Discover the charm of the family-owned Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocean views, European-style rooms, and special wine packages make this Bavarian retreat perfect for empty nesters and couples seeking a romantic getaway.

I attended a media/blogger tour of Carmel and Hofsas House. Although my stay was included, all opinions are 100% mine.

Hofsas House Hotel: A European-Style Getaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Years ago, my husband was in the Army and stationed at Fort Ord on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California. He has often talked nostalgically about how beautiful the area was, but as a young GI on a minimal budget, he could never fully enjoy all that Carmel-by-the-sea has to offer.

Now that we are empty-nesters, we make time for travel and rediscover life after kids. We were very fortunate to take a road trip to Carmel, where the Hofsas House European-style hotel was our home away from home for a few days.

About Hofsas House: A Four-Generation Family Legacy

The Hofsas House Hotel is nestled among shady pines with cool beach breezes and invokes a small-town familiarity. The Theis family has owned the hotel for four generations and more than 69 years. It is located between 3rd and 4th Ave. on San Carlos Street.

The property is a commanding Bavarian hotel-style structure in Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Monterey Peninsula.

Many rooms have fanciful Dutch doors (open both the top and bottom portions) to let in the cool breeze. 

Key Features of the Hofsas House Hotel Carmel

• Family owned 69+ years
• 38 unique European-style rooms
• Ocean views and fireplaces are available
• Dog-friendly accommodations
• Heated pool and European dry sauna
• Free parking and WiFi
• Special wine and art packages

Accommodations: European-Style Rooms with Ocean Views

Enjoy very comfortable European-style appointed rooms. Ours had an ocean view, a wet bar, a kitchenette, and a fireplace. They offer 38 one-of-a-kind rooms, and our room was romantic and spacious.

Hofsas House is one of the most dog-friendly hotels in a very dog-friendly town. It offers a heated swimming pool, a European-style dry sauna, and free Wi-Fi with cable TV. Unlike “big city” hotels, there are no annoying add-on fees for parking or amenities.

Special Packages & Amenities at Hofsas House

Since we arrived in the evening, we were happy to have pre-ordered a robust Monterey wine and cheese pairing from the excellent Cheese Shop in Carmel. You can specify red or white when you arrange this at least 48 hours before your stay for $30. We sat outside on the balcony, saw our first glimpse of the ocean, and toasted to our good fortune.

Before we set out the next morning to explore the Carmel village, we admired the beautiful, welcoming mural adorning the front of the hotel. It was painted by American artist Maxine Albro (her background is well worth a Google search) around 1957. The colorful Bavarian characters enhance the charming theme.

I enjoyed getting to know Carrie Theis (the hotel’s general manager/owner) in the comfortable lobby. Carrie has a wealth of knowledge about the hotel, Carmel, and its history.

You will also find recommendations and maps to help you plan your day, and you can enjoy a continental-style breakfast each morning.

We enjoyed the Wine Walk by-the-Sea package, which allows you to taste wines at nine different Carmel tasting rooms with a Wine Tasting Passport. You can spread out your tastings over your visit, and they never expire if you want to save some for your next visit.

The wine proprietors were so friendly and engaging, and told us more stories about Carmel and educated us about their delicious wines. You can purchase this package at Hofsas House after you check in.

Exploring Carmel: Activities Within Walking Distance

Our next day was spent exploring some of the more than 80 art galleries that are just a short walk from the hotel. The “Get Artsy” package from Hofsas House offers the opportunity to meet local Carmel sculptor Steven Whyte, plus tour his studio. There are also Carmel Art Tours available at a nominal cost, which the hotel staff can arrange, or you can do what we did and wander into those that looked interesting. It’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Time seems to slow down in Carmel. It’s the perfect place to unwind.

We stopped for lunch at the 5th Street Deli before heading to the park across the street to enjoy their delicious picnic lunches, which you can buy. 

We want to take the History Tour on our next visit—a two-hour guided tour past enchanting cottages, hidden courtyards, and award-winning gardens. It sounds like a fantastic way to learn more about this charming community.

Why Choose Hofsas House for Your Carmel Getaway

• Family-owned for 69+ years
• 38 unique European-style rooms
• Ocean views and fireplaces are available
• Dog-friendly hotel Carmel
• Heated pool and European dry sauna
• Free parking and WiFi
• Special Carmel wine tasting packages
• Carmel Art Tours
• Romantic getaway in Carmel
• Short walk to the beach

Downtown Carmel is very walkable, making it the perfect place to reconnect and unplug. You will find specialty shops offering clothing, food and beverage, wine and cheese shops, and more. You won’t find chain stores or restaurants in Carmel, which adds to the feeling of being in a small European town.

Popular Area Attractions

Carmel Mission

It is only one mile away and worth a visit. “The Carmel Mission is notable for being the final resting place of St. Junipero Serra and the most authentically restored Franciscan mission in California. It is rich in historical artifacts, including the oldest bible in California and the state’s first library.”

Point Lobos State Park

Just a 3-mile drive from Hofsas House, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called “The crown jewel of the California State Park System.” Landscape Painter Francis McComas called Point Lobos “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” World-class photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams spent years patrolling the woods and shores of Point Lobos for the perfect photograph. Originally known to indigenous people as “Isxhenta,” Point Lobos was considered a sacred place to be cherished and nourished. Today, people from all over the world are inspired by this unique place.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If time allows, I highly recommend a visit. It is approximately 7 miles from the hotel and only a 10-minute drive.

Cannery Row

“Cannery Row in Monterey, California, is a waterfront district known for its rich history and vibrant culture, particularly in the early 20th century when it was a sardine fishing and canning industry hub. It is named after John Steinbeck’s 1945 novel, Cannery Row.” It is a popular tourist destination with historical buildings, shopping, and restaurants.

17-Mile Drive

This scenic drive is only about 15 minutes away (less than 5 miles). You can enter through any gate and pay a small fee per car. The drive passes through the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, which is worth a stop. We ate lunch at the Inn at Spanish Bay, which is gorgeous.

If you are flying:

Monterey Airport is 14 miles (15 minutes) away, San Jose International Airport is 56 miles away, and San Francisco International Airport is 108 miles away.

From the moment we arrived until we sadly had to depart, our hosts at Hofsas House made us feel like we were in our own home. We cannot wait to return to this special place. Learn more on the Hofsas House website and follow them on their Facebook and Twitter pages.