Tradewinds Carmel***+ Mission Street at Third Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Far East brushes hands with West at the Tradewinds Carmel boutique hotel, on the quiet edge of Carmel. In a romantic fusion of Asian tropical design in its decor and ambiance, the 28 non-smoking rooms provide every comfort. With luxurious fabrics, handsome furnishings, some rooms with fireplaces and ocean views (on clear days) to relax and unwind after exploring this wonderful sea-side village and surrounds. Tradewinds Carmel was featured in Architectural Digest 2004 as a premier boutique hotel and it is worthy of its reputation.

Linda and Peter D'Aprix 2010

Tranquil and romantic, the Tradewinds, with its "zen-like" harmony, caters to a clientele looking for an intimate, small hotel slightly removed from the center of Carmel but still within a few blocks of all the activity. Its rooms are filled with Asian-Balinese fabrics, Egyptian cotton linens, down pillows and feather beds entice you to sink into dreamy comfort. The rooms with fireplaces and ocean views are the most pleasant and spacious, a welcoming oasis after a day shopping, browsing art galleries and sight seeing this beautiful California coast.

To see web album of more photos, click here Peter D'Aprix © 2010

On warm and sunny days, the sounds of the cascading water fall plays its music throughout the garden. The waters then flow alongside the steps, through a series of mini-water falls of local Carmel stone, to the bottom; all the way lined with lush tropical plants, Japanese lanterns and drift wood. Bamboo panels are set into the stair and balcony railings exuding a breath of Japan. The Meditation Garden, presided over by the seated stone Buddha, provides a serene environment to sooth and restore your senses.

Although small, the multi-leveled Asian garden takes on a different character with the changing light of day and weather. We arrived in the veil of a cool afternoon mist that shrouded the hotel with a sense of mystery, the far structures politely withdrawing into the haze. As night settles, the lighting flickers on creating a warm, almost Polynesian ambiance, with the dancing flames of the fire pit and artfully illuminated water works and recessed lighting illuminating each of the wide stone steps of the gardens stairs. The sun brings out the warm colors of the landscaping, the warm color of the native stone contrasting with the lush greens of plantings and bamboo.

These same touches extend into the rooms. Each has its own self contained bamboo water fountain that emits a soft sound of falling water to lull you into restfulness. Chinese paintings of bamboo hang down the wall, a delicate orchid graces the table that is flanked by twin wicker arm chairs. The 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens are snow white while the throw pillows and shoe protectors across the foot of the beds are various shades of burnished gold and brass. A sweet touch is provided in a dried leaf of bamboo for you to write a prayer or wish and deposit in the Meditation Garden's pool at the feet of the Buddha.

As you lie in bed, the white painted exposed beams and wooden ceiling help keep the rooms from feeling cramped. The designer had to work within the existing walls and has made the most of clever elements to lift the space out of its previous confines with light elements such as the ceiling, the charming interior design touches, and the unique fixtures and furnishings. "Tansu" style vanities enrich the slightly cramped bathroom.

A nice touch was the his-and-hers chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room just after you have settled in. A Continental buffet is served in the morning in the Catlin breakfast room after 7.30 AM. As you check in, there is a heaping plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. (I noticed that it was the wives that seemed to do the checking in while the husbands were to be observed checking out the provenance of the cookies.) The Tradewinds has pet friendly rooms in keeping with Carmel's very welcoming dog policy.

Tradewinds Carmel
Mission Street at Third Avenue,
Carmel-by-the-Sea,
P.O. Box 3403, CA 93921, USA
Tel.: +1-831.624.2776
Fax: +1-831.624.0634
Web Site: www.tradewindscarmel.com
Email Reservations: reservations@tradewindscarmel.com
Email Information: info@tradewindscarmel.com

How to find Tradewinds Carmel FROM SAN FRANCISCO Leaving San Francisco, take HIGHWAY 101 south to HIGHWAY 156 WEST. (This is a small two-lane Highway, so don’t think you have made a mistake). Follow HIGHWAY 156 WEST for approximately 6 miles until it merges with HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH. Continue on HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH to Carmel and exit onto OCEAN AVENUE. Follow OCEAN AVENUE into town and turn right onto MISSION STREET. Continue for 3 ? blocks to the corner of MISSION STREET and THIRD AVENUE. We are on the right hand side. FROM LOS ANGELES: Take HIGHWAY 101 NORTH to Salinas and take the exit that says MONTEREY PENINSULA. After a looping off ramp, turn onto BLANCO ROAD and drive about 3 miles to MAIN STREET (a.k.a. HIGHWAY 68). Turn left onto HIGHWAY 68 WEST and continue about 17 miles to HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH (left lane). Stay on HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH to Carmel and exit onto OCEAN AVENUE. Follow OCEAN AVENUE into town and turn right onto MISSION STREET. Travel 3 1/2 blocks to the corner of MISSION STREET and THIRD AVENUE. We are on the right hand side. • Nearest major airport: Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) 10 miles • Directions from airport: Turn right onto HIGHWAY 68 WEST and continue to HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH (left lane). Stay on HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH to Carmel and exit onto OCEAN AVENUE. Follow OCEAN AVENUE into town and turn right onto MISSION STREET. Travel 3 1/2 blocks to the corner of MISSION STREET and THIRD AVENUE. We are on the right hand side.