Family Staycation: Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel, CA
If you're looking to stay on the Central Coast of California, definitely consider the family owned and run Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This pink hotel is nestled off Highway 1 and is just a couple blocks’ walk to the beautiful beach! We were gifted a complimentary stay in exchange for a review and promotion, and you know my reviews are magical and realistic, always my own opinion.
I’m here to tell you that this little spot can truly be home away from home for a few nights and give you a recharge in this cute little town. Not all beach towns are alike, and Carmel-by-the-Sea stands out to me as a very different one, in such a good way. It’s a true hometown feel, with no fast food, big box retail or massive buildings hiding the horizon or views of nature. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “but Camille you don’t like nature, so who cares?” to which I reply, “I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s a kind of Magic in the air there.”
I had a chance to sit down with Carrie Theis, the granddaughter of Donna Hofsas who founded the Hofsas House, to hear more about the hotel’s story and tidbits about visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. She was a kind hostess and could be seen in the quaint lobby every morning serving coffee and pastries to guests. Her presence truly adds to the warm hospitality of the hotel.
Large Family Travel
With 7 people in our family unit, we have to get creative when we travel, especially to destinations that are geographically smaller since we really don’t know about accommodations, accessibility and activities of the area. I have to do a lot of research and usually end up on the phone to configure accommodations and determine attractions that will please everyone.
When the kids were younger, it was harder since they couldn’t be in a separate room and many hotels don’t accommodate more than 5 people per room. We’ve always had to book suites, or travel when my parents did and split kids in rooms. Fast forward to today, and these teens and adults are loving their freedom with their own room and mini fridges!
The Room
We were hosted in a 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom suite, and it was huge! There was a king bed in our room and 2 queen beds and a rollaway bed for the kids. We had a door in between so we didn’t have to hear each other’s shenanigans in the night!
Aside from sleeping, there was a small dining table, little kitchenette with dishes, microwave and mini fridge in the kids’ room. We were welcomed with a delicious cheese platter (and gluten free crackers) and wine all from a local farm and vineyard. All were delicious, and I may have eaten all the cheese!
The Hotel
Hofsas Hotel boasts 38 Bavarian inspired, Dutch door rooms with many having fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars or kitchens and you can't miss the ocean and village views! Fun fact, this hotel is also pet friendly with concierge services for your furry loves. Parking is off-street on the back side of the hotel. We have a cargo rooftop carrier and we were able to get into the lot just fine.
You will find commissioned murals and artwork throughout the hotel, from headboards to exterior walls! Hofsas' original mural was created by Maxine Albro, and most recently the hotel has been showered with the artistry magic of current Artist in Residence, Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham, a Carmel based artist. Her large mural is the perfect backdrop to the pool!
The Pool!
No matter how old my kids get, they always ask "is there a pool??" to which I was excited to tell them, “yes and it is heated!” It is a luxury to have a heated pool in a non-chain hotel, especially in a coastal town that tends to have more breezy weather.
We scored on this one and my water "babies" were thrilled. :) In addition to the pool, there are European Style Dry Saunas, which I should have checked out - but I'll have to visit again! I will never get tired of watching my kiddos play together!
Have you visited Carmel-by-the-Sea or stayed at the Hofsas Hotel? Would love to hear your thoughts, too!
