We recently stayed at La Playa in Carmel for a birthday getaway and had a mixed experience. On the positive side, the hotel is charming and well-maintained. The room was clean, and the breakfast buffet was a highlight—fresh, varied, and a great way to start the day. The location is also excellent, with easy access to downtown Carmel and the beach. The staff were very kind and welcoming throughout our stay.
However, there were a few disappointments that affected our overall experience. Upon arrival, no one offered assistance with our luggage, which was surprising given the hotel’s reputation and price point. The walls were quite thin—we could hear doors slamming and footsteps from the room above, which made it hard to fully relax.
We had also notified the hotel in advance that we’d be bringing our dog and paid a pet fee accordingly. The website indicated we would receive a garden patio room, but we were placed in a different room that didn’t match what was advertised. I spoke to a man at the front desk who said he would look into it, but we never heard back or received any follow-up, which was especially disappointing given the added cost.
Overall, while there were definitely some enjoyable aspects of our stay, the lack of attentiveness and the disconnect between the advertised experience and what we actually received left us underwhelmed—particularly for a special occasion.