Carmel River Inn & Cottages

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar
Luxury Tent | Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Luxury Tent | Bathroom
Exterior

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
The current price is AU$326
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May

Explore the area

View map
26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923
  • Place, Carmel Mission Basilica
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, The Barnyard
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Studio Cottage, 1 Queen Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Traditional Hotel Room, 1 King Bed (main building)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(30 reviews)
  • River view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Traditional Double Hotel Room, 2 Double Beds (main building)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(25 reviews)
  • River view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar Two Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Deluxe Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Trundle Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Carmel

At Carmel River Inn & Cottages you'll be 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from Carmel Beach and 3.3 km (2.1 mi) from 17-Mile Drive. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and furnished balconies. .Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and a coffee shop/cafe. On weekend mornings to-go breakfast is served between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, including food and water bowls and an off-lead area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Mission Fields motel include Monterey Bay and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

What's nearby

  • Carmel Mission Basilica - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • The Barnyard - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Carmel Plaza - 3 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Carmel Beach - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Carmel River State Beach - 4 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 19 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Heaven - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪La Bicyclette - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Mission Ranch Restaurant - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

There's a coffee shop/cafe on site. WiFi is free in public spaces. There's an onsite business centre. A seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at Carmel River Inn & Cottages. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Carmel motel is smoke free.

  • 56 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1934
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Carmel River Inn & Cottages offers 56 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Weekend breakfast to-go available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 2 to 30 for adults and USD 2 to 30 for children
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • Morning Joy

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1934
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Minibar
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property enforces quiet hours from 9:30 PM to 8:00 AM
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Food and water bowls and an off-lead area are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 2.00 to 30.00 for adults and USD 2.00 to 30.00 for children
  • Pet fee: USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in May and close in August.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Carmel River
Carmel River Inn
River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Hotel Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel
Carmel River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel Carmel

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Carmel River Inn & Cottages offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Carmel River Inn & Cottages on 18 May 2026 start from AU$326, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Yep, Carmel River Inn & Cottages has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

The closest beach to Carmel River Inn & Cottages is Carmel Beach (2.6 km).

Does Carmel River Inn & Cottages have a pool?

Carmel River Inn & Cottages has a seasonal outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Seasonal outdoor pool open from May to August).

What makes Carmel River Inn & Cottages a romantic place to stay?

Romance packages, plus private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Carmel River Inn & Cottages.

Does Carmel River Inn & Cottages serve breakfast?

Yep, to-go brekkie is offered at weekends from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

No, Carmel River Inn & Cottages does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Cats and dogs are welcome at Carmel River Inn & Cottages, with dog exercise areas and food and water bowls on offer.

Carmel River Inn & Cottages Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 578 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 276 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 98 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 1012 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Armando Alvarez

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very large clean room and everything in it worked as expected. Front desk staff was fabulous when checking in/out; very friendly and polite at all the time. Very clean and quite all around the property.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Shannon, Sacramento

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, friendly, and accommodating!!! Clean rooms. Everything was perfect. We will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

ALLAN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding room, quiet, comfortable, and all staff were helpful. I will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay at the last minute. Friendly staff and great cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room, staff friendly. Easy exit to attraction areas.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Anahid

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. I liked how my patio opened to Carmel river. Also crossroads shopping center is less than half a mile which was very convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Sayali

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booked a studio cottage (independent cottage) as I was traveling with my pet. The property owner switched our cottage type without informing us and gave us ADA studio cottage which was not petfriendly and had a shared wall with another cottage. At night, we could hear bathroom flush sounds along with creaking noises from the walls. The spring bed was not at all comfortable to sleep. The wall heater didn’t work as expected. Overall not a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend guests to double check your room type while checking in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Hermelinda Noemi

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
clean room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

MaryAnn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quiet, clean, and nicely decorated
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Omar, Pasadena

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean. Very friendly staff. Beautiful cottages. Perfect for families.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary, LYNN

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot! Balcony overseeing river, great shower, super clean and comfortable, and just minutes to food, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Point Lobos Reaerve.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Anita

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The location, staff and property were nice. However, there were tons of ants in our room. The first night we felt something crawling in our bed. When we lifted the covers there were dead and love ants. We thought it was an isolated time. But the same thing g happened rhe next night and we ended up sharing 1 of 2 beds. We didn’t sleep well at all. Rhe ants were in the bathroom, bed and and main areas. I informed the front desk at check out. While they were aplogeruc they didn’t offer for any reimbursement or credit. The receptors suggested I. All the manager since rhe were not on site
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Carmel River Inn is so charming! Even though it has been renovated and modernized, it still has some of that quaint mid-century aesthetic, making it a unique and historic place to stay. We stayed in the hotel portion, and loved that we had a private balcony facing the Carmel River- very scenic! The proximity to Highway One has pros and cons. There's a little noise during the day, but it's very quiet at night. The hotel is at a nice crossroads, making it easy to access Big Sur as well as Carmel, Monterey and Carmel Valley. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Luciana

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mallika

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Keyla Rominna

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great, the views are really nice. I would’ve liked to have housekeeping at least once in my 3 day stay. Other than that I will be definitely coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Delightful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Betty, Sacramento

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall, it was a very good stay and excellent location. We had three nice cottages for our family trip. The rooms were nice, but had different amenities. When I asked, the gentleman said they were all the same, but that wasn't true (bathtub versus shower; carpeted floor versus no carpet; dishwasher versus not, more spacious for game night versus no extra space, fake fire place for heat.versus a heater that never got the whole room warm; stand alone cottage versus 'duplex' with neighbor), etc. No warning of no daily housekeeping before arrival, and no warning on Expedia's advertising that they charge $125 as an additional cleaning fee if you bring a dog. Bed was too soft for us, but our adult kids thought the beds were great. We would return here because of location and the ability to have cottages for ourselves and our adult children.!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn, Antioch

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

avi, Sunnyvale

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lillian

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim, San Francisco

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025