Carmel Inns of Distinction Tour - Part III - Cypress Inn

Cypress Inn
Lincoln & 7th

Our Carmel Inns of Distinction Tour
continues with the Carmel landmark, Cypress Inn. 

The site of the Cypress Inn enjoys a rich history.  Home to the first art gallery of Carmel in 1906, rumored to have been used as a nursing home or sanatorium in 1928, transformed into the Hotel La Ribera in 1929, called the "white stucco elephant" and forced to close its doors after the Great Depression, to be resurrected and reopened in the 1960's as the Cypress West Hotel, and finally to be fully restored in the 1980's by present owners businessman Dennis LeVett and actress Doris Day, becoming The Cypress Inn, Carmel’s original pet-friendly hotel.

Enter via Lincoln Street 
into the lobby lounge,

 

to a platter of festive small bites topped with Caviar, prepared by the staff of Terry's Restaurant & Lounge at the Cypress Inn.     Obviously a big hit.

Wine from Heller Estate of Carmel Valley

 (100% organically grown)
is poured for our enjoyment.
I pocket another complimentary wine tasting ticket!

Across from the lobby is the large yet cozy "living room"

  lounge  with a fireplace and grand piano. 
A great treat is to have afternoon tea here during Christmas. 
Your furry friend can go too!!

We walk through Terry's on our way

to the rooms open for touring in the new wing.

Terry's has a great "lite bites" bar menu that is also

served on the patio. 

All dogs welcome of course.

Rooms in the new wing open to a two story courtyard
filled with twinkling lights, a soothing fountain
and outdoor lounge area.

Here is a short video of the rooms on tour all in the new wing.  First the King Deluxe Courtyard, next the King Suite on ground floor with private entrance on Lincoln and finally the King Suite with veranda on the second floor and huge jetted tub.   

Don't forget to come back at night to eat on the patio
and take in the Mr. Brainwash original.

 For information and rates call

800-443-7443 or 831-621-3871 

From the Cypress Inn I walk a few blocks
to the Lamp Lighter,
another inn owned by Denny LeVett. 

Lamp Lighter
SE Corner Ocean & Camino Real

With an English country feel and numerous lamp lights,

 this inn is surrounded by lush gardens,

gazebos,

wandering oak trees,

and colorful birdhouses.

The L-shaped FireCrystals fire pit

invites visitors to sit and relax awhile.

Mundaka of Carmel provided their
signature Spanish style tapas for us to enjoy,

 while J. Lohr Vineyards offered their wines for tasting.

The accommodations at the Lamp Lighter Inn
include cottages and guest rooms.

I toured the Carmel Cozy, Sea Star, a King room

 with quaint fireplace and full bath.

And the Carmel Comfy, Early Bird room

which features two double beds.

A decanter of Cream sherry waits in each room for a warm night cap. The Lamp Lighter is pet friendly, offers a Continental breakfast, and an afternoon wine and cheese reception to its overnight guests.  For information and rates please call 831-624-7372.

Carmel Inns of Distinction Tour Part IV
Happy Landing Inn, Monte Verde & 6th
Hofsas House, San Carlos & 3rd