By: Carla Iacovetti & Laura Cameron

Tucked among Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Fairytale Tudor homes and tea rooms, world-renowned galleries and specialty shops, stands the charming and historic Cypress Inn. Owned and operated by Doris Day and Dennis LeVett, the Inn is imbued with old-world Mediterranean charm. Designed to Spanish-accented perfection in 1929 by one Dr. Rudolf Kocher and Carmel’s favorite builder, Hugh Comstock, the Inn is also celebrated as one of Carmel’s most pet-friendly lodgings.

Well-mannered pets are allowed throughout the Inn, including the hotel’s own Terry’s Lounge bar/dining room and the Courtyard, a picturesque space that sparkles and twinkles after dark with tiny lights threaded through the bougainvillea. This means your pet, on leash, may accompany you for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an evening appetizer. The management asks only that “should your pet become disruptive … you excuse yourselves until they demonstrate a more appropriate behavior.” (But then, that’s sophisticated Carmel’s attitude to its multitude of canines at all times.)

As you stroll about the lobby and halls, you can’t miss the movie-theater-sized original posters, sheet music in frames, and other mementos of Miss Day’s career in film and music. If they inspire you to indulge in a touch of glamour yourself, you can request an in-room massage or European facial, but the graciously appointed, remodeled guestrooms and suites – the more luxurious of which feature ocean views, fireplaces, jetted spa tubs, and private entrances – are already soothing places to retreat.

Of course, pets are also pampered, with complimentary ‘pick-up bags,’ a place to
wash off after a romp at the beach, and a special blanket and bowl exclusively
for their use during your stay.
If You Go:
The Cypress Inn