Views to die for and a swish new look at Carmel’s Highlands Inn

2010-07-21T13:11:00-07:00

by Lisa Trottier, Sunset travel editor

You know when you’re cruising south on Highway 1 from Monterey to Big Sur and you pass by a cluster of just absurdly covetable homes, each one with what looks to be its own private peninsula jutting out over the ocean? That stretch is called Carmel Highlands. And one glance at the real estate pages will put that particular dream to bed.

That is, unless you book a room at the Highlands Inn, where, at least for a night or two, you can settle in to one of California’s dreamiest communities.

Clinging to a hillside above the Pacific, the Highlands Inn is a Hyatt. But this ain’t your run-of-the-mill conventioneers’ Hyatt. It’s a romantic hideout with views from the comfy bar and restaurant that—I’m just going to say it—compare favorably to those at the much more stratospherically priced Post Ranch Inn down the road.

In an added plus, a recent renovation has left the rooms looking clean and modern. And if you get antsy, what may rank as my all-time favorite coastal hiking spot—Point Lobos State Park—is just a mile or two north. You know the place—it’s that rocky bit of coastline you can see from your pillow.

Book it: From $295. At 831/620-1234 or on the website.

Plan your trip: Watch for more Carmel suggestions, both swanky and stingy, in the California editions of our June issue. Meanwhile, get Sunset’s online tips on what to do in nearby Carmel.

Sunset Traveler

Views to die for and a swish new look at Carmel’s Highlands Inn