Review: Two Bedroom Ocean View Townhouse Suite at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Review of a Two Bedroom Ocean View Townhouse Suite at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, perfect for Family Travel

Perched on a hillside in the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a distinctive property that blends the amenities of a world-class resort with the seclusion of a boutique hideaway.  

Hotel Overview

The Highlands Inn overlooks the Big Sur coast offering picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and is set in a very nicely landscaped hillside resort.  The property is located fifteen minutes south of Monterey, just past Carmel-by-the-sea, in the city of Carmel Highlands, California. 

One to note about the property is that it is a combination hotel and timeshare property with the original Highlands Inn opening back in 1917.  The property has been remodeled a few times since then, with a major renovation occurring in 2017 for its 100th year anniversary.  

The hotel side features 48 guest rooms, including 14 suites, 31 ocean view rooms, and 3 garden view rooms.  These are the rooms that surround the pool area and are located adjacent to the main building.

The timeshare/residence club portion of the property has 94 units located up on the hillside and range from 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units featuring ocean views, horizon ocean views and garden views.

Given the rustic weathered appearance of the exterior and being a combination hotel and timeshare property, I feel some guests who stay here get a little confused between the different areas of the hotel and by the appearance, i.e., given the age of the hotel, some of the exterior and interior finishes are a bit more rustic and weathered, but the room decor is still very nice.

Amenities at Hyatt Carmel Highlands

• Two fire pits on property   

• Heated outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool spas

• Award-winning on-property dining: Take in picturesque views of historic Point Lobos State Reserve while sipping hand-crafted cocktails, enjoying the delectable tapas menu and visiting with friends at either California Market at Pacific’s Edge or Sunset Lounge

• Complimentary bicycles for guest use
• Washers & Dryers for laundry (not located in rooms)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (cell signal can be spotty depending on your provider)
• Complimentary valet parking or self-parking
• Wood burning fireplaces (most units) with ample firewood available nearby the rooms

• Fitness Center 

Accommodations

Our recent stay here was in a 2-bedroom ocean view room in one of the residence club units.  

Our unit included a kitchen, living room, dining table and bedroom/bathroom on the lower level of the unit and a second bedroom/bathroom combination on the main level.

Here is a look at the main lower level that includes the kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom:

The second level is where you enter the unit and take small set of stairs either down into the lower main level or to the second bedroom.

The outdoor patio, with two chairs and a small table, was perfect for relaxing and and enjoying sweeping views of the incredible California coastline.   

Two-bedroom ocean view rooms sleep a maximum of six guests and are perfect for families looking for more space and room to enjoy.

Overall, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers a relaxing stay in a beautiful scenic setting close to many things to do and see that include Big Sur, Point Lobos State Reserve, downtown Carmel, Pebble Beach and other attractions like the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and 17-Mile Drive.