Tally Ho Inn: English Charm with a Modern Twist in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Visiting Carmel-By-The-Sea for the first time or as a frequented destination affords a good dose of sensory overload. Art galleries, restaurants, unique homes and businesses and myriad recreation choices are all canvassed by the majesty of the Pacific Ocean.

And there's the potential problem. Like other popular Monterey Peninsula cities, with so much to see and do while visiting Carmel, where's the best place to stay?

It's not an easy choice, particularly considering that within a one-mile radius of downtown Carmel, there are more than 60 accommodation options that combined feature more than 1,000 rooms.

The unassuming Tally Ho Inn is among the most convenient, well-appointed, historic and quaint options.

Located a half-block off of Ocean Ave., (Carmel's main street) near the corners of Mesa Verde and Sixth Ave., the Tally Ho Inn features 12 recently renovated rooms replete with modern conveniences but while maintaining the inn's traditions. Unlike other area properties with lavish entrances, the Tally Ho Inn welcomes guests via a simple, small white brick entry with limited signage.

Now approaching middle-age, the inn's legacy dates to 1964 when it began as a series of cottages used as an extension of the popular Pine Inn, Carmel's oldest inn (It was built in 1889.)

The Pine Inn, located across the street and with a main entrance on Ocean Ave. and the Tally Ho Inn have the same owner, Richard Gunner. During the week, guests at the Tally Ho are given coupons for complimentary breakfast served at Il Fornaio, the Pine Inn's Italian restaurant, bar and bakery.

(Because of early morning commitments in Monterey, I didn't eat breakfast at the Pine Inn. On weekends, however, breakfast for Tally Ho guests is served buffet style in the inn's small reception area. Fresh fruit, pastries, oatmeal, fresh-squeezed juice as well as coffee and tea are offered with a pleasant and efficient approach.)