Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Villa Mara

    4.9 (31 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Services - Villa Mara

    Hotels

    Villa Mara Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Villa Mara

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ryan P.

    Staying here is an unparalleled experience--no other hotel comes close. After my first visit last year, I found myself thinking about this place almost every day. Once again, it exceeded all my expectations. The staff are genuinely some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Though I barely know them, they made me feel so welcome it was almost as if they were family. This hotel has a quality that can only be described as magical and heavenly.

    Complimentary breakfast
    Angela M.

    The absolute best and cutest boutique hotel ! This place is a hidden gem. In the residential area of Carmel. 1 block away from the water. Hotel is so cozy and homey. Definitely reminds me of a bed and breakfast. Staff is super nice and accommodating. Very clean and quiet hotel with so many nice touches. 100/100 recommend staying here for a relaxing quiet getaway

    Complimentary snacks the first night. They didn't replenish these the second day
    Sundeep G.

    In all fairness, the service and location were great. My issue is with the price, at upwards of $800 plus tax a night on some weekend nights, it feels excessive, and at that price you have a right to be a bit more critical: - the refreshments in the room weren't replenished on the second day. Felt stingy - I saw a pincher bug in the room on the first night - breakfast felt stingy as you were limited to one thing from each section on the menu even though you paid so much. Pretty limited menu as well. The items that we tried did taste good though. - refrigerator in the room does not keep beverages cold at all. And I know we didn't have a defective one because the staff replaced it and it was still the same situation. Bad choice of refrigerator on their end. - it wasn't clear on how you were supposed to request anything from the staff once you were in the room, nothing posted anywhere on what number to call for service of any kind. I called the main phone number they have on google and luckily that was the one. Didn't reach someone until the second try though. They also mentioned that you can text the number, but when I did that they never responded, I had to call them again. They claimed there were technical difficulties. Overall I don't regret the stay, I do regret my wife paying so much for this place for our stay. It didn't feel worth as much as we paid in all honesty.

    Nessa R.

    We absolutely loved our stay here. The attention to detail and accommodations were above expectations. We stayed in the cottage and loved our privacy especially around the fire pit. It was a great place to recharge and just across from the ocean too! We loved being able to ride around on the bikes they provide as well and the brunch was super cute. Rocky and Joseph are amazing and they took good care of us during our stay. We just loved how intimate the setting was and we will definitely be back on our next getaway to Carmel!

    Some of the best service, with some of the best staff my wife and I have ever met. To say they make this place feel like home would be an understatement. Pull up a chair to the bar, have a slice of their cake testing (come on, who else does something that fun for such a small boutique hotel), and enjoy the amazing location. You won't regret it!

    A beautiful bouquet next to the bar.
    Josie J.

    Villa Mara is an adults only, exclusive, high-end luxury boutique hotel located in Carmel. It is close to the beach yet hidden in a quiet neighborhood. On May 17, 1980 we got married at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and honeymooned at the Sandpiper. In 2019 the Sandpiper was bought, torn down and re-emerged as the new, luxury 16 room Villa Mara. Each room is different and unique. On May 17, 2024 we returned to celebrate our 44 years anniversary. When we arrived we were warmly greeted with a glass of wine. Our luggage was brought quickly to our upstairs room overlooking the ocean. Each room includes free snacks and a small refrigerator stocked with beverages. The complimentary breakfast was delicious. It was a memorable stay.

    Photo does not do justice to this special hotel.
    Greg A.

    This new boutique hotel is easily my favorite place to stay in Carmel. Beautiful property, attention to detail, great service, and wonderful location on Carmel Point, one block from the ocean. Feels like you are staying at your very tasteful friends home. So comfortable and well done. The small bar is well appointed. Several outdoor fire-it areas allow for communal or private relaxation. Bikes to borrow. Wish I could stay for a month. Some rooms have views of the ocean. I would say this is the best hotel stay in Carmel.

    Todd R.

    We selected Villa Mara for a two-night stay, excited to try out the newest boutique hotel in Carmel. Prices are still high across the board in Carmel and many other spots, and Villa Mara isn't cheap, but it's competitive with the better properties in the area (and about 25% of the cost of staying at Ventana or Post Ranch right now) and offers a truly personal/personalized experience with elegant, modern and quiet lodging. It's located about a mile south of Ocean Ave. and the Carmel buzz - but it offers walk-around-the-block beach access, some water views, and many accoutrements that made us feel very pampered while offering some separation from the not-so-relaxing elements of downtown. The Lobos room we had booked wasn't available due to a maintenance issue, but it didn't matter - we received a nearly identical room with killer ocean views, a balcony with even better views, a mini-bar with beer, water and other goodies, and endless wine (several different options) from the in-house bar in the lobby. Monterey resident Roque, who welcomed us and provided numerous insights from eating places to the best place to charge our EV (Seaside!). The room itself has that "just built" feeling and was very comfortable, the bathroom featuring heated floors and a large shower. While you can hear a little activity in the lobby in the AM, where you can get coffee and goodies, the heavy doors keep most noise out, and we couldn't hear anything after 8 PM. Also, being off the "main strip" provides much-needed separation; there are myriad places to walk, run, bike (they have bikes you can borrow), or take off for a trip to Carmel Valley, Big Sur, or Monterey. Street parking is ample and we had no issues finding spots, which would be a challenge in a similar property closer to downtown. In-room bathroom goods are incomparable, with Le Labo representing the most enjoyable, unisex shower/bath combo I've ever used, and we've stayed at myriad top hotels across the US and beyond. They offer samples to take home as well, so you're not just snagging hotel stuff and feeling bad about it (at least we would). The lobby and gardens are without compare. There are places to sit and enjoy the hundreds of plants; local and beyond artwork dotting the interior; and just an overall sense of relaxation and unbridled appreciation of the opulence and bounty of the environs. I can't say enough about the bar, where they have everything from fresh-baked cookies to wellness shots (e.g., elderberry) to beer and more. We didn't partake of the breakfast items but they've got 'em! An unequivocal 5 stars for the best (for us) boutique property that is currently available in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

    Lobby/breakfast area

    We had the best time at Villa Mara. The service and overall experience was perfect. Welcome drinks when we arrived, cookies at turndown service, an incredible complimentary breakfast, and very attentive and helpful staff. To top it all off the location is amazing. And I would die for the overflow tub in our suite. We'll definitely be back.

    The central foyer -- communal sitting, eating, and bar space.
    Vincent C.

    I can't speak highly enough about our stay at Villa Mara. The experience more closely resembled that of being a treasured guest in a gorgeous, large home rather than a customer at a hotel. The layout and design is as comforting as it is aesthetic, and every detail is seen-to. Even the reading material in the lounge was absurdly apt and inviting. Each day began with a multi-course breakfast with several options for the protein, pastry, and beverage. Returning every evening meant joining the hosts and other guests in the foyer and enjoying coffee or tea by the fire. Villa Mara is cause alone for us to re-visit Carmel. By time we left, the staff and even the owner felt like friends. The location is absurdly good. Only a block separates the property from Scenic Drive and the waterfront, which is viewed from the second-floor balconies. We especially enjoyed that the property offers both private retreat spaces as well as communal hob-know areas, suiting any mood. Downtown Carmel is easily walkable, or a very quick drive. We had no issues with parking.

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sundeep G.
    23
    249
    264

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Stephane M.
    219
    243
    68

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of K R.
    25
    15
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R D.
    0
    39
    8

    1 year ago

    Amazing. Love it. Gorgeous. Feels like you're living in the set of a Nancy Meyers movie, and you can walk to Carmel Beach and restaurants.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay B.
    0
    11
    1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy H.
    1
    22
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lori T.
    145
    16
    8

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    Ask the Community - Villa Mara

    Review Highlights - Villa Mara

    Honestly the way they make their drinks are better than some places in downtown Carmel!

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hotels 14,782 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    L'Auberge Carmel

    L'Auberge Carmel

    4.0
    (179 reviews)
    $$$$

    This hotel is true magic. Thank you so much for your warm welcome, beautiful employees, amazing…read morefood and all the small special details you sprinkled us with. It was a trip I will never forget. Highly recommend getting dinner there and a drink at the bar! I will be back

    My husband and I stayed here for our 9th wedding anniversary a few days ago. I have to agree with…read morethe person on here who reviewed them low due to their zero amenities, outdated / needing to be updated, yet the staff was attentive and kind. The experience was also disturbed by how unwilling, and unhelpful the receptionist / front desk woman was when we attempted to check in (she was an older Hispanic, heavy set woman). We explained that we were also dining at their restaurant, Aubergine (on premises) and we were hoping to be let into our room only one hour before check-in (3pm vs. 4pm), so that we could prepare ourselves properly for our 2-Michelin Star meal there at 5pm. Mind you, we also requested this when our reservation was made directly through their website (2 months in advance) + we were some of the only dinner guests at their restaurant that were spending the night. This receptionist was unbelievably rude I had to remind her that I was the guest! Later, they were able to get us in. I didn't understand why she could not be professional given their claim to service and luxury, sadly we experienced neither from her. Literally everyone else, which happened to be male, was extremely kind, attentive and helpful! ***For the price per night, the quality versus luxury ratio was not there for us.*** And with the rude, unprofessional behavior that almost guarantees no return. Hopefully they can get better staff and upgrades underway. It would be a shame to keep "letting it go" as it seems that they are doing now.

    Stilwell Hotel

    Stilwell Hotel

    4.4
    (37 reviews)

    Had a pleasant time staying 2 nights here at this boutique hotel with our pup. We got a king sized…read morebed room with a balcony and enjoyed our time. They've designed their hotel to look and feel like a little oasis. The intention was effective because it did feel like an enclosed paradise, quiet and pleasing to the eye. Our service during our drinks and pizza at their cafe and during breakfast time (included in our package) was excellent and staff were really friendly! Complimentary bubbles upon arrival which i love! Dog blankets outside. Good looking bathrooms. Aesthetically pleasing place. Robes and slippers in rooms. Luxurious sheets. My husband didn't love the bed but perhaps he just has a sensitive preference for his back. the rooms were swanky but small but we didn't mind it for 2 nights only. we spent a lot of time enjoying the nice weather outside. Walking distance to many places in downtown and parking at the hotel was included in pricing.

    Pretty unhappy with our short experience…read more The hotel is pretty and the rooms luxurious, however, the guest experience did not match my expectations. One of the more expensive rooms on property, the courtyard 'suite,' is adjacent to the lounge area, so we heard conversation right outside our window until after 10pm. There was no effort to ask the group to move to another spot that would have been less disruptive, despite my ask to the front desk. We were charged $50 extra per child for our family of 2 adults and 2 children for a suite that has two rooms and two king beds. They have 4 charging stations for EV's, however parking is not enforced. There were non EV vehicles parked in those spaces the entirety of brief stay, so unfortunately we were inconvenienced by not being able to charge at a planned stopping point on our road trip. Next time I come to Carmel I'll be researching alternatives.

    Carmel Country Inn

    Carmel Country Inn

    4.5
    (159 reviews)
    $$$

    We stayed at Carmel Country Inn from Friday to Sunday for a girls' trip, hoping for a relaxing and…read morerestful weekend. Unfortunately, our stay was quite disappointing. We booked one of the double rooms with a fireplace. While the room itself was fine, the walls and ceilings are extremely thin. From around 9pm to 1:00 AM, we could clearly hear footsteps from the room above us, along with conversations. It didn't seem like the guests upstairs were being intentionally disruptive -- it felt more like an issue with how the property is built and the lack of sound insulation. We did call the front desk and asked if they could notify the guests upstairs. After that, they were more mindful of their steps, which we appreciated, but we could still hear them trying to whispering. We chose this property because we were looking for a peaceful place to rest, reset, and enjoy quiet evenings. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. For the amount we paid for a weekend stay, we expected much better soundproofing and overall comfort. Sadly, we won't be returning or recommending this property to our family or friends.

    The most DARLING bed & breakfast…read more I loved the tea, coffee, and variety of delicious homemade cookies in the lobby when you check in. The homemade breakfast is amazing - warm mini-quiches, yummy pastries, yogurt & berries. Don't go crazy on the cookies and pastries here though- I did and experienced the horrible sugar crashes everyday, sob. The rooms are adorable, clean, and updated - with the most cozy beds too. The staff members are also the sweetest. Sandy is wonderful and make sure to say hi to Butters too, her adorable pup. Walkable to downtown Carmel & easy parking.

    Villa Mara - hotels - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...