Tradewinds Carmel

Tradewinds Carmel has a tranquil, Zen-like vibe, designed and built in 1959 by its owners. The property is replete with Asian-inspired decor, and there's a peaceful courtyard and meditation garden with a fire pit and a tiered waterfall topped with a Buddha statue. It’s common to see guests sitting here with glasses of wine or cups of coffee. The lobby is small but inviting, and there's fruit-infused water and cookies for the taking. Decorative bamboo is seemingly everywhere and a key part of the charming motif that’s thoughtfully executed. Sunsets are especially beautiful here, as the hotel is bathed in an orange glow. The hotel attracts couples, girls on weekend getaways, and guys on golf outings.

The hotel is located in a quiet residential neighborhood just outside downtown Carmel. There isn't much in the immediate area, but restaurants, bars, boutiques, and many of Carmel's renowned art galleries are all within walking distance. The beach, state parks and reserves, and other attractions are a quick car ride away. For those who'd rather take the bus, the Junipero/3rd bus stop is a two-minute walk from the hotel. 

• Five-minute walk to The Art of Dr. Seuss 
• Eight-minute walk to downtown Carmel
• 11-minute walk to Forest Theater
• 11-minute walk to Sunset Center 
• Five-minute drive to Carmel Mission
• Seven-minute drive to Carmel Beach
• Nine-minute drive to Monterey Museum of Art – Pacific Street
• Nine-minute drive to Point Lobos State Reserve
• Nine-minute drive to Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation
• 11-minute drive to Pebble Beach Golf Course
• 22-minute drive to Carmel Valley Village 
• 75-minute drive to San Jose International Airport

The soothing and stylish Asian-inspired decor found in the rest of the hotel carries over to guest rooms. There's wicker and rattan furniture, and wood platform beds that are handmade in Bali, with high-quality white linens and mustard-yellow bolsterers that add a dot of color. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, wet or dry bars, CD players, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Coffee comes from the local Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co., and extras such as Kimonos and free candies, nuts, and chocolate-covered strawberries are a nice touch. 

Attractive, spacious bathrooms feature bamboo-framed mirrors, wide vanities with drawers, and mosaic tile floors. They contain hairdryers, extendable magnifying mirrors, makeup towels, and custom-made organic bath products. Several boast whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers, and others have shower/tub combos with glass doors. 

The majority of rooms have gas fireplaces, and private balconies with sliding glass doors. Some offer partial or full views of the distant ocean, and others overlook the lush inner courtyard. Fans are provided because rooms don't have air-conditioning. Windows can be opened to take advantage of cool ocean breezes, but some guests have reported hearing street noise. Others have also noted hearing people in rooms above them. 

Like many bed-and-breakfasts, amenities are limited, but what's offered here is top-notch. There's a free breakfast with a generous spread that includes hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, locally baked French pastries, and free cookies and fruit-infused water are available in the lobby. The hotel sells bottles of wine, which can be taken to rooms or to the lovely courtyard with lush landscaping, a fountain, and a fire pit. In-room massages and other spa treatments can be arranged by the concierge, who also can book restaurant reservations and tour tickets. The front desk sells souvenirs like the hotel’s signature Kimono robes, meditation candles, and branded coffee mugs. On-site parking and Wi-Fi are free, and pets are welcome in select rooms for a modest fee. Guests with mobility issues should note that there's no elevator to access the upper floors.