Pine Inn
Elegant 1889 hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering historic charm and a prime location steps from the beach and shops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Pine Inn
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant 1889 hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering historic charm and a prime location steps from the beach and shops.
"The Pine Inn boasts a perfect location and historic charm, making it a cozy base for exploring Carmel."
🎯 Request Ground Floor Room
No elevators! Ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are a concern . :arrow_down:
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Prime location means beach, shops, and dining are steps away. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ambiance
Step back in time in this 1889 hotel, Carmel's first. Experience timeless beauty and a cozy atmosphere.
Prime Ocean Avenue Location
Walk to Carmel Beach, boutique shops, and renowned restaurants right from your doorstep.
Il Fornaio Italian Restaurant
Savor authentic Italian cuisine with ocean views at the hotel's attached restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm, Pack Light
Location is Key, Book Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Request Ground Floor Room
No elevators! Ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are a concern. :arrow_down:
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Prime location means beach, shops, and dining are steps away. :walking:
☕ Grab Coffee Next Door
The cafe adjacent to the lobby offers great coffee. :coffee:
🤫 Be Prepared for Noise
Historic building means potential noise from pipes or events. Bring earplugs or a sound machine. :zzz:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Request Ground Floor Room
No elevators! Ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are a concern. :arrow_down:
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Prime location means beach, shops, and dining are steps away. :walking:
☕ Grab Coffee Next Door
The cafe adjacent to the lobby offers great coffee. :coffee:
🤫 Be Prepared for Noise
Historic building means potential noise from pipes or events. Bring earplugs or a sound machine. :zzz:
🚗 Guest Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary guest parking, a big plus in Carmel. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests appreciate the Pine Inn's unbeatable location in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its historic, charming ambiance. However, some find the rooms to be quite small, and the lack of elevators can be an inconvenience. Potential noise from events and occasional maintenance issues are also noted.
"One and Done!
This Inn may appear quaint and nostalgic online, but don’t be fooled. We were informed that our bags would be taken to our rooms once they were ready after leaving them in storage until check-in. When we returned to check in, I asked twice for assistance in bringing our suitcases up three flights of stairs. Jason at the front desk replied, "It looks like you’ve got it," and he was serious.
There are no elevators, and if you're not on the first floor, you better be in excellent shape. At 76 years old, even if you're strong and healthy, carrying 40-pound suitcases up three flights of stairs is simply not feasible for us. The vintage appearance of the lobby is purely for aesthetics.
There are signs all over the tables warning against bringing drinks or food inside, making it just a waiting area. The room itself is incredibly small; we struggled to find space to open our suitcases. I placed mine in the closet on a luggage rack, but I couldn't close the doors around it, resulting in an automatic light that remains on when the doors are open.
Additionally, the room had an unpleasant odor of urine and mildew. I'll attach pictures of the partial ocean view. The only positive remark I can make is that it’s affordable."
Debbi Blankenship
"Overall this is a wonderful cute boutique hotel with excellent customer service and complimentary guest parking. It's located in the heart of the shopping area and also a short walk to the beach. The rooms are very small, maybe 350sqft, but the beds are super comfy. The shower/tub is a bit outdated, but stronger water pressure and lots of hot water! The cafe next to the lobby actually has really good coffee! I would definitely stay here again, especially for a weekend getaway!"
Danielle Sydnor
"It's cute and good location but here's some things that might be helpful to know:
old building (quaint and original but heating pipes knock and are very loud)
attached restaurant (convenient but not great food)
clean room
if the booking details says sleeps x amount, call and ask. my room said it would sleep 3 people but it only slept 2.
there was a text line you could text questions to but they answered one question and then ignored my other question, so that was helpful.
The water bottles in the room were open when we got there so we couldn't drink them.
We had the do not disturb sign on and a maintenance guy walked right in on us while we were in our room.
the wifi didn't work the second day"
Essie Kozycz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea is approximately five hours. You can take US-101 North and then CA-1 North. Once in Carmel, the Pine Inn is centrally located on Ocean Avenue.
Yes, the Pine Inn offers complimentary guest parking, which is a significant advantage in the popular town of Carmel.
The Pine Inn's location on Ocean Avenue is ideal for exploring on foot. Most attractions, including the beach, shops, and restaurants, are within walking distance.
While not as extensive as in larger cities, local bus services do operate in the Monterey Peninsula area. However, given the Pine Inn's walkability, you may not need them often.
The Pine Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a short drive from Monterey, typically about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. This makes it a convenient base for exploring both areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Pine Inn is a hotel, so you need to book a room reservation rather than purchasing tickets for entry. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Standard check-in times are typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM) and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11 AM). It's always best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly when booking.
Generally, you need to be at least 18 or 21 years old to book a hotel room, depending on the hotel's policy. Please verify with the Pine Inn for their specific requirements.
Some reviews mention signs warning against bringing outside food and drinks into common areas. It's best to consume them in your room or designated dining areas.
No, the Pine Inn is a historic building and does not have elevators. Guests needing to avoid stairs should request a ground-floor room.
🎫 🛏️ Onsite Experience
Rooms at the Pine Inn are described as charming and cozy, reflecting the hotel's historic nature. Some guests note they can be quite small, so managing luggage might require planning.
According to guest feedback, the Pine Inn does not have air conditioning. Guests may need to rely on opening windows, which can sometimes lead to noise from events.
Information regarding pet policies can vary. It's recommended to contact the Pine Inn directly to inquire about their specific pet-friendly accommodations and any associated fees.
Amenities include period-style rooms, an Italian restaurant (Il Fornaio), and complimentary guest parking. Some rooms may offer partial ocean views.
Wi-Fi service can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting issues with connectivity. It's advisable to have a backup plan if reliable internet is crucial for your stay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Pine Inn features Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant and bakery, which is conveniently attached to the lobby and offers ocean views.
Reviews for Il Fornaio are mixed. While some find it convenient and decent, others suggest exploring other dining options in Carmel for a better culinary experience.
Absolutely! The Pine Inn is in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, surrounded by numerous highly-rated restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from seafood to casual American fare.
Yes, the attached cafe/restaurant often serves breakfast, and guests have praised the coffee and options like chilaquiles and avocado toast.
For excellent seafood, consider restaurants like Yafa (known for lamb chops and chicken skewers, but often has seafood specials) or explore local favorites in Carmel-by-the-Sea known for fresh catches.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pine Inn itself offers charming architectural details. Just steps away, Carmel Beach provides stunning coastal vistas, and the picturesque streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea are perfect for capturing the town's unique charm.
Point Lobos, a short drive from the Pine Inn, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and abundant wildlife, making it a photographer's paradise.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography in Carmel. The soft light enhances the town's quaint architecture and the natural beauty of the coastline.
Yes, the historic interiors of the Pine Inn, with their period-style decor, offer excellent opportunities for interior photography. Be mindful of other guests and hotel policies.
Locals often recommend capturing the unique Dutch-style doors of some rooms, the charming courtyards, and the picturesque streetscapes of Carmel-by-the-Sea, especially along Ocean Avenue.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Anniversary Trips
Its location is perfect for leisurely strolls along Ocean Avenue and down to the picturesque Carmel Beach, especially for enjoying a bottle of wine at sunset.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of the Pine Inn
This rich history is evident in its period-style rooms and the overall timeless beauty that permeates the property. While it has been updated, it retains its boutique charm, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere that many guests find appealing. The architecture itself is a draw, with unique features like Dutch-style doors adding to its character.However, this historic nature also means certain accommodations. The building lacks elevators, so guests on upper floors will need to navigate stairs, which can be challenging with luggage.
Exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea from the Pine Inn
This means everything is within walking distance: boutique shops, art galleries, charming cafes, and a variety of restaurants.Beyond the immediate vicinity, the Pine Inn serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Monterey Peninsula. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called the 'crown jewel' of California's parks, is a short drive away and offers breathtaking coastal hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Dining at and Around the Pine Inn
While some guests find it a decent choice for a meal, reviews suggest that the culinary experience can be mixed, with some preferring to explore other local eateries.Carmel-by-the-Sea itself is a foodie's delight, and the Pine Inn's central location means a plethora of dining choices are just steps away. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, visitors can find everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.
Social
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