If you’re looking for a peaceful coastal escape with incredible ocean views, Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a hidden gem. The entire property was recently renovated as of May 2025, and it shows—from the fresh, modern interiors to the cozy fireplaces and upgraded finishes. It’s perched right above the Pacific, with views that seriously make you stop and stare. While it may not have the ultra-luxury feel of Alila Ventana Big Sur, it’s a perfect family-friendly alternative—especially if you want more space, a full kitchen, and a laid-back vibe without giving up the beauty of the Big Sur coastline. Whether you’re road-tripping down Highway 1, hiking at Point Lobos, or just sipping coffee on the patio, this resort makes a great home base.

The Welcome at Carmel Highlands

We flew into San Francisco for this trip—not the closest airport to Carmel, but it gave us a chance to see my brother, who lives nearby. He kindly let us borrow his car, and we made the scenic drive down the coast to the resort.

While Monterey would’ve been the more convenient airport, flying into San Francisco made more sense for us. We were able to book three Southwest tickets with points, and since we have two Companion Passes, the other two family members flew for just $5.60 each—such a great deal! The drive down the coast was easy and totally worth it for the savings.

Related : Southwest Companion Pass Guide

We arrived around 4 p.m. on July 4th and didn’t attempt an early check-in. I went to the front desk solo while the rest of the family waited in the car. Check-in was smooth and welcoming—they even offered champagne upon arrival, which was a nice touch for the holiday weekend.

We had booked an ocean view townhouse for our family, while my brother booked a separate Ocean View King. We requested to have rooms near each other, hoping my status might help him score a better view (though I didn’t go as far as gifting him a Guest of Honor stay—he was only staying one night, parking was free, and I’d heard breakfast wasn’t anything special).

As expected, we received the exact room type we had booked. Since it was a busy holiday weekend, I didn’t make any additional upgrade requests in advance. Honestly, the townhouse was exactly what we needed for our family setup.

The front desk gave us a quick overview of the resort, and we were on our way to settle in. Overall, the check-in experience was easy, friendly, and set the tone for a relaxing stay.

The Room at Carmel Highlands

The moment we walked into our room, we were genuinely impressed—it had been completely remodeled! When I booked this stay nearly a year in advance, the photos on the website showed rooms that looked pretty dated, and we had stayed here back in 2015, so I kept expectations low. Honestly, we booked this trip for the unbeatable views and location, not the room itself.

We booked an Ocean View Townhouse with Hyatt points, which is a spacious two-story suite—ideal for families. The layout is well thought out and packed with conveniences. It includes a kitchen with a full-sized fridge, a pull-out sofa, a gas fireplace, two large TVs, a small dining table with chairs, and two full bathrooms—one on each level.

The bedroom is located downstairs and features a comfortable king-sized bed, a huge bathroom, and a large walk-in closet. Both the upstairs patio and the downstairs bedroom offer incredible ocean views, which truly make the space feel special. Waking up to those views every morning was one of the highlights of our stay.

This room category is also bookable with points or using a suite upgrade, making it a fantastic option for families looking to stretch their points (without booking two rooms!) while still enjoying extra space and comfort.

To our surprise, the resort had just finished a full renovation in May 2025, and it really showed. The updates were beautifully done—fresh, modern, and stylish. A few older elements remained, like some of the interior doors that could’ve used replacing, and there was a faint musty smell (not uncommon in older coastal properties), but that quickly faded into the background once we saw the view. It was absolutely stunning.

The wood-burning fireplace had been replaced with a gas version in our room, although I heard some room types still have the original wood-burning fireplaces, which is something to keep in mind if that’s a feature you care about.

Later that evening, we found a bottle of Prosecco waiting in the room with a generic “Enjoy your celebration!” note. I hadn’t emailed the hotel in advance, but I did send a quick message through the app mentioning that my son was celebrating his 9th birthday. They even acknowledged it at check-in, which made the gift both thoughtful and a little amusing.

My brother had booked a standard Ocean View King room, and he also had an amazing view—plus a larger patio than ours. He brought his three young kids along, and while they made it work for a one-night stay, it was definitely a tight squeeze. For families, I’d highly recommend the Ocean View Townhouse, which can be booked with points (more on how to do that below).

Related : Have you downloaded my upgrade template? Grab it Here!

The Pools & Hot Tubs

The resort has one heated pool and three hot tubs, and the hot tubs are definitely the standout feature. If you’ve never visited this area before, expect mild coastal weather that leans cool, especially in the mornings and evenings—so soaking in a hot tub feels extra cozy.

Our room actually had a view of one of the hot tubs, which made it super convenient to peek out and see if it was busy or empty. They do tend to fill up quickly, but if you’re hoping for some solo hot tub time, early mornings are your best bet.

The pool is heated, and while it was still a little too chilly for me, the kids didn’t mind at all—they had a great time swimming. The pool itself is fairly simple and functional. Just a heads-up: there are only six loungers in the entire pool area, which seemed a bit odd. But honestly, this isn’t the kind of resort where lounging by the pool is the main draw—it’s more about the views, the coastline, and the hot tubs.

The Club

There is no club here.

The Food at Pacific Edge Restaurant

We only ate breakfast at the hotel, so I can’t speak to lunch or dinner, but here’s what you can expect if you’re a Hyatt Globalist: you’ll receive breakfast vouchers that cover two adults and two kids. Each person gets an entrée, one coffee or tea, and juice.

Breakfast is served at Pacific’s Edge Restaurant, which has absolutely stunning ocean views. You can sit outside on the covered patio, which is kept warm with heaters—perfect even on those cooler coastal mornings. This restaurant is open to the public as well, and it gets busy. On our first morning, we weren’t able to sit outside because there was a private event using the patio. So for our second morning, I made a reservation in advance (which I’d definitely recommend doing). We ended up with a table right in front of the ocean view, and the view made the meal feel extra special.

As for the food—the first day was underwhelming, but the second day was a noticeable improvement. My kids ordered from the adult menu with no issue, which gave us more food to split among our group of five. We enjoyed the buttermilk pancakes, classic breakfast, and huevos rancheros. Only drip coffee is included, but it was solid. Service was fine—nothing remarkable, but no complaints either.

One thing to watch for: Globalist breakfast includes tax and tip, but the receipt we received didn’t say that, so I added a tip as I usually do. At checkout, they tried to charge me for the tip I wrote in. Thankfully, the front desk waived it after I explained the situation, but they mentioned that you should just sign the receipt and leave the rest blank. Normally, the receipt says “tip included,” but this one didn’t—so just something to double-check. I was glad it was resolved, because that could’ve left a bad impression at the end of an otherwise great stay.

Considering how expensive breakfast would’ve been out of pocket, it would’ve been cheaper for me to buy my entire family breakfast almost anywhere else than to pay that 20% tip.

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The Amenities

The main drawback of this resort is the limited amenities. If you’re looking for a hotel packed with on-site activities and entertainment, this may not be the best fit. What makes this resort special is its incredible setting—nestled between the rugged coastline of Big Sur and the charm of Carmel, it’s a dream destination for anyone who loves nature and scenic views.

The resort does have a fitness center with high-quality equipment, along with the pool, hot tubs, and on-site restaurant, but that’s about the extent of it. I would’ve loved to see a tennis or pickleball court, but unfortunately, there aren’t any.

That said, there are a few low-key outdoor features that add to the experience. The resort has several fire pits scattered around the property, and they’re build-your-own fires—great if you enjoy the process and don’t mind getting a little hands-on. There’s plenty of seating around them, and they offer beautiful views while you relax by the fire. They also have grills available for guest use, but you do need to call ahead to have them unlocked. One afternoon, we grilled hot dogs and enjoyed a cozy wood-burning fire—it was a simple but memorable. The hotel keeps freshly cut firewood stocked in multiple spots around the property, which was a nice touch.

One thing to be aware of: Wi-Fi and cell service can be hit or miss. I had poor Verizon coverage throughout our stay, and the hotel Wi-Fi was spotty depending on where we were. It’s not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to keep in mind—especially if you plan to work remotely or need strong connectivity during your stay.

The Service at Carmel Highlands

Overall, the service at Hyatt Carmel Highlands was good—friendly and helpful for the most part. There were a couple of small moments where service felt a bit average, but nothing major or worth calling out. We didn’t receive the complimentary bottled water that’s usually provided to World of Hyatt members with status, which may have been due to the property’s connection to the Hyatt Vacation Club. That said, our booking was through the main Hyatt brand, not the vacation club side, so it was a little unexpected. Still, the beauty of the property, the views, and the peaceful atmosphere more than made up for any minor service hiccups. It’s the kind of place where the setting takes center stage, and we truly didn’t mind the occasional inconsistency.

Be sure to keep an eye out for your qualifying nights to post. It’s been nearly two weeks since my stay, and mine still haven’t shown up—looks like I’ll need to reach out to Hyatt.

The Gorgeous View of Carmel

As I mentioned earlier, we absolutely loved our view—it was the perfect vantage point of the Pacific coastline. Our balcony had two chairs, and I spent plenty of time out there just sipping coffee and soaking it all in. The ocean view from the downstairs bedroom was just as stunning, making it a peaceful spot to wake up each morning. Honestly, the views throughout the entire property are exceptional—whether you’re at the restaurant, walking the grounds, or relaxing in your room, the scenery is truly the main highlight of this hotel.

The Location in Carmel

Hyatt Carmel Highlands is in an amazing spot that lets you enjoy some of the best parts of California’s Central Coast. Perched on a bluff with stunning ocean views, it’s close to a bunch of great places to explore.

Just a short drive away is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is perfect for hiking, spotting wildlife, and taking in incredible coastal views. If you want to clear blue water, check out China Cove nearby, where you might even see some seals lounging on the rocks. Since Point Lobos is so close, you can actually see China Cove from the hotel!

One of the best things to do here is drive along Highway 1, one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. You’ll pass iconic spots like the Bixby Creek Bridge—a must-see for those postcard-worthy photos—and McWay Falls, where a waterfall drops right onto the beach. It’s pretty unforgettable.

One of the best beaches in the area is Carmel Beach, which is just minutes away. It’s a gorgeous stretch of white sand right beside Pebble Beach where you can relax, play, or watch the sunset. Afterward, stroll down Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea, full of cute shops, galleries, and coffee spots—perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

A little further north is Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively place with fresh seafood, whale-watching tours, and fun things for the whole family. The nearby Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium are also great stops for a day out. You can also rent bikes and ride along the bike path for amazing views.

No matter what you’re into—whether it’s nature, scenic drives, or charming towns with good food and shopping—Hyatt Carmel Highlands puts you right in the middle of it all.

The Parking

TThe hotel offers both self-parking and valet, and we never had any trouble finding a spot. Parking is free for everyone regardless of status, which is always a nice bonus. Since our unit was close to the lot, we opted for self-parking for convenience.

That said, having a car is essential when visiting this area. One of the biggest highlights is driving along Highway 1, with its breathtaking coastal views and scenic stops—it’s part of what makes this destination so special.

Hotel Status

As I mentioned earlier, I have Hyatt Globalist status, which gave us free breakfast for two adults and two kids—a nice perk. We also requested a late checkout, which is typically offered until 4 p.m. for Globalists, but unfortunately, it wasn’t available during our stay, and we had to check out by noon.

That said, this is one of those properties where having status isn’t essential. You can book directly into an oceanfront room using points, or use additional points to reserve a suite. Since parking is already free, and breakfast (while decent) isn’t exactly a must-have—especially if you’re staying in a townhouse with a kitchen and the same incredible views—you may find status less important here than at other resorts.

If you’re looking to stay in the Ocean View Townhouse, a suite upgrade award is definitely worth considering. Instead of spending 44,000 points per night, you could book a standard room for 29,000 points and use a suite upgrade to get the same spacious layout at a better value.

Booking on Points

This hotel is part of the Hyatt portfolio and can be booked with points as a Category 6 property, ranging from 21,000 to 29,000 points per night, depending on whether it’s off-peak or peak season. We initially booked the Ocean View Townhouse for 44,000 points per night, but after receiving a suite upgrade award, I canceled that reservation and rebooked a standard room for 29,000 points. Then, by applying the suite upgrade, we secured the townhouse—all easily managed through the Hyatt app.

I booked this stay almost a year in advance, but to snag the best availability, we also used MaxMyPoint.com to set alerts. This service notified me whenever a standard room opened up for my brother’s booking window. It popped up a couple of times—though I forgot to turn off notifications—so it’s definitely a smart strategy if you’re planning to stay here and cannot find an available award night.

Redeeming points for this property was an excellent value. The townhouse typically rents for over $1,000 per night, but I booked it for just 29,000 points and zero out-of-pocket cash—a fantastic way to stretch your rewards!

If you’re new to points and miles, I’d love to teach you how to book this resort and other Hyatt properties for nearly free! Grab my beginner’s guide here or my guide to Hyatt points!

Family Rooms

Since this hotel doesn’t offer rooms with double or queen beds, the Ocean View Townhouse is the best choice for families. While it technically sleeps four, we made it work for five by using cushions to create a bed for our youngest. There’s also plenty of floor space to add an air mattress if needed.

The King rooms could work for families with two small children—especially if they’re still using pack ’n plays or can share the bed comfortably. Luckily, the resort provides free pack ’n plays upon request, which is a helpful perk for families traveling with little ones.

The Weather

Cool, Coastal, and Layer-Friendly

Carmel and Monterey have a classic Central California coastal climate, meaning you can expect cool mornings, mild afternoons, and chilly evenings year-round. Even in summer, highs typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18–22°C), and it can feel cooler due to the ocean breeze and frequent fog.

Fog is common, especially in the mornings and evenings, but it often burns off by midday to reveal clear blue skies. In the winter, you’ll get more rain, but temperatures stay relatively moderate.

This is the kind of destination where you’ll want to dress in layers—think light sweaters, jackets, and jeans—even in July. If you’re coming from a hot inland area (like we did from Arizona!), it can feel refreshingly crisp.

Why we’d return

We would come back to this hotel in a heartbeat. I absolutely love the vibe—it’s welcoming, relaxed, and perfectly suited for families. It’s a fantastic alternative to Alila Ventana, offering many similar qualities but with a more approachable, less luxurious feel. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the location is simply unbeatable.

Having grown up just 40 minutes away, this place holds a special spot in my heart. We adored the vibrant flowers, the gentle running streams, and the peaceful atmosphere—it’s truly an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. I could easily spend hours just sitting on the balcony, sipping coffee, and soaking in the views. It’s that kind of place that recharges your soul.

If you’re looking for a serene coastal retreat where you can disconnect, breathe in fresh ocean air, and create lasting family memories, this is the spot.

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