The sound of waves can be heard throughout the day from our two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite at Hofsas House Carmel-by-the-Sea. Beautiful sunsets can be seen from most rooms. Rolling fog sometimes appears and can be cut with a knife.
For over a decade of visiting Hofsas House, Carrie, the co-owner, has made each visit warm and memorable. She is one of the reasons my family returns. Not to mention, the love, care, and pride she has for Hofsas and its guests. Each guest is greeted with a smile, whether checking in or checking out, from Carrie and the staff. The smiles go well beyond a greeting. Hofsas House staff have a wealth of information when it comes to things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea and surrounding areas. This warmth spills over to the guests. Conversations are had. Friendships are created.
Every morning, fresh, delicious French pastries can be eaten in the lobby by the warm fireplace or taken to your room. There is also the option of orange juice, coffee, tea, fruit, or yogurt. It gives a home-like feel, one that makes you slow down without trying.
Over the years, visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea has been filled with dining, wine, long walks, tasting rooms, hidden passageways, and scenic drives. This weekend was different. It was mindfulness and stillness. It was about taking in what Hofsas itself has to offer.
Just outside the pool and conference room, a sauna waits, the perfect added touch after a long day or a day of rest. Towels and lotion are provided. This is no surprise because each room has more than enough towels and essentials. Allowing you to completely rest without thinking.
A heated pool sits nearby, steam floating from its surface. The temperature is just right for a swim.
As night fell, after a day of light activity, we thought of sitting by the fire, the room filling with that familiar warmth that only Hofsas seems to hold. This was just what we needed. The warmth filled the entire suit. Crackling sounds of fire and ocean waves, led to a memorable, good night’s sleep.
Ironically, this trip was a reset after almost a year in Southeast Asia. A visit to Hofsas House was exactly that, a reset. Somehow Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hofsas were all we needed. Thank goodness we came with the intention to rest, since we have experienced much of Carmel by the Sea and Carmel Valley over the years. To our surprise, we learned that Hofsas, as we know it, will soon undergo a remodel. Although I know the remodel will be beautiful, we will miss the unique European charm.
I fell in love with Hofsas because it reminded me of the first few years of my childhood living in Europe. The Bavarian-style architecture, the soft pink exterior with its hand-painted mural by Maxine Albro, and the Dutch doors that open to let in the ocean air, all of it feels like stepping back into a gentler time. Hofsas House was founded in the late 1940s by Donna Hofsas, and her granddaughter Carrie now carries that same warmth and vision. It is one of the last family-owned hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a place that has quietly held generations of travelers, artists, and dreamers.
This stay felt like a final chapter of an era, before the new one begins. A pause between the fog and the light.
Details to Know Before You Stay
At Hofsas House, you will find something rare: boutique scale and genuine warmth. Many rooms include Dutch doors that open to the Pacific breeze and private balconies or patios where you can linger in the evening light.
Location matters here. Hofsas House is tucked three blocks north of Ocean Avenue, the main street in Carmel by the Sea. You are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, galleries, and the beach, yet just far enough for calm and quiet.
Practical details:
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Free on-site parking, a true luxury in Carmel.
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Complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
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Many rooms feature mini kitchens or wet bars, ideal for simple meals or wine tastings in your room.
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Pet-friendly options are available upon request.
After years of returning, I have found that the best rooms are on the upper floors facing the ocean, perfect for sunset wine or morning coffee. Open the Dutch door, and let the ocean breeze fill the room.
If you are considering Carmel by the Sea for a weekend of rest, a pause, or simply to reconnect with yourself, Hofsas House is that kind of place. It is not just where you stay; it is how you arrive. And for us, Hofsas was exactly that.
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