All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Colonial Terrace Inn
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California   Update: December 2002 We returned to the Colonial Terrace for another Christmas journey, and we enjoyed it just as much as last year! 2002's "home" was a romantically pastel room, with fireplace, jacuzzi tub for 2, wet bar, ocean views, and ambiance to spare.
..and the sunsets remain as spectacular as forever... ~Now, back to our first Colonial Inn visit~
Each of the inn's guestrooms is individually decorated in its
own style, all feature refrigerators and coffee makers, most have fireplaces,
and several have ocean views; ours had a beautiful sea vista...complete with
those enthralling sound effects --- our preferred lullaby!
And
then there's Carmel Bay and its beach of powdery white sand, only steps
away...and we stepped down there often...enjoying the ocean at different times
of the day, in each of its moods.
Copyright © 2002 -
2008: Jan Hight
Published -- February 12, 2002 |
Here
we are in December 2001, renewing our treasured Christmas tradition of
holiday'ing in enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea...with a first-time stay at
the Colonial Terrace Inn. We'd spotted this B&B during an oceanward
stroll a few years ago then couldn't remember quite where it was.
During Christmas 2000's visit we happened upon the Inn again, nabbed a brochure,
and made reservations for Christmas future. So the Colonial Terrace was
"new" to us, but it certainly isn't a newcomer to
Carmel-by-the-Sea. Built in 1925, it was one of Carmel's original
inns. The 7 buildings, containing 25 rooms, are enclosed within terraced
gardens amid a tranquil residential area. Best of all, it's only 1 block
from the beach...and it seemed like a short block at that! This
extra-close proximity to Carmel Bay was an exceptional treat...one that very few
inns can offer.
Entering
the office, the tone was set for our stay...warm
decor and friendly
staff. A continental breakfast is laid out here in the mornings, and
it's a cozy spot to drop into during the day for a chat with the innkeepers
about Carmel and the surrounding area. To our delight, we also found an
old friend...Joanna Wuelfing, the inn's Manager. We first met Joanna in
1995 when she was managing a favorite B&B of ours on the northern California
coast. We'd lost touch when she left there, although we did know that
she'd moved to Carmel. And here she was, bringing the Colonial Terrace her
creativity and
attentive guest care -- what a wonderful
Christmas surprise!
Of
course, when we were able to pull ourselves away from the fascination of sand
and waves, Carmel-by-the-Sea awaited us. There are other "Jan's
Journeys" pages devoted to some of our past jaunts to this distinctive
little village, and those sites detail many of our favorite things to do and
see...so I won't repeat the catalog of Carmel charms here. There was one
sad note: we discovered to our dismay that the Mediterranean Deli had
closed after years and years and years as a beloved fixture on Ocean
Avenue. In its place was a furniture store; I was too 
disheartened
to walk through those doors. I still wonder what happened to the elderly
cheese which hung with honor in the Deli's window! On this visit
we did add one more special spot to our "must dine" list; in addition
to our perennial restaurants of choice (Anton & Michel, The Flying Fish,
Casanova, The Old Bath House, The Covey, The Sardine Factory etc.), we now have
Roy's at Spanish Bay. Having fallen in love with Roy's on Maui, we were elated
to find that the Pebble Beach branch was just as fabulous....and the seared rare
Ahi just as perfect!
Obviously
this trip added a special inn to our Carmel lodging list, as well; we made our
reservations for Christmas 2002 at the Colonial Terrace even before we checked
out! You may reach Joanna and her first-rate staff at 800-345-8220,
send an e-mail to 
|
Member of the Internet Link Exchange
|
