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Vagabond's House Inn
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels & Travel Bed & Breakfast Hotels, Bed & Breakfast [Edit]
Dolores & 4th AveCarmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-7738
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
28 reviews for Vagabond's House Inn
Review Highlights
"Great location within walking distance of everything we..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Enjoyed the wood burning fireplace."
(in 9 reviews)
"The in-room Sherry is a nice touch."
(in 3 reviews)
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Lori S.
Los Alamitos, CA
9/18/2011
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend, this is the place to stay. Breakfast brought to your room every morning! Wine and cheese every afternoon! Perfect location for a run on the beach or walk into town! The people were really wonderful. They remembered us by name and recommended restaurants and beautiful adventures! We got to know the other people staying at the hotel, as wine and cheese time is really a social mixer. Everyone had their dogs.....of course Theo was with us. A very memorable weekend!!!
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Review from kurt h.
Carlsbad, CA
11/25/2011
I liked this place.
My wife and I came here for a short Honeymoon; it was romantic and charming.
We liked the wine and cheese hour(s) (4pm-6pm) in the office, gave us an opportunity to relax and enjoy refreshments, talk with the caretaker person, and other guests.
The room was nice, charming, romantic. We had a decent sized kitchenette with utensils, plates, etc. The bathroom could have had more counter space. Our fireplace was nice, all the firewood we needed along with some firestarters. Complimentary sherry in the room. Comfortable bed.
Breakfast delivered to the room was nice. Nothing all that special: hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, cereal, pastries, toast etc.
The grounds were pretty and well lit.
The only con was the price, around $275... a bit pricey, but it seemed the norm for the area and the amenities that were included. -
Review from Carolyn M.
Edwards, CO
1/19/2012
My husband and I recently stayed at the charming Vagabond's House Inn in Carmel and had a wonderful time. Thomas, Randall and Stefanie took great care of us!
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Review from Melanie L.
Mountain View, CA
6/4/2011
We used to stay at the Quail Lodge but now that it's closed, we finally decided to give a real B&B a try. It was our first time - I have to admit we are biased toward new and modern, which is why we never considered staying at one of Carmel's charming inns. We liked this authentic Carmel experience! Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
-Real wood burning fireplace in the room (we were told only 4 rooms have the wood burning fireplaces, the rest have gas) - love, love, loved this!
-Room was a good size, nice layout, with completely renovated bathroom, to my delight! (website didn't have bath pic so I had no idea what to expect)
-Service and hospitality of staff is top notch
-Loved that breakfast gets delivered daily
-Liked the sound of the waterfall outside our room
-Liked the bath and body products provided
CONS
-Unpleasant smell in the room upon entry (pungent odor, kind of rustic); so much so I spent $20 on a candle which I lit throughout the stay which promptly took care of this issue
-Some bugs in room (flying ones and crawlies); wanted to open windows more but since there are no screens, bugs get in
-Like one reviewer said, the first day we had breakfast here, the croissant was very possibly the best croissant I've ever had! I was sooo looking forward to it the next day. However, it was obvious the next day what we got was the leftover croissants from the day before. Totally different taste and fully disappointed
-Morning coffee was terrible
-Room was $275 per night not including taxes
All in all, this place was nice and ok in my book. :) -
Review from Norman P.
Spring, TX
1/2/2012
Spent three nights here over new years and everything was just perfect from the working fireplace to the decanter of sherry. Very comfortable king bed and lots of pillows. Very substantial continental breakfast always arrived right on time. Quiet location on the edge of town.
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Review from Amber M.
Menlo Park, CA
4/1/2011
I would give this place a solid 4-5 star review. I live in Los Gatos and it's so nice to have a near by retreat that is so pet friendly. Vagabond's Inn service and rooms are excellent, with a beautiful courtyard. The breakfast was on par with their competition, although I wish there was a place that served a more traditional hot and homey breakfast. Location is perfect, walking distance to downtown shops, dining and the beach.
2 stars because, when my new car was side swiped in their private parking lot, all I got from the staff was a verbal apology, although sincere. Even after I mentioned it was a new car, and I just got it back from major repairs from a collision I was in barely two months ago. Again because they took our information to stay in their private lot, they could have helped me narrow down what automobile it could have been, there were only 4-5 cars parked there during our stay. Or how about something tangible? Even if it's just a lunch for my troubles... I'm in the service industry myself, and know just how poorly this situation was handled. -
Review from Dylan M.
Sacramento, CA
8/6/2011
I needed a few days to unwind and escape the Sacramento heat. The Vagabond's House was a perfect home base to explore Carmel, hang out on the beach, and check out the amazing food scene -- the staff sent me to all the right restaurants! They even deliver breakfast on a tray (Kiko had surprise dog biscuits on the tray too..nice touch!) Big Sur was a short, spectacular drive down Hwy 1. I want more weekends like this!
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Review from Margaret S.
Napa, CA
6/1/2011
Just a little slice of Heaven! What a great way to spend the night away from the everday crazyiness. I was traveling with my husband, two young children and a small Bichon and we were all well recieved. The children loved our room and we all felt at home. As if it couldn't get any better Tom the most delightful, caring and thoughtful innkeeper was there to assist. He not only whent out of his way to make sure we were comfartable he knew excatly were to send us and was always there with a great smile and a helping hand. Close walk to the beach and Ocean Ave. enough said! Great place and wonderful service. This will be the only place we stay in in Carmel. A MUST...
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Review from Ellen C.
Manhattan Beach, CA
10/23/2011
Stayed here for 3 nights for our niece's wedding in Carmel. Tucked away in the quiet trees yet close enough to walk to everything that is Carmel. Our room was quiet and very clean. Nice fireplace and comfy chairs. Staff was attentive and helpful. (We needed to pick up some last minute wedding items and their direction saved us time and money.) This place has a lovely garden with a soothing waterfall. Next time I stay here I will bring a book and spend time relaxing in the garden! Great little find!!!
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Review from Nicole N.
Pittsburg, CA
10/16/2011
We stayed here over the weekend and this place is perfect. We enjoyed everything about this place and breakfast brought to the room was an icing to the wkd. Only thing is the water fountain. Since I'm a very light sleeper it kept me up. My hubby in the other hand was put right to sleep by it. Will definitely stay here again on our next visit but will bring a couple sleeping pills.
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Review from Sharon S.
San Rafael, CA
9/8/2011
ALWAYS and we do mean ALWAYS, a lovely place to stay! You simply can not ask for a more warm, relaxing and peaceful place...Thomas and his staff are amazing! They take care of every detail. This truly is one of our most favorite places, and we look forward to our next visit!
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Review from Colin M.
Placerville, CA
4/3/2009
Lovely B&B, amazing antique toy collection, complimentary wine & cheese in the evenings, delicious breakfast, and dog friendly. Our only complaint is the Flintstone pillows in the room.
Don't be fooled by the "continental" breakfast description on their website. They serve fresh fruit, granola, coffer, juice, and the best pastries this side of the Rue Cler in Paris!
Our room was smallish (4A) but did have a new flat-screen TV on the wall. The bed was ok but the pillows were of the flat, hard variety.
Overall it was a nice stay and we will return, but likely to a larger room with fireplace next time.Comment from Barbara U. of Vagabond's House Inn 8/6/2009
Hello, Colin, Thank you so much for your comment about the… More » -
Review from A. M.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2010
This is a charming little place just a block away from the "downtown" area. I would recommend, however, springing for the highest end room. Our room #6 looked great on their website, but this had to be an old photo. The room was filled with cheesy, cheap, Victorian reproduction, dated furniture. The spruce green carpet was just plain old, stained, and ugly. The difference between the courtyard rooms and the upstairs room we stayed in is only $25, but the courtyard rooms are so much nicer and have recently been updated with new furniture and hardwood flooring.
Michelle,who runs the front desk during the day, did tell me that the owners are considering updating some of the rooms, so perhaps the next time we visit all the renovations will be completed.
The breakfast was just standard continental, but everything was fresh and nicely presented. Considering the reasonable prices of this inn, no complaints there. I love the extra touch of doggie snacks, which where served with our breakfast for our dog.
Which brings me to the real reason this inn gets high marks. What we enjoyed most about our stay is the people. Michelle is just a sweetheart and the most helpful and customer service oriented person I've ever encountered. The landscaping is just wonderful, serene and beautiful. There is also a spa on premises and we were able to get great massages from Victoria.
We will definitely be back, but next time we will be sure to ask if our room has recently been updated. -
Review from Devin P.
San Jose, CA
9/25/2010
Really cute & comfortable place - well priced. Great location & beautiful grounds. Favorite place I've stayed in Carmel, so far - brought the dog, which makes selection all the slimmer.
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Review from Tonya M.
Pebble Beach, CA
8/25/2010
Romantic Hotel, right smack in town, near the beach, great owners and manager.... If they can't get you a room, they will with one of their sister hotels. No doubt a good choice for travelers who enjoy life and all the wonderful things Carmel has to give them.
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Review from Jeremy J.
Long Beach, CA
8/12/2011
Couldn't ask for more. The reception was friendly and warm. Wine and cheese made a fantastic way to unwind from a road trip. Complimentary sherry in the room drove out the cold. Incredibly comfortable bed and amenities. I just can't say enough for how great this was.
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Review from Louis P.
Elk Grove, CA
10/5/2010
A delightful place to stay (poodle friendly)! Comfortable with a beautiful courtyard and well furnished, the fireplace was a nice touch. Complimentary breakfast was generous and delectable. The Host Thomas was very helpful with dinner reservations and suggestions on where to go and what to see. Great location within walking distance of everything we wanted to do. We will definitely return to this wonderful Inn next year for Poodle Day!
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Review from Netty L.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2007
Decent, but I think I could have used their towels as pumice stones. Our tv was faded and old, but they serve wine and cheese for free everyday at 4 pm. There was a complimentary bottle of cream sherry in the room. Blech. I bet they put cream sherry in the room, because no one likes it, and if it were red wine, it would always be consumed. Cream sherry = too old world for me. The Inn is pet friendly, and almost every room in this inn had a furry friend. Pet owners: displacing your dog in any location outside of the home is the cutest thing ever. I loved seeing my sister's dog in the hotel chair, on the bed, or asleep in front of the electric fireplace.
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Review from Marianne C.
Long Beach, CA
4/6/2008
I think the guest cottages were built in the '30's, '40's(?). There's even an old phone booth still on the property. But they have been updated and maintained. The courtyard is beautiful with an old tree and flowers, fountain flowing. The main office is the original old house that belonged to an author who was one of the early Carmel bohemians and is comfey. The staff is very helpful and friendly and will try to accomodate all your requests.
My only problem is that room 8, which I stayed in one night, did have some street traffic noise, and the fireplace in there didn't draw very well. Had trouble maintaining the fire. No problem in my next room with the fireplace, room 4. Enjoyed the wood burning fireplace. It was a real treat. (Duraflame logs would be helpful, though, in addition to the wood, to maintain the fire.) The only problem with room 4 is there is a stairway that leads to the room directly above, and people thoughtlessly tromp in at 10:30, 11:00 at night talking loudly and acting as though it were only 7:00. You can also hear room noises from the adjoining room and the room up above. I wouldn't schedule any noisy romantic interludes in either of those rooms, as room 4 would hear every detail. The little kitchens are great, but it's sort of amusing that they have no microwave, yet they have a full on oven and stove (for that turkey dinner you might want to cook on your vacation.) Obviously, it's from a bygone era when people stayed for awhile and cooked rather than went out to dinner at the restaurants.
Someone also scheduled some noisy maintenance work right outside my room one morning, but when there were complaints the staff responded with an apology note and a free bottle of champagne. They said they didn't know why that happened, it was an error, and they do appear to care about keeping you as a return customer, which is rare with many businesses these days.
Overall except for the few problems I thorougly enjoyed my stay here. It was a real Carmel experience. I wouldn't want to be in some sterile large hotel in this town. I think staying at a B and B here in a nostalgic old building is what makes your trip interesting and memorable. I think I'd try to avoid getting room 4 again, perhaps book further in advance, but otherwise I'd definitely come back. -
Review from Julie B.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2010
My husband and two kids stayed here for two nights in the middle of the week this summer. Nice little rooms (nothing fancy), lovely garden "fairyland" courtyard at night, great breakfast. We tried both a dinner and lunch restaurant upon the recommendation of the host, and both were fantastic. Love the happy hour of wine and cheese in front of the fire -- so lovely and cozy! Loved being walking distance from Ocean Ave.
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Review from Eli C.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2010
Everything was well done. Nice room, great location, excellent staff. Nice touches like sherry in the room and the paper delivered.
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Review from Ellis M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/5/2010
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Vagabond's House Inn and the experience was incredible. I had the feeling that I was staying in my own home away from home. I was able to relax, work on my writing, entertain guests, cook....whatever I could do at home and more. The fireplace was spectacular and the staff were extremely helpful, especially the front desk. Breakfast was delivered each morning within minutes of my picking up the phone and requesting it. Everything was perfect and I recommend this experience to anyone visiting beautiful Carmel.
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Review from Chris J.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2010
I stayed here a couple months ago with my partner, and a friend of ours rented an additional room with her eight year old daughter. We had come over from the Mission Ranch Inn, which is supposed to be high end - but this place was MUCH better! Very charming and well-run, clean, beautifully furnished, very comfortable, quiet, and centrally located. I have no complaints!
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Review from terry b.
Half Moon Bay, CA
5/4/2010
We stayed here with my dogs, wife and mother-in-law for my 60th birthday. We had a wonderful dinner at Casanova's a short walk away. The rooms were comfortable, the breakfast was delicious and the gardens were beautiful. Everything was very enjoyable.
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Review from Joe H.
Richmond, CA
8/20/2010
A cozy bed and breakfast with a beautiful court yard surrounded by nice rooms. My wife, daughter, and I stayed here for a couple of nights last week. We stayed at room 3. The room is clean and has a clean classic early 1900's feeling about it, as it is not overly "flowery" or try to pretend to be a "country-inn". Room 3 also has a nice extra day bed, which becomes an hangout/play area for our daughter. The manager and the staff were all very nice and helpful. The afternoon wine and cheese is a nice bonus - helped us to unwind after the drive into Carmel. The in-room Sherry is a nice touch. As for breakfast, nothing really fancy but everything is well executed - bagels, toasts, and coffee are nice and hot upon arrival. Fruit is fresh and sweet. The parking is no issue. Location is convenient - all the restaurants we want to check out are within 5 minute walk. Beach is about 10 minute walk away. All in all, a very cozy and relaxing B&B, and definitely worth going back.
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Review from Bradley S.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2010
Not only is this place beautiful and cozy down to every last detail, but the staff, headed by the inn's manager, provides nothing short of exquisite hospitality with personable attentiveness and no pretension whatsoever. Every special request was graciously provided for and you get the feeling that the Vagabond House Inn is the last of a dying breed of hospitality providers. We were delighted to have found this gem of a place and couldn't be happier with our recent stay and everything that was done to make it such a memorable and pleasurable experience.
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Review from Lisse Q.
Marin, CA
11/4/2010
We celebrated my husband's birthday this past weekend and selected the Vagabond's House Inn based on a friend's recommendation. This charming place exceeded my level of expectations! The room was cozy with a fireplace. Nice touches included an afternoon wine and cheese reception and a nicely made breakfast delivered to our room every morning. I wanted to have a birthday cake delivered to our room upon arrival and staff members were especially helpful with recommending a bakery nearby and ensuring the ordering process and delivery went smoothly. Great parking availability and great location within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
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Review from Arnold K.
Port Washington, NY
7/3/2010
Wonderful bed and breakfast located just 3 blocks from the main street in Carmel and within walking distance of the beach. Our room (sleeping 3) was quaint, clean, comfortable and faced the inn's beautiful interior courtyard. The staff, particularly the manager Thomas, were incredibly helpful and met all our needs. Clearly one of the best places to stay in Carmel.
