Disclosure: I received 2 nights lodging, however, because of my experience I am writing this post.
When I travel, I love to find charming little inns and hotels to stay in especially if they match the charm and character of the town I happen to be visiting.
Such was the case a few weeks ago when I spent a beautiful weekend in Carmel By the Sea, a charming little coastal town right off Highway 1 in California. Right in between the beautiful Big Sur and Monterey Bay Peninsula.
The Hofsas House from the backside
12 Reasons You Should Book a Stay at the Hofsas House!!
1) It’s Family Owned and Run
That’s right. The Hofsas House is an over 60 year running business. It all began with Donna Hofsas when her and her husband moved to Carmel by the Sea in the 1940s, by 1957, they were adding onto to the hotel and the rest is history.
It’s currently being ran by Donna’s granddaughter Carrie Theis, who is carrying on the family tradition.
2) All Within Walking Distance of Carmel By the Sea
Once you get to the Hofsas House, park your vehicle then walk around the town throughout the entire weekend.
The Hofsas House even came up with an entire list of things to do without a car here.
It’s even walking distance to the Carmel Beach, which really, is just minutes away. A walk not for the faint of heart, of course.
3) It’s a Dog Friendly Inn
Carmel By the Sea is seriously known as one of the dog friendliest cities around all because of Doris Day and her beloved devotion to her four legged friends.
But the Hofsas House allows dogs within their inn, 25 dollars fee for one dog per night and a 40 dollar fee for two dogs. It even comes with a tail wagging package deal including their own frisbee, dog mat and more.
4) They give back to the Community.
Throughout the year, the Hofsas House hosts various events that help give back to the community.
One such event, during the off season, takes place once a month on Friday evenings in their conference center to support the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. All funds go raised for this event go to support this organization while those in attendance enjoy sips of wine from Monterey County and bites to eat.
5) Hospitality partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best, if not the best, aquarium in California, and the Hofsas House has partnered with them. Meaning if you purchase your tickets through the hotel you’ll receive a two-day pass for the price of one.
6) The Beds.
I’m going to be honest, I don’t always mention the beds at the hotels I stay at, unless, they are extraordinary:
Needless to say, this bed was what greeted me when I entered my room at the Hofsas House. It was rather inviting. But, I didn’t realize how inviting until the next morning when I woke up and I was so cozy surrounded by my pillows and covers. Needless to say, I had a very awesome night of sleep.
7) Complimentary Breakfast
Every morning beginning at 8am through 10am, a complimentary breakfast is served in the lobby area. You can stay right there and enjoy your breakfast in the lobby, or ask for a tray and bring it up to your room where the morning sunlight greets you:
8) The Pool
Most of the rooms overlook the pool area at the Hofsas House, and it’s especially inviting during the summer. The outdoor pool is heated so even on a cool day you could easily hop in and enjoy a swim.
I know I took advantage of it later in the evening after a nice day exploring the surrounding town. The pool closes at 9pm daily. It’s not the largest pool out there, but for a weekend getaway and to escape the heat, it’s perfect.
9) The European Charm
From the eclectic furniture found within the rooms from fireplaces to antiqued dresses and armoires to the European art surrounding the inn, this place has a lot of charm and character.
Meaning it’s perfect if you’re looking for a bit of charm, and old fashion history.
10) The Spacious Rooms
I’ve been to some inns and hotels where there’s the bed, and the TV stand, and that’s it. I’ve been to others that have had separate rooms completely. The Hofsas House is in between. It definitely has the bed, the TV Stand, but more room to really lay out and relax during your stay. The fireplaces also add a really nice touch.
The bathrooms are also very spacious making it very easy for a family to get ready at the same time, the only complaint would be that the showers are a little small.
11) The Packages and Offerings
The Hofsas House knows every traveler is a bit different from the other, and that is why they offer a wide variety of packages.
Some examples include:
Monterey Wine & Cheese Pairing: 30 Dollars
Beach Fire and S’Mores Bundle: 60 Dollars
In Room his or her couple massages: 160 dollars for 45 minutes
Partnerships with local Golf Courses for 65 dollars per person
and of course, their Tail Wagging Package
12) The Staff
Of course, with any inn or hotel, it truly comes down to the staff and how accommodating they are for any traveler. The staff truly took care of me over my weekend stay from offering a tray every morning for breakfast to adding an additional parking space when my other half joined me to answering any travel questions I may have had about the area.
And that is why you should book a getaway to the Hofsas House in beautiful Carmel By the Sea. Have you been? If so, tell me about your experience below.
