A Treasure In The Heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Vagabond’s House Inn Understands And Appreciates Wanderlust Providing Travelers A Stay That Is Irresistible To Leave
I was charmed the moment I stepped into the courtyard of The Vagabond’s House Inn.
Located in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea on California’s Monterey Peninsula, the charming inn is a sanctuary within a sanctuary.
It is a cozy spot set back a few blocks from Ocean Avenue, the main street in the quaint seaside town. Unassuming from the outside, the 15-room bed and breakfast resort on the corner of Dolores Street and 4th Avenue, is a nice hideaway. The rooms encircle the whimsical courtyard which is shrouded by plants and trees. Water trickling peacefully from the waterfall adds to the sense of peace that falls upon you when you step through its two thresholds.
The courtyard offers guests nooks and corners to sit and relax either away from people getting lost in a book or your thoughts or hanging out at the family-size picnic table and lounge chairs around the firepit getting to know your neighbors. It’s up to you.
A Father’s Influence
Every room has Carmel-by-the-Sea native and owner Amanda LeVett’s memories of her father, Dennis LeVett, as well references to the town’s history and travel antiques from a bygone era. Dennis was business partners with the late actress and singer Doris Day at the famed Cypress Inn, among owning many other Carmel-by-the-Sea beds and breakfasts.
Dennis’s influence on Amanda, who uses she/they pronouns, can be seen throughout the inn’s décor. Pages from “The Vagabond’s House,” Dennis’s childhood book, the inn’s namesake, paper the bathroom walls doubling as décor and reading material to the bottle of cream sherry in each room.
Beyond that, it is all Amanda and general manager, Thomas Rogers, imaginations. They continue to modernize the early 1930s English Tudor Style inn while maintaining its charm and character. The two have transformed the inn utilizing reclaimed furnishings and décor, like the clocks in the bathrooms, while updating it for the 21st century from technology to being eco-conscious. They plan to eventually install solar energy.
My Room
My room felt airy and luxurious with its open floorplan and minimalist décor that mimics a rustic cottage. Two barn doors easily roll back and forth on a track to provide privacy in the bathroom, which is almost half the size of the main room.
The bathroom features a free-standing soaking tub. There are two sinks on either side of the bathroom, one for each couple. On one side of the bathroom is the toilet with its own door for privacy and as mentioned, its built-in reading material. On the other side of the bathroom is a luxurious stone shower.
The room was spacious even with a king-size bed. There was also a desk and chair, side tables, a leather love seat, and a table in front of the gas fireplace. The TV was mounted on the wall above the fireplace.
Light flooded my top-floor corner room, but I easily shut it out with the blinds so I could sleep in a little longer on the pillowy bed, snuggled under the covers.
The closets and drawers were generous for someone who was just passing through and not planning on staying for long. However, the inn and Thomas and his team’s hospitality was so appealing that you never really want to leave. In my heart and mind, I haven’t left The Vagabond’s House Inn as I’ve recommended it to many other travelers.
My one complaint was the desk chair wasn’t as comfortable as I would have liked as I sat writing and filing my stories with my editors. I also noticed cracks in my windows that allowed a draft to enter the room, but it didn’t bother me until late in the night when I started to get a chill. By that time my butt was sore and numb, and I was cold. I decided that was my cue to go to sleep rather than turn on the fireplace to keep typing onward.
Later, I learned that the rooms were still in the process of being renovated when I toured a family suite. By now every room should have new double pane windows and like the barn doors in the bathroom, custom barn door window coverings that slide back and forth.
Service
Another interesting touch to the room was the Dutch door that allowed staff to hand guests their breakfast without opening the entire door, at least that was possibly the idea. It did not pan out in my case. The staff delivered my breakfast into my room setting it on the table in front of the sofa, but it is a good concept.
There were tables out in the courtyard where guests also enjoyed breakfast or a glass of wine with cheese and crackers during happy hour. Coffee lovers will enjoy the European coffee machine where you can make every caffeinated drink you can imagine in the inn’s lobby.
Another unique touch to the inn is that there is a secret small spa tucked away onsite on the lower level of the inn off Dolores Street.
I was feeling pretty relaxed at the inn, but just before I left, I booked an hour massage. The spa can only fit the masseuse and a guest. Now in the time of COVID, having a spa all to yourself is more than a luxury, it’s a bonus.
I found everyone at the inn friendly, welcoming, and pleasant to be around from the owners and the staff to other guests.
The inn provided complimentary private parking. The lot is across the street down the hill in a shaded spot directly across from the inn.
I’ve stayed at other inns in Carmel-by-the-Sea, but by far, The Vagabond’s House Inn, is exceptional. I would be disappointed if it was anything less given Amanda’s pedigree from the area’s legendary bed and breakfast owner.
THE FLUFF
The Vagabond’s House Inn, 1 Southeast Dolores Street and 4th Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea, California 93923. 831-624-7738. . vagabondshouseinn.com.
RATING: 4
(5 best – 0 worst)
TYPE OF LODGING: Luxury, Women-Owned, Gender Nonconforming-Owned, LGBTQ-Welcoming, Pet-Friendly, Bed and Breakfast, Boutique Resort, Families Welcome
CHECK OUT: $$$$ = Over $350
(Lowest price for a single night in a standard room during high-season.)
SWEET DREAMS: An incredibly charming bed and breakfast resort with a ton of character, good amenities, and great customer service.
WORTH THE SLEEP?: zzzz = This was divine! \
(z = Not worth the overnight; zz = Had a good time, but I’ve slept better; zzz = Like being at home; zzzz = This was divine!)
VIBE: Casual, warm and cozy. They treat you as if you are a member of their family.
SCENE: Casual luxury. Everyone was laid back and friendly.
LOCATION: Is there a bad location in Carmel-by-the-Sea? If there is, I have not found it, but The Vagabond’s House Inn is perfectly situated for exploring the seaside town and far away enough from the action on Ocean Avenue that you are secluded.
ROOM: Beautifully appointed and well thought out and very comfortable. The rooms are airy and spacious with high ceilings and minimalist décor.
BATHROOM: Beautiful bathroom with plenty of space and options for bathing to getting ready for a day out or going out to dinner at one of Carme-by-the-Sea’s plethora of great restaurants.
AMENITIES: Breakfast served in your room, quality personal care products, on-site spa, fireplace, complimentary happy hour with local wines, European espresso machine, parking, WI-FI, cable TV, and more.
To book your stay at The Vagabond’s House Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at 415-517-7239 or at .
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