As I pulled into the driveway at The Hideaway Carmel, my dog’s tail started wagging. She could smell the salty sea air and knew that it was only a matter of time before we would be off and running free on Carmel Beach. It’s white sand, the same color as my dog, would greet us like an old familiar friend. That’s how I felt when I parked in front of The Hideaway because this bed and breakfast is an old friend to me. I knew this place when it was The Cobblestone Inn. Some of you who go way back, might know it when it originally debuted as The Hideaway. This boutique hotel has circled back to its roots with the recent take over by the PlumpJack Group. The PlumpJack portfolio started in the wine business in San Francisco’s Marina district and has quietly expanded into a lifestyle and luxury resort business. As I write about luxury and upscale hotels, I was pleased to see the Hideaway Carmel remodel.
The 24 room inn is situated ideally in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea and next to shopping at Carmel Plaza. You’ll never run out of places to eat or things to see and do in Carmel, but keep in mind that summer is high season when it comes to vacation planning. You might want to plan your visit during off peak travel time – November until the end of February.
Pet-friendly hotel
While it’s not required that you visit Carmel with a four-legged friend, you’ll fit right in if you do travel with your dog. Upon arrival, Nala was greeted with a couple of dog treats and shown to room #5, a pet-friendly king room on the first floor. Of the 24 rooms, four of them are dog-friendly. There is a $75 cleaning fee for one dog, $90 for two, and that includes dog bed and feeding dishes to use, as well as a couple of dog treats. Please note that you are not allowed to leave your pet unattended in the hotel room and dogs are not allowed in the indoor dining area.
Carmel activities for the adventure lover
For the active adventure lover, Carmel offers everything from golf to kayaking and horseback riding, in addition to a run on the beach. What captured my eye during this hotel stay was the mountain bikes parked in the courtyard. I was pleasantly surprised that The Hideaway offers the bikes for loan without an up charge. Yeah! Of course, I had my dog with me, so I’ll have to come back and take a spin around the village when I’m here for a girlfriend getaway!
Girlfriend getaway or romantic weekend
As I mentioned, this place would be fun for a getaway or romantic escape. As the property is owned by PlumpJack, they pour their own wines nightly from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. along with cheeses from Carmel Plaza, nuts, olives and crackers.
European breakfast
If you dined out the night prior, you’ll be able to sleep late and wake up to a leisurely morning breakfast. The European breakfast on my visit included meats and cheeses, huevos basil, breakfast potatoes, a huge bowl of fresh fruit, as well as yogurt, granola and, of course, juice and coffee. Read my insider tip below for what else is included on the weekend.
Need to know:
There is no resort fee at The Hideaway. Free wifi and mountain bikes are included during your stay. Rates range from $199 – $530 depending on the season or if special events such as Concours d’Elegance is in town. Check the website as I’m told they offer special rates often. Not having luck finding room at the Inn? Click here for midweek rate discounts at Carmel-By-the-Sea and look under “Exclusive Offers.”
Check in: 3:30 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Insider Tip: While most complimentary breakfasts consist of a Costco muffin and orange juice, The Hideaway offers mimosas on the weekend. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and follow @HideawayCarmel and @VisitCarmel for local tips.
If You Go:
The Hideaway (831) 625-5222
Junipero Street & 8th Avenue
Carmel, California 93923
Hotel review, all photography and YouTube video by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of The Hideaway, however all opinions are my own.