This past weekend our family went on a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea on the California coast. Though it’s only a little over 3 hours away Mike and I hadn’t been there since our honeymoon over 14 years ago! Wondering where to stay in Carmel with kids? On this trip we stayed at an incredible property that has been family-run for seven decades. It’s also only .8 mile from Pebble Beach and walking distance to anywhere you’d want to go in town. I can’t wait to share this beautiful and family-friendly spot with you! This post is in partnership with Hofsas House. All opinions are completely my own.
stay in Carmel with kids
I had heard wonderful things about Hofsas House and was excited for our weekend getaway. Traveling with kids can be a little tricky and sometimes we’re not sure if certain destinations or accommodations are right for our family. I’m pleased to say that we loved our stay at Hofsas House and felt right at home. From the sparkling cider and local cheese that were waiting for us in our room, to the friendly hotel guests with the beloved dogs (Carmel is a very dog-friendly town!) that smiled at our kids everywhere we went–we always felt welcome.
an iconic landmark in Carmel
Hofsas House has been around in some form since the late 1940s when Donna and Fred Hofsas moved from Los Angeles to Carmel. Fred was an accountant and Donna oversaw some cottages they had purchased and rented out. In 1957 they built the first addition, adding on 25 guest rooms. Since then it has remained in the family, being operated by various family members over the years. Carrie Theis is the current general manager and she remembers working alongside her grandmother Donna during summers of her childhood.
ideal location
Carmel-by-the-Sea is unique because it’s such a tiny village where you really can walk anywhere! Carmel is also a very short drive to Monterey or the Big Sur area. It’s a great basecamp for lots of central California coast destinations. If you’re interested in the famous 17-mile Drive you’ll also find that you can easily access that toll road. We were able to see so many things in our weekend getaway without ever going more than a few miles away!
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Hofsas House itself is conveniently located less than a mile from Pebble Beach. Even better news for visiting Carmel with kids–you’re within walking distance to the beach! If you do want to drive I recommend getting to the beach early or parking on a side street. We loved being able to walk out of our room and take the kids to the local candy shop or neighborhood park.
The balance is keeping Carmel beautiful… It truly is a village in the forest by the sea.
Carrie Theis, President/General Manager
family-friendly amenities
I’ve mentioned before that traveling with kids comes with some challenges. One of those challenges is trying to book accommodations that will fit our larger-than-average family. Hofsas House offers all room sizes from small Queen rooms to two bedroom suites. Our family stayed in one of the generous-sized two bedroom suites with plenty of room to spread out which was really nice!
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My kids also loved the heated pool that Hofsas House offers. They are actually one of the few hotels that offers a year-round heated pool! Anyone considering visiting Carmel with kids that love to swim should note that the ocean on the central coast is cold. That’s why a heated pool is so nice! We lucked out with beautiful 70° weather during our weekend but keep in mind that’s rare for October. There are also two dry saunas near the pool area if you need to unwind at the end of the day!
Our goal is casual European elegance with the warmth of family hospitality. Each room is decorated differently, no two rooms are alike.
Carrie Theis, President/General Manager
unique touches
Everything from the beautifully painted wall murals to the gorgeous hydrangea bushes hint at how special this place is. I love that each room is uniquely designed and no two are alike. Marie-Clare Tresder Gorham is the current artist in resident who has carried on the artistic tradition that Maxine Albro started years ago with her commissioned Bavarian-themed welcome mural. Everywhere you look you can see the love and legacy that has gone into Hofsas House. Hofsas House also offers free Wi-Fi, free, Parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast with delicious pastries from a local shop.
What’s your favorite feature of Hofsas House in Carmel?
Want to see more of our family’s adventures? Follow along with #YoungFamilyJaunts on Instagram!
