We pulled in to look at the cottages prior to checking in and the driveway leading to the cottages looks like it hadn't been paved or repaired since WWII. The cottage, Henry Miller, was about the size of a large, garden "Tough Shed" with a mismatched front door, but otherwise intact with nice plantings outside. The area was deserted except for a couple of (crappy) cars at another cottage. Several cottages were undergoing renovation - read: caution tape, dirt and one was just a dilapidated , original shell, falling in on it's self. The indifferent desk staff gave us a key to take a look before we checked in. What a joke! Smelly, old carpet, two beds taking up the entire floor space and a "sitting area" about as big a food panrty. The shower grout was dirty looking and the bathroom floor sticky. The wall heater grill had been dusted about the last time the driveway got paved. I could go on, but you get the picture. A total disappointment and rip-off. After telling them them we're leaving and they're not charging us a penny for this place, we cancelled our reservation and left.

I loved our stay there... My husband and I went there with our two daughters (1 &5). We stayed in a 2 room cottage and it was awesome. My 5 yearl old loved it! The fireplace was great and they provide the wood so that was great too... It was a little small, but we managed. My only complaint is that there was not a DVD like it stated on the website, BUT there were AV hookups and an input channel that we could have brought our own, or even a game system. I couldn't be happier with my experience, I did not want to leave and am already planning another trip there, but for longer this time!

I've been travelling to the Monterey/Carmel Area about once a month for the past twelve years. About a year and a half ago I started staying at the Carmel River Inn because I needed to take my dog with me on business trips.

Staying at the cottages is great. The remodeled cottages are especially wonderful. One night I came back to my cottage room and found my dog curled up on his bed by the gas fireplace. The flickering light from the fireplace and the overall warmth and quality of the room made me pause because it just seemed too nice a setting to be a business trip. My dog was so comfortable and deeply asleep that he didn't wake up until I'd gotten ready for bed and switched on the TV to catch some news. Wow!

These new cottages have it all; whirlpool tubs, extra large separate showers, beautiful tile, thermostatically controlled fireplace, LCD TV, DVD player, refrigerator, microwave, nice furnishings, and acres of grounds to walk your best friend.

The staff are very friendly and helpful. I've really become spoiled by this place! I'm sure Coach (my dog) agrees.
See my pictures - and they don't do it justice.

We have just returned from our anual Valentines Day getaway at the Carmel River Inn. For the last three years on this special romantic day, we have enjoyed a wonderful & peaceful time together as always.
This Beautiful Inn is right off of Highway 1, nestled in trees of Carmel and not very far from Big Sur. When staying at the Carmel River Inn, I would highly recommend staying in the cottages. The Cottage we stayed in had its own jacuzzi bath tub, gas heater/fireplace, little fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and all the essentails you add for your own personal touch.
Carmel's world famous Ocean Avenue is very close by with all of it's fine dining and shops if thats what you are looking for or there is the beautiful Carmel Beach close by.
We did not have enough time this trip to take everything in, but we also know we have something to look forward to our next "Valentine's Day" visit.

"What An Awesome Romantic Get-A-Way"