CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (Jan. 2023) ––  Visitors to the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, renowned worldwide for its whimsical charm and unique character, will enjoy some exciting upgrades and renovations in 2023. While the quaint, walkable village remains, some of its most historic hotels and a major theater within the village are updating their properties. 

The renovations will maintain the longstanding character and charm of the village, while bringing new life and enhancements. Every detail of the renovations is geared toward boosting the quality of guests' time in the famed destination. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea properties and their 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 hotel’s reopening, which will be under a new name, is planned for Summer 2023. The renovation entails a complete overall, down to the studs (and beyond), of the hotel’s 42 rooms, public spaces, and infrastructure. The façade of the hotel will also be much improved, with the addition of high end, energy efficient windows and doors, custom stonework, and new roofing and balconies. There will also be much expanded outdoor patio space, including custom-built fountains and fire pits complemented by electric heaters, as well as a new indoor multi-purpose space for small group meetings and similar functions. The hotel’s restaurant also has been fully renovated and is now home to one of Carmel’s most innovative high-end fine dining establishments, Foray. 
• One of Carmel’s most historic properties, “The Grande Dame” known as La Playa Carmel, is undergoing a full renovation of the entire property -- all 75 guest rooms, public spaces, furnishings, finishes, and the addition of HVAC, three new one-bedrooms suites, and custom-built “barmoires.” While preserving the beloved history of La Playa, the renovation will modernize the guest experience, while it continues to be a place of respite for those creative minds seeking inspiration. Anchoring Carmel’s most prestigious residential neighborhood, La Playa features over 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space and is the premiere hotel for meetings, retreats, and social events in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Two popular sister properties, The Hideaway and The Getaway, are undergoing some cool 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. A retreat of peace and serenity since 1925, the hotel sits in the heart of the exclusive “Golden Rectangle” residential neighborhood of Carmel-by-the-Sea. As one of the closest hotels to the ocean, the modernized lodging option will provide an elevated guest experience for visitors to Carmel. 
• The historic Golden Bough Playhouse theater will enhance audience experience in 2023 with a complete renovation which includes new stadium-style seating, a revolving stage, gallery viewing, increased restrooms, expanded the lobby and concession areas, and better accessibility for those with disabilities. 

“Seeing Carmel’s historic and foundational properties reinvest into their businesses is an affirmation of this village’s status as a preferred vacation destination,” says Amy Herzog, Executive Director of Visit Carmel. “Our business community understands the imperative balance between providing the renovations and upgrades that enhance the guest experience while maintaining the unique and historic qualities that make Carmel-by-the-Sea like no other place on the planet.”

 For a list of hotels and other properties in Carmel-by-the-Sea, visit carmelcalifornia.com.  

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Visit Carmel (carmelcalifornia.com) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The mission of Visit Carmel is to promote Carmel-by-the-Sea as a top-rated, world-renowned destination where one-of-a-kind visitor experiences and discoveries are within walking distance of a variety of charming hotels, inns and B&Bs.

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