Carmel Inns Of Distinction Tour - Part II - La Playa

After touring the cottages of Carmel Cottage Inn, I walked two blocks to the corner of Camino Real and 8th Avenue into the lobby of the "new" La Playa.

This building (mansion) was originally built in 1905 by Christian Jorgenson as a gift for his wife.  Jorgenson was fascinated by the Carmel Mission to the  point that he placed a window in the front patio that imitated the star window in the Mission.

In 1916 the mansion was converted into a hotel, was frequented by my mother and her cousins in the late 1920's, and the sight of my college Junior Prom dinner in 1978.

The hotel has just undergone a $3.5 million restoration, reopening this past August as La Playa Carmel.

All tour guests were ushered through the decorated lobby passed the Fireside Room with its table set for a private party,

 

 the Bar,

 

 

and the Pacific Terrace,

 

 

to the Dining Room.

 





Here we were offered bite sized Cream Puffs shaped like mini hamburgers and yummy squares of fudge prepared by the La Playa Carmel kitchen.  Wine tasting was offered by Jullian Vineyards of Carmel Valley. 

One room was open for viewing at
the La Playa Carmel,
the Premium Ocean View Room

 with five tall dome shaped windows

 

overlooking the hotel gardens and ocean beyond.

 

For information and rates for
The La Playa Carmel
 call: 831/624-6476

 

Time to walk off a bit of this wine and snacks.  I Tally Ho one block north of Ocean Avenue to Monte Verde & 6th Avenue.

 

Tally Ho Inn
Monte Verde & 6th Avenue 

The Tally Ho Inn, located across from the Pine Inn, began life as a guest cottage for the overflow of the visitors coming to the Pine Inn in the early 1900's.  It has changed hands a number of times over the years.  It was even renovated in the 1940's by Hugh Comstock who was hired by the then owner Jimmy Hatlo a New York cartoonist. 

 

The relationship between the Tally Ho Inn and the Pine Inn contines to this day, as a complimentary full American breakfast buffet is served Monday - Friday from 8AM to 10AM in the Pine Inn Retaurant Il Fornaio for the guests of the Tally Ho Inn.

 

Today our refreshments are being provided by Il Fornaio.  Do I have room?

 

Rooms of the Tally Ho Inn are decorated with antiques and flat screen TV's, sometimes more than one per room - I actually found out on December 2nd that the RAMS beat the 49ers after being tied in overtime (for the second time this season) on one of the numerous flat screen TV's.   

 

Along with a fireplace, this king bedroom 

 

 

has plenty of sitting area.

 

 

Two long units stretch out off the main lobby area.

Though it was cloudy that day, the ocean is visible below the clouds.

 

These rooms have lavish ocean views,  

 

fireplaces, flat screen TV's,

 

and luxurious full baths.

A quaint outdoor fireplace welcomes visitors.

 

For information and rates on

  The Tally Ho

 please call 800/652-2632

 

Candle Light Inn
San Carlos between 4th and 5th

 

A few blocks up on the same side of Ocean Avenue I stopped to tour the Candle Light Inn.

A room off the lobby was set up for wine tasting provided by Ventana Vineyards,

 

 

 and small bites provided by The Grill on Ocean Avenue. As a gift to all tour guests we also received a coupon for a complimentary wine tasting at the Ventana Winery and coupon for 15% off dinner at The Grill. 

 



Located near many fine restaurants (Bistro Giovanni, Hog's Breath , Grasing's, and The Grill), the Candle Light Inn features three different room possiblities:

The Standard King Room

 

The Standard Double

The Deluxe Room or Suite with

Kitchen, Jacuzzi Tub, Wood-Burning Fireplace

or combination of any of the above

 

Besides a daily Continental breakfast and newspaper delivered to your door and fresh baked cookies in the afternoon in the lobby, the Candle Light Inn offers packages with discounts for dinner, golf or a visit to the Monterey Aquarium.  My favorite amenity is the large used brick fire-pit in the parking lot. 



 

For information and rates call

800/433-4732

831/624-6451

Carmel Inns of Distinction Tour Part III
Lamp Lighter, Ocean & Camino Real
Cypress Inn, Lincoln & 7th