Carmel River Inn & Cottages

3.0 star property
Motel with free parking, near Carmel Beach

Photo gallery for Carmel River Inn & Cottages

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

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

Room options

Studio Cottage, 1 Queen Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dining table
TV
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Dining table
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Traditional Hotel Room, 1 King Bed (main building)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(28 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
TV
Blackout curtains
Portable fan
  • 19 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(24 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
TV
Blackout curtains
Portable fan
  • 19 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar Two Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Dining table
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dining table
TV
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tent

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Dining table
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Carmel

At Carmel River Inn & Cottages you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Carmel Mission Basilica and The Barnyard. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and furnished balconies. .Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a business centre and concierge services. 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 Carmel Beach.

What's nearby

  • The Barnyard - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Carmel Mission Basilica - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Sunset Center - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Carmel Plaza - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Carmel Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Heaven - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company at The Crossroads - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Post No Bills -Carmel - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Motel with free parking, near Carmel Beach
Public spaces have free WiFi. You'll find a business centre on site. A seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at Carmel River Inn & Cottages. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Carmel motel is smoke free.

  • 56 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1934
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • 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
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. Cable televisions are provided.

Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Carmel motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and portable fans. 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
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • 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
  • Minibar
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Portable fan
  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 531 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 292 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 50 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 1003 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Shauna

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rocio

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
We stay 3 nights at one of the cottages. The cottage was clean and remodeled with all the amenities necessary like microwave, fridge, tv and tub . The only negative thing we saw was that there isn’t an air conditioner and the first night we came from the beach sunburn and needed a fresh air . The room was at 75 degrees and when we called the front desk to ask how to turn de a/c on the man at the office told us there isn’t any . He told us how to turn off the heater. We ask for a fan and he said he can’t bring us one that day but that the next day he would. The next day there was no fan at our cottage so we had to drive to the closest target not to close from where we stayed and bought a fan.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph, Aptos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sondra

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our little cottage totally exceeded every expectation!! A charming, peaceful sanctuary from which we could walk to downtown Carmel, drive to Big Sur, or simply relax for a few hours. We LOVED having our own personal parking space literally right outside our door. Be sure to read about the history of Carmel River Inn and Cottages--totally fascinating! We will definitely be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sally

Travelled with partner
Relatively comfortable, although smaller room than I expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Wilma

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The surrounding area
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Ratinder

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Happy Little Cottage Stay

We loved our stay! Pet friendly and very clean! Close to everything with a short drive. Would definitely recommend and stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The cottage was so lovely and clean. Perfect for a quiet getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chau

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect getaway!

The place is what it shows on the website. But the experience is phenomenal. It’s very well designed and orchestrated. Be mindful of neighbors as much as they will for you. I got the luxury tent and it felt like real life camping hearing the whole nature vibes the birds chirping, water fountain which was on the side, the wind blowing and the trees noises. It was my white noise. I felt comfy, safe and peaceful. Close by essentials, gas stations and the one and only beautiful Carmel by the Sea. Chefs kiss!! I wish I can add videos don’t have photos.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was nicely recordorated
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great for a quick rest, pictures do it more justice but it’s cozy. Major issue they allow animals in the room and they placed someone with a dog above us, due to its old refurbished style, we can hear the dogs running around in the room above us allll night long!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosalva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved the relaxed vibes and private cottages!

We traveled with our dog and we loved how each cottage can enjoy your own privacy and the property has plenty of beautiful outdoor space and grounds to walk around our dog. The decor was also nice and the bathroom was updated. The location is very accessible to restaurants and grocery just across the way (though not walkable, it’s an easy less than 5 minute drive.) We got to enjoy the town and the beach all within less than 10 minutes drive from the inn.
We booked the King Bed Cottage with Wet Bar
Confortable King Size Bed
Thoughtful detail for our pup
Nice back patio
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phu

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Cherise

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming Cottages. Very convenient and close to Carmel Beach yet a bit removed. It was just as advertised, pleasantly. A couple cottages joined around the fire pit and roasted marshmallows, very enjoyable evening.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacie

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the easy check-in, it was pet ftiendly, your own perdonal space at the cottage and beautiful and relaxing surroundings full of quiet. Definitely going back. Location was convenient to shops, restaurants, and gas stations.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Alex

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025