Affordable & family friendly in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA- Family friendly and one of a kind. First impressions do matter and upon arrival at the Hofsas House in Carmel, we knew this was going to be a memorable stay.
Greeted by general manager Carrie Theis who instantly exudes those special qualities of warmth and friendliness that simply can’t be faked, her passion for family, history and sharing is unmistakable. Tapping into her knowledge was a stroke of good luck. Her suggestions easily helped us make the most of our stay.
Carrie, who spent summers here as a child is the granddaughter of Donna Hofsas who founded this Bavarian inspired boutique inn back in the 1940’s.
Family Friendly
During our visit, we had a blast staying in the original cottage where it all began. As evening settled in, we sat quietly around the brick fireplace sampling local wine and cheese and imagined what Carmel must have been like back in the 1940’s. Our room had all the necessary and modern creature comforts while staying true to its past with a unique style all its own.
(The Hofsas House has a variety of accommodations, including some great options for larger families that you rarely find. A quick call will allow staff to match your needs to the best room.)
Location, Location, Location
When it’s time to explore Carmel, the location of the Hofsas House will have you smiling as you leave your car behind for the day. Shopping, restaurants, wine tasting and the ocean are just footsteps away. It offers a super convenient location between 3rd and 4th Ave. on San Carlos Street.
Each morning at 7:00, we headed over to Ocean Ave. to quaint coffee shops for our caffeine fix and then strolled the oceanfront over on Scenic Drive. The experience was about as perfect as we could imagine.
Time seems to quickly lose any importance in Carmel as you explore the beautiful courtyards and colorful alleys. The biggest decisions of the day typically involved choosing where to taste wine, shop and eat. For the casual, a great bet is grabbing lunch at the 5th Street Deli and heading over to a park or beach for lunch. Their sandwiches are excellent.
After a fun-filled morning and early afternoon, it’s time for a break as we walked back to the Hofsas House. A stop at the sauna followed by a dip in the year-round heated pool, before getting refreshed in our room for an evening out,is just what the doctor ordered.
Just as Carmel is designed for walking and exploring, the Hofsas House is designed to enhance that experience in welcoming and comforting fashion. The location is fantastic and Carrie and crew have done an excellent job of making the Hofsas House a home away from home…only better.
Tomorrow, we’ll do it all over again.
Visit the Hofsas House at http://www.hofsashouse.com
Hidden Tips
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Too much to take in all in one day? Kids getting worn down? Or just can’t get enough?
Grab your Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets at the Hofsas House and get 2 days for the price of 1. An awesome deal!
Magical Sunsets
Take the stairs at the Hofsas House to the top just before sunset. Bring a camera and jacket, sit back and enjoy the show.
