/pool added to our overall positive experience at the hotel.

Like other reviewers mentioned, walls are thin, so you will hear crying babies or barking dogs next door. Also, the restaurant staff could have been more attentive. I had to seat myself because there was no hostess up front for breakfast and then no one came to give me a check when I was done. I had to leave cash on the table and go.

We loved the heated pool and the gym. The beds were comfortable. We only discovered the shops, bars and restaurants behind the hotel on the last day. These are very close and would be great for a meal (if only the reception staff had of told us when asked could we walk to a restaurant on the first day after a long drive while waiting to check, we were told no for some strange reason!) Plenty of stores and coffee shops nearby which was great for breakfast. About 5 min drive to the town or beach.

See below re reception staff not being overly helpful. Also very long queue to check in. The bar wasn't open when we were their which was disappointing. Breakfast not included and was expensive to order. The hotel is not walking distance to the town. Plenty of Uber's available and was about $10 so not a big issue .