Highlands Inn - Hyatt Carmel REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Aug 28, 2017, 11:48 am
#541
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nor Cal
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold.
Posts: 180
My wife and I will be there for a long weekend in a few days and staying in a townhouse suite using a DSU. I will try and post some pictures, will also see if I receive any pushback regarding breakfast.
Oct 31, 2017, 9:01 pm
#542
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: MSP
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 147
Just completed a 3 night stay. Burned some Points. Was assigned Room 529.
Views- We were on the lower level. Partially blocked by trees & plants. However was pleased.
Room- The refurbish was evident. Newer bed, shower, ect. However there is that dampness that you get from being on the water. Also a little smell of "old" in the property. Fireplace worked great. Nearly full wall sliding glass door opens up to nice size outdoor area with two chairs.
Property- pretty much stairs everywhere. parking was no problem. Again its older and it shows but still maintained well. Very quiet and cozy place.
Carmel- Was here to drink wine. lots of that accomplished. However during my brief research i didn't realize the real program should be to get going a little earlier in the day and head to carmel valley. Fortunately the concierge recommended we head there and then carmel. Glad we took their advice. Very chill spot. Pro tip would be to stop at Lafayette Bakery (the one in the mall; not downtown) on the way out of town for a sandwich or two to bring with. Save cash on the food and spend the limited time at another tasting room. Also-Basically the valley tasting rooms shut down around 5 or so while the carmel tasting rooms close later; like 7-9. So finish in the valley and head back to town for dinner and more. Found many of the carmel ones keep pouring if there is a crowd so closing time didn't seem to strict.
A few were $10, most were $15, a few were $20-25 for reserves. A solid 4-5 if not more at every place to try. Split every tasting with my girlfriend and nobody minded. Bought bottles at most to avoid paying for the tasting. Pretty great time.
Point Lobos- Pretty much a must do if your at all outdoorsy. We took a quick 1.5 hour lap through and think we had a good feel for it. Pay the $10 for parking and get to the good stuff. Its super close to the hotel. Get up, do this, then drink wine. Kind of had a Torrey Pines feel if you have walked that one, with less hills.
Monteray- Concierge was kind of a downer on Monterey. Didn't take their advice and drove up anyway to get a feel of things. Didn't like the vibe. Took 17mile drive back to Carmel. More wine. If your there; do the drive. It was neat but Point Lobos was better if your holding your $10 closely.
Closing Thoughts-
Would i pay $500. No.
$300- Sure.
Happy with value for points. yes
Would i come back. If the deal was right otherwise there were options just as convenient north towards monetary.
For being as old as it is. I liked it.
Views- We were on the lower level. Partially blocked by trees & plants. However was pleased.
Room- The refurbish was evident. Newer bed, shower, ect. However there is that dampness that you get from being on the water. Also a little smell of "old" in the property. Fireplace worked great. Nearly full wall sliding glass door opens up to nice size outdoor area with two chairs.
Property- pretty much stairs everywhere. parking was no problem. Again its older and it shows but still maintained well. Very quiet and cozy place.
Carmel- Was here to drink wine. lots of that accomplished. However during my brief research i didn't realize the real program should be to get going a little earlier in the day and head to carmel valley. Fortunately the concierge recommended we head there and then carmel. Glad we took their advice. Very chill spot. Pro tip would be to stop at Lafayette Bakery (the one in the mall; not downtown) on the way out of town for a sandwich or two to bring with. Save cash on the food and spend the limited time at another tasting room. Also-Basically the valley tasting rooms shut down around 5 or so while the carmel tasting rooms close later; like 7-9. So finish in the valley and head back to town for dinner and more. Found many of the carmel ones keep pouring if there is a crowd so closing time didn't seem to strict.
A few were $10, most were $15, a few were $20-25 for reserves. A solid 4-5 if not more at every place to try. Split every tasting with my girlfriend and nobody minded. Bought bottles at most to avoid paying for the tasting. Pretty great time.
Point Lobos- Pretty much a must do if your at all outdoorsy. We took a quick 1.5 hour lap through and think we had a good feel for it. Pay the $10 for parking and get to the good stuff. Its super close to the hotel. Get up, do this, then drink wine. Kind of had a Torrey Pines feel if you have walked that one, with less hills.
Monteray- Concierge was kind of a downer on Monterey. Didn't take their advice and drove up anyway to get a feel of things. Didn't like the vibe. Took 17mile drive back to Carmel. More wine. If your there; do the drive. It was neat but Point Lobos was better if your holding your $10 closely.
Closing Thoughts-
Would i pay $500. No.
$300- Sure.
Happy with value for points. yes
Would i come back. If the deal was right otherwise there were options just as convenient north towards monetary.
For being as old as it is. I liked it.
Dec 21, 2017, 11:31 am
#543
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
We are returning to the hotel where I have stayed many times. The last two times, I was given a courtesy upgrade to a specialty suite. Once was to one that is in the main building below the dining room. This is my favorite for its views and use of space. We've also had the suite that is at the end of the townhouses, smaller with no kitchenette but has a lovely view to the south. For the upcoming stay, I used a TSU. My upgrade is into a townhouse. I called to express a preference for a suite that is all on one floor. I learned there are 3 such suites on the property. I was told these are specialty suites and I would have to pay several hundred dollars per night. Needless to say, I lost interest.
Dec 26, 2017, 6:31 pm
#544
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
This property is one of my favorite Hyatts in North America. As a Diamond/Globalist, I have always had a townhouse or suite with a stunning view over Big Sur. I am enjoying our current stay but am noticing more than ever the number of stairs it takes to reach anything. Breakfast used to be served in a room close to ground level in the main building. Now that has been closed, and the interior is being used as a gallery. Breakfast is served in Pacific Edge that is at the top of the property. Yes, you get a great view but I always enjoyed the view from the balcony of the breakfast room. The only elevator in the main building is for staff so it means several sets of steps up to the check in area and Pacific Edge. Pacific Edge has been extended and now has an exterior balcony. I've taken a picture from our room that allows you to see this. We were given townhouse 503. It has the clearest view of the water of any of the townhouses we have had here. 
Exterior view of Pacific Edge restaurant and balcony
View from the lounge adjacent to Pacific Edge toward the north
View from room 503 at dusk toward the south
Exterior view of Pacific Edge restaurant and balcony
View from the lounge adjacent to Pacific Edge toward the north
View from room 503 at dusk toward the south
Dec 26, 2017, 7:21 pm
#545
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CHS
Programs: Delta, AA, BA, United, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,142
Stays on points just went up from 25,000 to 30,000 points per night. We love this property and the area.
We booked a stay for September 2018, just before the increase.
We booked a stay for September 2018, just before the increase.
May 14, 2018, 11:30 pm
#546
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Niwot, CO
Programs: AA XP, BA G, AS 100K, Hyatt G
Posts: 146
We just spent two nights in 508 which is a two floor townhome style suite. This can easily fit 4 adults as there is a full bath with a tub in the bedroom at the lower floor, and another full bath for the top floor which also includes a fully equipped kitchen. The suite and common space though well maintained can definitely use an update. And as mentioned many times in this thread, the ocean view is spectacular, especially at sunset.
Last edited by vudoosj; May 14, 2018 at 11:36 pm Reason: add picture
May 16, 2018, 9:17 am
#547
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: berkeley, Ca, USA
Programs: Hyatt globalist, Alaska mvp gold, Marriott platinum, ihg diamond
Posts: 438
Jun 5, 2018, 8:30 pm
#550
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: CO
Posts: 25
Suite question
My wife and I are planning a trip to the Hyatt Highlands. Quick question, I plan to use the a globalist upgrade. I read a single level is better than the town house suite. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations from their experience? If ther are any other recommendations or things I need to know that would be great. Thank you in advance for any help or advice you can provide.r
Jun 6, 2018, 12:10 pm
#551
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
I've stayed here many times. The townhouse is the standard upgrade. I've had one floor suites but when I checked for my last stay, I was told those are specialty suites and not covered by Globalist upgrades. From my Dec 2017 post above:
We are returning to the hotel where I have stayed many times. The last two times, I was given a courtesy upgrade to a specialty suite. Once was to one that is in the main building below the dining room. This is my favorite for its views and use of space. We've also had the suite that is at the end of the townhouses, smaller with no kitchenette but has a lovely view to the south. For the upcoming stay, I used a TSU. My upgrade is into a townhouse. I called to express a preference for a suite that is all on one floor. I learned there are 3 such suites on the property. I was told these are specialty suites and I would have to pay several hundred dollars per night. Needless to say, I lost interest.
Jun 6, 2018, 1:59 pm
#552
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 400
The Ocean View Townhouse Spa Suites (the bi-level ones) have a full kitchen, if that might be important to you. The kitchen isn't especially spacious but I wouldn't term it a kitchenette.
If you are staying any time soon, you might want to research the traffic issues being caused by the Rio Road construction project in Carmel by the Crossroads shopping center. Even without this project, northbound traffic in the early evening going into Carmel can back up all the way to the Hyatt - this is only making things worse.
I have never encountered any meaningful southbound traffic coming from Carmel to the Hyatt in the evening. The main beach is Carmel is a pleasant spot to watch the sunset.
If you are staying any time soon, you might want to research the traffic issues being caused by the Rio Road construction project in Carmel by the Crossroads shopping center. Even without this project, northbound traffic in the early evening going into Carmel can back up all the way to the Hyatt - this is only making things worse.
I have never encountered any meaningful southbound traffic coming from Carmel to the Hyatt in the evening. The main beach is Carmel is a pleasant spot to watch the sunset.
Jun 10, 2018, 3:06 pm
#553
Join Date: May 2005
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 552
We are returning to the hotel where I have stayed many times. The last two times, I was given a courtesy upgrade to a specialty suite. Once was to one that is in the main building below the dining room. This is my favorite for its views and use of space. We've also had the suite that is at the end of the townhouses, smaller with no kitchenette but has a lovely view to the south. For the upcoming stay, I used a TSU. My upgrade is into a townhouse. I called to express a preference for a suite that is all on one floor. I learned there are 3 such suites on the property. I was told these are specialty suites and I would have to pay several hundred dollars per night. Needless to say, I lost interest.
Jun 13, 2018, 12:36 am
#555
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
If you are staying any time soon, you might want to research the traffic issues being caused by the Rio Road construction project in Carmel by the Crossroads shopping center. Even without this project, northbound traffic in the early evening going into Carmel can back up all the way to the Hyatt - this is only making things worse.