Private Cottages by the Sea at La Playa Hotel & Cottages

October 13, 11:28 PMSF Luxury Travel ExaminerKim Palacios

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Photo of La Playa Hotel Lobby by Kim Palacios

October is a great time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea.  With high tourist season passed and the worst of the foggy weather behind it, October promises an unhurried pace and the best of conditions to enjoy its natural beauty.  Beyond the grand cliffside resorts and in-town B&Bs, exists a historical hotel with an uncommon enhancement.  In addition to traditional rooms in its main residence, La Playa Hotel rents five fully-equipped cottages just two blocks from the beach.

For travelers who relish privacy, a sense of community, and feelings of home, the cottage-rental option is ideal.  Cottages offer welcome seclusion for retreating lovers, private common space for groups of friends or families to convene, kitchens for those who welcome the cooking experience as part of vacation, and fireplaces near which to relax.  Unlike some other “hotel cottages” that are uniformly built and housed within the boundaries of a resort complex, these cottages vary in size and spec, are uniquely designed, and sit inside of a real Carmel neighborhood that is permanently resided by locals.  Instead of feeling like you are in a vacation condo, you will know you are in a home, and enjoy a notable shift in the tone of your escape.

In addition to all the comforts of home, guests receive all the comforts of a hotel.  When the desire strikes to come out of isolation, the main complex is just a block up the hill.  A small pool (though, no Jacuzzi), a sitting garden, and a partial spa services are available through the main hotel.  Terrace Grill, La Playa’s full-service restaurant, prepares European cuisine sourced with fresh ingredients from the Salinas Valley and offers over 20 good wines by the glass.   Inside seating is defined by the resort’s mermaid theme and a collection of historical items as décor while al fresco dining with a distant ocean view is available seasonally.   La Playa is also the largest resort hotel in close proximity to Ocean Avenue, Carmel’s main shopping drag. 

Final word:  Though La Playa Hotel is not categorized as a luxury resort, its cottages are a solid high-end option.  They are the top accommodations within a full-service hotel that has a widely appealing location.  Larger cottages are ideal for multi-generational family trips, girlfriend getaways, and two or more couples enjoying a retreat.  Smaller cottages are great for couples and feature pullout couches to accommodate children. 

Other Advice:   Room service is not served after dark, so bring your own midnight snack.  Also, since only two of the cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces (two others feature gas), book early if this distinction matters to you.
 

Related Links:   

Leona's Ghost:  A Blog for the Discerning Luxury Traveler

Sponsorship Disclosure:  Portions of the stay used to evaluate this review were sponsored by La Playa Hotel and Cottages at Ms. Palacios' request.  No employment relationship exists between Kim Palacios and La Playa Carmel nor does any arrangement for Ms. Palacios to write favorably of this or any other venue mentioned herein.  Ms. Palacios independently chooses the destinations about which she writes, and reports her honest opinions with candor.