Downtown Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
Bohemian coastal revival
Sunlit ocean terraces give way to convivial parlor hours with afternoon sangria and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies every evening.
“La Playa’s 75 rooms and suites embrace natural light. Nearly half boast full or partial ocean views…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Interiors feature dark coffered wood ceilings, textured plaster, vintage furnishings, and custom barmoires with gold-plated tools.
Remarkable
Built in 1905 for Angela Ghirardelli, showcasing Spanish Colonial architecture and century-old bohemian Carmel lore.
Notable
Bud's bar hosts surprise ten-cent happy hours, Thursday vinyl DJ sessions, and weekly live jazz.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
After a thorough renovation La Playa is at heart a luxurious modern hotel, but one that remains true to the aesthetics and inspiration of its founding.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set in Carmel's quiet Golden Rectangle, the estate is two blocks from the sands of Carmel Beach and village galleries.
The rooms
Sunlit rooms pair cream linens and plaster shell pendants with custom bar cabinets and star-and-cross tiled bathrooms.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor pool is heated to 80 degrees, set among trimmed hedges and striped sun loungers.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Bud's
Dark wood paneling and leather booths fill this historic lounge, where an unannounced bell signals ten-cent drinks.
At the table
Champagne breakfast buffets are laid out each morning on the garden terrace overlooking Carmel Bay.
How it began
Steve Jobs famously unveiled the first working Apple Macintosh prototype here in 1983 during an internal company retreat.
Good to know
Stay here
La Playa Hotel
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.