A fun fact about Carmel-by-the-Sea is that there are no house numbers. Each house has a name, and residents go to the post office to collect their mail. This attribute may seem a bit quirky, but it maintains the village feel to the small residential area by the sea, a feeling that is hard to find in the high-tech fast-paced world of today.
Sunset photo taken by the beach which is only 5 minutes’ walk from Hofsas House.
Nestled on the corner of 4th and San Carlos on a quite hillside, the friendly folks at Hofsas House were awaiting our arrival after the long (and breathtakingly beautiful) drive up to coast.
Beautiful flower surround Hofsas House.
Now managed by Carrie Theis, who started working at the hotel alongside her grandmother when she was only 8-years-old, the 38 uniquely decorated rooms are unapologetically traditional to the point where it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The Barvarian heritage is present in the furniture, the wallpaper, and in the welcome mural that was painted by family friend and artist Maxine Albro. Albro was a good friend of Donna Hofsas, who founded the hotel with her husband back in 1957.
Me with Carrie Theis, who now owns and manages the Hofsas House, in front of the welcome mural painted by Maxine Albro.
Each poolside room offers a full kitchen, a fireplace (complete with a S’mores kit!), wifi, a comfortable bed for humans, and another for dogs 🙂 Guests of Hofsas House are invited to enjoy breakfast each morning of French Roast coffee and OJ paired with fresh baked goods delivered by one of the local bakeries which might just make the BEST. PASTRIES. EVER.
Here are some photos of the lovely Hofsas House!
Entrance to Hofsas House.
Pet friendly! They even provide a water bowl and treats for your furry friends 🙂
Super cute kitchen area with a welcome wine and cheese offering. The local cheeses were delicious!
Having wine on the gorgeous deck featuring a view of the hillside and beach.
There is plenty to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including wine tasting, a picnic by the beach or a day of golf in nearby Pebble Beach, a visit to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, lots of great shopping and gorgeous art to take in, and the staff at Hofsas House is partnered with all of the best restaurants and activities on offer, and graciously provide the best recommendations and special packages.
How awesome is this S’mores kit?!
We went to the 5th Avenue Deli and tried some of their delicious homemade salads and sandwiches. If you’re looking to go on a picnic, the friendly folks at 5th Ave will create a custom picnic box for you, or you can try one of their signature crafted selections to-go.
The deli is just off of San Carlos perfectly burrowed right into the hillside. There are so many gourmet options to choose from, you’ll want to go back every day!
If you go to Carmel and don’t do wine tasting, you’re missing out. There are dozens of local wineries with tasting rooms dotted all around Carmel-by-the-Sea, all walking distance from each other. Carrie and her team provided us with Wine Walk tickets to sample local wines from our choice of 14 different tasting rooms. Each one was better than the last! I definitely recommend stopping by Sheid Vineyards for a sampling of their tasty whites, Silvestri Vineyards where you’ll get to sample wine while listening to background music from the famous movie composer Alan Silvestri, and don’t forget to head to Dawn’s Dream and get a photo in #DawnsTub!
Carmel-by-the-Sea is such a gorgeous place to get away. If the drive is too far, there’s an airport in Monterey that you can easily fly into, but of course it’s better to drive so you can bring your dogs! The whole town is super dog-frienldy. Many of the tasting rooms even allow your furry friends to come in, and they are even welcome on the beach!
What are you waiting for? We hope to see you in Carmel-by-the-Sea soon and be sure to tell our friends at Hofsas House that TGIFguide sent you. Your room with a view is waiting!
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
