60
Years for Hofsas House:
European Charm in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The
charm of Carmel-by-the Sea has been enjoyed by guests at Hofsas
House for 60 years, and it is a property that offers
a charming 'flash from the past' experience for guests who appreciate
the ambiance of a truly European style hotel. A beautiful Bavarian-themed
mural commissioned by hotel founder Donna Hofsas, painted by artist
Maxine Albro, is the first thing guests see when arriving at the
hotel. It is a property that has retained its original grace,
while moving forward to implement state-of-the-art technology
for visitor's convenience.
Hofsas House
Hotel
owner Carrie Theis, a recently elected member of the Carmel City
Council, seems genuinely happy to be a successful innkeeper in
one of America's most beautiful sea side destinations. Her warm
spirit and desire to make people comfortable can be seen and felt
throughout the property. She talks with great pride about her
Grandmother Donna's dedication and hard work to create the hotel,
as well as her family's ongoing efforts to continue the history
of Hofsas House. What began as three small bungalows in 1947 has
blossomed into a successful 38 room tourist destination, offering
the only heated swimming pool with a dry sauna in the community.
Carmel
is a classic example of the term international tourist destination.
There is such a disarming 'around the world' quality in Carmel,
and as you walk through town it is common to hear four or five
languages being spoken within a five minute period. "Our
property appeals to a variety of guest, and a large number of
guests who stay with us each year are from Europe," said
Theis.
Maxine Albro Hofsas House Mural
The
continental breakfast, which features delicious European pastries
from a local bakery with fresh fruit, yogurt, juice and wonderful
coffee, is better than you would find in most restaurants. Although
Carmel offers some of the finest restaurants on the coast, Hofsas
House guests have the option of selecting a room with a cozy fireplace,
and a kitchen with cooking utensils that enables them to prepare
a private dinner in their room. Delicious food items are available
at Nielsen Bros. Market, The Cheese Shop, Trio Carmel for fantastic
oil & balsamic products, wine rooms filled with wines for
perfect food paring, and additional gourmet shops that are all
within walking distance of the hotel.
The Cheese Shop
Places
of interest are many, and include the beautiful Carmel Mission,
where Father Junipero Serra is buried, featuring a museum containing
a history of his life. Just down the road you will find the Mission
Ranch and Restaurant, where sightings of owner Clint Eastwood
are anything but rare, and if you are seeking wonderful theatre
you may enjoy the Forest Theatre Guild performances. Carmel is
rated in the top-10 art destinations in the US, and has more then
100 art galleries to visit.
Carmel Mission
The
streets in Carmel are lined with boutiques, and unique shopping
opportunities. A magical venue that any woman would love is Ajne,
a brilliantly designed fragrance shop in the Court of the Fountain
Center, where co-owners Jane Hendler and husband Rex Rombach blend
natural oils into allergen-free fragrances that are divine, and
just for you. Heart 2 Heart showcases chic style items for women,
and if you forgot your sun bonnet visit The Hat Shop. Another
fun spot not to be missed is the Cheese Shop in the Carmel Center
that bustles with activity and free samples. Cheese Shop owner
R. Kent Torrey loves to assist patrons with cheese and wine information
and selections.
Mundaka Smoked Sardine Salad
Carmel
has a treasure trove of restaurants to choose from, and Mundaka
is where Executive Chef Brandon Miller is serving up some of the
best Tapas on the planet, accompanied by freshly made sangria,
local wines and signature cocktails. Lunch at Carmel Belle offers
delicious home-made soups and a congenial vibe. But, if you feel
like a short drive to Pacific Grove, The Beach House co-chefs
Briana Sammut and Guillaume D'Angio will dazzle you with their
California-Mediterranean dishes. The views from this romantic
restaurant at sunset are beyond spectacular.
Blair Pinot Gris
For
wine lovers the Carmel Wine Walk, offered through the Chamber
of Commerce, entitles the bearer a passport to sample wines in
a variety of wine rooms at a very affordable price. Currently,
the wine rooms include Blair Estate, Caraccioli Cellars, Dawn's
Dream, De Tierra, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Manzoni Cellars,
Scheid Vineyards, Shale Canyon, Silvestri Vineyards, Vino Napoli,
and Wrath. The Passport Flight vouchers provide a Wine Walk flight
at your choice of any 9 of the 12 tastings rooms. This strolling
and sipping adventure is not only delicious, but very educational.
The people pouring in these rooms know their wines, and are happy
to answer questions and provide information on the Carmel area
wine scene.
While
on vacation having a home-away-from-home to relax in at the end
of a busy sight seeing, shopping or beach day is key for a memorable
experience. The staff members at Hofsas House are wonderful and
strive to make this happen.
HOFSAS
HOUSE
San Carlos Street, Between 3rd & 4th
Carmel, CA 93921
(800) 221-2548
www.hofsashouse.com
By Bonnie Carroll