Travel Shop
Merch
Travel Tips
Photography
Points & Miles
Credit Cards
The Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur area is one of my favorite getaways in California and one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. So I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel.
Plan An Epic Trip To Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur
From cliffside retreats and glamping sites to luxury ranches and chateaux, I’ve got the perfect hotel for you.
Here are the best hotels in Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel!
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
This Carmel Valley resort has the star-rated Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a wellness spa, an outdoor heated pool, a full-service beauty salon, two tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a bocce court. You’ll be welcomed with a gourmet snack basket, fruit bowl, fresh roses, and a complimentary “wine grotto” mini-bar with Bernardus wines.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Hotel & Spa gives you of , a full-service spa, and a private beach. This hotel is just steps from a ten-minute walk from the
Carmel Valley Ranch
This all-suite countryside resort is located on 500 acres in Carmel. Every suite has a fireplace, kitchenette, private deck, and a luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub. The resort has a golf course, full-service spa, nine tennis courts, two outdoor pools, a gym, hot tubs, and scenic hiking trails.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
This hotel has everything you could want – heated a , two hot tubs, a spa, a business center, a gym, a full-service tennis facility, a bar, a restaurant, and universal car charging stations. Plus, each spacious room has a seating area and work desk to give you a multi-functional space.
Portola Hotel & Spa
You’ll love this LEED® Certified eco-hotel. The Portola has a fabulous on-site spa, and its waterfront location makes it the perfect home base for exploring the area. Plus, your furry friends can stay with you here.
The Hideaway
Located just a short walk from Carmel Beach, this 24-room boutique hotel is full of charm and character. You’ll love the location, craftsman-style architecture, fireplaces, cozy rooms, terrace, courtyard, and 24-hour front desk.
L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux
Built in 1929, this European-inspired château is the perfect combination of old-world charm and modern amenities. The hotel offers in-room massages and spa services, and there’s an on-site gourmet restaurant. You’ll be a short walk from the famous Carmel Beach and just a short drive from the Pebble Beach Golf Course and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
Located on a hillside overlooking Big Sur’s beautiful Pacific coastline, Ventana Inn & Spa is an adults-only resort located on 160 secluded acres. You can stay in glamping tents or more traditional hotel rooms. The property has two heated pools adjoined by a Japanese hot bath, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness center, complimentary yoga classes, guided property tours, and afternoon wine tastings.
Shop My Travel Essentials
What do you think are the best Hotels in Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel? Share with us in the comments!
Recommended Tours in Monterey
Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
-
The Best Hotels in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Carmel and Big Sur?
The top things to do in Carmel are visiting Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue, exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, touring the Carmel Mission, and seeing The Fairy-Tale Cottages.
My top activity recommendations for Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
How do you get to Big Sur from Monterey?
Big Sur is about 50 minutes south of Monterey. It’s easy to drive between these two destinations because there’s a direct route along the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1).
What things should I do in the Monterey/Carmel area?
The best things to do in Monterey are driving the 17-Mile Drive (my favorite photo stop is the China Rock Vista Point), visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, tasting your way along the River Road Wine Trail, walking the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (which includes Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf).
I also highly recommend kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay, whale watching (if it’s in-season), playing a round of golf, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
What are the best things to see in Big Sur?
My top activity recommendations for Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
Other top things to do in Big Sur are hiking to Ragged Point, visiting Limekiln State Park, exploring Garrapata State Park, visiting Point Sur State Historic Park, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
Should I stay in Carmel by the Sea or Big Sur?
Both of these seaside destinations are stunning! Carmel has lots of restaurants, easy-to-access beaches, shopping, and accommodation. If you want to be near civilization, you’ll want to stay in Carmel and visit Big Sur as day trips.
Big Sur is remote, with only a few accommodations and restaurants options. So if you want to stay in a more remote wilderness destination to focus on outdoor activities, you should stay in Big Sur and visit Carmel as a day trip.
Where is Big Sur in relation to Carmel?
Big Sur is only about 25 miles south of Carmel, and it’s easy to drive between these two destinations on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1).
What is there to see between Carmel and Big Sur?
Driving between Carmel and Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway is stunning! You can stop at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe Restaurant, McWay Falls, Big Creek Bridge, and Limekiln State Park.
What should you not miss in Big Sur?
The best things to do in Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
If you have more time, then I also recommend hiking to Ragged Point, visiting Limekiln State Park, exploring Garrapata State Park, visiting Point Sur State Historic Park, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST
PIN THESE HOTELS!
This article about the best hotels in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about the best hotels in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmelr are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
