Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Cypress Inn, Carmel

After leaving San Francisco, my next stop was Carmel where I spent the majority of my vacation. Yes, this is the week of hotels at ArchitectDesign!I stayed at the Cypress Inn, one of the better known hotels in Carmel, partly owned by singer & actress Doris Day.
The board-formed concrete building dates from 1929 but has had many lives, mostly as an assisted living residence, believe it or not! It was built as the Hotel La Ribera by Dr. Rudolf Kocher and Hugh Comstock, the most well known developer of Carmel.
The Spanish / Mediterranean style architecture fits well in the moderate climate and besides the fairytale styled cottages by Comstock throughout the village, the style tends to dominate the area.
Part of the development lies further up the hill and is not part of the hotel. Notice how it is taller up the hill to catch views of Carmel Bay.
Around the side is a courtyard garden for guests, where visitors can take tea, breakfast or just relax. The hotel is known as being extremely pet friendly and nearly everyone you see has a dog or two with them. Because of this, it has become the hangout of many locals, who were so incredibly friendly that within an HOUR of arriving I had made a few friends I spent time with throughout the week: all at the bar of the Cypress Inn!
More photos of the courtyard. In this detail shot, you can see the board formations in the concrete: a look the architect in me LOVES. Notice how thick these walls are, the hotel is really quiet inside.
As a nod to Doris Day, this small planting area had a sign referring to one of her movies 'please don't eat the daisies'! LOVED THIS!
The lounge behind the lobby was constantly buzzing with locals and guests. Doris Day music is the continual soundtrack in this public area and posters from her movies line the walls.
For an old movie buff like me -this was heaven! The food and drinks were really great too.
The restaurant is known as Terry's, after Doris's son who was part owner in the hotel but unfortunately passed away years ago.
I loved this chandelier in one of the hallways.
My room was located in one of the newer parts of the hotel and it really was a home away from home. I loved the beamed ceilings.
The jacuzzi tub in the corner of the room didn't hurt either! In true California style, complimentary sherry and fruit in each room.
The french doors in the room faced this quiet little courtyard.
And I couldn't not include this fabulous vintage mercedes owned by the other owner of the hotel(or rumor had it).
Fabulous hotel, fabulous town and fabulous car!

16 comments:

David Toms said...

Oh my, you do get around. This looks absolutely charming! I love the bathroom!

The Down East Dilettante said...

Okay kiddo, you're booking my next vacation. This is glorious stuff

BTW, One of the most marvelous afternoons of my life was when a glamorous poetess friend bought just such a Mercedes, to replace a larger newer one that she'd won at the April in Paris Ball (I kid you not)...I played hooky from work, we took a drive along the coast, top down, picnic hamper of bread, wine, and cheese at the ready....ah youth...

ArchitectDesign™ said...

David, that tub was in the room LOL - a bit 'honeymooney' perhaps, but a nice treat. The bathroom had a GINORMOUS shower though!

DED, you did not just call me kiddo?! haha -that made my day.
That trip sounds fabulous and beats mine for sure! The drive down highway one was pretty spectacular though (if a bit scary). I'll have to post the pictures.

Anonymous said...

Dear AD, You certainly do know how to travel, or, at least, to sleep in style since this hotel seems just perfect in every regard.

I do like baths in the room, it always seems so very decadent to me. And, coupled with the sherry, well one would simply just need to roll into bed afterwards.

The vintage mercedes is so very glamorous. Just driving around the town with the top down would make anyone feel like a film star!!

24 Corners said...

When last in Carmel...we stayed here and it was such a charming experience. I loved how there were pups in the bar...and everywhere else for that matter! I dream of going back someday...thanks for bringing back such special memories. xo J~

Thomas said...

Carmel is beautiful. Great shots Stefan.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

Gorgeous, yes- you do travel in style. I am so drawn to the architecture-and interior courtyards, plants- LUSHNESS. Gaye

Gramercy Home said...

I stayed here a couple of years ago and loved it. The architect/design evokes such a fun atmosphere and you captured it beautifully in your pictures. Thanks for a walk down memory lane.

Grant K. Gibson said...

Love The Cypress Inn and that I can bring the dogs.
The Doris Day touches are so fun!

home before dark said...

Since you don't drive in DC, how was that driving in California? And I agree with DED if all the bloggers and we mortal commenters ever go en masse on a trip, you are in charge.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

So many people have stayed here already!!

HBD, I drive occasionally (rent cars or borrow from friends) but my friend did most of the driving. However, I drove along highway one along the Big Sur part-way which was awe inspiring and actually easier than being a passenger because you had something to concentrate on other than get dizzy from the crazy road!

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

Thanks for the tour...love it all, I especially love the grand entrance.
P.S. great photography!

Mel said...

I have so little call to visit the Left Coast, but I'll have to remember this one. Even if the littledog doesn't get to come along.

cotedetexas said...

I love this!!!!!!!!!!!!! there are so mnay cute hotels in that area. love the car too. rob pattinson just bought a 60s chevy nova. not a mercedes, but i love the old vintage cars.

Anonymous said...

OMG so jealous of that car. GORGEOUS!

E + J

Topsy Turvy said...

What a great place! Someday I will get back there. Thanks for the inspiration.
-Lana