We recently took a road trip along the central coast of California. The scenery was beyond beautiful and ranks high on the list of nature’s many wonders. From giant impressive redwood trees to the powerful crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the California coast is a must-see adventure. We spent three days in the one-of-a-kind village of Carmel By The Sea. It’s unique in its forest like setting so close to the sea. Most everything in the village is within walking distance; restaurants, art galleries, boutique and gourmet shops and more.
On the northern edge of the center of Carmel By The Sea is the Hofsas House, a family owned and operated boutique inn. We had the pleasure staying a few nights and truly felt as if we were honored guests. We’re very delighted to partner with Hofsas House on this sponsored post.
The drive to Carmel is chock full of scenic vistas and points of interest, so allow ample time. Not because of traffic, but because it’s a lovely drive that will have you stopping for the views as well as for photo opps.
The famous white sands of Carmel Beach City Park are less than a 30 minute walk from the Hofsas House. The lobby of the Hofsas House has an impressive oversized copper fireplace that immediately makes one feel welcomed. The friendly staff is more than helpful when it comes to anything a guest might need or want. Staff members are also quick to offer advice and directions to anywhere in Carmel By The Sea. Carrie, the owner and general manager, is third generation Hofsas House. As a young child she spent summers helping her grandmother at the inn by showing guests to their rooms. By the time she was twelve she was welcoming guests at the front desk. It’s easy to see in Carrie’s eyes and smile the devotion she has for the inn and her guests. She’s also one of the sweetest, most knowledgeable and personable concierges we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
Our large king room, with an ocean view and fireplace, was delightful. Each room is uniquely furnished with decor that makes for cozy and comfortable surroundings. The fireplace isn’t just for show either. We enjoyed burning the provided logs for both warmth and ambiance.
Each guest room has a dutch door, which seems to be a novelty in Carmel By The Sea. We enjoyed leaving the top half of our door open to feel the warm breeze and gaze on the gorgeous sunset. And we saw no sign of flying insects, or otherwise. Whether this is the norm or seasonal, we know not. But I’m here to tell you, it was an awesome phenomena. Even the bathroom window opened with no screen. We delighted in keeping that window open too.
By hotel/motel/inn standards the bathroom was quite roomy. There was plenty of counter space and room for two people to easily move about. Our particular room did not have a bath tub option. But if one would suit your needs, request a room that has one when booking.
We were greeted with a bottle of organic sparkling cider as well as delicious local cheeses along with crackers. There are also options for connoisseurs of fine wines.
Being on a road trip, we had a variety of our favorite snacks and beverages with us. The in room refrigerator was perfect for keeping our necessary items cold.
Remember the lovely lobby mentioned earlier? Every morning from 8am to 10 am there’s a complimentary continental breakfast served. We found a delectable selection of pastries (delivered daily from a local bakery), fresh fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and orange juice. You can partake of the buffet choices in the lobby or fill a basket to take back to your room. It works out great if one is an early riser (like me) and a sleepy head (like David).
The Hofsas House swimming pool is heated year round and, along with the dry saunas, are open daily from 9am to 9pm. Located poolside is the meeting/conference room, which makes the inn perfect for business conferences, family reunions and/or weddings. Depending on the sitting arrangement, the room can seat up to 40 people.
With 38 uniquely decorated and spacious rooms and suites, the inn falls well into the boutique category for hotels/inns.
Our car stayed parked while we were in Carmel By The Sea. The restaurants along with shopping and art galleries are well within walking distance of Hofsas House. Last year David had both of his hips replaced. One in April and the second in June. And… we walked to every place we visited within the village, with the exception of to/from the beach, and is was absolutely delightful.
Now for some good to know fun facts:
Carmel By The Sea is just one square mile. That includes downtown and the lovely ‘personality plus’ homes in the rolling forest that together make Carmel By The Sea.
Carmel By The Sea has no numerical street addresses. Not a one! To keep the small town atmosphere alive, everyone picks up their mail at the post office. There is a feeling of community as neighbors, shop owners and the like, see each other at the local post office.
Carmel By The Sea is dog friendly. We noticed many businesses serving free doggy treats. It’s rare to walk by a door without a bowl of water sitting nearby. Even Carmel Beach City Park is dog friendly. We sat for quite some time just watching the dogs running, splashing and playing together with their owners and other dogs on the beautiful white sands.
Carmel By The Sea is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2016, having been founded in 1916. Watch for special events on the official Carmel By The Sea visitors site.
David and I have traveled the world and have had the opportunity to stay in a variety of hotels. Hofsas House was a stand out experience that we enjoyed immensely. We very much look forward to our next stay there. We may even bring the kids and grandkids. Besides the single king room we stayed in, Hofsas House also has several family suites. I can’t think of a better family holiday then being together with our three generations, enjoying the artistic village of Carmel By The Sea, the white sands of the local beach, and so many other attractions in the Monterey Bay area.
~ The Nitty Gritty:
Why: Road trip
When: March 2016
Who: Just the two of us
What: Hofsas House – A Boutique Inn located between 3rd & 4th Ave on San Carlos Street.
Where: Carmel By-The-Sea
Room Types: A variety of 38 unique rooms. Singles, suites and some pet friendly.
Continental Breakfast
Pet Friendly
Binoculars at the front desk to loan for whale watching
Amenities: All rooms have free wireless, cable television, telephones with voice mail, coffee makers, hair dryers and private bathrooms with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and a vanity kit. Some rooms have: a fireplace, ocean view, private balcony, kitchenette, wet bar, microwave and refrigerator. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Heated swimming pool, pool side meeting/conference room, dry saunas, off street parking,
Local Interests: Downtown Carmel By-The-Sea, Carmel Mission Basilica, Point Lobos State Reserve, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Monterey Historic Cannery Row
Website: Hofsas House
Debra says
This boutique hotel looks amazing! What a charming neighborhood town Carmel by the Sea is. For all my years visiting California, I’ve never made it there – Must change that!!!
Jenna Wood says
I’ve actually stayed here before- I love that they are dog friendly. With the beach being so close we always take our pup- though we try to go during off season for a nice weekend getaway.
Jeanette says
Oh my gosh I would love to go there. It looks absolutely beautiful. Be a great we can get away with the hubby.
Erika says
This looks like a wonderful place to stay. I love that they have such a great pool and yet are close to the beach too. Perfect for everyone!
Brandy says
This looks like a beautiful place to stay! Loving all of the photos, makes me want to go visit!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Sounds like a lovely and quaint place to stay! What pretty views!
Amy Desrosiers says
Love how cozy this place looks! I would love to visit with just my husband to soak up the sun and scenery.
Lindsey G. says
First – your pictures are magnificent! I feel like I was really there. What a lovely and quaint place to stay!
Tales of a Ranting Ginger says
This looks gorgeous. I have always wanted to go to Carmel by the Sea. It looks so nice. Great photos.
diane says
this looks like an amazing place to stay! With the organic cider, cheese and crackers, I might never leave the room!