In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, just a few blocks from The Agency Carmel stands a cultural beacon that has weathered the tides of time for over a century. La Playa Hotel, affectionately known as “The Grand Dame of Carmel,” has been a sanctuary for artists, innovators, and dreamers since its inception in 1905.
With a rich history woven into its very foundation, La Playa Hotel has stood witness to moments of creativity, innovation, and community spirit. Now, following a meticulous $15 million restoration by the esteemed design firm, Post Company, this historic 75-room artist’s home-turned-hotel emerges anew offering a modern luxury experience intertwined with historic charm and romance.
For Marc & Rose Hospitality, the owners of the property, the journey toward restoration has been guided by a profound reverence for the past and a commitment to preserving the hotel’s storied legacy. As the fifth set of owners in its illustrious history, Marc & Rose embarked on a mission to honor the spirit of La Playa while infusing it with modern amenities to cater to the discerning tastes of today’s travelers.
“Respecting the history and heritage of a place is at the heart of what we most value at Marc & Rose; being the stewards of La Playa Hotel is an honor and a privilege that we don’t take lightly,” said John Grossman, President of Marc & Rose. “As the fifth owners in its more than 115-year history, we focused on letting the building lead us to a design that supports the stories of the past, while infusing thoughtful amenities to meet the expectations of the modern traveler.”
The restoration, led by the esteemed Post Company (known for their recent work on MOLLIE Aspen and Raf’s in NYC), is a masterclass in marrying historical charm with contemporary sophistication. Every corner of La Playa Hotel bears the imprint of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design, paying homage to the artists and free spirits who graced its halls over the past century.
“Carmel has a history of being a place of inclusion among California’s rocky and dramatic coastal landscape and encouraging irreverent thought and design from the artists, writers, and musicians who inhabited it,” shared Leigh Salem, partner at Post Company. “La Playa naturally cultivates a familiar warmth and eccentricity that is deeply tied to this city, so we energized this institution with a contemporary design that continues to shape the building’s rich and ongoing evolution. The result is a stately environment where guests are welcome to celebrate and mingle as the kindred spirits of the hotel’s past did, while being able to experience every space as their own,” he added.
Upon arriving to the lobby, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Dark terracotta floors and restored wood beams coexist harmoniously with bright walls and lush plantings, creating a space that exudes warmth and refinement. The grand fireplace serves as a focal point, inviting guests to linger and immerse themselves in the hotel’s rich history.
The guest rooms at La Playa Hotel are the epitome of understated luxury. Each room is a sanctuary unto itself, adorned with custom-designed furniture and intricate details that pay homage to the hotel’s artistic heritage. From tasseled cabinet pulls to original plein-air paintings, every room has been carefully curated to create a space that is both inviting and inspiring.
“We focused on wood as the primary material, a mix of fabrics to bring accents of color and texture, furniture that plays with geometry and scale to develop a visual hierarchy, traditional furnishings reinterpreted through modern styles and patterns, and ornate hardware that emphasizes the beauty and quality of the architecture,” Leigh explains. “La Playa is effortlessly eclectic and spans era and trend, much like the diverse cast of patrons and local characters engrained in its extensive past. We refreshed many elements of the hotel, such as the many arches and grand staircase, with new plasterwork and intricate trim and interplayed these details with contemporary lighting, classical finishes, and vintage furnishings to soften the entire architectural experience.”
La Playa is home to several meeting and gathering rooms, such as the Breakfast Room, Game Room, and the larger Pacific Room. In the Breakfast Room, guests are invited to start their day with signature champagne breakfasts and enjoy a sundrenched morning on the expansive enclosed patio. The various parlors can be utilized for mingling, congregating, and working. The architecture and furniture allow for an easy transition between work and play—a place for coffee or collaboration.
Just beyond, Bud’s Bar, a cherished institution within La Playa Hotel, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Dark and moody, with intimate nooks and crannies, the bar beckons guests to unwind and savor the moment. Mirrors with amber tones reflect the warm glow of the space, while natural wood tones and polished brass accents add a touch of old-world charm.
Beyond its interiors, La Playa Hotel’s landscape is a testament to the natural beauty of Carmel-By-The-Sea. The terraces offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, inviting guests to explore and discover the wonders of the California coast. Romantic walkable paths, shaded arcades, a classic pool with loungers, and lush plantings create an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity, inviting guests to reconnect with nature and themselves.
As La Playa Hotel celebrates its grand reopening with this incredibly thoughtful restoration, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of history, art, and community of Carmel. With its rich tapestry of stories and its timeless elegance, La Playa Hotel invites guests to rediscover the joy of exploration with a step into the past, with a modern twist.
La Playa Hotel’s opening rates start at $500, and the hotel is located at Camino Real at Eighth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921. For more information and to schedule a stay, visit laplayahotel.com or contact 800.582.8900.
