GETAWAYS • Central Coast
On a recent getaway to the Central Coast, my goal was to visit Carmel and Monterey, but I stumbled upon a charming town in between: Pacific Grove. The city has a quaint, neighborly feel, much less touristy than Carmel and Monterey. Craftsman-style homes line the streets, and it’s easy to imagine horse-drawn carriages from days gone by. We stayed at Gosby House Inn, which marries the bones of a vintage craftsman-style building with the interior of a boutique hotel
The corner property has stained glass picture windows and a white-columned entrance leading to a spacious front porch. During a 2023 renovation, some vintage hallmarks were left in place, like the mirrored stand in the entryway, the rotary phone next to it, and the antique plates lining the kitchen walls. The 22 rooms are spread throughout the main house and in an adjacent building across a small garden path. No room is exactly alike, but they all offer a king or queen bed, and the pricier ones have outdoor private spaces and soaking tubs.
The inn offers a complimentary breakfast and wine and cheese in its kitchen. After our long day driving up from LA, we took full advantage of the wine and cheese upon arrival. We retreated to the common room, which had a fireplace, couches, and a few high-top tables for added seating. For a trip where we spent more time in the car than in the hotel, Gosby House Inn managed to hit the right note. –Dyana Lederman
→ Gosby House Inn (Pacific Grove) • 643 Lighthouse Ave • Rates from $355/wknd night.