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| The grounds at the Old Monterey Inn |
The
Monterey Peninsula attracts millions of visitors every year. But most people
never fully flesh out their experiences by staying in a lodging that is as
unique to Monterey as all the other reasons people come here. To many
travelers, a hotel or motel is the least of their considerations, but staying
at the right place, one which is indicative of exactly where you are, can
enhance your entire trip. These three properties; in Monterey, Pacific Grove
and Carmel, will get you grounded in the local while making your stay in
Monterey memorable.
Monterey
The
Old Monterey Inn is set on an acre
and a quarter is the only English Tudor B&B in Monterey. The lush gardens
have a European sensibility with proper hedges, mature trees and thick vines
clinging to the entrance of this beautiful Tudor property. It's fitting I stayed
in the library room (I’m a writer, so…ya know) and this was the home of the
first mayor of Monterey, built in
1929. Local wines and cheese are put out every afternoon, and there's always
tawny port in the parlor (we like this idea).
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| The formal dining room at the Old Monterey Inn |
A refrigerator holds free water
and juices and breakfast is served at 9 a.m. in the communal formal dining room (I love this room),
or in the garden when the weather is nice, or in your room if you want privacy.
Even though this is a small oasis you're an easy 12-minute walk from downtown
Monterey. Since The Inn was built as an actual residence and not a replicated
lodging, you get a great continuation of history with coffered ceilings, spacious rooms and detailed hand carved woodwork
– all the while knowing than families lived here for decades. The mayor's wife
traveled extensively in Europe hence the English Tudor feel and this is a
delightful spot, perfect for a romantic getaway. The rooms are large with
comfortable beds, hot tubs and carpeting throughout which adds to the quiet
atmosphere. Choose from over 100 DVDs to watch in your room as you lounge in a
large Jacuzzi tub. (800/350-2344 - OLD MONTEREY INN
Pacific
Grove
The Martine Inn is certainly the most
eclectic lodging you'll find on the entire Peninsula. There are 5 vintage MGs on the property, courtesy
of Don Martine an avid collector, restorer of old cars, and racing fanatic, not
to mention super nice guy and a wealth of Monterey history. The interior courtyard
contains a pool table, ping pong, board games, real wood burning fireplaces (an
increasing rarity on the peninsula). Originally this was the 3-story Victorian
home of a wealthy pharmaceutical owner
who seemed to need to keep changing the property to suit their tastes and keep
up with the latest design trends. The façade keep being reinvented, but now it’s
unique looking precisely because it’s so undefinable. Scheduled for demolition
Don Martine bought it in 1972 and today it's fun, funky and every room is
different with a collection of wood antiques ranging rom English to Asian to Deco.
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| The exterior of the Martine Inn |
Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 in the
mornings and you’re directly facing the Monterey Bay from the second story -
the proper way to enjoy coffee and breakfast. Wine and snacks come out in the
evenings. The property was walled-in during the 1920s when that was the design
fad so there’s a lot of seclusion. The interior courtyard was once home to
three koi ponds when the original owners visited Japan and wanted to relive
that experience. When one of their kids almost drowned they removed two of the
three ponds (why not all three, you ask? No one knows) but you can still enjoy
part of the orient, as well as a variety of eras in this smorgasbord B&B. It’s
located across the street from the ocean and the extensive walking path which
runs the length of the south part of the Bay, so you have incredible access to
the ocean, and it’s a only a few blocks to downtown Pacific Grove. (800/852-5588 - MARTINE INN)
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| Buddha watches at Tradewinds |
Carmel
Tradewinds Carmel is a pet-friendly spot, unlike anything else
in Carmel, or Monterey for that matter. Featured in Architectural Digest, the
28 rooms, most of which have fireplaces and ocean views, have a unique fusion
of Asian, Balinese and tropical design. Since uch of Carmel is cute Hansel
& Gretel style, Tradewinds stands out as atypical. The original owner lived
in Japan hence the Asian theme. Now his daughter continues the theme with
beautifully appointed Asian inspired décor including Egyptian cotton linens, down pillows and featherbeds, orchids in
every room and instead of standard white cotton robes, you have kimono robes. A continental breakfast
is served 8 to 10 a.m. every morning including fresh fruit, yogurt and pastries
which you can have served in either your room or in the dining area known as
the Catlin Room.
Tradewinds has three parking lots, so you car isn’t left on
the street (common for space-squeezed Carmel) and you have quick access to it. Water
features around the property include Buddha,
ferns, waterfalls and reeds, creating a small oasis, and the evenings light up
with the fire pit and tiki torches. You're very close to the middle of Carmel,
easy to walk to restaurants and a few wine tasting rooms. Tradewinds has a
tranquil feel which will keep you grounded. (831/624-2776 - TRADEWINDS)
While
you plan your visit: consider these other posts:
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