Clint Eastwood served as mayor of this city from 1986 to 1988. But that´s not the main reason Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most popular destinations in California. It is known as an “artists and poets village” and its unique character, keeping its authenticity as “a village in a forest overlooking a sand beach”. Against this background, changes in the townscape are always tricky, but this year there will be an extensive renovation in Carmel.

Some of its most historic hotels and a major theatre within the town are updating their properties. The reinvestment will bring beloved businesses to life with premium additions and experiences.

The Carmel-by-the-Sea renovations include:

• The former Carmel Lodge has been redesigned and is undergoing an extensive renovation to bring the property into the top-tier of luxury coastal inns. The reopening is planned for Summer 2023; the hotel will have a new name. The renovation includes a complete overall of the 42 rooms, public spaces, and infrastructure; there will also be an expanded outdoor patio space. The restaurant also has been renovated and is now home to Foray, a fine dining establishment.

• “The Grande Dame” also known as La Playa Carmel, is undergoing a full renovation, including all 75 guest rooms, public spaces, and three new one-bedrooms suites. La Playa features over 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space.

• Two sister properties, The Hideaway and The Getaway, are undergoing various upgrades, and they will re-open in early 2023 under the Palisociety brand. 

• Carmel Beach Hotel, formerly known as the Colonial Inn, is undergoing a complete renovation. Founded in 1925, the hotel sits in the heart of Carmel’s “Golden Rectangle” residential neighbourhood. As one of the closest hotels to the ocean, the modernised lodging option will provide an elevated guest experience for visitors to Carmel.
• The Golden Bough Playhouse theatre will enhance its audience experience in 2023 with new stadium seating, a revolving stage, gallery viewing, restrooms, concession areas and increased accessibility for those with disabilities.

“Seeing Carmel's reinvestment into the destination is a great reminder of this village's popularity as a preferred vacation destination,” said Amy Herzog, Executive Director of Visit Carmel.