For travelers looking for a luxurious, yet secluded getaway in Carmel-By-The-Sea, Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a great option.
Now, there are a mixed set of reviews about Hyatt Carmel Highlands – some people loved it and others didn’t and thought it was overrated.
While we enjoyed our stay here, we would only recommend it under certain criteria. Keep reading for our Hyatt Carmel Highlands Review.
No time to read to full post? Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a fancy but expensive place to stay. We loved our experience but would only recommend paying less than $500 per night for 2 guests (Check rates here). The ocean and sunset views are unforgettable.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands Review
We got the World of Hyatt card last year for our stay at Hyatt Regency in Lake Tahoe and one of the card’s perks is a 1 night free in a category 1-7 Hyatt hotel with category 7 being the most pricey and luxurious.
There aren’t a lot of Hyatt category 7 hotels eligible for this perk but we finally one that wasn’t too far from us: Hyatt Carmel Highlands.
We chose an ocean-view room but once we got there, we were told by staff that the room wasn’t ready at check-in time.
We were provided two options; we can either check into another room without an ocean view or wait for the ocean view room to be ready AND receive a $50 voucher.
We weren’t in a rush and love free money (as anyone would!) so it was a no-brainer. Luckily, we only needed to wait for 20 minutes.
We were a little disappointed because we had called in earlier to ask if our room was going to be available by check-in and a staff member had said yes.
But once we got the $50 voucher, we were happy to wait and explore the hotel lobby and the hotel grounds.
Other than that, there weren’t any hiccups. When we arrived at our room, the sun was glowing into our room and we sat out on the balcony to enjoy the sunset along with the ocean sounds.
The main perk of staying at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands is its breathtaking ocean views. Most of the rooms offer sweeping vistas of the coast and rocky terrain in the distance.
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The Wi-Fi was fast and while the TV remote wasn’t functioning properly, we got the option to use our phone as a remote so that worked out.
You get complimentary water bottles (1 per person) during your stay but you can get more. When we called the front desk to find out if the tap water is safe to drink, they said a staff member can drop off a couple of water bottles.
Instead of going to Hyatt’s restaurant, Pacific’s Edge for dinner, we drove to Carmel. We preferred Indian food for the night and wanted to try out Pacific’s Edge for breakfast.
Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge was satisfying and accompanied by Pacific Ocean views. I had an omelet with market potatoes and my husband had 2 eggs with apple chicken sausage and coffee.
As with any other luxurious hotel, the food was expensive but it kept us full for hours and we got to use our voucher.
We stayed in Hyatt during the Christmas time and while there weren’t any Christmas events, they host a New Year celebration brunch.
This is one of the very few luxury hotels that don’t host Christmas events, but there are other California hotels that go all out for Christmas. While we were there, there was a piano man named Dino who played on Thursdays and Saturdays from 6-9 pm.
We brought our swimsuits so we checked out the hot tub. The hot tub is small so we were lucky that there wasn’t anyone else both times we went.
The weather was a bit chilly so we didn’t want to get into the pool. While in the hot tub, you can see the ocean in the distance.
There were no issues while checking out and the check-out time was 12 noon. A heads up, since the hotel is spread out on a cliff so there are stairs to go up or down your room.
Keep that in mind when deciding what type of luggage to take to the hotel. But there’s also bellman assistance if you need help.
So would we recommend staying at Hyatt Carmel Highlands? If you’re looking for a free Category 7 hotel to stay at using the World of Hyatt card, then yes.
Very few hotels are eligible for a free night stay so we were glad that this one was eligible and available.
If you’re paying, then we wouldn’t recommend paying more than $500 per night for two guests for this hotel. Prices vary and you can get some really good deals during the off-season.
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About Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Opened in 1917, this quaint hotel offers stunning views and amenities that will make your stay pleasant. There are 48 rooms including 31 ocean-view rooms, 14 suites, and 3 garden-view rooms. It’s a popular venue for weddings, business meetings, and other special events.
Hyatt’s Location: Overlooking Big Sur
Since this hotel is built on a cliff, the views are expansive and panoramic. It’s also perfectly located between Carmel and Big Sur. It’s only 4 miles away from Carmel and you’ll find a great variety of restaurants there.
You can spot the hotel on the main road and once you turn after the Hyatt Highlands Inn sign, you drive up to the hotel lobby. You can do valet parking or you can self-park in one of their 9 parking lots.
When we first arrived, it felt like a maze to find parking but once you check in, they provide a Hyatt map.
The map is especially helpful to find your room since the rooms are spread out in different buildings that all look the same.
The hotel grounds light up when it gets dark but definitely keep the Hyatt map with you (even in daytime!) to get back to your room.
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Hyatt Carmel Highlands Map
The Rooms at Hyatt Carmel Highlands
While Hyatt hotels are known to be in popular destinations around the world, Hyatt Carmel Highlands takes it one step further with its beautiful ocean-view rooms built on a cliff.
Each room is decorated in a comfortable yet classic style and features many amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable.
From pillow-top mattresses and cozy comforters to flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, the rooms also come with complimentary bath products and a small refrigerator for snacks or drinks.
The room has an electronic fireplace which is a better option sustainably and you can change the colors of the fire flames. But if you prefer a real fire, there are fire pits and locations around the hotel to grab some wood.
Room prices vary dramatically. They can go as low as $350 per night and as high as $1500 per night while the average price is $628 per night.
We’d recommend finding a great deal on Booking.com to book a night for less than $500/night (for two people). Or sign up for the World of Hyatt credit card if you plan to stay at more Hyatt hotels.
Amenities at Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a popular hotel choice for those looking for luxury and comfort in the heart of Monterey County.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers an impressive array of amenities, from on-site dining to a full spa and fitness center. You can also enjoy an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fire pits around the hotel grounds.
If you need anything such as additional items, luggage assistance, or restaurant recommendations, the hotel encourages you to text them at 831.298.6457.
Amenities that aren’t available here are in-room dining, daily housekeeping, bike rentals, and turndown service.
Learn more about Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ amenities here.
Dining at Hyatt Carmel Highlands Review
From casual lounge sitting in Sunset Lounge to fine dining in Pacific’s Edge, Hyatt Carmel Highlands also has an impressive wine list and craft cocktail menu to suit any taste. Plus you can watch for whales while you’re eating your food.
Pacific Edge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:
- Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am
- Lunch: 10 am – 2 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm to 9 pm (only from Wednesday to Sunday)
Sunset Lounge is open in the evening and starts serving food from 4 pm – 9 pm and drinks from 3 pm – 10 pm.
You find the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Pacific’s Edge Restaurant and Sunset Lounge’s menus here.
Other than Pacific’s Edge, you would have to drive a few miles for food. Luckily, Carmel-by-the-Sea is just 10 minutes away and filled with a variety of restaurants.
We ate at Mission Bistro before checking into the hotel. The Blackened Salmon was so filling and my husband’s Chicken Sandwich is probably the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever tasted!
For dinner, we went to Aabha Indian Cuisine. If you’re looking for Indian fusion dishes, then you need to go here! We loved it so much that we came here again for lunch!
We’ve had artichoke & cumin pakoda, cauliflower turmeric soup, pistachio chicken korma, chipotle chicken tikka, and coconut rice.
Other Hyatt Carmel Highlands Reviews
Here are some other Hyatt Carmel Highlands reviews that might help make your decision about staying here:
“Serene getaway with gorgeous ocean views and helpful staff. Totally incredible view in our ocean-facing room and the room looked like the pictures. Access to the pool and hot tub was fantastic. The staff were incredibly accommodating.” – Lisa
“So much to love about this hotel. It’s definitely worth the consideration. The experience was great. If I were to give it an overall grade the Hyatt would receive a solid A. The views were great, the staff was helpful and attentive. We had a wonderful time.” – Cole
“ Stunning relaxing vacation…spacious and serene. super happy with our two-story townhouse and full kitchen it was perfect for 4 nights to have coffee and breakfast in and just a few fabulous meals out.
The fireplace was fun on the day we got rained in and we never felt cramped, very homey. loved the outdoor hot tub and jacuzzi in our room. we had great ocean views.” – Katherine
Things To Do Near Hyatt Carmel Highlands
There are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking trails and bike paths nearby. You could drive down to Big Sur or plan a hike in Point Lobos State Reserve.
You can also check out some art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea or take a drive along 17-Mile Drive for spectacular views of cypress trees and other natural attractions. If you haven’t yet, check out the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium; it’s just 11 miles away.
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FAQs: Hyatt Carmel Highlands Review
Who owns Highlands Inn in Carmel?
Hyatt Hotels Corporation owns the Highlands Inn in Carmel, California.
When was Hyatt Carmel Highlands built?
Hyatt Carmel Highlands was built in 1917.
What celebrities live in Carmel?
There are many celebrities who live/have lived/own houses in Carmel including Brad Pitt, Clint Eastwood, Jack London, Ansel Adams, John Madden, Doris Day, Joan Fontaine, Bing Crosby, Doris Gates, John Ernst Steinbeck Jr., and Paul Anka.
Is there laundry in Hyatt Carmel Highlands?
Yes, there is guest laundry in Hyatt Carmel Highlands. It’s located north of Highlands Drive near hotel rooms 423-432.
Is there a spa in Hyatt Carmel Highlands?
Yes, there is a spa in Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Spa Adeline is located north of Highlands Drive near hotel rooms 423-432. It’s right next to the fitness center.
Can you organize weddings in Hyatt Carmel Highlands?
Yes, you can organize a wedding in Hyatt Carmel Highlands. It’s a popular wedding venue. You can learn about their wedding services here.
What is the pet policy in Hyatt Carmel Highlands?
Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed in Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Guests who bring a pet will be charged a Room Recovery fee of $500 per pet.
Final Thoughts: Hyatt Carmel Highlands Review
Hyatt Carmel Highlands can provide an unforgettable getaway experience because of its location and nearby scenic attractions in Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey.
While it’s an expensive hotel, we’d recommend looking for deals that are not more than $500 per night for 2 people. The hype for the hotel is mainly for its stunning ocean views which we enjoyed during our stay.
Not Interested In Hyatt Carmel Highlands?
If you’re not interested in Hyatt Carmel Highlands, there are plenty of other options nearby:
- Budget-Friendly: Carmel Mission Inn
- Mid-Scale: La Playa Carmel
- Luxurious: Villa Mara Carmel
