L'Auberge Carmel

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.

The hotel has great charm and is well located. L’aubergine is superb. However the hotel and service needs attention. The room is nice but not 5 star level, flaws included my mattress needing replacement, a chronically clogged sink and constant noise from exterior machinery. The room minibar is empty. Be aware that Public spaces are minimal. There is courtyard seating but unusable in rain or chill. The front desk phone often goes unanswered. Staff is certainly nice but not highly service oriented. I would say def dine here but stay elsewhere.