Carmel River Inn & Cottages - Carmel, CA

"The staff are friendly and the rooms have been invested in - I slept so well and am ok with the decision I made to spend two nights here. However the main building's rooms suffer from very thin walls - if I hadn't found this room at a great price point for the area, and luckily been here during quiet off season, I would have been very disappointed in the main building. I could hear my neighbor's entire conversations and any sounds made, and their dog barking, until they went to bed. I could also hear the traffic on the 1 all night too - which was more of a soft white noise for me, but certainly not "quiet nature." If there had been a loud family or louder pets or a party anywhere in nearby rooms, this would have been a nighmare. Also the river is nice to look at, but otherwise the location is not good, because there is nowhere to walk along the river, and there is no footpath to get into town or shops or restaurants. Instead you need to make a left hand turn in your car on the 1 - a tall order. If you have pets, this is a good spot. Or if you are the loud family (although maybe go somewhere with thick walls where nobody can hear you). Also the staff is friendly and the rooms are comfy (with the exception of the thin walls) and they've got nice Paya soaps and shower gels. Still does not feel 3 stars at all in the main building - rather a motel, but a nice motel because they've done up the rooms well. Likely the separate cottages or glamping tents are much better - it's clear the owner and staff care and are doing a good job of upkeep, so maybe give those a shot if available? Recommend the managers try sound proofing decor or something in the main building's rooms. Overall, at a good price point this was a good choice during a quiet week, but otherwise would not stay in the main building."

"I have nothing bad to say about this place. The location is PERFECT, such an easy drive over to downtown and also right next to Point Lobos Nature Preserve (a MUST visit). The staff is very friendly and accommodating. We rented the least expensive cottage and it was ADORABLE. The bed was big and comfy, the bathtub was giant and inviting (the only downside was the jets didn't work) and our room was right next to the firepit that the front desk turned on for us each night. If you have the chance to stay here I highly recommend it."

"This was the first time that my husband and I have stayed anywhere overnight with our dog. The Carmel River Inn is dog friendly so we decided to book for a weekend and they totally exceeded our expectations. Amy gave us the warmest reception we have ever received at any hotel ever. The cottage that we stayed in was super cute from the outside and totally renovated from the inside. We had an enclosed yard w patio furniture and the hotel grounds are extremely well kept. Beautiful flowers and water fountains throughout. Definitely going back."