Romantic Carmel Hotels

Carmel is picture perfect beauty. Its golden-hued sunsets, pristine beaches, unforgettable architecture, and magnificent restaurants all scream "romance." To complete the picture, it is replete with romantic hotels, perfect for holing up with your honey and enjoying the comfort and serenity of your getaway. All romantic hotels on this Top 10 have one aim in mind-to make your stay as carefree, memorable, and romantic as possible.

Boiling down a Number 1 was hard, as all of these lodgings invite romance in their own unique ways, but when it came down to it, Tickle Pink Inn emerged as the perfect place for lovers. It defines luxury. From plush beds to a complimentary breakfast that stand on the opposite side of the store-bought muffins and fruit served up at most budget hotels, Tickle Pink Inn was created for the guest-plus-one clientele. Sitting on cliffs above the Pacific, with soft sand beaches in its front yard, and hued with flowers, Tickle Pink Inn soaks up the naturally romantic atmosphere in the hotel's every detail. If you want to say, "I love you," this is the place where no words are necessary.

Mission Ranch (No. 3) is quiet, restful, beautiful, rustic, and romantic. Opened by Academy Award-winning director and Carmel resident Clint Eastwood, you can imagine the charm and deep elegance Mission Ranch has come to be known for. Like a place taken right out of a romance novel, it begs lovers to cuddle up close and take in, together, the sprawling surroundings.

L'Auberge (No. 5) is resplendent in old-world romantic charm, like a French villa in Provence. Built in the European style, L'Auberge whisks guests away to a different time and place, yet provides all the amenities that make modern life so very nice.

You can't go wrong with Bernardus Lodge, a favorite stay among A-listers who come to town for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Bernardus basically defines "romantic hotel." However, there are some lesser known yet no less excellent hotels (like No. 10, the beautiful Stonehouse Inn) on this list that are very much worth checking out. As with a new love, don't be afraid to try new things.