The Quail Lodge and Golf Club: Carmel, California

Experience quintessential California living at this destination resort where rest and recreation go hand in hand! The Quail Lodge and Golf Club is a beautiful, luxury hotel in Carmel, California that’s affordable, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and full of leisurely activities for your entertainment and enjoyment.

The distinctly modern Quail Lodge, located on the sunny side of Carmel, is secluded and serene on 850 panoramic and scenic acres. Looking out on the horizon towards the Santa Lucia Mountains and breathing in the forests that surround Carmel is tranquility for the senses. It’s a luxury, resort getaway with spacious guestrooms and suites and an award-winning 18-hole championship golf course. There are also tennis and pickleball courts, a sand bocce ball area, a wellness and fitness area, and of course, a year-round, outdoor, heated swimming pool. The lush beauty of the grounds, pristine gardens, and idyllic lakes create a rustic, utopian landscape you can wander around in and re-center yourself from any outside stresses.

Warm Casual Elegance and Quintessential California Resort Living

The casual elegance of the hotel comes from its California ranch-style meets Spanish Colonial design. There are 93 spacious guestrooms and suites, some with cozy fireplaces, and all with private patio areas. The warm gold and orange tones, wood floors, and rich accents evoke imagery of sun-drenched Carmel. Every view arouses the desire to relax. There are no resort fees at this gorgeous, upscale property, and free parking and wi-fi are included.

Once you arrive, head to the stunning lobby to register and receive a map of the property. Take a short drive to your room and a bell captain can follow you to assist you with your bags if you desire. Everything is socially distanced and Covid-safe. The ivy-covered walkways provide shade and beauty as you walk through the resort. There are different guestroom options to choose from, and all look out onto a private patio with a view of the immaculate golf course, mountains, or lake. Bathrooms have both a shower and a bathtub with Molton-Brown toiletries. A mini espresso machine and a fridge are also provided in every room. It is the perfect size for a couple to relax and enjoy and even a family to spread out comfortably.

One of the family suites would also be perfect for larger families. If you plan to spend a few days at the resort or even make it a home away from home for business, you’ll appreciate the larger accommodations.

The hotel is proud to be a pet-friendly establishment. There is a $75 fee per pet, per room and they treat your furry friend extremely well. There were several people with their pets at the resort, including in the outdoor restaurants and on the Driving Range. If you don't want to travel without your dog, and it's important to stay at a dog-friendly hotel, this is an excellent choice. Both you and your pets will be well taken care of while at The Quail Lodge.

Getting There

Whether you are headed up or down the coast, The Quail Lodge and Golf Club is an ideal resort for a romantic getaway or weekend with the family. If you plan to explore the area, the Quail Lodge will prove to be the perfect base of operations for a longer vacation, and allow you to enjoy the Big Sur coast, Pebble Beach, and the Carmel Valley over several days. Located just five miles from the quaint and picturesque village of Carmel-By-the-Sea, and a short drive to Monterey; it’s centrally located to everything the Monterey Peninsula has to offer.

If driving from Los Angeles, take the CA101N and it’s about a five to six-hour drive, depending on whether you make stops along the way. If flying, the closest airport to Carmel is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), just 15 minutes away from Carmel. It's a small airport but services international and domestic routes. Truly though, the best way to see everything along the Central Coast of California is to plan a 7 to 10-day road trip with multiple stops along the way. Either way, including The Quail Lodge and Golf Club on your itinerary, will be the highlight of your sightseeing vacation.

Climate

Carmel experiences moderate weather all year long, but packing layers is always essential on a California coastal vacation. The Quail Lodge is on the sunnier side of Carmel and experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, gentle breezes, and clear, sunny days. If you plan to drive to the beach area near Carmel-By-The-Sea during your stay, plan on bringing a sweater or jacket as coastal fog generally hovers over the coastline most of the day with an occasional clearing. The nighttime is generally about 10 to 20 degrees cooler near the water. The winter months see some rainfall and colder weather. The best time of year to visit for better weather is generally late spring to early fall. You may even luck out with beautiful, sunny and warm California weather.

Culinary Options: Savory and Sweet Favorites To Satisfy Everyone

Edgar’s At Quail Lodge (located in the lobby) and Edgar’s From The Patio (located at the clubhouse) both offer delicious seasonal American dining and modern takes on familiar classics. In 2019, they were recognized with “Best Family Dining” and “Best Dining On A Golf Course”. Executive Chef Brian Parks uses fresh ingredients from local, organic farms to create unique specialties and healthy food options the whole family will enjoy. Fuel up or recharge with his artfully prepared foods and specialty cocktails. All options are for dining out on their naturally beautiful waterfront patio, driving-range patio, or To-Go. When at the Lodge, you'll be overlooking Mallard Lake with the golf course and a picturesque bridge in the background. A beautiful setting and delicious food are the perfect complements to one another.

For breakfast, delicious lattes, juices, freshly baked pastry baskets, pancakes, fresh fruit, the Quail Omelet, Avocado toast, Breakfast sandwiches, you name it, it's on the menu. Nothing like starting your days off with a healthy, delicious meal.

If you have a chance to try lunch at the clubhouse, located near the gorgeous lush golf course, choose from salads, wraps, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, or soups and snacks. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy!

The Quail Lodge Amenities - Perfect Reason To Never Leave The Resort

Golf Club

Designed in 1964 by Robert Muir Graves and refined in 2015 by Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design, the impeccable 18-hole golf course was awarded “Best Playing Conditions” for all of Central California by Greenskeeper since 2016! If you don’t have a million-dollar swing, no problem. The resort is extremely family-centric and the whole crew can learn at the Golf Academy (all skill and comfort levels welcomed). You’ll definitely be able to up your A-game. There is also a 9-hole putting course (golf clubs and balls provided), which is great practice as well as a fun after-breakfast activity.

Heated Swimming Pool

The year-round, outdoor, heated swimming pool is centrally located within short walking distance to most of the guestrooms. It was never crowded or noisy and you can bring food or drink from either Edgar's to the pool area.

Fitness

The Quail Lodge has one of the most unique fitness areas I’ve ever seen. There are three separate bungalow-type dwellings. A cardio room, a weight room, and yoga + stretching room all overlook the pool area. The individual spaces allow you to work out in solitude if you so desire, or go from station to station.

Tennis & Pickleball Courts

Tennis anyone? Tennis is a fun sport in which you can always connect with people. You can also take lessons from a USPTA tennis professional on one of their championship hard courts.

Pickleball is also a cool way to stay active that is easy to learn and fun for mixed groups, no matter the age, gender, or skill of the players. It’s a cross between tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Do a quick study on the rules, then grab a Pickleball set off of Amazon and try it out. We swear you’ll be laughing and having a great time right away. You can also borrow the Pickleball equipment from the clubhouse.

Bocce Ball

Bocce, AKA Italian bowling, is one of the oldest and most widely played games in the world. It’s typically a garden party game, played on a long narrow dirt court. It’s a game in which balls are rolled at an object (the pallina) to move it. Whoever gets their ball closest to the pallina, scores. This is a great game to play after lunch or dinner to wind down and relax.

Land Rover Experience

The Land Rover Experience Driving School provides customized off-road driving lessons and adventures for all skill levels and is normally offered year-round. Due to Covid, it is paused, but as soon as it re-opens, it’s an experience you’ll want to make sure is on your bucket list. Guided by an instructor, you’ll jump behind the wheel and navigate the terrain of their off-road trail network in brand new Land Rovers. You’ll receive a personalized certificate of completion from Land Rover Experience. I’m returning and doing this once it starts up again. If you know friends who have done it, they most likely loved it!

Other Adventures

If you do plan to leave the resort and explore a little, you’ll need a car. There are numerous activities on and around the Monterey Peninsula that are within a short driving distance.

* You can go wine tasting at some of the many vineyards of Monterey County.

* Take a wine trolley or tour through California wine country.

* Enjoy views from the mountain and coastal trail systems along the Monterey Peninsula.

* Horseback riding along the California coastline at sunset is super romantic.

* Soar above Monterey’s world-famous coastline and go skydiving or paragliding, or both.

* Navigate the depths of the Monterey Peninsula’s kelp forests and underwater canyons.

* Rent a boat or water vessel and sail along California’s most scenic route.

* Go whale watching or ocean fishing

* Spend a day at one of Monterey Peninsula’s spectacular coastline beaches.

* Visit Monterey Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row

* Take the family to see what’s under the deep blue at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

* Discover California’s unique history by visiting one of the missions or historical locations.

* Experience local art and culture at one of the many art galleries or theatres.

Carmel-By-The-Sea

If you bring your dog (make sure they have a current license and up-to-date vaccinations), I do recommend heading to Carmel-By-The-Sea for dinner one night and to watch the sunset on the mile-long beach. Dogs may be leash-free and locals come out to chat and let their dogs run along the surf and frolic in the ocean waves at Carmel Beach. It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening with loved ones. Carmel is rated the #1 dog-friendly town in America and most restaurants in Carmel are pet-friendly. You’ll find water bowls, dog treats, and biodegradable bags at many boutiques and restaurants in Carmel’s business district. Some places even offer a “Yappy Hour” and doggie menus of grilled chicken and steak tartar. It’s a dog’s life in Carmel!

The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering

For eighteen years, motorsports enthusiasts and collectors from around the world convene at The Quail to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party setting on the rolling greens. Delicious culinary pavilions and cars make it an event not to be missed. This year’s themes are “Cars of Curiosity”, “50th Anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Montreal” and “Automotive Couture, French Cars Featuring The 50th Anniversary of the Citroën SM”. If you're a car-lover, this is the place to be in August!

You can also ask about The Quail Moto Rally Experience. You’ll be able to drive your vehicle or rent from their exotic car collection and go on a rally adventure of your own.

A Destination Full Of Experiences

The Quail Lodge and Golf Club is a destination full of experiences for you and your family! If you are planning a trip near HWY 1, Pacific Coast, be sure to add this affordable, luxury, family, and dog-friendly hotel to your itinerary. Rest assured, you'll enjoy every single minute of your vacation exploring the splendor of the Quail Lodge property and there is something for everyone at this resort. For longer road trips, it is the perfect place to mini-break, relax and rejuvenate while spending time in the Monterey Peninsula. The Quail Lodge and Golf Club, offering both leisure and luxury for families in an idyllic setting along the central coast of California.

The Quail Lodge and Golf Club is located in beautiful Carmel, California

8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

You can make reservations online at QuailLodge.Com or by calling Phone: (831) 624-2888

Check their website for special accommodation offers.

Chanin Victor, the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at the Santa Monica Observer, presents her column "Travel Trends" bi-weekly in the print edition, offering readers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of travel. Become a Subscriber Today! Beyond her role at the Observer, Chanin is a versatile freelance travel journalist, crafting engaging narratives that transport readers to intriguing destinations. In her 9-5 role, she serves as a creative director, dedicating her expertise to promoting tourism destinations across Southern California, blending her passion for storytelling with her professional pursuits. Based in Los Angeles with her family, Chanin seizes every opportunity to embark on new adventures. Discover her travels and insights at chaninvictor.com - PLUS - if you're interested in Chanin's family-friendly travel stories, inspiration and travel tips, look HERE: https://chaninvictor.com/travel-trends/ at the Santa Monica Observer!