This hotel is aesthetically pleasing with the recent renovations. It is such a vibe that you'll love being there. The breakfast was amazing, there are coffee, mimosas, OJ, mimosas, GF muffins, potato dish, chia seed yogurt, other yogurts, fresh fruits, salsa, avocado wrapped eggs, 3 kinds of breads, butter, croissants...etc. There are to be made waffles and omelets, outside the buffet breakfast. There are two sitting area but I think if it gets packed you can move to the Garden Room. There are fireplaces lit up during the day and night for chilly areas. I couldn't believe there was a fresh fruit bowl in the lobby area. Initially I thought it was a decor; there were grapes, mandarins, oranges, and green apples. I couldn't resist and took two mandarins, I wasn't sure if I could take it. XD The con is having to ask for the WiFi information and parking. I didn't know where the parking was because it was in the back and had forgotten to ask. There's no map available for breakfast, you just follow everyone and the smell. Overall, I would definitely stay again in the future. Don't forget about the late night cookies starting at 7:30 pm-9pm. I think you can take as many as you'd like.
Kay M.
I can't pick the right adjectives...let's go with, quaint, beautiful (gardens, building, interior) with an abundance of friendly staff everywhere. Feels like a charming Mediterranean getaway fitting the European feel of wonderful Carmel by the Sea. Spent a rainy weekend celebrating our 30th anniversary at the place we got married. The front desk staff made us feel welcomed, management had upgraded our room to the same suite we stayed in on our wedding night (how freaking nice was that!?!?!) and had a bottle of champagne on ice and a fruit basket ready in our room. The rain would have been a bummer if we weren't at La Playa! The covered and heated outdoor patio overlooking the gardens at Bud's was a great place to eat, drink and just be at peace. Oh and the afternoon free Sangria bar and evening chocolate chip cookies (to die for cookies btw) were very nice..especially in Carmel where the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes staying put is the best option. 6/5* and we'll celebrate our anniversary at La Playa again! Oh! And the included breakfast buffet at Bud's was luxurious, unique in selection and the best included hotel breakfast we've ever experienced! Definitely don't sleep in and miss breakfasts at La Playa!
Alison M.
Went to La Playa to celebrate my 61st birthday. I had celebrated my 21st birthday there, having my first ever martini. I also worked at La Playa as a Pastry Chef in the '90's. The music was wonderful. The other guests were great, but I have never felt so uncelebrated at any other establishment as I did at the La Playa Hotel. I had such great memories of being there in the past as both a guest and employee. If I were to use one word to sum up my experience at Bud's, it would be regretful. Will not return.
Isabelle Giguere
Excellent cocktails at the Playa hotel. Old school vibe, we loved it for an after dinner drink!
Lester M.
We spent three great nights here. Friendly staff. Rooms recently updated and the beds super comfy Breakfast is included. Delicious breakfast buffet. Lots of yummy choices. A free glass of wine in the late afternoon and delicious chocolate chip cookies at bedtime. Very nice, close to downtown Carmel and the beach. They have a free house car to take you and pick you up after dinner Only one small glitch was the food at the bar, Buds, was subpar from the rest of the hotel Give this place a try. It's great
Kate S.
Lovely hotel great service, nice views, warm pool, excellent breakfast. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star review is that they have the history of the hotel wrong. It says that the original owner Angela Ghirardelli Christensen died swimming off the coast of Carmel but it was her niece Alida Ghirardelli . They need to update their staff and take down the photo in the hallway that says Angela died tragically. She in fact lived into her 70's... they are perpetuating wrong information.
Chimmy C.
I had a very poor experience staying at this hotel. The property is close to beach and well designed but it is difficult to recommend this place. First off all the parking is a disaster and it is impossible to find anything close by near the hotel. At check in - I had to ask for different things like internet access, hotel amenities etc. The worst part is restaurant service - the service at the evening restaurant is very poor. The service is non existent here and the bar staff is very rude. Seeing all the negative reviews of the restaurant staff it is clear that the hotel management has no interest in fixing this. I will not return here or recommend this hotel to my friends
John H.
The La Playa Hotel is the old grand Dame of Carmel. It is undergone many remodels and upgrades over its 110 year history. The service here is exceptional, the hotel rooms are beautiful, and the little pluses that are included are fantastic. Don't be put off by its location because it's perfect. Lying between the beach and the village is a wonderful location. Their resort fee include so much it's amazing everything from a complementary brunch after your stay to a car service into the village for dinner. A friendly and very knowledgeable staff about the history of the hotel but also that of Carmel itself. We were delighted to stay there this time and look forward to our return visit. Thank you to Kathleen, Don, and the rest of the staff for making us feel so welcome on this special getaway.
Diane R.
The ambiance is lovely but the bar waitress and bartender are terrible. After waiting a long time in the bar area we went and got our own drinks to the bar area. We asked for some appetizers and the bar waitress reacted like we were bothering her. Great place but needs new friendly help.
Colleen B.
We just spent a long weekend with friends. The hotel is lovely, beautifully appointed and very large with human-sized chess game, pool, gorgeous grounds and views. Easy to walk to/from Ocean Avenue for shopping and dinner. They offer a champagne welcome each afternoon. A full, lovely breakfast is included each morning. Omelet station, waffles, French Toast, meats and cheeses, cereals, eggs, fruit and a fantastic assortment of breads/pastries. The rooms are very comfortable. We loved it. A couple of downsides: it's Winter and lobby doors and other outside doors were kept open all day and it was very chilly inside. There is one desk clerk we found a bit snarky and condescending. And on NYE when we returned from dinner a man asked why we were there and we said we were hotel guests. It was crowded for a jazz combo in the bar and perhaps he was rushing to get everyone settled for midnight fun. But it was off-putting to be treated so gruffly. He made up for it by bringing us champagne. The bar had great cocktails and is a fun place to sit for a nice drink and conversation. We definitely will return again, but perhaps in September when Indian Summer hits. It was way too icy inside all the public areas.
Do not go if the bartender with tattoos is working. Aguyar is his name I think. he's rude and obnoxious and picks up glasses by the rims, spreading germs. This is very dangerous as sick people still go out and if he doesn't wash his hands other people will get sick, really sick. his behavior at New Years eve was the worst I have seen in years, pushing passed people and telling them to move without asking politely if he can get by. Its a shame as I like this hotel and the bar scene. My wife and I will not be back
Lisa S.
I am mixed on the review of this beautiful resort hotel. It's a gorgeous property and a great place for a wedding or any other event. I've been there twice in the last two weeks for events. The first time dinner was in the bar, good food but found a spray aerosol cap in our food. The second time a hair in the desert. Probably won't go back. The staff is very polite, professional, and friendly. Beautifully manicured and very kept up overall. Bathrooms are clean.
Lisa V.
The LaPlaya Carmel is established elegance. The staff and the guests, which you will encounter are all aware of how to act accordingly in an establishment such as The LaPlaya. The rooms are elegant. The view of the beautiful ocean and grounds of the LaPlaya are spectacular while still quaint. The places of gathering - such as the breakfast area, bar area, and pool are all wonderful and whomever you encounter there is also wonderful. Everyone is generously well behaved, so that you can enjoy your stay. The LaPlaya Carmel - is a high-end establishment. Sophisticated guests. Sophisticated staff. Your every whim is catered to with a GENUINE smile. The LaPlaya Carmel is truly ENCHANTING especially at night. Quiet, Enchanting, elegant sophisticated. Without pretension. You will feel that you are visiting and leaving acquaintances whom truly care. The staff is beyond any staff that I have ever encountered. I've been to many many resorts and high-end establishments - The LaPlaya Carmel is the best! The pet friendly and accommodating attitude towards our fur babies is amazing! If you want an experience that you will remember for many many years to come - run, don't walk to the LaPlaya Carmel.
JAMES MURPHY
Very cozy old school bar. James maybe the best bartender you will ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Manuel Navedo
The bottom line, GO! The room is nicely decorated with perfect lighting and plenty of space. They serve food and you may need it ;) why? The cocktails are AMAZING! The bartender knows exactly what he is doing. The Old Fashioned, Lemon Drop, Bees Knees, and Hemingway were all done to perfection. I wish I had been staying there to enjoy a few more. This is a must go place when in Carmel. Highly recommended.
This hotel is aesthetically pleasing with the recent renovations. It is such a vibe that you'll love being there. The breakfast was amazing, there are coffee, mimosas, OJ, mimosas, GF muffins, potato dish, chia seed yogurt, other yogurts, fresh fruits, salsa, avocado wrapped eggs, 3 kinds of breads, butter, croissants...etc. There are to be made waffles and omelets, outside the buffet breakfast. There are two sitting area but I think if it gets packed you can move to the Garden Room. There are fireplaces lit up during the day and night for chilly areas. I couldn't believe there was a fresh fruit bowl in the lobby area. Initially I thought it was a decor; there were grapes, mandarins, oranges, and green apples. I couldn't resist and took two mandarins, I wasn't sure if I could take it. XD The con is having to ask for the WiFi information and parking. I didn't know where the parking was because it was in the back and had forgotten to ask. There's no map available for breakfast, you just follow everyone and the smell. Overall, I would definitely stay again in the future. Don't forget about the late night cookies starting at 7:30 pm-9pm. I think you can take as many as you'd like.
I can't pick the right adjectives...let's go with, quaint, beautiful (gardens, building, interior) with an abundance of friendly staff everywhere. Feels like a charming Mediterranean getaway fitting the European feel of wonderful Carmel by the Sea. Spent a rainy weekend celebrating our 30th anniversary at the place we got married. The front desk staff made us feel welcomed, management had upgraded our room to the same suite we stayed in on our wedding night (how freaking nice was that!?!?!) and had a bottle of champagne on ice and a fruit basket ready in our room. The rain would have been a bummer if we weren't at La Playa! The covered and heated outdoor patio overlooking the gardens at Bud's was a great place to eat, drink and just be at peace. Oh and the afternoon free Sangria bar and evening chocolate chip cookies (to die for cookies btw) were very nice..especially in Carmel where the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes staying put is the best option. 6/5* and we'll celebrate our anniversary at La Playa again! Oh! And the included breakfast buffet at Bud's was luxurious, unique in selection and the best included hotel breakfast we've ever experienced! Definitely don't sleep in and miss breakfasts at La Playa!
Went to La Playa to celebrate my 61st birthday. I had celebrated my 21st birthday there, having my first ever martini. I also worked at La Playa as a Pastry Chef in the '90's. The music was wonderful. The other guests were great, but I have never felt so uncelebrated at any other establishment as I did at the La Playa Hotel. I had such great memories of being there in the past as both a guest and employee. If I were to use one word to sum up my experience at Bud's, it would be regretful. Will not return.
Excellent cocktails at the Playa hotel. Old school vibe, we loved it for an after dinner drink!
We spent three great nights here. Friendly staff. Rooms recently updated and the beds super comfy Breakfast is included. Delicious breakfast buffet. Lots of yummy choices. A free glass of wine in the late afternoon and delicious chocolate chip cookies at bedtime. Very nice, close to downtown Carmel and the beach. They have a free house car to take you and pick you up after dinner Only one small glitch was the food at the bar, Buds, was subpar from the rest of the hotel Give this place a try. It's great
Lovely hotel great service, nice views, warm pool, excellent breakfast. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star review is that they have the history of the hotel wrong. It says that the original owner Angela Ghirardelli Christensen died swimming off the coast of Carmel but it was her niece Alida Ghirardelli . They need to update their staff and take down the photo in the hallway that says Angela died tragically. She in fact lived into her 70's... they are perpetuating wrong information.
I had a very poor experience staying at this hotel. The property is close to beach and well designed but it is difficult to recommend this place. First off all the parking is a disaster and it is impossible to find anything close by near the hotel. At check in - I had to ask for different things like internet access, hotel amenities etc. The worst part is restaurant service - the service at the evening restaurant is very poor. The service is non existent here and the bar staff is very rude. Seeing all the negative reviews of the restaurant staff it is clear that the hotel management has no interest in fixing this. I will not return here or recommend this hotel to my friends
The La Playa Hotel is the old grand Dame of Carmel. It is undergone many remodels and upgrades over its 110 year history. The service here is exceptional, the hotel rooms are beautiful, and the little pluses that are included are fantastic. Don't be put off by its location because it's perfect. Lying between the beach and the village is a wonderful location. Their resort fee include so much it's amazing everything from a complementary brunch after your stay to a car service into the village for dinner. A friendly and very knowledgeable staff about the history of the hotel but also that of Carmel itself. We were delighted to stay there this time and look forward to our return visit. Thank you to Kathleen, Don, and the rest of the staff for making us feel so welcome on this special getaway.
The ambiance is lovely but the bar waitress and bartender are terrible. After waiting a long time in the bar area we went and got our own drinks to the bar area. We asked for some appetizers and the bar waitress reacted like we were bothering her. Great place but needs new friendly help.
We just spent a long weekend with friends. The hotel is lovely, beautifully appointed and very large with human-sized chess game, pool, gorgeous grounds and views. Easy to walk to/from Ocean Avenue for shopping and dinner. They offer a champagne welcome each afternoon. A full, lovely breakfast is included each morning. Omelet station, waffles, French Toast, meats and cheeses, cereals, eggs, fruit and a fantastic assortment of breads/pastries. The rooms are very comfortable. We loved it. A couple of downsides: it's Winter and lobby doors and other outside doors were kept open all day and it was very chilly inside. There is one desk clerk we found a bit snarky and condescending. And on NYE when we returned from dinner a man asked why we were there and we said we were hotel guests. It was crowded for a jazz combo in the bar and perhaps he was rushing to get everyone settled for midnight fun. But it was off-putting to be treated so gruffly. He made up for it by bringing us champagne. The bar had great cocktails and is a fun place to sit for a nice drink and conversation. We definitely will return again, but perhaps in September when Indian Summer hits. It was way too icy inside all the public areas.
Restaurantji Recommends
Do not go if the bartender with tattoos is working. Aguyar is his name I think. he's rude and obnoxious and picks up glasses by the rims, spreading germs. This is very dangerous as sick people still go out and if he doesn't wash his hands other people will get sick, really sick. his behavior at New Years eve was the worst I have seen in years, pushing passed people and telling them to move without asking politely if he can get by. Its a shame as I like this hotel and the bar scene. My wife and I will not be back
I am mixed on the review of this beautiful resort hotel. It's a gorgeous property and a great place for a wedding or any other event. I've been there twice in the last two weeks for events. The first time dinner was in the bar, good food but found a spray aerosol cap in our food. The second time a hair in the desert. Probably won't go back. The staff is very polite, professional, and friendly. Beautifully manicured and very kept up overall. Bathrooms are clean.
The LaPlaya Carmel is established elegance. The staff and the guests, which you will encounter are all aware of how to act accordingly in an establishment such as The LaPlaya. The rooms are elegant. The view of the beautiful ocean and grounds of the LaPlaya are spectacular while still quaint. The places of gathering - such as the breakfast area, bar area, and pool are all wonderful and whomever you encounter there is also wonderful. Everyone is generously well behaved, so that you can enjoy your stay. The LaPlaya Carmel - is a high-end establishment. Sophisticated guests. Sophisticated staff. Your every whim is catered to with a GENUINE smile. The LaPlaya Carmel is truly ENCHANTING especially at night. Quiet, Enchanting, elegant sophisticated. Without pretension. You will feel that you are visiting and leaving acquaintances whom truly care. The staff is beyond any staff that I have ever encountered. I've been to many many resorts and high-end establishments - The LaPlaya Carmel is the best! The pet friendly and accommodating attitude towards our fur babies is amazing! If you want an experience that you will remember for many many years to come - run, don't walk to the LaPlaya Carmel.
Very cozy old school bar. James maybe the best bartender you will ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The bottom line, GO! The room is nicely decorated with perfect lighting and plenty of space. They serve food and you may need it ;) why? The cocktails are AMAZING! The bartender knows exactly what he is doing. The Old Fashioned, Lemon Drop, Bees Knees, and Hemingway were all done to perfection. I wish I had been staying there to enjoy a few more. This is a must go place when in Carmel. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5