More about Carmel Mission Inn
It's really not that bad
by TripAdvisor Member jackcoles
We stayed at the Carmel Mission Inn recently with my husband and both sets of parents who had flown in from out of town. We were very limited with accommodation choices because it was a car rally weekend so many hotels were full and all hotels had hiked prices over 150% and were also requiring 2 nights mininum stay. We were also travelling with our dog.
I had huge reservations about staying here given the Trip Advisor reviews but we had no alternatives. It really wasn't that bad. Reception was welcoming and polite. The rooms were fine although i will say that the bathroom could do with some modernising and also it was a little small. We booked a deluxe queen.
I much prefer staying in downtown Carmel but if this is your only option then that's OK. Breakfast was a little pricey and service could be improved. Pool looked nice and there were kids in it; they have a hot tub (again not used) and grounds are pleasant with many flowers and potted plants. There is a nice set of quaint stores and restaraunts nearby (walking distance) and we had a very pleasant Italian dinner.
The room cost $175 per night which was more than we wanted to pay and significantly more than we have paid for much nicer rooms downtown.
Other point to note is when i called reception to enquire about booking a room they told me it was a 2 night minimum but when booking online this was not enforced. It would not be my first choice but i would go back if i had to.
We enjoyed it!
by TripAdvisor Member Greenfielder
Our experience here was fine and we can only speak as we find. We had booked the hotel at short notice but had no problems and the room was as expected. The pool is fairly big and the two hot tubs ensure that there's room for everybody.
With the Barnyard at the back and other shops/restaurants across the way at the front there was no shortage of places to eat and drink within walking distance. Even the Mission (which is excellent) is only a short walk away.
We found the layout of the hotel a bit confusing at first, but in time found easier ways of getting to and from our room. The free internet access was excellent and we didn't have to wait long to use it.
A bit of a gem
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just off the Pacific Highway this nice motel gave us a comfortable nights stay en route down the coast. Quiet rooms considering the highway is so close. Rooms are spacious with balconies and nicely furnished. Got a pool and jacuzzi but a bit cool in October. Hotel has a nice warm comfy feeling, chill out lounges and fires. Free use of internet is a bonus. Nearby is a pretty ranch type shopping area not too pricey a few eateries. A bit quiet at night, but most life found in the Hawaiin type bar/restaurant (can't remember what it's called) the waiter even knew all the English premiership football results! Nice food too. Carmel is just so pretty and the beach is to die for. Most definitely will return to spend more time and no hesitation at staying at the Mission it gives you an overall feeling of chilling out and is just what you need between San Fran and LA.
Not one of the best hotels we stayed in
by TripAdvisor Member EDW
Stayed here for two nights on our way down the west coast. Reasonable location just off the coast road and very near to two shopping centres. Our room was large, but quite dark and uninviting, probably because it was directly opposite another of the hotel's buildings and surrounded by lots of foliage. The bathroom was also less attractive than many we saw in other hotels. Our main complaint was the price of breakfast - quite good value for the all-in healthy option but quite expensive for separate items. If you stay here you may find it better to eat out or buy food at the supermarket in the shopping centre opposite (the room has a fridge) and do your own thing. The weather was quite dull when we were here (in sharp contrast to what we had experienced during the rest of our holiday) and perhaps this influenced our opinion.
What a dump!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Checked-out the hotel on several 'lowest price' websites, but called direct and got an even lower rate ...should have been a clue. The hotel is very rundown, dark, poorly decorated and way, way passed its best. We paid extra for a de-luxe room ....what a joke. Two admitedly well made-up queen beds were crammed into what really was a single room. In fact we saw other rooms the same size with only on queen. The bathroom was cold and refurbished with very low quality fittings. You couldn't swing a cat in the bathtub cum shower, and the show head was fitted at a heigt of 5ft from the floor.
Both elevators made such a loud noise, creeked groaned and moved very slowly. We stayed 3 nights and I saw the maintenance crew there twice. We and most other guests used the stairs, which were very dirty and smelly. Breakfast service was OK, but the food is very overpriced.
The hotel is located right by highway 1 in between everywhere, but located nowhere. Yes Barnyard shopping is quaint and close, but all the shops closed at 5pm, and trying to find anywhere to eat, or get a takeout after 9:30 is a challenge ..... highlight was the black bear diner across the street. Good food and patient friendly service. I definitely would not stay here again, nor would I recommend it.
No fireworks for 4th of July
by TripAdvisor Member Theresehols
A nice hotel but we arrived on 4th of July and expected some celebrations. There was nothing happening in this hotel. The restaurant was closed so we had to go to a local restaurant. We only just managed to order our meal before the kitchen closed at 9pm. We asked where were the fireworks and were told that they never have any in Carmel.
Mission Inn rave
by A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed here for 4 days over a wedding weekend. Rooms were lovely and most if not all had fireplaces and were well cleaned. Only draw back might be small but adequate bathrooms. Could have used a hook on the back of the bathroom door but otherwise great. Attentive staff..old fashioned crank window crank broke and was fixed in 15 minutes! Views are fabulous, adequate breakfast included and grounds were nice and clean. Within walking distance of anywhere you might want to go. As an Easterner and Southerner was surprized at no a.c. but soon realized we never needed it!!!
good hotel, nice rooms
by TripAdvisor Member Steph-Germany
We were very pleased with this hotel. It's just off the coast road and adjacent to a shopping mall, another one is just over the street (incl. food market). There are a few places to eat within walking distance.
The room was large and very nicely decorated (as shown on their website, and incl. a small fridge). We had a good nights sleep, everything was quiet and we would definitly come back again.
Do not stay here unless desperate
by TripAdvisor Member zuberry
As part of our Californian trip we did a one night stop in Carmel. Unfortunately as our stay clashed with the car show held during August and we were left with little alternative but to stay here for one night as everywhere else in Carmel and Monterey was fully booked. This hotel certainly lived up to the expectations of dread I had been anticipating. The room opened up directly off a car park, and the beds, single foam pillows and bedding were horrible. Also there was a hug stain on the carpet which made me cringe and the general decor of the room was grubby and in need of a makeover. In reality, this hotel is little more than a motel. In addition our travel agent had prepaid the room in advance and when we arrived they had no record of this which meant that I had to pay with my own credit card. The only positive was that we stayed just for the one night and on arrival the Ferrari owner's club had their pre-show gathering in the carpark belonging to the small shopping village (this is delightful) just across the way so we spent looking around the fabulous cars. Would definitely not stay here unless you cannot get anything else or on a budget. Otherwise would recommend you stay away!!!
Lived Up To The Promise
by TripAdvisor Member Vickie_Bernie
We stayed here for two nights in mid November. We didn't have a reservation, but had no problem. The rate was $99/night.
The room was very nice, great bed, and bedding. We faced the courtyard and it was very quiet.
You need to get in your car to visit the sights, but there were quite a few places nearby to pick up a quick meal.
I would not recommend the restaurant. We had breakfast there and it was hilarious to watch the staff try to do their job. The price was high, and some of it was cold. you can get a much better meal elsewhere.