Motel Makeover: Carmel Mission Inn

Certainly one of the coolest innovations happening today in the hospitality industry is transforming vintage motels from yesteryear into swanky digs. In the 21st century, repurposed motels have become destinations in themselves rather than a one night’s stay off the highway.

The Carmel Mission Inn definitely fits the bill. Saved from the wrecking ball when new investors purchased it before the pandemic, the property received a $2 million injection into remodeling and reconstruction. This former motor lodge reemerged as an oasis.

The Asthetics

A showstopper, this trendy 165-room inn boasts welcoming patio spaces. You’ll find decorative seating groupings, worktables, fire pits, and beanbag games. Fresh flowers and plants dot the premises, so a tropical garden ambiance pervades.

Life-sized ceramic cows anchor the pool and patio. Why? As the story goes, the first owners from more than 50 years ago simply liked cows. When the new investors took over, they hired a local artist to paint flowers and designs on the two hotel mascots.

A beautifully decorated heated pool and hot tub serve as the hotel’s main attractions. Plenty of outdoor lounges with turquoise cushions and orange pillows complement the snow-white lounge chairs creating a stylish scene amid lush foliage. A bit of a Palm Springs/Hawaii vibe exists here, and no one would ever guess that two shopping centers sit across the street.

The Accommodations

From the variety of rooms available, we opted for the ADA unit on the ground floor, which turned out to be perfect for an elderly parent. The closet offered a bar situated at roughly three or four feet high, wheelchair friendly when a hanger was needed. Showers in these units have fold-down seats, hand grips, a handheld shower, and low water temperature controls. And the restroom footprint is extra wide and deep compared to the standard guestrooms. Mom didn’t have to worry that it was too cramped for her to move around. What was most impressive was that no design elements were sacrificed in these units. Black and white accents, clouds of white bedding and hardwood floors presented a cool and clean vibe.

Rooms are up to date with technology. Large, flat-screen TVs are the norm these days, and ours with an abundance of cable channels on offer did not disappoint. Bedside tables featured plenty of outlets and plugs for phones and chargers.

An array of amenities included a laptop tray with a wrist rest, remote control shades, and a coffee maker with a full selection of teas and coffees. And we thoroughly enjoyed the extra blanket and pillows.

The Food

The hotel’s new restaurant, Shearwater Tavern showcases over-the-top design touches like glistening black and white tile floors, plush banquettes, and honed wood tables with cushy club chairs. Transparent glass pendants perfectly light the room accenting the beamed ceilings and views of the pool. And the California-styled cuisine is excellent with the now ubiquitous avocado toast…one of our breakfast faves.

The Location

The inn can be easy to miss, situated as it is off the freeway behind a gas station away from Euro-centric, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s shopping district. But it’s convenient to everything. Across the street, the Barnyard multi-level garden plaza is loaded with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. And next to that is Crossroads Carmel, a larger shopping enclave with wine tastings, a classic stationery store, and home decor boutiques.

Bottom line: the inn provides a perfect lodging choice for a multi-generational stay. You’ve got a back-of-the-house swimming pool and numerous areas for relaxing and enjoying the little ones. For moms and dads, the Shearwater Tavern has an excellent Happy Hour menu and periodically invites vintners to come in and wax poetic about their wines. Out front, you’ve got an irresistible patio with corn-hole games and fire pits for intimate conversation. And of course, rooms can be adjoined if necessary for families or small groups. The ADA-compliant spaces are very well thought out for those who need that extra support. As a result, I’s say that the Carmel Mission Inn has truly accomplished its mission.