Relive The Golden Era of Hollywood at the Cypress Inn

Posters for “Young at Heart,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” and “Calamity Jane” fill the halls as fellow guests remark about possibly hearing instrumental Frank Sinatra tunes playing throughout the common area. It’s not a time warp back to the golden era of Hollywood, but here at the Cypress Inn located in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s pretty dang close.

A landmark boutique hotel of the Central Coast since 1929, Cypress Inn radiates old world charm while being masterfully blended with modern comforts. Co-owned by legendary actress Doris Day, touches of the Golden Era of Hollywood fill the Inn’s halls and are beautifully showcased throughout the rooms. Staying at the Cypress Inn isn’t merely a location to rest, but an experience that should be indulged upon wholeheartedly.

The boutique luxury inn is located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, providing gracious ambiance and personalized service from the moment guests walk through the front door. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted and offered to be assisted with our bags. The front desk staff was attentive and happily checked us in even though we were a few hours early. Unlike other hotels where a map print out is provided to help guide guests to their rooms, at the Cypress Inn we had our own staff member walk us to our room and ensure that we were well situated. It was a wonderful touch that started our stay on an excellent note.

The Inn features old-world luxury with 44 spacious, elegantly-renovated guest rooms that should be called suites due to the sheer brilliance in all aspects of the term. Upon entering, there is a complimentary bottle of Sherry with specialized glasses, a book shelf filled with unique and timeless reads that all date from the early 1900’s and a fireplace waiting to provide additional ambiance with the turn of a switch.

The bedroom was beautifully appointed with a high-low wall, glamorous wallpaper, and french doors leading to your personal veranda for a view overlooking the quaint street outside. The bathrooms are equipped with Gilchrist & Soames hair and skin products, luxurious plush robes and a bathroom large enough to fit four individual’s comfortably if the occasion so required.

Everything about the Cypress Inn exceeded my expectations to the point that we decided to have dinner in the room and enjoy all that the inn has to offer instead of spending the night exploring the town. Past the lobby but before retreating to the guest rooms, Terry’s Lounge is perfectly situated to provide entertainment and was a bustling place to be on our Thursday evening. Being pet friendly, dogs and their owners alike enjoyed treating themselves to the best service and welcoming atmosphere that Terry’s provides in the lounge, the Living Room and the Garden Courtyard.

Proudly serving local Monterey wines, Mighty Leaf teas and the according to them, the best cocktails in Carmel, Terry’s provides tried and true classic cocktails that pass the test of time and pay tribute to the era of glamour and glitz from pre-Prohibition America to the 70’s and beyond when Dorris Day and her legendary co-stars lit up the silver screen. Open until 11 pm weeknights and midnight on weekends, guests can enjoy a cocktail or two over conversation or add dinner to the lineup that’s served daily until 10 pm.

When visiting the Courtyard, make sure to keep an eye out for latest addition to the boutique inn’s remodel, the original wall art created by famed street artist Mr. Brainwash. The artist, whose real name is Thierry Guetta, starred in Banksy’s Exit Through The Gift Shop film and created the piece while in town for the Carmel Art & Film Festival which makes for a great photo opportunity.