IN CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CYPRESS INN PUTS A FRESH SPIN ON VINTAGE TRAVEL

Iconic 1929 Historic Landmark Re-Tools Mediterranean Footprint with a Glam-Meets-Morocco Interior Design-

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CALIF. - A slingshot from the sea and shaker away from a sinful martini, Carmel’s Cypress Inn celebrates fall/2013 with a fresh spin on vintage travel.  The iconic 1929 historic landmark, co-owned by legendary Hollywood actor Doris Day, debuts a Glam-Meets-Morocco interior renovation perfectly cast to its Mediterranean footprint.  Known as one of the West Coast’s top Hollywood hideaways and pioneer in pet friendly travel, the Inn steps up with a crisp, contemporary interior awash with elegance and simplicity.  

GLAM-MEETS-MOROCCO by the SEA

Inspired by the Inn’s fluid architecture and Spanish Colonial flair, Carmel-based designer Julie Gardner of Jan Gardner & Associates put her vision into play with a residential-style interior design of all 44 guestrooms and suites, including the coveted Queen Tower with its triad of impeccable views.  The new style fuses Hollywood glam with Spanish-Moroccan overtones in a fresh spiced-tone palette of paprika, ginger and clove.  Suites are offset with silver and copper overtones.  From the ornate hotel facade to the arched walkways, hand-crafted tile and wrought iron embellishments, Cypress Inn’s new renovation delivers a seamless transition from guest check in to check out.

 Local artisans were tapped to integrate the new design which includes two distinct guestroom palettes.  Textured fabrics, sunken tubs, in-room fireplaces and custom wrought iron guest beds round out the suites, which are set in cooler tones of camel and silver with alder wood furnishings. Guestrooms showcase custom Moroccan-inspired window treatments, Casablanca shutters and deluxe shades as well as mosaic tiles, limestone bathrooms, contemporary calf-skin studded chairs and alabaster Moroccan-themed lanterns.  Matching pillows and bed scarves are designed by Robert Allen.  The Queen Tower – the Inn’s most requested guestroom with an ‘altitude’ -- also boasts hand-painted tiles designed by architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. 

Artwork runs the gamut from a series of original mixed media set in 14 kt., gold leaf, sea green and terracotta by local artist Rebecca Koury to sepia-toned photography depicting vignettes of old Spanish churches and haciendas by Carmel’s Kenneth Gregg.   An additional focal point is the lavish silver and copper-toned IKAT wall treatment behind the suite’s guest bed.

Focused on Fido, the renovation has been carried throughout with custom-designed dog blankets and accoutrements in commercial-grade fabrics.  New iPod docking stations round out the upgrades along with a daily breakfast, nightly turn down service, filtered water, fresh florals, Gilchrist & Soames amenities, flat screen televisions and complimentary WiFi. 

CARMEL 2.0

                Call it a “Sea Change” -- in a few short years, the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea has stepped up with a fresh line-up of dining venues, vibrant after-hours options, walk-friendly wine zone (DIY vs. DUI) and rebirth of top lodging properties.  Visitors can kiss the chintz goodbye with a multitude of properties across town newly-infused with contemporary designs.  On tap are the 44-room Cypress Inn renovation (fall/2013), multi-year renovation of the 75-room La Playa Carmel and recent 20-room renovation of L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Chateaux property.  Inland, Carmel Valley joins the lineup with the opening of Quail Lodge and Golf Club, a 91-room property fresh off a $28 million retool. 

More evolution than trend, Carmel’s stunning seascapes and coveted estates now share space with Starlight 65⁰ Rooftop Lounge - complete with fire pits and moody mojitos - sultry sazeracs at Grazings expanded bar, new classic cocktail carte at Terry’s Lounge, revived Bud Allen hour at La Playa Carmel (martinis for 10 cents) or the ever-present party weaving hip hop and late night tapas at Mundaka.  After a night of liquid luxury, visitors can reboot at [Back to Press Releases Main]