Located in downtown Carmel, Hofsas House hotel is a step back in time. In this village, in the forest by the sea, residents and visitors alike relax into the coastal California pace. While the family run hotel features a Bavarian-theme, the owners are central coast natives and know Carmel like the back of their hand.
Carmel-by-the-sea is well known as an artist’s enclave. The Hofsas House is no exception and has shared a canvas with artist Maxine Albro. In the 1940’s and 1950’s Albro was living in Carmel. Owner Donna Hofsas commissioned her friend to paint the welcoming mural of the Hofsas House to enhance the Bavarian theme of the inn.
Established in 1947, Hofsas House has repainted the Bavarian-themed mural by the entrance to the 4-story hotel. They have launched an “Artist in Residence” program with a nod toward their Bohemian roots. Artists, poets and playwrights are continually drawn to Carmel’s scenic shoreline. Additionally, both European visitors and repeat guests appreciate the cozy feel of the pink hotel.
Romantic Hofsas House
My husband and I were married in Carmel, so we think of Carmel By-The-Sea as a romantic escape. This was our second stay at the Hofsas House. While it is a family-friendly property with family-oriented two bedroom suites, we enjoy visiting in the off-season, during the week.
Families will appreciate the year round heated swimming pool and sauna. The knowledgeable staff offers concierge service and enhancement packages such Monterey County wines and gourmet local chocolates for those seeking a little romance. Carmel Beach is a short walk from the hotel. The beach is dog-friendly, as is Hofsas House.
Complimentary continental breakfast
Your stay at The Hofsas House also includes a continental breakfast. The family-run property likes their guests to come downstairs for breakfast so they can help plan your stay in Carmel. Of course, you are welcome to bring a tray of fresh fruit, pastries from Monterey’s Paris Bakery, yogurt, juice and a carafe of fresh local coffee from Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company or hot tea back to your hotel room. This is exactly what we did, as we didn’t want to miss out on our ocean view room.
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Ocean view king suite with fireplace
Our ocean view king suite, room #43, included a fireplace with a Duraflame fire log. Our January visit wasn’t conducive to throwing open the Dutch door to listen to the waves crash from Carmel beach. No matter, we know we will return to this hotel at a future date.
Our room, with kitchenette and a bathroom with shower, rented for $219 plus tax in the slow season. Rates range from $195 to a high of $625, depending on room and time of year. These prices are a great value compared to other ocean view properties in Carmel.
Review Remarks
Hofsas House is a four story building, built into the hillside. The downtown Carmel hotel sits on a unique piece of property with ocean views. The downside of the hotel is that it does not have an elevator. The owners go out of their way to accommodate guests with disabilities and offer ADA rooms. However, there are a lot of stairs on property.
Hofsas House offers complimentary parking, as well as safe street parking. Complimentary WiFi is included in the room rate. Carmel-by-the-Sea charges a 12% tax, in addition to a $1.50 per day assessment that is added onto the room rate. The Carmel hotel offers an AAA discount Sunday thru Thursday, holidays excluded. They also have a banquet room with a full kitchen that guests may rent for family reunions or business meetings.
We’ll continue to return to Carmel-by-the-Sea and this hotel in the village in the forest. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this property in downtown Carmel, California.
Hofsas House (831) 624-2745
Check prices online at Priceline or Expedia.
Article written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. She was a guest of Hofsas House, however, all opinions are her own.
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