Bohemian cottage redoubt
White stucco cottages wrap around an open-air brick courtyard filled with terracotta planters and a stone fountain.
“the peaceful 20-room L’Auberge blends vintage flourishes … with modern comforts, such as updated flat-panel TVs, underfloor heating, and custom fabrics”
Where it shines
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in The 50 Discovery.
The hotel itself has a vintage feeling similar to a European chalet or cottage with the stucco exterior, brick courtyard and blooming plants...
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Village art galleries sit just up the street, and Carmel Beach is a four-block walk away.
The rooms
Rooms have French windows and heated travertine floors, and select categories add deep standalone soaking tubs.
Treatments
- Treatments
- In-room custom massage and aromatherapy treatments arranged through concierge.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Aubergine
Two-Michelin-starred Aubergine serves hyper-seasonal tasting menus across nine tables, with pairings from the subterranean wine cellar.
At the table
Guests gather in the brick courtyard for cooked-to-order breakfasts beneath climbing bougainvillea and string lights.
How it began
Built in 1929 as the Sundial Apartments, the complex originally housed artists and writers drawn to the coast.
Good to know
Stay here
L'Auberge Carmel
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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.