[HOTEL REVIEW] Hyatt Carmel Highlands

The 144-room cliff-side Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers awe-inspired views unrivaled anywhere else around Monterey and Carmel -- some could even argue the entire West Coast. Accommodations are seemingly as roomy as the stunning ocean views they offer, most complete with working fireplaces and stocked with simple yet modern amenities. The on-site restaurants serve meals that rival the scenery, and the outdoor fire pit is good for relaxing and taking in healthy doses of sea breeze after a day of kayaking (you can rent kayaks on-site).

Pros

• Heated outdoor pool and three Jacuzzis
• Handsome, spacious rooms with modern decor, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks
• Excellent on-site dining with awe-inspiring views
• Outdoor fire pit
• Large, modern fitness center
• Loaner bicycles available
• Most rooms feature either patios or balconies with sweeping views
• View-facing Jacuzzi soaking tub in some rooms
• Free outdoor valet parking

Cons

• No elevators, and grounds can be difficult to navigate
• Car required for visiting off-site attractions, shops and restaurants
• Wi-Fi for a fee