Normandy Inn

The feel at the Normandy Inn is somewhere between a Dutch country cottage, an old Spanish mission, and a beach home. A blue and white exterior with stone chimneys leads to a cozy, living room-style lobby brimming with Old World charm thanks to a fireplace, candle chandeliers, antique rugs on wooden floors, and lots of floral upholstery. In fact, flowers are a consistent theme here; literally hundreds of pots of vibrant blooms casually line the hallways, the porch, the pool, and the grounds. Outdoor corridors winding throughout the several small buildings that house the rooms and cottages aren’t entirely logical. However, with red-brick floors and wood ceiling beams, the overall effect can make guests feel like they’re walking through the pages of a storybook. Quaint and romantic, the hotel is ideal for couples.

Although the hotel isn’t directly facing the sea, Carmel Beach is a 13-minute walk away, and the shops and restaurants of Ocean Avenue (the main street) are a six-minute walk away, so tourists have easy access to what the town has to offer. The property’s immediate surroundings are quiet, composed mainly of other historic inns and luxury vacation homes. Getting around beyond the Ocean Avenue area does require a car. The scenic 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach is five minutes away by car. Point Lobos is an 18-minute drive away, and Monterey Bay Aquarium and Garrapata State Park are both about a 20-minute drive away. San Jose International Airport is an hour-and-a-half away by car. San Francisco International Airport is just under a two-hour drive away.

Standard rooms aren’t very spacious, but they’re bright and airy, with plenty of light coming in through large windows. Rooms come in a variety of sizes, with double twin beds that can be too small, or king and queen beds that are more comfortable -- but take up most of the room. Spacious suites and Normandy Cottages across the street come with several bedrooms and kitchens, plus outdoor patios. In keeping with the hotel’s historic style, decor in rooms and cottages is on the old-fashioned side, featuring classic wooden furniture along with floral bedspreads. Still, fresh coats of paint and smart upholstery on the chairs make it clear that the spaces are well maintained, and keep them from looking too dated. Many rooms have beautiful partial views of the ocean. Room amenities are limited. All units have flat-screen TVs, small tables, and safes. Free Wi-Fi is often spotty. Tea-and coffee-making facilities are provided, along with ironing equipment. Air-conditioning isn't available. Several queen and king bedrooms have beautiful working fireplaces and separate vanity areas with sinks and mini-fridges.Bathrooms are narrow but extremely clean, with pristine white tiles and fixtures. All feature small shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads, luxury toiletries, and hairdryers. Past guests do note that walls are thin, and noise from neighboring rooms can easily be heard. 

Unsurprisingly for a boutique mid-range property, amenities here are limited. There’s no restaurant on-site, but a quaint breakfast room with a small outdoor seating area serves a free continental buffet including breads, fresh fruit and muffins, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and cereal. It’s not exceptional, but it’s adequate. There’s also free sherry and shortbread cookies in the lobby every afternoon. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the lobby are available most of the day. There’s also a communal microwave. The outdoor pool is small, and surrounded by wooden loungers, chairs, and tables. But the surrounding cobblestoned floors and foliage make for a lovely atmosphere.Other free amenities include daily newspapers, property-wide Wi-Fi, and limited parking in the hotel’s courtyard and on the street outside.