Carmel- by- the Sea

Carmel-by-the Sea was recently voted one of the most romantic places destinations in the country.  It's easy to fall in love with such a beautiful and charming place.   

Our recent California trip included a weekend at the

 historic Normandy Inn on Ocean Avenue.

On previous trips we have stayed at the Lamplighter Inn, Seven Gables and Green Gables.   This time we decided to stay right in the
 heart of Carmel so we could 
just walk to everything in the little village.

The Normandy always has beautiful flowers in terra cotta pots in the courtyards and along the front sidewalk.  

Baskets of flowers are hanging along the walkways 

and from the large trees on the property. 

We had originally wanted to stay in the 

Blue Bird Cottage again 

 (only a few doors down)  but were told that it was already booked due to Doris Day's 90th birthday celebration.  Apparently there are several inns and hotels she owns or has interest in, most notably the Cypress Inn.  The rooms were blocked for her guests and birthday extravaganza so

 when the Blue Bird wasn't available I remembered how pretty the flowers were at the Normandy and it's
 great location for walking throughout the village.  

source: Normandy Inn website

   At the Normandy I loved the library and lobby area decorated in 
  warm woods and french fabrics.  

The fireplace in the lobby was unique in shape and decor.

Our room was very pretty,  clean and comfortable and I fell in love with the fireplace right away.

When I saw the fireplace with the Quimper tiles I instantly thought of Sarah from Hyacinths for the Soul and her love of Quimper dishes and tiles. 

Here's a closeup for Sarah of the tiles

We only had a peek of the ocean through all the cypress pines but we could hear the ocean.  The rooms in Carmel don't have air conditioning since it is rarely needed,  so windows and dutch doors are left open until the
 evening when   

fireplaces are a must to keep the room 
cozy and warm.

I loved the room's little nook

 with a live white orchid as the centerpiece.

The toile fabric and style of this chair was so pretty and 
a perfect compliment to the room. 

     

The bed was super comfortable and had it's own
little nook too. 

  

The inn is charming, french inspired,  right in the 
heart of Carmel and just a few blocks from 
the beach.  

Shopping is a joy in Carmel and the window 
displays are just so beautiful and make you want to go in 
each and every shop!

We had a lovely visit with friends and shared some fabulous meals.  Our weekend in Carmel and the 
Monterey Peninsula couldn't have been any lovelier. 

Our trip took us on down the coast to Avila Beach...

I'll share that next week.

I'm linking with 

Oh, the Places I've Been