L'Auberge Carmel

This is a very comfortable hotel in an excellent location especially if your plan is to walk the streets of Carmel shopping, dining, gallery hopping or walking along the beach. Service was exceptional from the front desk, valet, bell boys, room service, maid service and the restaurant. Everyone was helpful, friendly and efficient. We stayed in room 20 which is roomy and relatively quiet. It is here that our rating is only four stars and not five. While the room was comfortable in general, the shear curtains were torn in several places, there were numerous serious carpet stains, the shutters in bathroom were broken and in general, the rooms decor could use a little updating. We will definitely stay at L'Auberge on a return visit to Carmel. The service was so exceptional we can easily overlook some stains. We have read that many rooms are being updated and we like to believe that room 20 will have its time in the rotation.

While this was a picturesque perfect hotel, as would be expected in Carmel, for a Relais & Chateau property the service and number of staff fall way short of expectations. Sitting in a beautiful outdoor courtyard, it is a shame that it is only available for breakfast. Having a cocktail is a challenge. The bartender arrives at 2pm. The bartender makes the drinks and brings them to the courtyard,L'as well. Before 2pm, at least there is a hotel porter mixing and serving drinks. Don't expect food to be served with your cocktail. Why would you expect food with your drinks when it houses a Michelin restaurant. Smaller items of note: limited breakfast selection; poor quality blow dryer, with no available upgrade; no bottled water in you room . . .

The Owner Patrice Pastor is POISONING GUESTS with Aspartame in the Sweeteners with mediocre coffee and charging guests $500 a night for Motel Six Quality Coffee and Sweeteners. No surprise as Prince Albert of Monaco has the French Secret Service AFTER HIM for CYBER CRIMES.

Having stayed at L'Auberge hotels in the past, we made the mistake of booking this one without reading the reviews. There are so many things wrong with this hotel that it is just not worth the money. If you do decide to stay here, good luck getting wet in the shower and having a good night's sleep due to noise from the courtyard and very uncomfortable bed.

Staying at this property is really a very special experience. You are made to feel right at home from the moment you check in. To a person, everyone you encounter is welcoming and committed to making sure you have a wonderful visit. Our room was very cozy and the bathroom, which appeared to have been recently updated, was beautiful. There is a lovely courtyard where we sat in the afternoon relaxing in the sun and listening to the trickling water of the fountain. The bar at night, though small, is still a great place to sit and absorb the ambiance. Overall a relaxing memorable get away which will make us long to return.