TRAVEL: A Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea

*I was hosted at Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea in exchange for media coverage. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Right before the holidays, I got the chance to spend some time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California for the very 1st time. It was my 3rd time being in Cali, first and second times being in Ojai and Indio/Palm Springs for Coachella. I dreamt of my 3rd time being spent in L.A., but for some reason, I felt this was way more than I would have ever enjoyed L.A. There’s just something about Carmel that just feels right. For the record, I’m not the biggest beach person, but the clean air and health conscious environment is what sold me on this gorgeous ocean town and we stayed at the most adorable boutique hotel, Hofsas House!

I must say Carmel has one of the cleanest beaches I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen quite a few. Even in the chilly air, it was so nice to be out there. The air was clean and my allergies didn’t act up one bit as they usually do when I’m at home, or traveling to certain places. I can also tell Carmel is environmentally conscious, by simply walking on the sidewalk. Typically I’d think of eating anything off the ground as being gross, but if I dropped a piece of candy, I’d seriously do the 3 second rule and pick it up and eat it. The ground is that clean y’all. You’d just have to visit to believe it!

During our weekend getaway to Carmel, we stayed at the lovely Hofsas House. It is a family owned property and that’s obvious with the staff, even though they aren’t all related. They treat each other like family, as they do their guests. I felt right at home with the warm welcomes and hospitality!

With your stay, you can enjoy a continental breakfast every morning with French Roast coffee, tea, fresh pastries delivered from a local bakery, juice and fruit, as well as a cute lobby to enjoy it in. You won’t get to enjoy the holiday decorations year round though. I just got lucky! 😆

Hofsas House has 38 uniquely decorated and spacious rooms, many with ocean views. We happened to stay in one of those which you’ll see below! I personally love the color scheme of the property. It’s so cute and Instagram worthy. It’s a nice change from the sometimes drab colors we tend to see in larger chain hotels. I certainly felt like a princess on vacation!

We stayed in a King Room on the 2nd floor with a fireplace and kitchenette. The room had just the right amount of space and was super cozy! The furniture definitely helped to make it feel more like home. It had the cutest vanity dresser, where you could do your makeup or simply use to get dressed and store your belongings!

Very few hotels have microwaves in the rooms these days and if they have them at all, you have to request one from the front desk, where they aren’t always available. Having one in the room was such a convenience!

The pool is accessible year round as well, as it’s heated!

FOOD

Katy’s Place – Brunch

Lugano Bistro – Dinner

At Lugano Swiss Bistro, Keshaun and I got to experience Swiss fine dining for the first time. We had the most amazing time and dinner, trying the salmon dish, which was wild-caught. We both devoured it, wishing we had seconds haha!

We pretty much spent our weekend eating, walking the beach and exploring the town. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walk-friendly town and it’s super easy to get around on foot, or by car. I will say that parking is limited in certain areas though, so keep that in mind.

Carmel is such a romantic town and I am so glad I brought Keshaun there and not just a friend as I usually do when I travel. It made it that much more special. However, I do feel the activities you choose can have an effect on what company you should bring when you travel here, so I definitely feel something like a girl’s trip is also doable. Hofsas House also has a spacious room for large groups which can accommodate weddings, company meetings, family reunions and more. It has a fireplace, full kitchen and can comfortably accommodate 40 people.

Carmel really reminded me of home…home as in Louisiana, home as in the small town I grew up in. The main differences was Carmel being a bit larger, having gorgeous beaches, more diversity in food and people, and beautiful architecture and art. It’s a place I actually wouldn’t mind living. I grew up in a small town, love the city and craziness and I feel Carmel is the best of both worlds for me. I highly recommend a visit if you’ve never been to Cali, or you’re looking for a new place to go. If I had a choice between Carmel and L.A., I’d choose Carmel again and stay longer than I did this time. I love it just that much.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you’re there, look no further than Hofsas House. It was the best decision we could have made in a hotel stay and they were so helpful in offering suggestions of what to do during our stay!