Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave

This location is great next to downtown Carmel, but this “hotel” was basically a renovated discount motel. We could hear the upstairs footsteps very loudly all night as the floors and walls are paper thin. We got a suite and the rollout bed mattress was very uncomfortable. I think we unfortunately fell for a slick website and marketing, as I can’t believe we paid $800 per night for this place. The photos are strategically taken and don’t match reality.

I read the reviews before coming and wasn’t sure what to expect - reviews said one thing, photos another - but this place? Pictures don’t give it justice and comments about a “posh motel” are a complete miss clearly written by someone with little sophistication and attention to detail. I’ve traveled all over and I have a stack of hotel statuses. I’m usually the first person to notice when something is off, particularly in 5* hotels, and I always hope that someone, one day, will get it right. And it’s not that most hotels simply “forget” the details. They make calculated, commercial decisions: choose the cheapest plastic water bottles, the cheap toxic toiletries, the processed snacks, the flimsy wine glasses… if any. Knowing only a tiny fraction of guests will ever complain and they are OK with it as a business model. This place is the opposite. It has soul. You can tell someone cared - someone with actual taste. Two beautiful glass bottles of water. Vegan snacks options. Lavender tea capsules and stylish china. French toiletries. Italian toothpaste. Riedel glasses and proper wine waiting without needing to call anyone. A cute, high-quality bathrobe. Every detail feels chosen by a human who wanted the experience to be genuinely good like hosting a family or a guest they actually care about. Not the usual “charge & forget”, “let’s see if they even believe complaining will get them anywhere”, “who cares pictures don’t match reality”. The colors, textures, materials, the nightstands, even the hidden sockets - all the small design choices that other hotels ignore - are done perfectly. The room is coherent, warm, and honestly a little surprising in how thoughtful it is. It’s rare for me to walk into a hotel room and immediately feel that nothing is missing. It’s not even my usual design style - but I have full appreciation and really enjoy the amazing work someone did here!

Our stay at Le Petit Pali was absolutely magical. The property is stunning, cozy, and every detail is thoughtfully curated. From the luxe toiletries to the breakfast and even the butter, everything felt top quality. The rooms were beyond adorable and so comfortable. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, and breakfast each morning was delicious. Our favorite moments were hanging by the fire with friends, playing games, and drinking wine. They are also extremely dog friendly. Our pup had the best time. The location is unbeatable and truly made our trip unforgettable. We cannot wait to come back.