The Cypress Inn is one of four Carmel Boutique Inns

Just because summer’s nearly over doesn’t mean you’re stuck with choosing between a snow or tropical vacation this winter. Head to Carmel, Calif., for a sweet village retreat near the ocean, and get 20 percent off your stay.

The Carmel Boutique Inns offer travelers an opportunity to enjoy the area’s “secret season” with a discounted rate for winter travel. Bookable now for travel Nov. 1, 2011, through March 31, 2012, guests will receive 20 percent off the nightly rate and a complimentary room upgrade, based upon availability, at any of Carmel Boutique Inns’ four properties: Cypress Inn, Lamp Lighter Inn & Sunset Suites, The Vagabond’s House and Forest Lodge.

Travelers can also indulge in Carmel Boutique Inns’ ample amenities, including daily hot breakfast; free Wi-Fi; and in-room cream sherry, snacks and water for cozy fireside relaxation. A minimum stay may be required. Rates start at $165 per night. Use booking code CBI11 when contacting the inn of your choice.

Consider bringing your best friend along on your trip, because all the Carmel Boutique Inns are pet-friendly and welcome breeds of any size. Pups are pampered with complimentary in-room dog beds, bowls, treats and dog-sitting referral services. Many Carmel restaurants and shops include dogs as customers, and nearby Carmel City Beach is pure heaven for the beach-loving canine.

Cypress Inn, 831-624-3871
Lincoln Avenue & 7th, Carmel, CA 93921

Lamp Lighter Inn & Sunset Suites, 831-624-7372
Ocean Avenue & Camino Real, Carmel, CA 93921

The Vagabond’s House, 831-624-7738
4th & Dolores, Carmel, CA 93921

Forest Lodge, 831-624-7372
Ocean Avenue at Torres & Mt. View, Carmel, CA 93921

Photo courtesy of Cypress Inn

More Carmel-related information:
Grasing’s Restaurant, Fine Dining in Carmel

Marley checks in at the Cypress Inn

The next time you head to romantic Carmel-by-the-Sea, consider bringing your best buddy. The dog-friendly town has plenty of options for pooches to accompany their humans in hotels, out to eat, while shopping and on the beach. The Cypress Inn, a sprawling Mediterranean-style hotel owned by Doris Day, is right in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and an ideal retreat for you and your friend.

Pets are welcome at the Cypress Inn (for an additional charge), are provided with beds and bowls, and can lounge with people in the courtyard, living room and bar area. For social pups, there are plenty of canine pals to meet and sniff. A big bowl of dog biscuits is kept at the reception desk, and dogs learn to slow down as they pass, in order to get a treat.

The 44 rooms and suites are comfortable, and some offer windows out to the courtyard or the street. Features such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, comfy robes, expanded Continental breakfast, a decanter of cream sherry and fresh fruit are included. In-room massages are available for a fee. Room rates start at $225.

At the end of the day, when winding down from your Carmel adventures, pamper yourself and your pooch with a glass of wine (and bowl of water) next to the fireplace in the garden courtyard. Isn’t it better to be with your buddy?

Cypress Inn, 831-624-3871
Lincoln Street & 7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Article and photo by Jill K. Robinson of dangerjillrobinson.com

More Carmel-related information:
Grasings Restaurant, Fine Dining in Carmel, California
Romantic Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel, California