Villa Mara Carmel

Such a wonderful place. Everything was perfect! The room was spacious and very well appointed. The service was fantastic, from the morning breakfast, to the check in, to the evening tea and the turn down service. The location is just perfect. We loved coming back at night and chilling in the lobby/living room. We felt so spoiled and its hard to be back at home.

We are return guests for good reason. Villa Mara really does feel like our home away from home. Its location is perfect for walking the beautiful beach or strolling the unique streets of Carmel By the Sea and downtown shops and restaurants. Villa Mara is quaint, private, quiet, spotless, extremely comfortable and tastefully decorated . We enjoyed a delicious breakfast each morning in the sunny dining room or at one of the outdoor firepits. What makes Villa Mara most special are its employees. It is clear that their first priority is guest comfort and making everyone feel like family; they achieve this goal extremely well, making it all look effortless. A winning team supporting a beautiful hotel in an excellent location.

The hospitality is unparalleled- you are welcomed like a good friend into a warm room complete with a crackling fire, candles lit and to top it off, a nice glass of wine! I always say plan on at LEAST Two days as it's just too hard to check out the following morning after they have served you the most delicious breakfast in bed!

The hotel and staff are heavenly. It's in an amazing location on Carmel Point, just far enough from downtown to be a retreat, but close enough to pop over for a bite to eat or drink or shop. It's also not even a 5 minute walk from the coastline, which is very accessible. I had a room with a window overlooking the coastline - opening the window to let in the breeze and the sound was wonderful. But to me it is the staff that makes it shine: George, Robert, and Roque ("Rocky") in particular. They have a wonderful balance of friendliness and helpfulness - including great recommendations - and delight in talking with and helping guests as much as the guests want, not more and not less. This was my favorite hotel stay ever. If I could, I would come back and live at the Villa Mara Carmel full-time, with the amazing staff and the wonderful ambiance and environment with the coastline.

This was our first trip in several years to visit the charming Carmel property we’d long known as The Sandpiper, now reopened after a substantial renovation as Villa Mara, with new management and an upscale, boutique personality. Situated in the middle of one of Carmel’s most desirable residential neighborhoods, Villa Mara admirably fulfills its goal of inviting guests to feel as though they’re staying with friends or family in a luxurious private residence where the sound of the surf reminds you the beach is only a short stroll away. Everything about our stay was exemplary. The comfortable rooms offered complimentary snacks and Saratoga water, plus fresh cookies that magically appeared every evening. The breakfast selections included a variety of excellent pastries, as well as several quiches and more. The overnight oats were a personal favorite. We also enjoyed the top-shelf martini capabilities of the cozy private bar that offers you the opportunity to cap off the evening with a cocktail, once safely home at the hotel. Above all, what made our visit especially memorable were the warmth and helpfulness of every member of the staff we met, including Olivia, Robert, Jonathan and Roque. Thanks for truly making us feel at home! We couldn’t be happier to know that one of our favorite locations on the Monterey Peninsula not only is welcoming guests once again, but has raised the experience to a whole new level.