Carmel River Inn & Cottages

3.0 star property

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Studio Cottage with Wet Bar | Minibar, individually decorated, individually furnished
Luxury Tent | Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Luxury Tent | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Exterior

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Business services
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923
  • Place, The Barnyard
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Mission Basilica
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Studio Cottage, 1 Queen Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Traditional Hotel Room, 1 King Bed (main building)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(30 reviews)
  • River view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Traditional Double Hotel Room, 2 Double Beds (main building)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(24 reviews)
  • River view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar Two Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Trundle Beds

Similar properties

About this property

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Along with a seasonal outdoor pool, this smoke-free motel has a business centre and concierge services. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, express check-in and express check-out are on-site. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Carmel River Inn & Cottages offers 56 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children aged under 18 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of Carmel River Inn & Cottages's great location. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Carmel Beach. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a business centre are available. Some of the pet-friendly amenities that this property offers include food and water bowls and an off-lead area.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Take a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • Guests have great things to say about the clean guestrooms and the helpful staff
  • Just a 2-minute drive from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and a few minutes from Carmel Beach
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls and an off-lead area
Public spaces have free WiFi. You'll find a business centre on site. A seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at Carmel River Inn & Cottages. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Carmel motel is smoke free.


Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1934
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Minibar
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property enforces quiet hours from 9:30 PM to 8:00 AM
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Food and water bowls and an off-lead area are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Guests will receive lockbox information. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking. At the property, quiet hours are enforced between 9:30 PM and 8:00 AM.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in May and close in August.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Carmel River
Carmel River Inn
River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Hotel Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel
Carmel River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel Carmel

Carmel River Inn & Cottages Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 571 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 281 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 97 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 1007 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Anita

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The location, staff and property were nice. However, there were tons of ants in our room. The first night we felt something crawling in our bed. When we lifted the covers there were dead and love ants. We thought it was an isolated time. But the same thing g happened rhe next night and we ended up sharing 1 of 2 beds. We didn’t sleep well at all. Rhe ants were in the bathroom, bed and and main areas. I informed the front desk at check out. While they were aplogeruc they didn’t offer for any reimbursement or credit. The receptors suggested I. All the manager since rhe were not on site
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Carmel River Inn is so charming! Even though it has been renovated and modernized, it still has some of that quaint mid-century aesthetic, making it a unique and historic place to stay. We stayed in the hotel portion, and loved that we had a private balcony facing the Carmel River- very scenic! The proximity to Highway One has pros and cons. There's a little noise during the day, but it's very quiet at night. The hotel is at a nice crossroads, making it easy to access Big Sur as well as Carmel, Monterey and Carmel Valley. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Luciana

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mallika

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Keyla Rominna

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great, the views are really nice. I would’ve liked to have housekeeping at least once in my 3 day stay. Other than that I will be definitely coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Delightful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Betty, Sacramento

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall, it was a very good stay and excellent location. We had three nice cottages for our family trip. The rooms were nice, but had different amenities. When I asked, the gentleman said they were all the same, but that wasn't true (bathtub versus shower; carpeted floor versus no carpet; dishwasher versus not, more spacious for game night versus no extra space, fake fire place for heat.versus a heater that never got the whole room warm; stand alone cottage versus 'duplex' with neighbor), etc. No warning of no daily housekeeping before arrival, and no warning on Expedia's advertising that they charge $125 as an additional cleaning fee if you bring a dog. Bed was too soft for us, but our adult kids thought the beds were great. We would return here because of location and the ability to have cottages for ourselves and our adult children.!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn, Antioch

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

avi, Sunnyvale

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lillian

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim, San Francisco

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shayna

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely perfect stay in the upgraded cabin. Insanely quiet but only 8 minutes to downtown and just a few minutes from lovely shopping centers. Staff was so great. Will always come back when we visit Carmel!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anny June

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adam is great. The cabin is very clean fully stocked and very quite. The rest fo the staff that are auper nice. We called them to light up the fire pit and he was fast! When in Carmel we will definitely stay here. We use to stay in downtown are but this place is a gem!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Comfortable room. Well worn but clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Mayra

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Albert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Lovely property! We thought we might stay only one night so we chose to stay in a room at the main hotel. Nice clean room on the river. Our Issue was at night we could hear the walking around very loudly from room above. As we really wanted to stay one more night, we asked if they could accommodate us in a one room cottage at a discount. Amy did it for us! LOVED IT SO MUCH!! Clean and adorable. The property is lovely as well. we can't wait to return. Highly recommend staying in a cottage over the main hotel. We also had beautiful weather 😁
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ted

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very pleasant three day stay. Dog friendly and great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aliyar

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay was perfect from start to finish. The hotel was warm, clean, quiet, and very cozy, which made it feel truly comfortable and relaxing. I felt safe the entire time, which is so important when traveling. The location is amazing — it’s close to the shopping mall, restaurants, and the downtown area, making it super convenient to get around without driving far. The staff maintained the property very well, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming. I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and a great location.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jim

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Beds are to soft and people in the room next to us loud. We couldn’t sleep all night. Also, we paid $309.00 way over priced. We should get a full refund for this. I’ll be in touch
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute cottages, clean & comfortable and the staff is great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHAWN, ONTARIO

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very nice. Different than usual motels or hotels. Would return.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025