L'Auberge Carmel

Character and identity

Set in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, L'Auberge occupies a 1929 Albert Farr building, white stucco and brick wrapped around an interior courtyard with a fountain, benches and terracotta pots in bloom. Twenty rooms only, on the Relais & Châteaux roster since 2007, give the place the feel of a European cottage with sleek, neutral, contemporary interiors inside. Aubergine, the dining room under chef Justin Cogley, runs an ambitious tasting menu inspired by the Pacific, paired from a serious international list. Service is full-service boutique: chauffeured house car, valet, evening turndown, room service.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The cooking and the cosseting twenty-room scale are the reasons to come, with the Carmel village location a close third. Book it if you want a food-led, walkable few nights as a couple, plan dinner at Aubergine into your stay (ideally with the wine pairing), and budget for the $30 per-night service fee on top of the rate.