L’Auberge Carmel is a full-service Relais & Châteaux property located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea just blocks from the famed Carmel Beach. Originally built in 1929, the historic hotel is known for its graceful architecture, personalized guest services, European-style and elegance. Individually designed guest rooms feature the finest fabrics and linens and enlarged bath areas with radiant floor heating.
The highlight of the hotel is its one Michelin star restaurant Aubergine. Executive Chef Justin Cogley, a Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, and Executive Pastry Chef Yulanda Santos prepare skillful, ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the region.
The ambiance of the hotel and restaurant blends romantic old-world charm with the luxury of modern amenities. The hotel was completely restored in 2004, reconfiguring all 20 guest rooms, the entrance and landscaping. A million dollar remodel in 2012 included extensive upgrades to all guest rooms, lobby, courtyard and Aubergine restaurant. A more recent renovation was completed of the common areas and the rooms that brought with it an elegant aesthetic, once again making the hotel the leader in design within Carmel-by-the-Sea. The decor accents the quaintness of original coved plaster walls, French windows and antique doorknobs with modern updates such as flat-panel TVs and wireless internet access. Individually designed enlarged bath areas feature antique travertine tiles with radiant floor heating, hand-hammered copper sinks and custom bath products. Guest rooms feature open-canopied or tufted beds, original antiques, and custom fabrics, thoughtfully assembled by famed San Francisco designer Helga Horner. L’Auberge Carmel is one of the village-by-the-sea’s few full service inns offering valet parking, room service and highly personalized guest services.
The perfect Carmel escape getaway, L’Auberge Carmel is an easy stroll to the village’s numerous art galleries, shops and restaurants. Guests can treat themselves to the culinary artistry of our Michelin Star restaurant Aubergine or a sunset sail on the beautiful Monterey Bay with our curated guest packages.L’Auberge Carmel consistently receives high rankings from seasoned travelers and travel publications including Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Hotels in Northern California and Travel & Leisure’s Top 500 World’s Best Hotels List.
Originally built in 1929, the classic inn was commissioned by one of early Carmel’s most colorful figures, a seafaring adventurer named Allen Knight. Its original intent was a residential apartment building constructed around an open interior courtyard. Knight based the design on Bohemian architecture he had recently seen travelling through Prague. His ideas were realized by noted San Francisco architect Albert Farr. Farr was also the architect for “Glen Allyn” in Sonoma County, the first home of Jack London. The construction work was done by Carmel’s master-builder Michael J. Murphy. The collaboration resulted in a three story wood frame and stucco building that captured the aesthetic sense of Carmel as a village in the forest.
Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 580 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character. Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts a beautiful, mild climate year round, with average temperatures ranging between 60 to 75 degrees in summer and 50 to 65 degrees in winter.
