Villa Mara Carmel — Hotel in Monterey

Where do I begin and how do I write without simply seeming like I'm gushing? Well, here goes...We spent two nights here after a week in Paso. Upon arrival we were greeted by George who immediately made us feel like we were family, as we arrived far too early to check in, I asked George for a lunch reco and he hit the nail on the head (for what would be the first of many times). We left our car there and took an Uber, had a relaxed lunch, wandered a bit around town and headed back to check in. Robert was there and after our welcome beverages (amazing choices from a fully stocked bar with excellent wine options as well) he checked us in and helped with the bags. The room was pristine, well appointed, and beyond comfortable and we happened to be overlooking Carmel Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Course. As we were heading out to dinner, I asked George and Rocky ( we had also met her at check in) , where I might find Pliny the Elder, an IPA I've been dying to try and can't be found on the east coast, they made some suggestions. Upon returning from dinner, my wife headed up to the room for a few minutes and I stayed with our traveling friends to sit and sip some wine outside. When she returned, she showed me a picture of 3 bottles of Pliny the Elder that the trusty triade, George, Robert and Rocky had acquired and left in the room. As if that was not enough, we were leaving after the second day at 3 AM to head to the airport for an early morning flight, and Rocky said she'd make sure that there were take away breakfasts ready for us since we'd miss that morning breakfast. I could go on but all that needs to be said beyond this is simple: A wonderful location, an incredible staff and attention to detail beyond expectation. We can't wait to return for a...

Save your money. We booked a three-day stay in the Lobos deluxe room, advertised with "breathtaking vistas from a large bay window." While the complimentary welcome drink and staff were pleasant, the overall experience fell short of a true luxury hotel.

The room, roughly 15x12 feet, is just adequate, but be prepared to live out of your suitcase as there are no drawers for clothes. The advertised "breathtaking view" is only visible if you stand directly at the bay window; it's not enjoyable from the chairs or bed.

The bathroom is far from "oversized"; it barely accommodates two people simultaneously and features only a shower, no bathtub.

Though an in-room espresso machine is provided, sugar and sugar alternatives were consistently missing and required multiple requests.

Our first included breakfast was a significant disappointment. After waiting 45 minutes, and noticing a couple who arrived after us being served, we inquired about our order. We were told it "didn't make it to the kitchen." With no time to reorder, we left and grabbed breakfast elsewhere to salvage our day. We later received an apology note offering a free drink or lunch, but neither could compensate for the breakfast experience.

Amenities are nonexistent here; there's no hot tub, pool, or gym. Other hotels have a hotel car to shuttle you to downtown, but Villa Mara does not. They do offer some pleasant outdoor fireplaces with seating.

The hotel is about a mile from downtown Carmel, requiring a brisk 30-minute walk each way or a drive with the adventure of finding parking. If lounging around a hotel and getting free drinks is your priority, then Villa Mara might suit you. Otherwise,...

Where do I start.. Villa Mara will always have a special place in my heart. Words just cannot describe how extraordinary this boutique hotel is and the owner and staff made it an even better experience.

We got upgraded to the Pescadero room on the second floor with a balcony. The details in this room blew us away from heated floors, smart heated toilet, complimentary in-house mini bar, and the view overlooking Carmel’s seaside. I would definitely recommend renting their bikes and riding down Scenic Road to Carmel Beach. The breakfast every morning was exquisite.. we loved the quiche and scones! On top of all this, we got to hang out downstairs by the fireplace every night with wine and premium snacks. This place makes you feel warm and at home and the service here is like no other. The owner and staff are the sweetest, have great recommendations and even helped my now fiancé plan a proposal! Not only did they find the perfect picnic basket, blanket, and classy utensils but they also filled it with snacks and champagne. It was everything I could’ve dreamed of and my fiancé credits the people of Villa Mara for really going above and beyond. They even had a gorgeous bouquet of flowers waiting for us in our room when we got back. Thank you so so much to Dev, Rocque, Jonathan, George, and Robert for making it one of the best memories I’ve had yet (Apologies if I missed anyone). This place is INCREDIBLE. This place deserves 10 stars! Do yourself a favor and stay here because I promise you won’t regret it! We’re definitely...