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Summary of reviewsCarmel River Inn is nestled in a picturesque setting, offering a serene escape that combines convenience and tranquility. Located right off Highway 1, it provides easy access to popular attractions such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, and Monterey, as well as nearby shopping centers and restaurants, all within walking distance. Its charming and quiet atmosphere, enhanced by a forested landscape and lovely views of the Carmel River, appeals to guests seeking relaxation amidst beautiful surroundings.
While breakfast service is absent, guests appreciate the coffeemaker in the kitchenettes for morning coffee. The clean and cozy accommodations, featuring rustic charm and modern comforts, are consistently praised for their cleanliness. The spacious rooms and cabins, some with picturesque balconies overlooking the river, offer a restful retreat. Though there are minor comments on outdated furniture and small bathrooms, the overall inviting ambiance, especially for pet owners, stands out.
The staff at Carmel River Inn significantly contributes to the positive experience, known for their friendly and helpful nature. With valuable local insights and personal touches like upgrades to charming cottages, the professional and attentive team ensures a welcoming stay. Beds in the inn are often highlighted for exceptional comfort, with King-sized beds enhancing the restful atmosphere.
Carmel River Inn is notably dog-friendly, providing a haven for guests traveling with pets. The inn offers quaint cottages with fenced yards and welcome packages for dogs, creating a delightful experience for both pets and owners. With its prime location, serene environment, and attentive staff, Carmel River Inn delivers a pleasant and satisfying experience for guests seeking a charming riverside retreat. Show more
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Categories
Inn Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is included in a list of eco-friendly accommodations in the Monterey area.
Dog Friendly Inn
This family-owned inn is a perfect getaway for pet owners. It offers spacious rooms and suites, many with private balconies and patios. The property is expansive, making it ideal for dog walking.
Inn with Parking
Parking is available on the property and is free for guests.
Accessible Inn
Carmel River Inn & Cottages provides rooms and facilities for disabled guests. The property also offers accessible parking.
3-Star Inn
Carmel River Inn & Cottages has a central location. The inn offers comfortable accommodations and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a great choice for visitors.
Inn with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Inn with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Standard King Room This room is a traditional hotel room with shared walls in the main building, this room offers a coffee machine, a refrigerator, and either a balcony or a patio overlooking the river.
Standard Double Room with Two Double BedsThis room is a traditional hotel room with shared walls in the main building, this room offers a coffee machine, a refrigerator, and either a balcony or a patio overlooking the river.
Studio CottageThis studio cottage is either a duplex or stand alone cottage and offers a private entrance, a TV, a coffee machine, home-style furnishings, and a patio.
Please note: The cottages are located toward the back of the property for privacy.
Studio Cottage with KitchenetteThis studio cottage is a stand alone cottage and offers a wet bar, a TV, a coffee machine, home-style furnishings, and a patio.
Please note: The cottages are located toward the back of the property for privacy.
Superior StudioThis studio cottage is a stand alone cottage and offers a kitchenette, a TV, a coffee machine, home-style furnishings, and a patio. Please note: The cottages are located toward the back of the property for privacy and are remodeled vintage cottages or newly built. Each is unique.
Superior StudioThis studio includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
TentThis air-conditioned tent includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Studio Cottage with KitchenetteThis studio provides a fireplace. The well-equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. This air-conditioned studio includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
Nestled amid beautiful surroundings, Carmel River Inn boasts an enviable location that appeals to travelers seeking both tranquility and convenience. Positioned right off Highway 1, it provides easy access to major attractions such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, and Monterey. Guests appreciate its proximity to a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and a large plaza, all within walking distance, making it an ideal base for exploration. The inn's serene setting along the Carmel River offers a peaceful retreat, away from the hustle and bustle, contributing to its charming and quiet atmosphere. Its location, complemented by a forested landscape and a lovely view of the river from some patios, enhances the relaxation experience for visitors. With dog-friendly policies and quaint cottages scattered across the tranquil property, guests find it a charming spot for relaxation and recreation alike, all while providing excellent value for its prime location and clean, cozy accommodations.
Breakfast
While Carmel River Inn does not offer a breakfast service, guests have appreciated the availability of morning coffee as a pleasant addition to their stay. The presence of a coffeemaker in the kitchenettes provides a convenient option for those who prefer to prepare their own hot beverages. However, the lack of any breakfast service has been noted, with some guests expressing a desire for at least a basic breakfast option to offset the distance from nearby food establishments. Many visitors felt that the inclusion of breakfast could enhance the value offered by the inn.
Rooms
Carmel River Inn offers a charming and cozy retreat, characterized by its clean and comfortable accommodations. Many guests appreciated the well-maintained cabins and rooms, which showcase a rustic charm complemented by beautiful gardens and proximity to the river. The inn provides modern comforts with rooms that are clean, spacious, and equipped with cozy beds, making for a pleasant stay.
Guests particularly enjoyed the balconies or terraces overlooking the river, offering a picturesque view that enhances the experience. The location is convenient, close to restaurants, shops, Point Lobos, and Big Sur, yet remains private and quiet. The staff is noted for their great service, occasionally surprising guests with upgrades to the cute cottages.
Some cabins retain an older style, with furniture that adds character but could benefit from updates. Although the majority of accommodations were clean, minor issues like small bathrooms, stuck doors, and occasional musty smells were noted. Despite this, the feel of the inn remains inviting, with a notably homey atmosphere enhanced by welcoming touches for guests traveling with pets. Overall, Carmel River Inn provides a delightful escape with its comfortable rooms and serene surroundings.
Beds
Carmel River Inn offers guests a delightful sleeping experience with beds that stand out for their exceptional comfort. Many visitors have praised the beds, noting that they are super comfy, allowing them to sleep like a dream. The pillows might be slightly less cushioned, but overall, the comfort of the mattresses is frequently highlighted. Cleanliness complements the coziness of the beds, with guests noting the clean and spacious nature of the rooms, contributing to the restful atmosphere. While there were a few remarks about the beds being less comfortable or the queen-sized beds being narrow, the consensus leans towards a positive experience with comfortable King-sized beds and nice linens enhancing the stay. The serene setting, with rooms offering views and terraces by the river, often adds to the charm of spending a night at this hotel.
Cleanliness
Carmel River Inn frequently impresses its guests with exceptional cleanliness, earning consistent praise for its well-maintained and spotless accommodations. Visitors often highlight the peaceful atmosphere combined with pristine rooms and cabins, contributing to a restful and enjoyable stay. The cabins, often described as modern, clean, and comfortable, feature spacious layouts with tasteful decorations. Many guests also appreciate the thoughtful details, such as lovely welcome packages for pets.
The property's prime location complements these immaculate conditions, making the inn a favored choice for those visiting the area. While the bathrooms receive occasional remarks about needing updates, the overall cleanliness and the charm of the renovated cottages are highly commended. The hospitable and attentive staff further enhance the favorable experience, leaving guests pleasantly satisfied with their stay at this charming riverside retreat.
Staff
The staff at Carmel River Inn consistently receive praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests frequently commend the staff for their welcoming and accommodating nature, highlighting their pleasant interactions throughout their stay. Front desk personnel stand out for being especially nice, contributing to the overall positive experience at the inn. Many guests report receiving valuable suggestions for dinner, showcasing the staff's local knowledge. A notable mention is the manager, Michael, who is repeatedly recognized for his fantastic service and expertise about the area. While there are isolated instances of less favorable experiences, the overarching sentiment is driven by encounters with the friendly, professional, and attentive staff members who strive to enhance the stay of each guest.
Dog Friendly
Carmel River Inn stands out as a haven for travelers with four-legged companions. Guests appreciate the inn's welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful dog-friendly touches. The accommodations include quaint cottages, some of which feature small fenced yards, offering a secure area for pets to roam freely. The staff enhances the experience with great service and delightful welcome packages for dogs, complete with treats and sleeping sheets. Open spaces surrounding the inn further contribute to the destination's appeal, making it a wonderful place for dogs and their owners to enjoy together. The inn consistently delivers an easy and comfortable stay, embodying a dog-friendly policy that has impressed many guests.
Yes, Carmel River Inn & Cottages has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages.
Yes, Carmel River Inn & Cottages welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages.
No, Carmel River Inn & Cottages doesn't have a gym.