Coastal courtyard cove
Native limestone walls, trickling fountains, and crackling gas fire pits shape an open-air garden courtyard built for slow evenings.
Where it shines
Notable
Hardwood floors, raffia textures, and courtyard gardens framed by dolomitic limestone fountains.
Notable
Welcome champagne, plush bathrobes, and marble bathrooms equipped with walk-in showers.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the Stilwell is modern and minimalist, its interiors outfitted in neutral tones and sophisticated but down-to-earth decor.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Stroll along San Carlos Street to reach village tasting rooms and independent boutiques, with white-sand Carmel Beach just down Ocean Avenue.
The rooms
Hardwood floors and raffia accents set a calm tone, while select suites add deep soaking tubs, private balconies, and gas fireplaces.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Continental breakfast starts the morning in the sunlit lounge, followed by evening charcuterie and local wines.
The stylish new 42-room Stilwell Hotel opened downtown last spring, and the hospitality outfit Palisociety, which operates properties all over the country, recently refurbished two older inns
How it began
The Stilwell family transformed the former Carmel Lodge site into a contemporary hideaway inspired by decades operating the nearby Tradewinds Inn.
Good to know
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Stilwell 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.