Carmel Fireplace Inn

We recently spent two nights at the Carmel Fireplace Inn. While the property has some undeniable conveniences, the steep price tag doesn't match the outdated reality of the accommodations. It feels like yet another case of a hotel jumping on the bandwagon and jacking up prices just because of the location. The Positives: Location and Service There are a few bright spots. The location is excellent—it is a comfortable walking distance to the main town and an easy 10-minute stroll down to Carmel Beach. Additionally, the customer service was a highlight. The receptionist who checked us in was incredibly nice and helpful, taking the time to point out zones on a map where we could legally park overnight (from 5:00 PM to 10:30 AM the next day) to compensate for the hotel's lack of on-site parking. The Room (Room 205) While the king-size bed was comfortable and there was a nice, cozy gas fireplace in the corner, the rest of the room left a lot to be desired for $330 a night: Outdated Furnishings: The furniture throughout the room felt old, tired, and well past its prime; most of the wood surfaces were scratched. The TV: While the television itself was large and looked relatively new, the picture quality was terrible. There was definitely no high-definition (HD) capability, though it was unclear if the issue lay with the TV itself or the channel package. No Blackout Curtains: The windows are covered by standard Venetian blinds. If you are sensitive to morning light, be prepared—they let in a significant amount of light as soon as the sun comes up. Climate Control: There is a wall heater near the bathroom that works fine, but be aware that there is no air conditioning in the room. The Bathroom & Amenities The bathroom was particularly disappointing. It was very small and completely lacked functional storage space for toiletries. Furthermore, the fixtures are showing their age: the shower faucets were stiff and hard to turn on, and the drain cover in the shower was popping out during use. Property Limitations Parking Friction: On-site parking is incredibly limited. There are only about 8 spaces available for an 18-room property, meaning you will likely end up hunting for street parking. Accessibility: Our room was on the second floor, and there is no elevator on the property. Carrying heavy bags up the stairs is something to keep in mind. No Breakfast: Despite the high nightly rate, breakfast is not included. The receptionist mentioned they used to offer it, but stopped since COVID, which was six years ago, and never brought it back. They do, however, have a coffee machine available. The Verdict You would think that charging well over $300 a night would justify updating the basic fixtures, fittings, and room decor. Instead, you are paying 5-star prices for what is ultimately a 2- or 3-star motel experience. You are paying strictly for the Carmel ZIP code here, not the quality of the stay.

The Philippine lady at the counter had a crappy attitude, no waters in the rooms, no ac, not to mention the horrible parking situation… for what I pay! I expect much more…

Spur of a moment to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea an extra day- this Inn’s online reservation system was quick and effortless -we even got checked in even earlier than anticipated.

It was nice on short notice. Lost a star due to check in being chaotic. There was no one at the entire Inn available around 6pm. That’s not even a late check in. You have to call the emergency number to check in. Check in doesn’t qualify as an emergency when your guests pay for a reservation?! We had a downstairs room that was clean, bathroom was stocked nicely. However anytime someone ran water upstairs some water trickled down at the outside. Quite annoying if you have the window cracked. Good for a short stay or a stop over

Large room where we could park our bikes. Walk to the beach or downtown. Very quiet. Tight parking.