Carmel River Inn & Cottages

3.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar | Minibar, individually decorated, individually furnished
Luxury Tent | Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Exterior
Luxury Tent | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923
  • Place, Carmel Mission Basilica
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, The Barnyard
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Studio Cottage, 1 Queen Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Studio (Cottage with Kitchenette)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 375 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Traditional Hotel Room, 1 King Bed (main building)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(30 reviews)
  • River view
  • 200 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Traditional Double Hotel Room, 2 Double Beds (main building)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(25 reviews)
  • River view
  • 200 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar Two Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 375 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Studio Cottage with Wet Bar

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Studio Cottage with Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Trundle Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Carmel

Located in Mission Fields within 2 miles (3 km) of Carmel Beach, Carmel River Inn & Cottages is within a few miles (5 km) of other popular sights such as 17-Mile Drive. This 3-star motel has 56 guestrooms and offers conveniences like a coffee shop/cafe, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Carmel Mission Basilica - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • The Barnyard - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Carmel Plaza - 3 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Carmel Beach - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Carmel River State Beach - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 19 min drive
  • Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Heaven - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪La Bicyclette - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Mission Ranch Restaurant - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Carmel River Inn & Cottages features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and a seasonal outdoor pool. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with tours/tickets and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls and an off-leash area. Additional amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a terrace.
Guests can expect free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Furnished balconies or patios, refrigerators, and microwaves are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Weekend on-the-go breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 2 to 30 for adults and USD 2 to 30 for children
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • Morning Joy

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1934
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Minibar
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property enforces quiet hours from 9:30 PM to 8:00 AM
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs and cats only
  • Food and water bowls and an off-leash area are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 2.00 to 30.00 for adults, and USD 2.00 to 30.00 for children
  • Pet fee: USD 125 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from May to August.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Carmel River
Carmel River Inn
River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Hotel Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel
Carmel River Inn Carmel
Carmel River Inn Motel Carmel

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Carmel River Inn & Cottages provides free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

As of May 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Carmel River Inn & Cottages on May 18, 2026 start from $222, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see near Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

This motel is situated in Mission Fields within a short 13-minute walk of Carmel Mission Basilica and also 14 minutes on foot from The Barnyard. You'll also find Carmel Beach and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Wheelchair-accessible van parking and RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does Carmel River Inn & Cottages have a casino on the premises?

No, Carmel River Inn & Cottages doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have access between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM and the seasonal pool is normally open from May until August.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a minibar as well as proposal/romance packages and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Are there hot tubs at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Carmel River Inn & Cottages feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Carmel River Inn & Cottages serves to-go breakfast for a surcharge on weekend mornings at Morning Joy.

Does Carmel River Inn & Cottages allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Carmel River Inn & Cottages for a fee of USD 125 per pet, per stay. The property also provides an off-leash area and food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

The closest major airport to Carmel River Inn & Cottages is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is 7 mi away (9 minutes by car). Another top airport is Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal), which is located 24.6 mi away (30-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Carmel River Inn & Cottages?

Yes, every guestroom at Carmel River Inn & Cottages comes with a furnished balcony/patio and some offer river and garden views.

Carmel River Inn & Cottages Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 580 out of 1014 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 276 out of 1014 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 98 out of 1014 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1014 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 1014 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was nice close to stores and everything staff was nice cool cabin vibe, beautiful sunrise.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely renovation with ample space and small balcony overlooking the river. High value for dollar.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Armando Alvarez

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very large clean room and everything in it worked as expected. Front desk staff was fabulous when checking in/out; very friendly and polite at all the time. Very clean and quite all around the property.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Shannon, Sacramento

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, friendly, and accommodating!!! Clean rooms. Everything was perfect. We will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

ALLAN

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding room, quiet, comfortable, and all staff were helpful. I will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay at the last minute. Friendly staff and great cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room, staff friendly. Easy exit to attraction areas.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Anahid

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. I liked how my patio opened to Carmel river. Also crossroads shopping center is less than half a mile which was very convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Sayali

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booked a studio cottage (independent cottage) as I was traveling with my pet. The property owner switched our cottage type without informing us and gave us ADA studio cottage which was not petfriendly and had a shared wall with another cottage. At night, we could hear bathroom flush sounds along with creaking noises from the walls. The spring bed was not at all comfortable to sleep. The wall heater didn’t work as expected. Overall not a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend guests to double check your room type while checking in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Hermelinda Noemi

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
clean room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

MaryAnn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quiet, clean, and nicely decorated
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Omar, Pasadena

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean. Very friendly staff. Beautiful cottages. Perfect for families.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary, LYNN

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot! Balcony overseeing river, great shower, super clean and comfortable, and just minutes to food, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Point Lobos Reaerve.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Anita

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The location, staff and property were nice. However, there were tons of ants in our room. The first night we felt something crawling in our bed. When we lifted the covers there were dead and love ants. We thought it was an isolated time. But the same thing g happened rhe next night and we ended up sharing 1 of 2 beds. We didn’t sleep well at all. Rhe ants were in the bathroom, bed and and main areas. I informed the front desk at check out. While they were aplogeruc they didn’t offer for any reimbursement or credit. The receptors suggested I. All the manager since rhe were not on site
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Carmel River Inn is so charming! Even though it has been renovated and modernized, it still has some of that quaint mid-century aesthetic, making it a unique and historic place to stay. We stayed in the hotel portion, and loved that we had a private balcony facing the Carmel River- very scenic! The proximity to Highway One has pros and cons. There's a little noise during the day, but it's very quiet at night. The hotel is at a nice crossroads, making it easy to access Big Sur as well as Carmel, Monterey and Carmel Valley. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Luciana

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mallika

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Keyla Rominna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great, the views are really nice. I would’ve liked to have housekeeping at least once in my 3 day stay. Other than that I will be definitely coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Delightful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Betty, Sacramento

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall, it was a very good stay and excellent location. We had three nice cottages for our family trip. The rooms were nice, but had different amenities. When I asked, the gentleman said they were all the same, but that wasn't true (bathtub versus shower; carpeted floor versus no carpet; dishwasher versus not, more spacious for game night versus no extra space, fake fire place for heat.versus a heater that never got the whole room warm; stand alone cottage versus 'duplex' with neighbor), etc. No warning of no daily housekeeping before arrival, and no warning on Expedia's advertising that they charge $125 as an additional cleaning fee if you bring a dog. Bed was too soft for us, but our adult kids thought the beds were great. We would return here because of location and the ability to have cottages for ourselves and our adult children.!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn, Antioch

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

avi, Sunnyvale

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025