Cities often inspire art. Anyone who's been to cities like Paris, Rome, or Prague, however, knows that some cities also are art. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is one such city. It's no surprise, then, that it's home to a thriving community of artists — a fact that's celebrated front and center at The Hofsas House Hotel. 

Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham, a Carmel-based folk artist, whose distinctive aesthetic incorporates medieval themes and iconography, rooted within the ethos of the California Arts & Crafts movement. Her hand-painted murals can be found throughout town, notably including the Carmel Shell. 

Join Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham for our Artist-in-Residence event on March 26th, 2021 from 4-6pm.  There will be an art reception, live painting, and mural unveiling. 

The complimentary art-themed reception for hotel guests will include meeting the artist, a sneak peek at the current project in which people can watch and ask questions of the artist, plus wine and custom culinary creations for the event by Chef Ben Spungin of Alta Bakery.

Marie-Clare will showcase her first Artist-in-Residence project of creating a custom headboard and room décor for Room 36, which is a deluxe king room with fireplace, private balcony and ocean view on the street level of San Carlos Street, the same floor as the hotel’s lobby. She will also paint a few characters on the entrance door that will highlight the unique nature of the room.

Headboard Details:

·       Custom built by local carpenter Gary Doubledee, and hand-painted by artist-in-residence Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham, this unique headboard offers a quintessentially Carmel backdrop for your stay at Hofsas House. 

·       Inspired by the twin headboards painted by artist Maxine Albro in 1947, this headboard pays homage to both the scalloped silhouette of the original, and the palette of her original Hofsas House mural. 

·       Using traditional hand-painting techniques, particularly the German folk style "bauernmalerei," Gorham designed and painted this piece as a celebration of the Hofsas House Hotel, and its characteristic art history. 

The inspiration for the Artist-in-Residence program began early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea created a campaign to promote solidarity in the village. To honor the town’s heritage as an arts colony, Gorham painted an outdoor mural called “Carmel Shell” which is located on the corner of Mission Street and Sixth Avenue.  The campaign fit nicely with a 100-year tradition of artists drawing inspiration from this storybook village. 

(Photo credit: Torryne Choate)

Dear Valued Hofsas House Guest, No one likes to be confined to their homes, but these extraordinary times have called for extreme measures. The staff at Hofsas House in Carmel sincerely hopes you have stayed well while sheltering during the current pandemic. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has laid out a four-stage plan to gradually transition the state back to normal. Once the shelter-in-place order has lifted, we want to welcome you back to the beauty and magic of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We can't...

Read More "Coronavirus May Update from Hofsas House Hotel"

Join Hofsas House throughout 2020 at its poolside meeting room to sip local wines, enjoy small bites and support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue!

SIP Carmel-by-the-Sea "Local's Favorites" featuring wines from Monterey County. Throughout the year we will feature a local wine that we love!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ENJOY a selection of delicious nibbles. SUPPORT Peace of Mind Dog Rescue which is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on California's Central Coast.                                                                                                                                                                                        Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 1,900 dogs, and has helped over 900 Helping Paw Clients and their pets stay together.

Dates for January - September 2020

• January 24 5:30pm - 7:00pm McIntyre Family Wines
• May 8 5:30pm - 7:00pm Scheid Vineyards
• September 18 5:30pm - 7:00pm Twisted Roots                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
• Cost: $15.00 per person, includes one glass of wine and nibbles.  Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass.

* 100% of the proceeds benefit Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.
Space is limited to 40 attendees. Reservations required. To make a reservation, contact Carrie at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com

Escape crowds and traffic for a specialty priced getaway with wine and cheese or chocolates.

Treat yourself and the one you love to a stay that includes a bottle of wine and a choice of a gourmet cheese tray of box of Carmel's very own hand-crafted Lula's Chocolates. Watch the sun go down from your balcony, relax in our European dry sauna or take dip in our heated pool to start the week right.

Your stay includes:

 *   Early Check in at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday
 *   Late Check Out at 1:00 p.m. on Monday
 *   A bottle of DeTierra Wine and 2 passes to their tasting room
 *   Choice of a gourmet cheese tray or award winning hand crafted Lula's Chocolates.

Book Today (https://www.hofsashouse.com/reservations1.asp)

Offer valid  November, December and January excluding December 29th.

You are invited to celebrate the holidays with our 7th Annual Fundraiser for The Carmel Public Library Foundation with Gingerbread making for the entire family.

Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the holidays. Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and a cookie for a $25 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation.

Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine, sparkling wine or mimosa from a local winery and can enjoy a gourmet cheese and fruit tray for a $10 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for a $5.00 donation.

Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, at the meeting room poolside!

When: Saturday, December 7th 2019

Time: 10:30am or 1:30pm

Cost: $25 per gingerbread house which includes a cookie with hot chocolate or coffee. Adults may purchase a glass of wine with small bites for $10.

Reservations: Limited reservations available. Contact Carrie at (831) 624- 2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com to make a reservation.

Are you looking for the perfect meeting space for your group? Whether you need a space for a business or leadership meeting, charity or nonprofit group, sewing/knitting/quilting conferences, scrapbookers, and chess clubs, even small wedding receptions, the #HofsasHouse in #Carmel may just be the place for you.

The poolside meeting room has a fireplace, full kitchen and can accommodate a sit-down dinner for 30, a stand-up reception for up to 40, or a boardroom or U-shaped setting for up to 24. It is also ideal for private personal dinner parties.

We offer free WIFI, projector, screen and conference phone, if needed. A continental breakfast is included with your room stay and can be served in the meeting room, so you can start your meeting with fresh coffee, French pastries, juice, fruit and yogurt. Coffee and tea, along with filtered water, are provided for you all day.

Groups such as The Food Bank for Monterey County holds an annual 60-person fundraiser at the poolside meeting room, and the Welsh Terrier Club holds meetings here annually.

• September 20 5:30pm - 7:00pm
• SIP Carmel-by-the-Sea "Local's Favorites" featuring wines from Monterey County. Throughout the year we will feature a local wine that we love!
• ENJOY a selection of delicious nibbles.
• SUPPORT Peace of Mind Dog Rescue which is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on California's Central Coast. Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over1,600 dogs, and has helped over 800 Helping Paw Clients and their pets stay together.
• Cost: $15.00 per person, includes one glass of wine and nibbles. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass.
• 100% of the proceeds benefit Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.
• Space is limited to 40 attendees.
• Reservations required. To make a reservation, contact Carrie at 831-624-2745  or carrie.theis@hofsashouse.com

Book 1 night during August 21st– August 31st and save 15% off any room! PromoCode: ENDOFSUMMER

Must call the hotel to book the reservation. Only valid on new reservations. Must book and stay by August 31, 2019.

Post a family photo to our Facebook page, and have a chance to win a 2-night stay!

We love to host family reunions and family vacations at Hofsas House Hotel in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea!

Share a photo on our Facebook Page of your family on vacation with a brief description and we will chose one luckily family to win a two-night stay in our Deluxe Two Room Family Suite! Be sure to use the hashtag #HofsasHouseFamilyFun!

Post From July 15^th – July 30^th. Winner will be announced August 5^th. Airfare not included, and accommodations are subject to availability.

Describe your DREAM STAYCATION for a chance to win a 2-night stay!

We love an amazing getaway but sometimes it's nice to stay close to home...

enter THE STAYCATION!

Tell us in our Facebook or Instagram comments about how you'd spend

your time on a STAYCATION at Hofsas House Hotel for your chance to win a

two-night stay in a family suite! Post from August 1st until August 28th,

and we will announce one lucky winner (chosen at random) on September 1st!

Happy posting friends!

#ContestAlert   #Staycation

Message from Hofsas House Hotel Co-Owner Carrie Theis

"The Hofsas House is working with Booking.com as a marketing opportunity and wanted to clarify for our guests that this does not mean you are paying less than our normal rates - It means we are paying a commission of at least 15% on every reservation booked through them.

Book directly through us and we can advise you of any current discounts or promotions that we are offering - Everyone benefits!"

At Hofsas House we love our four-legged friends and as Summer is officially winding down it’s time to start thinking of our Summer getaways!

Share a picture of your pup on our Facebook page with a fun caption and our favorite post will win a 2-night stay with us!

Post May 1st-May 31st… winner announced June 5th!

#SomethingToBarkAbout

(831) 624-2745 • www.hofsashouse.com

Did you know?

It doesn’t matter which room you choose, included in your room rate:

•WiFi

•On-site Parking

•Delicious continental breakfast from Paris Bakery with homemade croissants & pastries.

•Fresh coffee from Carmel Valley Roasting Company and tea available during business hours in the lobby

• No Resort Fee
• Water Bottle Fill Up Station at the Front Desk
• Wine Tasting Passes to Several Local Carmel-by-the-Sea Tasting Rooms
• Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Packets In Room
• HD TV

Oh and don't miss out on our heated pool, European dry sauna rooms and that incredible ocean view!

From its beginnings more than a century ago, visitors have ventured to Carmel-by-the-Sea to take in its breathtaking natural beauty and feeling of timelessness. Early on, the City’s founders had the vision to preserve their unspoiled gem by taking specific measures such as banning streetlights, fast food franchises, and street vendors. That tradition continued when Carmel-by-the-Sea later became one of the first cities in California to prohibit Styrofoam.

Recently, the City of Carmel, its businesses, and residents have worked together to continue these efforts amid 21st-century concerns—by ensuring that the seaside village remains a top destination for eco-friendly vacationers.

Did you know?

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is the first on the Monterey Peninsula to ban plastic single-use disposable items such as beverage straws, cup lids, and utensils. All restaurants and food vendors operating in Carmel now utilize only compostable or recyclable options for food packaging. That means even straws and to-go utensils are fully compostable or recyclable.

And, not only does the Village offer a choice of more than 50 delicious dining options all within a walkable square-mile, but so many -- from Basil to Carmel Belle and La Balena to Village Corner (to name just a few) -- are focused on farm-to-table dining. Menus are based on seasonal products, locally grown produce, organic ingredients, and fresh wild and sustainable seafood.

Where is our favorite Eco Friendly place to shop?

Eco Carmel

This lifestyle store focuses on the eco-friendly like nontoxic paints and organic cotton baby clothes. There’s a stylish collection of reusable water bottles by the New York City company S’well.

Prices from $2.50. San Carlos Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues; 831-624-1222; ecocarmel.com

Savor appetizers from local chefs including La Balena/Il Grillo, Chef Annie Hobbs from A Taste of Elegance, Chef Soerke Peters from Etats-Unis, and Terry Teplitzky from Michael’s Catering/Wild Thyme Deli & Cafe! Enjoy a sweet treat from  Lula’s Chocolates and Sweet Elena’s. Sip a glass of award winning wine from Scheid Vineyards, or some of Carmel Craft Brewing Company’s signature beer. Listen to the sounds of stringed instruments of Terrence Farrell.   Support the Food Bank For Monterey County!

Where:     Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea poolside!

When:       Thursday, March 28th, 2019

Time:        5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Cost:         $55 per person, 

100% of the money raised will go  to the Food Bank For Monterey County.

Reservations: Limited reservations available. Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank For Monterey County. Donations allowed without your presence.  The Food Bank for Monterey County,   a certified Feeding America food bank, is the largest supplier of emergency food   in Monterey County.  We distribute 6 million pounds of food annually.  The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty.  Yet poverty and food insecurity  exist in the "Salad Bowl of the World." The challenge is great and we strive to meet it on a daily basis.

Join Hofsas House at its poolside meeting room to sip local wines, enjoy small bites and support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue!

SIP Carmel-by-the-Sea “Local’s Favorites” featuring wines from Monterey County. Throughout the year we will feature a local wine that we love!

ENJOY a selection of delicious nibbles.

SUPPORT Peace of Mind Dog Rescue which is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on California’s Central Coast.  Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 1,600 dogs, and has helped over 800 Helping Paw Clients and their pets stay together.

Dates for January - September, 2019

• January 25 5:30pm – 7:00pm Blair Estates
• May 3 5:30pm – 7:00pm Scheid Vineyards
• September 20 5:30pm – 7:00pm Twisted Roots

Cost: $15.00 per person, includes one glass of wine and nibbles.  Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass.

• 100% of the proceeds benefit Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.

Space is limited to 40 attendees. Reservations required. To make a reservation, contact Carrie at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com.

• Take an early morning stroll along pristine Carmel Beach, ranked as one of the nation's cleanest and most beautiful.
• Continue along Ocean Avenue and experience the finest shopping this side of The Riviera and Rodeo Drive. Fashion, jewelry, antiques, home decor, memorabilia, and more are yours to explore along tree-lined streets, secret passageways, charming courtyards, and curlicue-roofed shops.
• Tour the beautifully restored Carmel Mission, a historic landmark since 1771.
• Take a fascinating self-guided Courtyard Tour through the less-explored parts of enchanting downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Relax at Devendorf Parkon Ocean Avenue—a perfect picnic spot for a gourmet lunch from our local markets Bruno's or Nielsen's.
• Stroll down toward the bottom of Ocean Avenue and treat yourself to a visit to the Cottage of Sweets—voted by children "most likely shop to go to when in Carmel" every year since opening. Its curlicued roof and storybook architecture make this a quintessentially sweet Carmel spot.
• Enjoy some of the best life has to offer — art and wine! Stroll though our one-square-mile village interspersing art gallery visits with wine tasting rooms

Iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its many attractions, but perhaps none more so than its splendid, white-sand beach. Whether remaining above on the path along the picturesque, Cypress tree-lined Scenic Road, or feeling the sand beneath your feet, Carmel Beach remains awe-inspiring to visitors who are seeing it for the first time, or locals making their daily pilgrimage.

https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/famous-carmel-beach.htm

There is no end to the scenery: the majestic Pacific Ocean, surfers catching a ride on the waves, dolphins and otters swimming about, dogs frolicking off-leash, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright house and rugged Carmel Point to the south, and golfers tackling Pebble Beach Golf Links to the north. Incomparable evening sunsets spark uncontainable beauty every direction you look.

Carmel Beach, too, is home to fun and diverse annual events, such as the Great Sandcastle Contest (55 years and running), Sunshine Freestyle Surfabout and Poodle Day. It's also a popular place for both weddings and rehearsal dinners for brides and grooms -- befitting why Carmel-by-the-Sea was rated the "#3 Best City for Romance in the World" when Travel + Leisure magazine's readers ranked the "World's Best Cities for Romance."

No matter how many times one sets foot on Carmel Beach, it never fails to offer up something new and different. One frequent visitor to the town sums up her Carmel Beach visits this way: "It's never the same, and yet it feels like home."

You are invited to celebrate the holidays with our 7th Annual Fundraiser for The Carmel  Public Library Foundation with Gingerbread Making for the entire family. Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the holidays. Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and  a cookie for a $25 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation. Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine or sparkling wine or mimosa from a local winery and can enjoy a gourmet cheese and fruit tray for a $10 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for a $5.00 donation. Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, at the meeting room poolside! When: Saturday, December 8th, 2018 Time: 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per gingerbread house which includes a cookie with hot chocolate or coffee. Adults may purchase a glass of wine with small bites for $10. Reservations: Limited reservations available. Contact Carrie at (831) 624-2745 or carrie@HofsasHouse.comto make a reservation.

We are fortunate to live in California with so many great wineries to choose from. And sharing and tasting those wines with friends is always a good time. Share your fun pics when you’re out wine tasting on our Facebook page all-month long during August and our favorite post will win a two-night stay with a couple of special wine-tasting vouchers to our favorite Carmel wine-tasting rooms. We’ll also offer a second prize for our next favorite pic — A Carmel Wine Walk Passport you’ll be able to use for wine tasting in several popular rooms in Carmel. Happy Posting!

Entering our contest is easy:

Follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse

Pin your wine-tasting images and don’t forget to use the hashtags #HofsasHouse and #CaliforniaWineMonth

Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel and special wine-tasting vouchers.

Contest runs from September 1st to September 30th. Winners will be announced October 5th.

Book 1 night during August 21st– August 31st and save 15% off any room! PromoCode: ENDOFSUMMER

Must call the hotel to book the reservation. Only valid on new reservations. Must book and stay by August 31, 2018.

Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel is the French cosmetic company's first and only Cinq Mondes spa in the United States and serves as the company's flagship location in the U.S. Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel combines tradition, beauty, authenticity, and luxury, allowing guests to enjoy a soothing sensory voyage of the five different worlds in the nearby Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel.

Cinq Mondes has gathered a selection of traditional treatments from around the world that are remarkable for their quality, authenticity and ceremonial traditions.

Hofsas House is partnering with Cinq Mondes to offer guests a relaxing and soothing spa package that includes a 60-minute massage or facial. Cinq Mondes' signature facial is the "Ko-Bi-Do" for its unique use of Dermapuncture, or "acupuncture without needles,” as an anti-aging facial and its signature massage is the Moroccan massage.  Price is $120 per massage or facials. All Hofsas House guests will get a special gift from Cinq Monde

This special package must be booked at least 72 hours in advance and is subject to availability.

To learn more about our packages go to http://www.hofsashouse.com/

If you’re going to Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’re probably not going because of the kids. With its ocean views, world-class restaurants, fine arts galleries and darling shops, the picturesque city of some 4,000 inhabitant’s allures grown-ups for romantic weekends. That isn’t much of a sales pitch for their children.

But don’t deny yourself the pleasures of Carmel just because you are toting the kids. There are ways to turn this enchanting kingdom into — if not exactly a kind of “Magic Kingdom” — a travel destination suitable for the entire family.

Here are some of our favorite things to do:

1.    The most obvious is a simple trip to the beach. There are plenty to choose from in Monterey County, but one of my favorite spots is the white-sand Carmel Beach. A short walk from the downtown shops, it’s a fine place to spend the day on a beach towel, watching the kids build sand castles and frolic in the waves.

2.    For a more active vacation, consider contacting Adventures by the Sea, which offers bike, kayak and surrey rentals. Or try Monterey Bay Whale Watch, which leads year-round expeditions in search of humpback and blue whales, dolphins and seabirds. 

3.    To get the best feel for the city, however, lace up some comfortable shoes and embark on Carmel Walks, a well-regarded tour through secret pathways, courtyards and gardens.

4.    Carmel-by-the-Sea has the added bonus of being close to other family-friendly attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Historic Cannery Row and Big Sur.

5.    All that activity should leave the family hungry by dinnertime. The next challenge is sorting through restaurants known for their romantic ambience to find those best options for picky parents and finicky kids. The Forge in the Forest is a natural choice with ample indoor and outdoor seating — including a patio for guests with dogs — and classic American fare that kids love. Rio Grill has phenomenal cuisine (a mix of Southwestern and California) and a setting that won’t intimidate parents; a crying baby won’t be frowned upon here. A short drive will take you to Fandango in Pacific Grove. Specializing in European and Mediterranean cuisine, it is a particularly enticing destination for Sunday brunch.

And a good way to wrap up a Carmel getaway before driving home.

Family Friendly Story Credit:  San Jose Mercury News

At Hofsas House we love our four-legged friends and as Spring is officially started, it is time to start thinking about Spring and Summer getaways! Share a pic of your pup on our Facebook page with a fun caption and our favorite post will win a 2-night stay with us! Post May 1st-May 31st...winner announce June 5th!  https://www.facebook.com/hofsashousehotel/ #SomethingToBarkAbout

"It doesn't matter which room you choose, included in your room rate:

• WiFi
• On-site Parking
• Delicious continental breakfast from Paris Bakery with homemade croissants & pastries.
• Fresh coffee and tea available during business hours in the lobby
• No Resort Fee
• Water Bottle Fill Up Station at the Front Desk
• Wine Tasting Passes to Several Local Carmel-by-the-Sea Tasting Rooms
• Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Packets In Room
• HD TV

Oh and don’t miss out on our heated pool, European dry sauna rooms and that incredible ocean view!

Some getaways can feel so indulgent that you’re ready to detox the second you get home – or so exhausting that you feel like you need a vacation just to recuperate. Well, mindfulness is changing the way people travel…one breath at a time.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a long-time favorite getaway for those seeking natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and charming shops and art galleries. Now this coastal jewel is becoming known as a mindful destination with the launch of Mindful-by-the-Sea – tips, tools and exclusive retreats now available to visitors.

Mindful travel means you arrive fully present, enjoy your time more deeply, and bring that feeling home with you when you leave.

Here are five simple ways to be “Mindful-by-the-Sea”:

1.    Feel each step – Stroll down Ocean Avenue and venture onto Carmel’s white sand beach. Feel the sand between your toes, the sea breeze on your face, and the warmth of the sun on your skin.

2.    Take your time – You’re on vacation. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Perhaps you get a little lost as you wander through Carmel’s hidden courtyards and secret passageways. Let this space and time be fully yours.

3.    Savor the moment – Every meal brings opportunities for mindful eating, which allows you to truly taste your food. In everyday life, it’s hard to relax and savor every bite. But vacation is a perfect time to take your time and enjoy a fabulous meal at one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s     restaurants or explore different wine varietals and their unique aromas amid a walkable wine tasting tour.

4.    Relax and reset – Put away the devices and find the magic in your surroundings. From the wind-carved Cypress trees and peaceful hiking trails to the sounds of the waves and the feel of the ocean mist in the air, Carmel’s natural beauty is pure inspiration.                                      

5.    Explore your potential – Attend a Mindful-by-the-Sea retreat led by one of the world’s leading practitioners. Even beginners can learn to enjoy a deeper sense of relaxation, well-being, happiness in the moment, and peace of mind that can continue in your daily life.

Newcomers to mindfulness and seasoned meditators alike are welcome to attend the retreats, as the focus for all is on a “beginner’s mind,” where everyone brings their curiosity and gives the internal expert a break.

Book your spot at an upcoming Mindful-by-the-Sea Retreat:
•    March 7-9, 2018

More information on ways to be mindful when traveling can be found in the new Beginner’s Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea, which is available exclusively to guests of Carmel hotels and inns. The guide’s simple tips and reminders will help you slip into natural relaxation instead of trying too hard to enjoy yourself. Find out more about these programs and book a reservation direct with a Carmel innkeeper on Visit Carmel’s official travel website at http://www.CarmelCalifornia.com.

For decades, Carmel, California has been a haven for artists, from authors, poets and actors to painters and sculptors. Today there are more than 80 art galleries within walking distance from the hotel. The Hofsas House is part of that artistic tradition and has been touched by one of the world’s most famous artists. Did you know that artist Maxine Albro was commissioned by Donna Hofsas to paint the welcoming mural and the headboard featured in Room 47 of the Hofsas House? In the 1940s and 1950s, Maxine was living in Carmel and was friends with Donna.  After the main four-story addition to the Hofsas House was completed in 1957, Donna asked Maxine to paint the mural and add other highlights to the front of the building to enhance the hotel's Bavarian theme. Maxine also painted the three pictures now hanging in the lobby.

The Hofsas House celebrates Carmel's artistic legacy by offering guests its special “Get Artsy Package.” This package includes a stay in the Room 47 — the very room Maxine Albro painted! Mention the Hofsas House “Get Artsy” package with the code “HHArt” and receive a gourmet cheese tray and bottle of wine upon arrival.

Carmel continues to be an artist colony and attracts some of the world’s most famous artists, including painters, sculptors, and photographers. Hofsas House can help arrange a tour of Carmel's art galleries and artists' studios with Carmel Art Tours. Discover secret passageways, visit hand-picked galleries, both the internationally acclaimed and the hidden gems. There's also an opportunity for a chance encounter with an artist at work in a Carmel studio. Cost is $25 per person, reservations are required, and participants meet for the tour at Carmel Visitors Center. Info at www.carmelarttours.com, 800-979-3370.

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin It To Win It contest! This January we are ready to be mindful. Post your favorite mindful spots or moments anytime throughout the month of January and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Simply:

•  Follow us on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse

•  Create a board titled: Being Mindful

•  Add a minimum of 5 mindful pictures of your mindful moments or locations with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways

•  Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

•  One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel.

•  Contest runs January  1st- January 31st. Winner to be announced February 5th

Hofsas House Hotel family celebrates spring with its Eighth Annual Fundraiser for the Food Bank For Monterey County on thursday, March 22nd, 2018.

Savor appetizers from local chefs including Chef Steve Johnson from TusCA Ristorante at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Chef Annie Hobbs from A Taste of Elegance, Soerke Peters from Village Corner, Terry Teplitzky from Wild Thyme Deli & Cafe and enjoy the Mediterranean inspired flavors of Artemis.  Enjoy a sweet treat from Carmel Honey Co., or chocolates from Lula's Chocolates.  Sip a glass of ward winning wine from Carmel Road Monterey, or some of Mad Otter Ale's signature beer.  Listen to the sounds of stringed instruments of Terrence Ferrell.  Support the Food Bank For Monterey County!

Where:  Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea poolside!

When:  Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Time:  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cost:  $55 per person, 100% of the money raised will go to the Food Bank For Monterey County

Reservations:  Limited reservations available.  Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (83) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank For Monterey County.  Donations allowed without your presence.  The Food Bank For Monterey County, a certified Feeding America food bank, is the largest supplier of emergency food in Monterey County.  We distribute 6 million pounds of food annually.  The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty.  Yet poverty and food insecurity exist in the "Salad Bowl of the World."  The challenge is great and we strive to meet it on a daily basis.

Benefiting the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

Announces 2018 Wine Tasting Schedule

CARMEL BY THE SEA, Join the Hofsas House throughout 2018 at its poolside meeting room to sip local wines, enjoy small bites and support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue!

SIP Carmel-by-the-Sea “Local’s Favorites” featuring wines from Monterey County. Throughout the year we will feature a local wine that we love!

ENJOY a selection of delicious nibbles.

SUPPORT the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, which is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast. We find loving homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters. Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 1,400 dogs left behind.

Dates for January - September, 2018

• January 26 5:30pm – 7:00pm Carmel Road
• May 4 5:30pm – 7:00pm Bernardus Winery
• September 21 5:30pm – 7:00pm Twisted Roots

Cost: $15.00 per person, includes one glass of wine and nibbles.  Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass.

100% of the proceeds benefit the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.
Space is limited to 40 attendees. Reservations required. To make a
reservation, contact Carrie at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com.

The Hofsas House Hotel, a 38-room boutique family-owned inn in the heart of Carmel, is pleased to announce the launch of its special packages for 2018.

The packages appeal to a wide variety of guests, from art and wine lovers to dog owners, chocolate lovers and those looking for a relaxing spa experience. To book any of these packages during your stay, call (831) 624-2745 or email info@hofsashouse.com.

Hofsas House Packages for 2018

Get Artsy Package

For decades, Carmel, California has been a haven for artists, from authors, poets and actors to painters and sculptors. Today there are more than 80 art galleries within walking distance from the hotel. The Hofsas House is part of that artistic tradition and has been touched by one of the world’s most famous artists. Did you know that artist Maxine Albro was commissioned by Donna Hofsas to paint the welcoming mural and the headboard featured in Room 47 of the Hofsas House? In the 1940s and 1950s, Maxine was living in Carmel and was friends with Donna.  After the main four-story addition to the Hofsas House was completed in 1957, Donna asked Maxine to paint the mural and add other highlights to the front of the building to enhance the hotel's Bavarian theme. Maxine also painted the three pictures now hanging in the lobby.

The Hofsas House celebrates Carmel's artistic legacy by offering guests its special “Get Artsy Package.” This package includes a stay in the Room 47 — the very room Maxine Albro painted! Mention the Hofsas House “Get Artsy” package with the code “HHArt” and receive a gourmet cheese tray and bottle of wine upon arrival.

Carmel continues to be an artist colony and attracts some of the world’s most famous artists, including painters, sculptors, and photographers. Hofsas House can help arrange a tour of Carmel's art galleries and artists' studios with Carmel Art Tours. Discover secret passageways, visit hand-picked galleries, both the internationally acclaimed and the hidden gems. There's also an opportunity for a chance encounter with an artist at work in a Carmel studio. Cost is $25 per person, reservations are required, and participants meet for the tour at Carmel Visitors Center. Info at www.carmelarttours.com, 800-979-3370.

Wine and Chocolate Package

Upgrade your stay at Hofsas House with a four pack of handcrafted artisanal sea salt caramels from Monterey's Lula’s Chocolates and a bottle of award-winning Monterey County wine.

Monterey County wines are now on par with California's other legendary wine regions such as Napa and Sonoma. In fact, Wine Enthusiast magazine named Monterey County as one of the world's top 10 wine destinations — ahead of the Napa Valley and in the company of the other famed wine-growing regions around the world.

Monterey County produces 42 different varietals of high-quality, award-winning wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For this special package choose either a Monterey County Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from a personally selected list of wines.

Lula's Chocolates, founded by Scott Lund, are made the old-fashioned way, using recipes passed down from Scott's grandmother, Lula herself. To this day, Lula's makes sure each hand-dipped, small batch, deliciously fresh chocolate is an experience worth savoring.

Cost for this wine-and-chocolate package is $25. Use the code HHChoc when booking this package.

Tail-Wagging Package

Hofsas House is one of the most dog-friendly hotels in Carmel. Guests receive a complimentary “Doggie Welcome Package” upon arrival that includes:

Hofsas House dog Frisbee

Hofsas House collapsible dog bowl

Special dog bed

Letter from Tank, our onsite Pet Concierge

Special dog amenities package

Tips and recommendations for your four-legged friend’s stay

Walking trail and hiking guide

A package of treats

Coastal Canine Magazine — offering the best four-legged options for visiting Carmel

This package requires a minimum two-night stay, $30 fee per night for one dog and $50 per night for two dogs.

Relax at Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel

Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel is the French cosmetic company's first and only Cinq Mondes spa in the United States and serves as the company's flagship location in the U.S. Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel combines tradition, beauty, authenticity, and luxury, allowing guests to enjoy a soothing sensory voyage of the five different worlds in the nearby Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel.

Cinq Mondes has gathered a selection of traditional treatments from around the world that are remarkable for their quality, authenticity and ceremonial traditions.

Hofsas House is partnering with Cinq Mondes to offer guests a relaxing and soothing spa package that includes a 60-minute massage or facial. Cinq Mondes' signature facial is the "Ko-Bi-Do" for its unique use of Dermapuncture, or "acupuncture without needles,” as an anti-aging facial and its signature massage is the Moroccan massage.  Price is $120 per massage or facials. All Hofsas House guests will get a special gift from Cinq Monde

This special package must be booked at least 72 hours in advance and is subject to availability.

Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the holidays. Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and a cookie for a $25 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation. Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine or sparkling wine or mimosa from a local winery and can enjoy a gourmet cheese and fruit tray for a $10 donation to the Carmel Public Library Foundation. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for a $5.00 donation.

Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave., Carmel, at the meeting room poolside!

When: Saturday, December 9th, 2017

Time: 10:30am or 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 per gingerbread house which includes a cookie with hot chocolate or coffee. Adults may purchase a glass of wine with small bites for $10.

Reservations: Limited reservations available. Contact Carrie at (831) 624-2745or carrie@hofsashouse.com to make a reservation.

Wine Tasting with friends is always a good time and we are fortunate to live in California with so many wineries to choose from. Share your fun pics out wine tasting on our Facebook Page all month long and our favorite post will win a one-night stay with a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Passport to enjoy the #CarmelWineWalk! We will also choose two other winners to receive the Wine Passport to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk! Happy Posting!

Simply:

• Follow us on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
• Pin your wine tasting images and

don't forget to use the hashtags

#HofsasHouse and

#CaliforniaWineMonth 

• Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• One lucky winner will receive a one night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel with a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Passport and two other winners will receive passes to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk!

Contest runs September 1st-September 30th. Winner announced October 5th.

Photo Courtesy of @ScheidVineyard

We are fortunate to live in California with so many wineries to choose from. Share your fun pics out wine tasting on our Facebook Page all month long and our favorite post will win a one-night stay with a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Passport to enjoy the #CarmelWineWalk! We will also choose two other winners to receive the Wine Passport to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk! Happy Posting!

Entering our contest is simple: Follow us on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse. 

Pin your wine tasting images and don’t forget to use the hashtags #HofsasHouse and #CaliforniaWineMonth.

Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com.  One lucky winner will receive a onenight stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel and two other winners will receive passes to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk!

Contest runs September 1st-September 30th. Winner announced October 5th.

Next Event September 22^nd Twisted Roots

• Sip Carmel-by-the-Sea “Local’s Favorites” featuring wines from Monterey County and local Carmel-by-the-Sea Tasting Rooms.  Each month we will feature a local wine that we love!
• Enjoy nibbles.
• Support the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.  Peace of Mind Dog Rescue is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast. We find loving homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters. Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 900 dogs left behind.

Wine Tasting Schedule 2017

• September 22^nd Twisted Roots
• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• Cost:  $15.00 per person and includes one glass of wine and nibbles.
• Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass
• 100% of the proceeds benefit the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

Space is limited to 40 attendees.  Reservations required.  To make a reservation, have them contact me at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com.

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin It To Win It contest!  

​This July we are ready for some fun in the sun and what's more fun than kids at the beach? Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Simply: 

• Follow us on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
• ​Create A board titled: Family Getaways​
• ​Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your family vacation destination with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways
• Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• One lucky winner will receive a two​ -night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel!
• Contest runs July 1^st- July 31st. Winner announced August 5^th.

The Hofsas House Hotel Announces Its New Summer Package Available through August 2017.

Celebrate Family at the Hofsas House:

Family, heritage and relative connections are of utmost importance to all of us. At the Hofsas House Hotel our family understands this only too well, and our team is now pleased to offer a special Celebrate Family package. With it, you can now bring your relatives together for a living “family tree.”

Celebrating family is easy at the Hofsas House! The Theis family has been running the Hofsas House for 70 years! Offering affordable lodging options, close proximity to Monterey Airport and year-round activities, there is something to keep everyone happy. The Celebrate Family package provides groups rates for rooms (with 5 or more rooms booked with a two night minimum), complimentary continental breakfast, wine and cheese upon arrival, and much more.

Families can enjoy our poolside meeting facility and share an evening of laughter, games and shared memories. The meeting facility offers a comfortable setting for up to 40 people depending on the configuration of the room.

By utilizing the six round tables, a sit down dinner for 30 can be accomplished very easily by either having it catered by a local restaurant or preparing it in the complete kitchen that contains an oven, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Share your memories around the wood burning fireplace. Make memories to last a lifetime.

Let the Hofsas House Celebrate Family package help you celebrate your very special bonds with those you care about most. Call us today and let the Hofsas House family help plan the perfect getaway at a price that will make everyone happy.

Hofsas House Family Reunion Package includes

· Group Rates on Guests Rooms (starting at $ 145 .00 per night, excluding tax when 5 or more rooms are booked for a two night minimum) 

· Welcome wine with cheese and cracker tray upon arrival

· Complimentary Continental Breakfast

· Discounted Price On Use of Poolside Meeting Facility ($100.00)

Offer does not apply to existing groups and are subject to availability. Offer is subject to change without notice and some blackout dates may apply. Minimum night stay required.

Carmel is a destination renowned for its natural beauty, art, food and dog-friendliness. However when it comes to family travelin California, it flies under-the-radar. A closer look reveals that Carmel is a convenient base for exploring the myriad of adventures along the Monterey Peninsula and it’s more affordable than it appears.



Carmel-by-the-Sea: The compact art and beach town measuring just one square mile is easily explored on foot, though you won’t find a street number anywhere. Houses and businesses are identified by cross streets and residents pick up their mail at the post office. For families, the convenience of parking the car after a day of sightseeing and walking to dinner, the beach, ice cream or even just to dog-watch (much more interesting than people-watching) is a huge perk.



The Family Suite at Hofsas House Hotel: Family-owned Hofsas House Hotel has what all parents dream about on vacation; an affordable two-bedroom suite where kids and parents have their own rooms. There are three family suites with varying amenities including a full kitchen, fireplace and dining area. The Bavarian-themed hotel has peek-a-boo ocean views, free continental breakfast, parking and best of all, it’s walking distance to everything in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel Beach: At the end of Ocean Avenue sits the famously photographed Carmel Beach framed by Cypress trees and swirling white cloud skies. The beach is a picnic-perfect stop for families who can pick up lunch staples at 5th Ave Deli & Catering on the way. Beyond the crashing waves, there are views of Pebble Beach golf course and a walking path above. There’s limited parking and while the walk down to the beach is manageable with kids, the climb back up is better suited for longer legs.

Farmstand at Earthbound Farms: This isn’t your average farm stand. Earthbound Farms distributes its lettuces and produce nationally but there’s only one farmstand and it’s a scenic 15-minute drive from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea to the countryside of Carmel Valley. Take a photo on a straw horse, make yourself dizzy in the aromatherapy Walking Labyrinth or learn the vegetable ABCs in the kids’ garden. There’s a cut-your-own herb garden and for the sweet tooths, yogurt and baked goods inside as well as produce.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo: Founded by Junipero Serra, the father of the California missions network, Carmel Mission is an active church and school as well as a popular stop for visitors. Father Serra founded nine missions but Carmel was his favorite and it’s where he lived out his life. He is buried under the Basilica’s altar. The restored mission is compact enough to keep kids’ attention with kid-friendly gardens and open space to explore. For added adventure, cross the street for a walk on the wooded paths at Mission Trails Park.

Dog and More Dogs: Want a vacation but don’t want to leave the pooch at home? Go to Carmel where many hotels welcome dogs. There are so many four-legged friends around town and at Carmel Beach that kids can play “count the canine” game all day long. Looking for dog-friendly dining in Monterey? Try the outdoor, shaded patio at Tarpy’s Roadhouse.


Convenient Base for Exploring Monterey Peninsula: Carmel’s best attribute may be its seaside location close to all of the area’s star attractions. TheMonterey Bay Aquarium, Seventeen Mile Drive, spectacular hiking and marine life at Point Lobos, kayaking on Monterey Bay, Cannery Rowand the seasonal Monarch butterflies in Pacific Groveare all within a 15-20 minute drive.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/minitime/7-reasons-to-visit-carmel_b_6504594.html

Celebrating its 70^thAnniversary of European hospitality at the beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, the Theis family proudly announces its Golfer’s Delight to their valued guests. Each room has been crafted with the same minute attention to detail generations of guests have come to expect from Hosfas House Hotel and is as unique and charming as Carmel itself .

Golfer’s Delight

The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with one of the Monterey Peninsula’s best golf courses.  Book a stay at the Hofsas House and add on a round of golf.  Experience the immaculate green grasses of the historic Quail Lodge Golf Club. Play a 18-hole round of golf for two including shared cart and range balls.  Cost is an additional is $ 125.00 per person or $250 for two.  When booking use promotion code:   HHQUAIL

Big Sur has been rocked by a series of natural disasters in the past 18 months, from devastating wildfires to rains that have caused mudslides, rock slides and bridge collapses, including the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, effectively cutting the community in half. While famous Big Sur landmarks such as Nepenthe, Henry Miller Library and Deetjens are cut off from the north, there are still plenty of businesses — hotels, restaurants and shops — as well as parks and beaches, open north of the bridge.

While Highway 1 is closed just at the Big Sur Ranger Station, the community and businesses just north of that station needs your support and patronage in these trying times. It will be at least a year or more before a new bridge is in place, so the community is even more dependent on people visiting.

If you're traveling to the Big Sur area on Highway 1, please be extra careful, watch for maintenance workers still working on parts of the highway, let more anxious drivers pass you, use turnouts, designated turn-around spots, legal parking areas and pull over when appropriate.

The Hofsas House in beautiful downtown Carmel is not only the ideal headquarters for you to explore and enjoy the attractions of Carmel, but also to explore and enjoy Big Sur.

The Carmel Chamber of Commerce has a few recommendations for a short (30 minutes or less) trip to enjoy the splendors of the Big Sur coast. Here are a few from www.carmelchamber.org/itineraries:

>Visit the "crown jewel" of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 2 miles south of Carmel. Roads and trails take you to the rocky shore to see otters and seals. Visit Whalers Cabin, built in the early 1850's, overlooking Whalers Cove and Carmel Bay for over 160 years.

>Travel 4 miles south of Carmel and get picnic supplies at the Carmel Highlands General Store or have a sit-down lunch at the newly renovated California Market at Pacific’s Edge restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coast.

>Garrapata State Park, 7 miles south, is partially open west of Highway 1, including Garrapata Beach. The park has two miles of beachfront, with coastal hiking. Sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters frequent the coastal waters and California gray whales pass close by during their yearly migration. Garrapata State parklands east of Highway 1 are currently closed.

>Enjoy spectacular views just 10 miles south of Carmel at Rocky Point Restaurant, a wonderful venue for indoor or patio dining, receptions and special events. California Market at Pacific’s Edge also has a highly regarded lunch and dinner menu, both recently updated with selections of locally sourced produce, meats and seafood.

>Drive 13 miles south of Carmel to view the 1932 architectural marvel and the "most photographed" span of California coastline, Bixby Creek Bridge. Safely pull into one of the turn-outs to take your own memorable photograph of one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world.

For a little longer trips, check out these attractions, still less than an hour away.

>Journey 21 miles south of Carmel to visit the Point Sur Lighthouse. Tour its historic and still active aid-to-navigation which still guides ships along the Central California Coast. On the National Register of Historic Places and a California landmark, Point Sur is a must-see.

>Just past Point Sur, Andrew Molera State Park offers visitors great hiking and beach-combing, with miles of trails winding through meadows, bluffs, beaches and hilltops. Many trails allow for horseback riding, bicycling and hiking. Explore what it was like to live in Big Sur 100 years ago by visiting the Ranch House, open for visitors on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when a volunteer is available.

>Take a break from your Big Sur adventure at Big Sur River Inn located in the village. Renew your spirit at the full-service restaurant and bar enjoying a fabulous dinner in the historic dining room or outside on the deck, the lawn or along the bank of the Big Sur River.

Jeanette Kenworthy of www.seemonterey.com, an excellent website on what to do and see on the Central Coast, has a few suggestions on where to eat and shop in Big Sur. Call ahead before embarking on your adventure to make sure businesses are still open or for road conditions. Here are some of her recommendations:

>Big Sur Lodge Restaurant:  Located in Pfeiffer State Park with the river flowing just below the restaurant gives it a beautiful location. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Has a restaurant, espresso bar, gift shop and General Store.

>Big Sur Roadhouse:  Delicious, locally sourced ingredients with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Open 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily for breakfast and lunch. Best breakfast sandwich, burger, fries and tacos in Big Sur!

>Fernwood Tavern:  Fernwood has a restaurant, local bar, General Store and gift shop. Open for lunch and dinner. Live music most weekends! Ping pong table and heat lamps on the back deck. Great for nachos, cocktails and a selection of delicious ice cream in the store. 

>Ripplewood Cafe:  This quaint eatery is open daily from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. serving breakfast and lunch. Be sure to try their au gratin breakfast potatoes and homemade cinnamon rolls.

The Big Sur Village shops are open, as are many others. Some suggestions to check out:  Big Sur Lodge Gift Shop, Local Color, Darn Glad to Be Here Gallery and Studio One Gallery.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Enjoy your Big Sur adventure!

Are you looking for the perfect meeting space for your group? Whether you need a space for a business or leadership meeting, charity or nonprofit group, sewing/knitting/quilting conferences, scrapbookers, and chess clubs, even small wedding receptions, the Hofsas House in Carmel may just be the place for you.

The Hofsas House offers the perfect, welcoming European retreat in the heart of beautiful downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The poolside meeting room has a fireplace, full kitchen and can accommodate a sit-down dinner for 30, a stand-up reception for up to 40, or a boardroom or U-shaped setting for up to 24. It is also ideal for private personal dinner parties.

Groups such as The Food Bank for Monterey County holds an annual 60-person fundraiser at the poolside meeting room, and the Welsh Terrier Club holds meetings here annually.

Hofsas House's boutique setting allows your meeting to take in the natural beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea while getting some work done. We offer free WIFI, projector, screen and conference phone, if needed. A continental breakfast is included with your room stay and can be served in the meeting room, so you can start your meeting with fresh coffee, French pastries, juice, fruit and yogurt. Coffee and tea, along with filtered water, are provided for you all day.

The world-famous Carmel Beach is only eight blocks away, so you can take in a run or walk in the fresh air of Carmel before or after your meeting. For a change of pace, why not take a picnic lunch and go to Point Lobos with a guide rather than have a typical lunch in a meeting room?

We can also suggest team-building ideas, such as creating a morning breakfast, s’mores and a fire on the beach, a Range Rover Team Building experience, olive oil, balsamic vinegar or wine tasting. Other nearby activities could also include a round of golf, yoga on the beach, surf lessons, kayaking, hiking, and, last but not least, food and wine, historic or art tours of Carmel.

As a long-time Carmel resident and Carmel City Councilwoman, I am very familiar with the area and can help you with all your meeting needs. We love to have guests come to experience this special and magical area of Carmel-by-the-Sea and we look forward to hosting you here. We're just a call away!

The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with two of the Monterey Peninsula’s best golf courses.  Book a stay at the Hofsas House and add on a round of golf.  Experience the immaculate green grasses of the historic Quail Lodge Golf Club and Carmel Valley Ranch. Play an 18-hole round of golf for two including shared cart and range balls.  Cost is an additional $ 125.00 per person or $250 for two.  When booking use promotion code:   HHQUAIL

Valentine's Day is here!  Since romance is on everyone's mind, did you know that Travel + Leisure, CNN and SmarterTravel.com, named Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the 38 most romantic towns in America in 2015.

So for your next anniversary or special occasion, don't fork over your entire life savings on that diamond necklace or expensive tool set, think about a vacation to the breathtaking, relaxing and romantic Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Why it's romantic: The Central California town is a hub for both artists and Hollywood celebrities with its majestic beaches perfect for long walks at sunset and evening bonfires; its vast offerings of art, theater and music to enjoy; four-star restaurants (including L'Escargot, Anton and Michelle, Aubergine and Andrea’s Bouche); high-end shopping (including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.); hidden courtyards; and fairy-tale cottages.

Celebrating its 70^th Anniversary of European hospitality at the beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, the Theis family proudly announces its Third Nights a Charm  packages to their valued guests. Each room has been crafted with the same minute attention to detail generations of guests have come to expect from Hosfas House Hotel and is as unique and charming as Carmel itself .

Third Night's A Charm

Book 3 nights and the 3rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break…they just don’t last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3rd nights a charm 

Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.   Offer valid from February and March 2017 excluding holidays and AT&T golf week.   Mention Code HHCHARM when booking. 

Tell the Hofsas House where you’d love to visit and why and you could win a 2 night stay!

So many of us add “travel more” to our list of yearly resolutions! Whether it is somewhere close by, a beautiful beach or international destination, tell the Hofsas House where you’d love to visit and why? Post pictures of your ideal destination on a Pinterest board and our favorite board will win a 2-night stay at the Hofsas House hotel!

To enter the contest simply:

Pin It To Win It!

·         Follow us on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hofsashouse/

·         Create A Board Titled: Time to Travel!

·         Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your favorite quotes with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways

·         Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

·         One lucky winner will win a 2-night stay at our hotel!

·         Enter to win between January 1st and January 30th. Winner announced on February 5th.

·         Includes Hotel stay only- airfare, transportation, meals and other amenities not included

Every holiday season our family has traditions. This year we want to share what makes our holidays sparkle. We hope you enjoy!

1.Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea To Look At Christmas Lights. Take a stroll and soak it all in!

2.Christmas Movie Night! Celebrate Xmas with Clark Griswold, Charlie Brown and The Grinch. What is your favorite holiday movie?

3.Buying And Picking Out The Family Christmas Tree and Decorating. Ahhh the memories. Stop by and check out the Hofsas House lobby tree!

4.Putting out Santa's Cookies and Milk. Don't let Santa leave on an empty stomach.

5.Baking Christmas Cookies. Home baked cookies all the way.

6.Hanging the Christmas lights. You don't have to go all out, but a little color is a must.

7.And our favorite Theis Family tradition is ... Christmas Dinner. Christmas traditions start at the dinner table.

In Carmel-by-the- Sea , the Theis family is celebrating 70 Years of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

Owner and General Manager, Carrie Theis, has invited everyone to celebrate The Holidays with its Fifth Annual Fundraiser for The Carmel Library Foundation with a Gingerbread Making afternoon for the family.

Bring the entire family.  Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the holidays.  Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and a cookie for a  $25 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.  Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine of award winning Monterey County wines from Twisted Roots Winery and can enjoy a gourmet cheese and fruit tray for a $10 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.   Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for a $5.00 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.  (The $10 donation for adults does not include decorating a gingerbread house.)

Details:

Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave Carmel -by -the-Sea at the meeting room poolside!

When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2016

Two Times:

Sign up for 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 per child and $10 per adult (Adult does not include decorating a gingerbread house.  The cost to decorate a gingerbread house is $25)

Reservations: Limited reservations available. Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

All proceeds benefit The Carmel Public Library Foundation.  The Carmel Public Library Foundation’s mission is to raise vital funds for the Carmel Public Library that will ensure free Library service in perpetuity. All the collections, materials, services, equipment, and programs are funded by charitable donations. Questions? Call the Foundation at (831) 624-2811. http://www.carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org

Hofsas House Hotel Announces a Special Package in Honor of the Hotel’s 70^thAnniversary November 2016 and Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 100^thAnniversary October 2016

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Theis family is celebrating seven decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

Owner and General Manager, Carrie Theis, announced today a special package in honor of the hotel and Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Anniversary.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Celebrates 100 Years

Celebrate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 100^thAnniversary in October and Hofsas House Hotels 70^thAnniversary this November  with our History Tour!  Delight in the special charms of Carmel on a leisurely, fun and informative two-hour guided walk past enchanting Fairy-tale cottages, through secret pathways, hidden courtyards and award-winning gardens.  At the end of the tour, you’ll  feel like a local.  Cost is $25 per person. For September 1 – December 31^st, 2016, guess who book this package will receive aCarmel-by-the-Sea history book complimentary upon arrival (value $10.00) .  Learn about the 100-year history of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When booking use promotion code:  HHWALKS. 🎉🍾🎂  Promotion valid through December 31^st, 2016.  (block out dates apply)

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for being one of the dog-friendliest towns in the country. In fact, many rankings have it as THE top dog-friendly town in the country.

One of the most fun things to do is to take your dog for a stroll on the beautiful white sands of Carmel Beach. Dogs can even frolic off-leash, but make sure he or she is within voice command and please clean up after your pet!

Carmel is chock full of wine tasting rooms these days and since they don't serve food, you can bring your pooch with you to any of the 15 tasting rooms in the city and sip some of Monterey County's finest vintages.

Carmel is famous for its great shopping and that goes for dogs as well. Get a treat (or two) for your four-legged friend at Diggidy Dog & Cat Boutique  on Mission Street just south of Ocean Avenue. There's a wide variety of treats, toys and accessories to pick from.

Carmel is full of history and colorful stories and Carmel Walks history tour of Carmel is one of the best and most entertaining ways to learn about this one-square-mile village. And, of course, dogs are welcome on this leisurely two-hour tour.

Many of Carmel's restaurants are dog-friendly, especially those with outdoor seating areas. The one that started this trend and still reigns as the best place to take your dog is Doris Day's famous Cypress Inn.  Not only is the hotel itself pet-friendly, thanks to Doris' love for animals, but you can have lunch or dinner on the patio, have a drink in Terry's Lounge during Yappy Hour, or enjoy afternoon tea on Saturdays, all accompanied by man's best friend.

Over at Forge in the Forest , dogs can choose delicious bites from their own Dog Pound Menu for lunch or dinner on the patio.

Other dog-friendly restaurants include Basil Seasonal Dining, Porta Bella, Grasing’s, Village Corner, Hog’s Breath Inn, Casanova Restaurant, Da Giovanni, and Little Napoli, to name a few.

If you want to get out into nature and away from the crowds, try a walk at nearby Mission Trail Park, a 33-acre nature preserve with 5 miles of trails through pine and redwood trees. There are five park entrances: Rio Road, 11th and Torres, Crespi Avenue and Mountain View Avenue, Martin Road, and 25800 Hatton Road. Disposable doggie-doo bags are available at all entrances.

And finally, many Carmel shops and art galleries are not only dog-friendly, they welcome dogs with water bowls outside and little treats inside.

Those are just some of the things you can do with your dog in Carmel, so get out there with your four-legged friend and see for yourselves what Carmel has to offer!

At the Hofsas House Hotel We Believe Romance Reigns in Carmel by the Sea!

The town is storybook pretty: narrow streets lined with quintessentially charming cottages.  Add to that the seaside charm of waves crashing on rocks and soft sand beaches that tempt you to linger longer, and it’s hard not to find serenity and peace around every corner.  Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful village for a romantic retreat, arm-in-arm walks on the beach, and quiet candlelit dinners.

While Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a great family destination sometimes you need to plan a romantic escape.  The town offers the best for families and romance!  If you are taking a romantic getaway for 2, be sure to:

• Dig your toes into the sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue, pop open a bottle of local vino, or snag a custom-designed picnic basket from the one of the many nearby restaurants.
• You can also take a walk or—if you have access to a car—a cruise along Scenic or 17-Mile Drive.
• Another great trek is to head down the path that weaves through the forested canyon to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, where you can take a tour or simply wander through the beautifully restored 18th Century buildings.
• Nothing beats just window-shopping through the one square mile of downtown, especially if you’re an art lover. The village’s past and present incarnations as an artist colony imbue it with a dignified yet slightly Bohemian aura.
• For the serious romantic, sunset brings a whole new sensibility to Carmel, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in all the possibilities.
• Or just take moonlight stroll through the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

No matter how you choose to fill-out your romantic retreat to Carmel, you can rest assured that finding ways to make the getaway truly special is infinitely easy. You’ll fall in love over again—not just with each other, but also with Carmel itself.

This July we are ready for some fun in the sun and what's more fun than kids at the beach? Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Simply: 

• Follow us on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
• ​Create A board titled: Family Getaways​
• ​Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your family vacation destination with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways
• Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• One lucky winner will receive a two​ night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel
• Contest runs July 1^{st -} July30^th.   Winner announced August 5^th.

Meet Hofsas House Pet Concierge, Tank, playing at Carmel Beach!  Tank has created a Tail Wagging Package for his four legged friends!

Hofsas House is one of the most dog friendly hotels in Carmel. Guests receive a complimentary Doggie Welcome Package upon arrival that includes:

·      Hofsas House Dog Frisbee

·      Hofsas House collapsible dog bowl

·      Special Dog Bed 

·      Letter from Tank. our onsite Pet Concierge

·      Special dog amenities package

·      Tips and recommendations for your four legged friends stay

·      Walking Trail and Hiking Guide

·      A package of treats.

·   Coastal Canine Magazine—offering the best four legged options for visiting Carmel

Minimum two (2)-night stay. $25 fee per night for one dog and $40 per night for two.

When it comes to traveling to a destination that fits your green lifestyle and sustainability ethos, the picturesque seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, may just be the ideal location for you.

Carmel has long been a haven for artists, poets, writers and actors, folks who follow their own muse. It's also been a green community almost before the term green became popular, not only by ardently preserving its historical and cultural assets, but also its natural wonders, from its verdant canopy of trees to the pristine white sands of Carmel Beach.

City ordinances and building codes prevent overdevelopment and over-commercialization, for example, there are no sidewalks or streetlights in residential areas, no stop lights downtown, no commercial development on the beach and no neon is permitted in business signs.

Locals and businesses alike are committed to preserving the small-village charm and ambiance of Carmel, from recycling and water-saving measures to offering local produce and sustainable seafood in its restaurants.

So whatever term you prefer, green travel, sustainable travel, socially responsible travel or simply looking out for Mother Earth, Carmel may just be the perfect green destination for you.

Along with the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium and nature-friendly Point Lobos, there's a world of fun for kid’s right here in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Outdoors or in, a host of activities keep young visitors happily occupied from morning 'til bedtime.

Here are our favorite family friendly activities:

• Explore Carmel's beautiful white sand beach and adjacent tide pools.
• Take a hike through Forest Hill Park and Mission Trail Park. 
• Attend surf school. Drop by the Carmel Youth Center.
• Rent bikes.  The Hofsas House Hotel concierge can you help you coordinate.
• Take in 9 holes or a golf lessons for kids at the Peter Hay Golf Course at Pebble Beach.
• Picnic and hike at Point Lobos!
• Rent a family kayak from Adventures by the Sea.
• Young artists can make their own creations at Glazes Studio, a colorful, fun, and playful place for kids of all ages.
• And be sure to visit the very cool Carmel Children's Library.

Our staff is frequently asked that they like to do with their families.  Here are our staffs Family Friendly Picks … drumroll please.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo

The beautifully restored Carmel Mission. Still a working church and school, take time to explore the park-like grounds.  Even young ones will appreciate the quietness of the Basilica, even if for just a few minutes. Direct your kids to the nativity scene in the back left-corner of the Basilica. According to volunteers it’s like no other in the world, because of something tastefully hidden in it’s midst. Challenge your kids (and yourself) to figure out what “it” is. (I don’t want to give away the surprise.) Check it out, if you’re stumped, grab a volunteer to help in the search.

Ocean Avenue

Tree-lined Ocean Avenue is a shopper’s dream. Start in the park across the street from Tiffany and Co. Once the kids have rolled around in the grass for a bit, start window shopping your way to the waves. Kids don’t like to shop? No worries. Have them count the dogs. Trust me, there’s so many, they’ll lose count more than once. Even better, have your kids hunt for the numerous water bowls hidden among the flowers for thirsty hounds out on the town. Dogs dig Carmel.

Get Sandy

Carmel-by-the-Sea has one of the most beautiful beaches. Just keep heading down Ocean Drive, and you’ll be rewarded. The beach is leash-free, so dogs and kids run freely in the sand.   Ask for a free Frisbee to take with you to the beach.

Share your favorite family friendly activities to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/hofsashousehotel.

Summer is almost here.  How will you plan your family’s summer get away?

"Experience Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness or take in magnificent Point Lobos State Park.  After a day of hiking the Big Sur coastline, guests relax in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas. Package includes a $25 gift certificate for Carmel’s 5^th Avenue Deli.  Offer valid from April 1 thru May 31, 2016 with a minimum of a two (2)-night stay. Mention HHNature at booking. Offer not valid with any other discounts, promotions or thru a third party booking agent.

Celebrate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 100^thAnniversary and Hofsas House Hotels 69^thAnniversary with our History Tour!  Delight in the special charms of Carmel on a leisurely, fun and informative two-hour guided walk past enchanting Fairy-tale cottages, through secret pathways, hidden courtyards and award-winning gardens.  At the end of the tour, you’ll  feel like a local.  Cost is $25 per person.  When booking use promotion code:  HHWALKS.

Third Night's A Charm

Book 3 nights and the 3^rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break…they just don’t last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3^rd nights a charm.

Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.   Offer valid from February – March, 2016 excluding holidays and AT&T golf week.   Mention Code HHCHARM when booking.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Theis family is celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

Owner and General Manager, Carrie Theis, announced today that you are invited to celebrate Summer at the Hofsas House with its Sixth Annual Fundraiser for The Food Bank For Monterey County on Thursday, March 24^th, 2016. Enjoy a fun evening!

Savor appetizers from local Chef’s including Chef Steve Johnson from TusCA Ristorante at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Chef Evan Lite from Beach House at Lover’s Point and Chef Brandon Miller from Mundaka.  Enjoy chocolates from Lula’s Chocolates and cookies from Sweet Elena’s. Sip a glass of award winning Wines Scheid Vineyards or taste some of Mad Otter’s signature beer.  Listen to the sounds of stringed instruments of Terrence Ferrell.  Support the Food Bank For Monterey County.

Details:

Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave Carmel - by - the- Sea poolside!

When: Thursday, March 24th^h, 2016

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Reservations: Limited reservations available. Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank For Monterey County . Donations allowed without your presence. The Food Bank for Monterey County, a certified Feeding America food bank, is the largest supplier of emergency food in Monterey County . We distribute 6 million pounds of food annually. The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty. Yet poverty and food insecurity exist in the “Salad Bowl of the World.” The challenge is great and we strive to meet it on a daily basis.

So many of us add “travel more” to our list of yearly resolutions! Whether it is somewhere close by, a beautiful beach or international destination, tell the Hofsas House where you’d love to visit and why? Post pictures of your ideal destination on a Pinterest board and our favorite board with win a 2-night stay at the Hofsas House hotel!

To enter the contest simply:

Pin It To Win It!

• Follow us on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hofsashouse/
• Create A Board Titled: Time to Travel!
• Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your favorite quotes with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways
• Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• One lucky winner will win a 2-night stay at our hotel!
• Enter to win between January 1st and January 30th. Winner announced on February 5th.
• Includes Hotel stay only- airfare, transportation, meals and other amenities not included.      

The Theis family is celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.  The hotel has announced their 2016 packages.  2016 is the 100-year anniversary of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  For any packages in 2016 add on a 100 Years of Carmel-by-the-Sea history book for $10.00. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea Celebrates 100 Years:

Celebrate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 100^th Anniversary and Hofsas House Hotels 69^th Anniversary with our History Tour!  Delight in the special charms of Carmel on a leisurely, fun and informative two-hour guided walk past enchanting Fairy-tale cottages, through secret pathways, hidden courtyards and award-winning gardens.  At the end of the tour, you’ll  feel like a local.  Cost is $25 per person.  When booking use promotion code:  HHWALKS.

Get Artsy Package

For decades, Carmel, California has been an artist’s enclave!  Today there are more than 80 art galleries in walking distance from the hotel.  The Hofsas House Hotel is no exception and has been touched by one of the World’s most famous artists.  Did you know?  Maxine Albro was commissioned by Donna Hofsas to paint the welcoming mural and the headboard featured in room 47 of the Hofsas House.   In the 1940s and 1950s, Maxine was living in Carmel and was friends with Donna.  After the main four-story addition to the Hofsas House was complete in 1957, Donna asked Maxine to paint the mural and add other highlights to the front of the building to enhance the Bavarian theme.  Maxine also painted the three pictures hanging in the lobby.

The  Hofsas House Get’s Artsy with its special Artist Package.  Stay in the Room 47 – the room Maxine Albro painted!  Carmel continues to be an artist colony and attracts some of the World’s most famous artists.  The Hofsas House is located within blocks of one of the World’s most premiere sculptors.  As part of the hotels Get Artsy package, guests will have the opportunity to meet local Carmel sculpture Steven Whyte (subject to his availability) and take a personal tour of his studio (located only two blocks away from the Hofsas House).  Steven Whyte’s studio tours are subject to the artist’s availability. Call Hofsas House the Hofsas House to book this package.  Guests can also experience the new Carmel Art Tours, www.carmelarttours.com, 800-979-3370,for $25 per person, reservations required and this tour can also be arranged in advance by the Hotel staff.

Third Night's A Charm

Book 3 nights and the 3^rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break…they just don’t last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3^rd nights a charm. Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.   Offer valid from November thru February excluding holidays and AT&T golf week.  Mention Code HHCHARM when booking.

Golfer’s Delight

The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with one of the Monterey Peninsula’s best golf courses. Book a stay and add a round of golf at the recently renovated and immaculate green grasses of the historic Quail Lodge Golf Club! Play an 18-hole round of golf including shared cart and range balls for an additional $100 per person.  When booking use promotion code HHQUAIL and let us know what day you would like to play and whether you would prefer an AM or PM tee time.  Our staff will make the arrangements.  Tee times based on the availability of the Quail Lodge Golf Course.

Wine and Cheese Package

Stay at the Hofsas House and order our special wine and cheese package for $30.  Enjoy a bottle of Monterey County Wine and a cheese pairing from the Cheese Shop when you order the Wine and Cheese Package in advance.  Please order 48 hours in advance of stay and specify red or white wine.  In addition, taste wines at nine different Carmel tasting rooms on the Wine Walk by-the-Sea with a Wine Tasting Passport.  The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea is pleased to offer a Wine Tasting Passport for $65, which entitles the buyer to one $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms (a $90 value).  The Wine Passport can be purchased from our concierge after checking in.

Tail Wagging Package:

Hofsas House is one of the most dog friendly hotels in Carmel. Guests receive a complimentary Doggie Welcome Package upon arrival that includes:

·                Hofsas House Dog Frisbee

·                Hofsas House collapsible dog bowl

·                Special Dog Bed 

·                Letter from Cajun. our onsite Pet Concierge

·                Special dog amenities package

·                Tips and recommendations for your four legged friends stay

·                Walking Trail and Hiking Guide

·                A package of treats.

·               Coastal Canine Magazine—offering the best four legged options for visiting Carmel

Minimum two (2)-night stay. $25 fee per night for one dog and $40 per night for two.

Take a Hike at the Hofsas House Hotel

Experience Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness or take in magnificent Point Lobos State Park.  After a day of hiking the Big Sur coastline, guests relax in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas. Package includes a $25 gift certificate for Carmel’s 5^th Avenue Deli.  Offer valid from March 1 thru May 31, 2016 with a minimum of a two (2)-night stay. Mention HHNature at booking. Offer not valid with any other discounts, promotions or thru a third party booking agent.

Every holiday season our family has traditions. This year we want to share what makes our holidays sparkle. We hope you enjoy!


1.  Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea To Look At Christmas Lights. Take a stroll and soak it all in! 


2.  Christmas Movie Night! Celebrate Xmas with Clark Griswold, Charlie Brown and The Grinch. What is your favorite holiday movie?


3.  Buying And Picking Out The Family Christmas Tree and Decorating. Ahhh the memories. Stop by and check out the Hofsas House lobby tree!


4.  Putting out Santa's Cookies and Milk. Don't let Santa leave on an empty stomach. 


5.  Baking Christmas Cookies. Home baked cookies all the way.


6.  Hanging the Christmas lights. You don't have to go all out, but a little color is a must. 


7.  And our favorite Theis Family tradition is ... Christmas Dinner. Christmas traditions start at the dinner table.

The Theis family is celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

You are invited to celebrate The Holidays with the Hofsas House at their Fourth Annual Fundraiser for The Carmel Library Foundation with a Gingerbread Making afternoon for the family.

Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the holidays.  Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and a cookie for a $25 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.  Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine of award winning Monterey County wines from Twisted Roots Winery and can enjoy a gourmet cheese and fruit and tray for a $10 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.   Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for a $5.00 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation.  (The $10 donation for adults does not include decorating a gingerbread house.)

Where:  Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave. Carmel-by-the-Sea at the meeting room poolside!

When:  Saturday, December 5th, 2015 (Two Times:  Sign up for 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.)

Reservations:  Limited reservations available.  Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

Hofsas House is excited to announce we are on Instagram!

Follow us at @HofsasHouse and our hashtag is #HofsasHouse

You are invited to celebrate The Holidays with our Fourth Annual Fundraiser for The ‪#‎CarmelLibraryFoundation with a ‪#‎Gingerbread making afternoon for the family! Create a gingerbread house to take home and display throughout the ‪#‎holidays. Children will receive one gingerbread making kit, hot cider and a cookie for a $25 donation to the Carmel Library Foundation. Adults that want to attend will receive a glass of wine of award winning Monterey County wines from ‪#TwistedRootsWinery.

Wine Tasting with friends is always a good time and we are fortunate to live in California with so many wineries to choose from. Share your fun pics out wine tasting on our Pinterest Page all month long and our favorite post will win a       one-night stay  with a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Passport to enjoy the #CarmelWineWalk! We will also choose two other winners to receive  the Wine Passport to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk!   Happy Posting!

Simply:  

• Follow us on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
• Pin your wine tasting images and don’t forget to use the hashtags #HofsasHouse and #CaliforniaWineMonth
• Email a link to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• One lucky winner will receive a one-night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel and two other winners we receive passes to enjoy the Carmel Wine Walk!
• Contest runs September 1^st-September 30^th. Winner announced October 5^th.

“LOCAL’S FAVORITES WINE FRIDAY’S”

SEPTEMBER 18^TH – BLAIR WINERY

Join the Hofsas House throughout 2015 at its poolside meeting room to sip local wines, enjoy small bites and support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue!

•   Upcoming Wine Tasting Schedule 2015

◦                     September 18 - Blair Winery

◦                     November 20 - Twisted Roots

•   Sip Carmel-by-the-Sea "Local's Favorites" featuring wines from Monterey County and local

•   Carmel-by-the-Sea Tasting Rooms.  Each month we will feature a local wine that we love!

•   Enjoy nibbles.

•   Support the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.  Peace of Mind Dog Rescue is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast. We find loving homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters.  Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 700 dogs left behind.

•   5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

•   Cost:  $15.00 per person and includes one glass of wine and nibbles.

•   Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass.

•   100% of the proceeds benefit the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.

Space is limited to 40 attendees.  Reservations required.  To make a reservation, have them contact me at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com.

The Hofsas House Invites You To Get Out And Bike! (Available All Year)

The Hofsas House invites you to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. One of General Manager Carrie Thies' favorite bike routes is about five miles that goes from the Hofsas House, down to Scenic Avenue going south along the Carmel Bay and to the Carmel River. Stop by the Carmel Mission for a bit of history and go along Rio Road and cross Highway 1 and have lunch at  Rio Grill. The grilled artichoke is the best!

We can have bikes delivered to the Hotel for a half day or entire day rental or we can arrange to have you pick them up in Monterey near the Coastal Bike Path for a half a day rental.

Special Offer includes 2 Hybrid Bikes with gears for 4 hours for the price of one, a $27 savings, with any two night stay. With 24 hours notice, the bikes can be delivered to the hotel.

Enjoy This Hofsas House Pick!  Best Sunday Ride  -  

Depart the Hofsas House Hotel and bike down to Mission Ranch for Sunday Brunch. Cruise down Ocean Avenue and then follow Scenic Drive around the bluffs of Carmel to the Carmel River Beach. Stop and enjoy the scenery of Point Lobos, check out the birding spot and continue biking through the quaint residential streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea to Mission Ranch!  Brunch is served. Ahhh the perfect Sunday.

Don't Forget to Ride Your Bike on Thursdays. Receive Special Offers at Local Restaurants!

HER Helmet Thursdays is an ecology-economy sustainability project offering discounts for people who bike. Discounts are for males and females, visitors and locals. Click here to learn more. 

10 Best Things To Do In Carmel 

Without a Car

Might this be a start to a new way of foot sensitive vacationing?

10 Best Things to Do in Carmel (WITHOUT A CAR!!)

1. Walk on the beach and finish your night with a glass of wine .
2. Bus ride (Route 22) down PCH to Big Sur and back, stop at Point Lobos, Rocky Point, Andrew Molera State Park, the town of Big Sur, and Nepenthe.  Ask our concierge or manager for hike recommendations. Check for road conditions and route service to Big Sur!
3. Bus ride ("Grapevine Express" Route 24) to Carmel Valley and back, stop at Chateau Jullien, Mid-Valley, and Carmel Valley Village.   Finish the day with free wine tastings at various partnering tasting rooms in the town of Carmel, courtesy of the Hofsas House.
4. Take a 20-minute stroll down to the Carmel Mission and tour the Carmel Mission Museum .
5. Go on a Carmel Walks tour to learn about the history of Carmel and some of our unique City ordinances.
6. Combine food, wine, chocolate and history of Carmel by taking the Carmel Food Tour.
7. Go to the Carmel Cheese Shop to sample cheeses from around the world.  It is hard to select just one and then purchase a matching wine to take to the beach to watch the sunset.
8. Learn about the famous poet, Robinson Jeffers, by taking the Tor House Tour.
9. Happy Hour Tour: Ask our concierge to direct you to an assortment of happy hours (e.g., Vesuvio Restaurant, Barmel, Jack London's, Il Fornio and many more) right in town for discounted drinks and appetizers, and then finish off the night with a special entre at one of our favorite places to eat.
10. Arrange a surf lesson for half of the day at Carmel Beach.  A professional surfer will take you out and ensure a safe and enjoyable time learning to surf Carmel's amazing waves!

Did you know the average car causes 600 pounds of air pollution every year?  A recent AAA holiday report cited a decline in car travel and a shift towards alternative modes of transportation. Biking and low-cost interstate bus travel are on the rise. Might this be the start of a new era of footprint-sensitive vacationing? (Let's think positive and say, "Yes.")

 Here are some reasons walking is better than driving:

1. It saves money on gas. Lots of it.
2. It saves the planet. You'd be doing your bit to save the world.
3. It saves on parking. Don't you just hate having to pay for parking?
4. It's free. The pleasure of knowing you are getting something for nothing while other people have to pay is not the same as benefiting from saving money. It's even better.
5. It's good exercise. The benefits are obvious. Ask your doctor.
6. You'll get more fresh air. It's the best kind.
7. Walking is fun - and here are some tips for making it even better...

So, where should you take your next car-free getaway?  The Theis Family offers the top 10 things to do without a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  When was the last time you want on a vacation without a car in California?

Celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at the beautiful Bavarian-inspired, the Theis family are the proud recipients of the "Fido's Favorite" award from BringFido.com! This award is given for achieving an excellent rating of 4 out of 5 "bones" from BringFido.com customers in the last 12 months. BringFido.com is the #1 pet travel site on the Internet helping pet lovers find travel arrangements for humans and their four-legged friends.  As animal lovers ourselves, we’re delighted that such a place exists!

About BringFido.com: 

BringFido.com is a dog travel directory that provides unbiased reviews, detailed pet policy information, and online reservations at more than 25,000 pet friendly hotels through a partnership with Travelocity. Information is also available on thousands of bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds that welcome pets in 150 countries worldwide.

The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with two of the Monterey Peninsula's best golf courses.  Book a night stay and add on a round of golf. 

Choose from:

• Experience the immaculate green grasses of the historic Quail Lodge Golf Club. Play a 9-hole round of golf for two including shared cart and range balls.  Cost is an additional $50.00.  When booking use promotion code:   HHQUAIL
• NCGA sanctioned Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach is newly renovated and re-opened in April 2014.  Cost is an additional $185 to the room per golfer and includes cart (savings of $50.00).  In addition, Poppy Hills offers free use of brand new state of the art Taylor Made rental clubs (an $85.00 value).   Call for the NCGA rate.  When booking use promotion code:   HHPOPPY

Owner and General Manager, Carrie Theis, announced today that you are invited to celebrate Summer at the Hofsas House with its Fifth Annual Fundraiser for The Food Bank For Monterey County on Thursday, March 26th, 2015. Enjoy a fun evening!

Savor appetizers from local Chef's including Chef Steve Johnson from TusCA Ristorante at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Chef Annie Hobbs from A Taste of Elegance and Chef Brandon Miller from Mundaka.  Enjoy chocolates from Lula's Chocolates and meringues from Monterey Meringues. Sip a glass of award winning Wines Scheid Vineyards or taste some of Alvarado Street Brewery's signature beer.  Listen to the sounds of stringed instruments of Terrence Ferrell.  Support the Food Bank For Monterey County.

Details:

• Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave Carmel - by - the- Sea poolside!
• When: Thursday, March 26th, 2015
• Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Cost: $50 per person
• Reservations: Limited reservations available. Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.
• All proceeds benefit the Food Bank For Monterey County . Donations allowed without your presence. The Food Bank for Monterey County, a certified Feeding America food bank, is the largest supplier of emergency food in Monterey County . We distribute 6 million pounds of food annually. The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty. Yet poverty and food insecurity exist in the "Salad Bowl of the World." The challenge is great and we strive to meet it on a daily basis.

Due to the increase concern that the impact beach fires may have on the beach and neighborhood air quality, the Hofsas House will now be offering only a propane portable beach fire with s’mores fixings, rather than supplying wood that would directly affect the sand.  This portable beach fire has the warmth of a real fire with very low emissions and no charcoal residue.  It is comprised of a propane canister and fireplace kit that is easily portable, weighing either 15 or 30 pounds depending on the model.   We utilize the Little Red Campfire or the Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring.

Stay at the Hofsas House Hotel and enjoy our special wine and cheese package for $30 . Enjoy a bottle of Ventana Wines and cheese from the Cheese Shop … a Carmel cheese lover’s heaven!

Spend the morning walking on Carmel beach, wine taste in the afternoon and have dinner at a local restaurant with an award-winning wine cellar – all without getting in your car. Or drive to Carmel Valley for wine tasting in charming country settings. You can say you’ve been here when Monterey County becomes the new Napa.

Reserve your package today!

Book 3 nights and the 3^rdis 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break…they just don’t last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3^rdnights a charm

Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.   Offer valid from November thru February excluding holidays and AT&T golf week.   Mention Code HHCHARM when booking your reservation.

Every holiday season our family has traditions. This year we want to share what makes our holidays sparkle. We hope you enjoy!


1.Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea To Look At Christmas Lights. Take a stroll and soak it all in!


2.Christmas Movie Night! Celebrate Xmas with Clark Griswold, Charlie Brown and The Grinch. What is your favorite holiday movie?


3.Buying And Picking Out The Family Christmas Tree and Decorating. Ahhh the memories. Stop by and check out the Hofsas House lobby tree!


4.Putting out Santa's Cookies and Milk. Don't let Santa leave on an empty stomach.


5.Baking Christmas Cookies. Home baked cookies all the way. 


6.Hanging the Christmas lights. You don't have to go all out, but a little color is a must.


7.And our favorite Theis Family tradition is ... Christmas Dinner. Christmas traditions start at the dinner table.

Start your romantic getaway with a memorable surprise gift. Enter your room and find the bed decorated with over 100 red silk rose petals, Red Heart balloon, elegant fabric ribbon, strands of white pearl beads (not pictured), chocolate kisses and our keepsake ´Do Not Disturb´ sign. The bed decoration is illuminated by a set of 4, LED flicker candles set in frosted votive holders (120 hour candles - great to use back home or on your next romantic getaway). This item is subject to availability and must be booked 72 hours in advance.

Romance Reigns in Carmel by the Sea

The town is storybook pretty: narrow streets lined with quintessentially charming cottages.  Add to that the seaside charm of waves crashing on rocks and soft sand beaches that tempt you to linger longer, and it’s hard not to find serenity and peace around every corner.  Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful village for a romantic retreat, arm-in-arm walks on the beach, and quiet candlelit dinners.  While Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a great family destination sometimes you need to plan a romantic escape.  The town offers the best for families and romance!  If you are taking a romantic getaway for two, be sure to:

Dig your toes into the sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue, pop open a bottle of local vino, or snag a custom-designed picnic basket from the one of the many nearby restaurants.

You can also take a walk or—if you have access to a car—a cruise along Scenic or 17-Mile Drive.

Another great trek is to head down the path that weaves through the forested canyon to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, where you can take a tour or simply wander through the beautifully restored 18th Century buildings.

Nothing beats just window-shopping through the one square mile of downtown, especially if you’re an art lover. The village’s past and present incarnations as an artist colony imbue it with a dignified yet slightly Bohemian aura.

For the serious romantic, sunset brings a whole new sensibility to Carmel, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in all the possibilities. Ask the Hofsas House about their beach and smore’s package!

Or just take moonlight stroll through the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

No matter how you choose to fill-out your romantic retreat to Carmel, you can rest assured that finding ways to make the getaway truly special is infinitely easy. You’ll fall in love over again—not just with each other, but also with Carmel itself.

Book your room today at the Hofsas House Hotel – Casual Elegance, Personal Service and Traditional Family Hospitality!

Hofsas House Hotel and Mountainsong Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea have Teamed Up To Help Raise Money for the Animal Rescue of Your Choice

Hofsas House Hotel and Mountainsong Galleries (both located in Carmel by the Sea) have teamed up to help raise money for the animal rescue of your choice!  The Hofsas House Hotel has one of the exclusive The Dog Man bronze sculptures in its lobby.  (Mountainsong Galleries is the only gallery in the World to carry THE DOG MAN by Marty Goldstein.)

Stay at the Hofsas House and stop by the lobby to meet our bronze four legged friend.  Anyone who stays at the hotel and purchases a piece of The Dog Man artwork from Mountainsong Galleries will have the opportunity to select that 10% of the sales from the sculpture they purchase be mailed to the animal rescue charity of their choice. 

For questions regarding this fundraiser please contact the Hofsas House.

Join the Hofsas House throughout 2014 at its poolside meeting room to sip local wines, enjoy small bites and support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue!

• Sip Carmel-by-the-Sea “Local’s Favorites” featuring wines from Monterey County and local Carmel-by-the-Sea Tasting Rooms.  Each month we will feature a local wine that we love!
• Enjoy nibbles.
• Support the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.  Peace of Mind Dog Rescue is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast. We find loving homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters.  Since October 2009, POMDR has rescued over 540 dogs left behind.

September – November Wine Tasting Schedule

• September 19^th Twisted Roots
• October 17^th Ventana Wines
• November 21^st Cima Collina
• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• Cost:  $15.00 per person and includes one glass of wine and nibbles.
• Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5.00 per glass
• 100% of the proceeds benefit the Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

Space is limited to 40 attendees.  Reservations required.  To make a reservation, have them contact me at 831-624-2745 or carrie@hofsashouse.com.

Take a Hike at the Hofsas House Hotel (Available during July National Picnic Month)

The Hofsas House Hotel offers the perfect European ambiance for hikers or a hiking club retreat!  Within minutes of the hotel, you can experience Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness at the Los Padres National Forest.   Point Lobos State Park is also a short drive away!  After a day of hiking the Big Sur coastline, relax your tired muscles in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas.

The Hofsas House explores nature with its special Hiking Package.  Mention this Hiking Package when reserving a minimum of two nights in for National Picnic Month in July and receive a complimentary day pass to Point Lobos State Park.  When booking online, indicate HHNature to receive the Pt. Lobos Day Pass in July upon arrival.  This offer is not valid with any other discounts or promotions and two consecutive nights must be reserved. 

Might this be a start a new of foot sensitive vacationing?

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Theis family is celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

Gas is almost $4 a gallon and the average car causes 600 pounds of air pollution every year. AAA’s Fourth of July holiday report cited a decline in car travel and a shift towards alternative modes of transportation. Biking and low-cost interstate bus travel are on the rise. Might this be the start of a new era of footprint-sensitive vacationing? (Let’s think positive and say, “Yes.”)  So, where should you take your next car-free getaway?  The Theis Family offers the top 10 things to do without a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  When was the last time you want on a vacation without a car in California?

10 Best Things to Do in Carmel (WITHOUT A CAR!!)

• Walk on the beach and finish your night with wine and food over a beach fire.  Fires are allowed on Carmel Beach south of 10^th Avenue (Beach fire rules:  http://ci.carmel.ca.us/carmel/index.cfm/residents/city-services/beach-rules/).
• Bus ride (Route 22) down PCH to Big Sur and back, stop at Point Lobos, Rocky Point, Andrew Molera State Park, the town of Big Sure, and Nepenthe.  Ask our concierge or manager for hike recommendations. Check for road conditions and route service to Big Sur!
• Bus ride (“Grapevine Express” Route 24) to Carmel Valley and back, stop at Chateau Jullien, Mid-Valley, and Carmel Valley Village.   Finish the day with free wine tastings at various partnering tasting rooms in the town of Carmel, courtesy of the Hofsas House.
• Take a 20-minute stroll down to the Carmel Mission and tour the Carmel Mission Museum (http://www.carmelmission.org/museum/).
• Go on a Carmel Walks (http://carmelwalks.com/) tour to learn about the history of Carmel and some of our unique City ordinances.
• Combine food, wine, chocolate and history of Carmel by taking the Carmel Food Tour (http://www.carmelfoodtour.com/).
• Go to the Carmel Cheese Shop (http://thecheeseshopinc.com/) to sample cheeses from around the world.  It is hard to select just one and then purchase a matching wine to take to the beach to watch the sunset.
• Learn about the famous poet, Robinson Jeffers, by taking the Tor House Tour http://www.torhouse.org/).
• Happy Hour Tour: Ask our concierge to direct you to an assortment of happy hours (e.g., Vesuvio Restaurant,  www.vesuviocarmel.com) right in town for discounted drinks and appetizers, and then finish off the night with a special entre at one of our favorite places to eat.
• Arrange a surf lesson for half of the day at Carmel Beach, http://southbaysurfriders.com/.   A professional surfer will take you out and ensure a safe and enjoyable time learning to surf Carmel’s amazing waves!

If those 10 activities were not enough, the Hofsas House staff picked these great events.

• Rent bikes at Bay Bikes (www.baybikes.com) and get a challenging workout up and down Carmel’s hilly back roads.  Or, stick to the flatland and cruise by the beach for a wave-side bike ride.  For the experienced rider, take it up a notch and bike 17-mile Drive into Monterey and back for an all-day outdoor adventure.
• For the spa lovers, relax at Kush Day Spa (www.kushincarmel.com), one of the highest regarded spas in Carmel, for one afternoon.
• Take wine, picnic—and a date, of course—to a summer play at the outdoor Forest Theatre, www.foresttheaterguild.org.
• Rise early or rise late for a wonderful Sunday brunch at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch (http://www.missionranchcarmel.com/restaurant.htm).  It’s only a 20-minute stroll across Carmel.  Better yet, return on a weekend night for drinks and live piano playing.
• Find all the hidden courtyards Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer, and see what surprise gift you can discover for a friend.
• On a chill day, go coffee tasting at the various local coffee houses in Carmel,  Carmel Coffee House and Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co, who roast their coffee right in the area.
• For photography lovers, Gallery Sur (gallerysur.com) has amazing prints from the area or go to Weston Gallery, one of the oldest photographic galleries, www.westongallery.com.
• Drop by the Carmel Art Association (carmelart.org) for details on local artists and the best galleries to explore according to your taste.
• Tapas at Mundaka, www.mundakacarmel.com.
• Carmel Wine Walk-by-the-Sea – stroll to 12 different wine tasting rooms and taste a flight of Monterey County grown grapes.  Purchase a Wine Walk Passport at the Hofsas House for $50 and it includes nine tastings.  Because of the cool air, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are some of the best.
• Geocache in Carmel: There are over 20 geocaches within walking distance in Carmel.  Take your GPS and test your navigation skills and find some treasure!
• Check out the live performances at one of our four theaters:  Sunset Center, Forest Theater, Golden Bough, Cherry Center in our one-square mile town.
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting at Trio Carmel on Dolores Street south of Ocean Avenue - www.triocarmel.com.
• Create your own custom perfume at Ajne Perfumery in the Court of the Fountains - http://www.ajne.com/.
• Visit one of the oldest houses in Carmel, the First Murphy House, home to the Carmel Heritage Society, http://carmelheritage.org/.  

What will you do?

Family, heritage and relative connections are of utmost importance to all of us. At the Hofsas House Hotel our family understands this only too well, and our team is now pleased to offer a special Family Reunion package. With it, you can now bring your relatives together for a living “family tree.”

Families can enjoy our poolside meeting facility and share an evening of laughter, games and shared memories. The meeting facility offers a comfortable setting for up to 40 people depending on the configuration of the room.

By utilizing the six round tables, a sit down dinner for 30 can be accomplished very easily by either having it catered by a local restaurant or preparing it in the complete kitchen that contains an oven, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Share your memories around the wood burning fireplace. Make memories to last a lifetime.

Hofsas House Family Reunion Package includes 

• Group Rates on Guests Rooms (starting at $ 135 .00 per night, excluding tax when 5 or more rooms are booked for a two night minimum) 
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• Beach Fire and S’mores complimentary ($60 value).With the Beach Fire and S’mores package, Hofsas House will provide all the ingredients necessary for a great beach fire! You book the package and we’ll bring the s’mores!
• Package includes:
• Wood bundle with starter & matches for fire
• Beach blanket
• S'mores supplies
• Safety flashlight
• Discounted Price On Use of Poolside Meeting Facility ($75.00)
• One complimentary family portrait session on the beach by certified professional photographers; also receive a free 8x10 photograph.   The photo image and additional photos can be purchased directly from the photographer.

 Offer does not apply to existing groups and are subject to availability. Offer is subject to change without notice and some blackout dates may apply. Minimum night stay required.

The team at the Hofsas House loves to enjoy the Monterey Peninsula and ride their bikes!  They even can coordinate bike rentals for hotel guests.

Here's the top 4 bike rides in Monterey County, including notes on the level of difficulty.

1.     Fisherman's Wharf to Lovers Point

(Beginner)"A simple ride along the bike path that runs from Fisherman's Wharf out to Lovers Point and back is definitely very family-friendly," says Knight. The bike path, officially known as the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, extends from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grovein the south, but the stretch between Fisherman's Wharfand Lovers Pointis hands-down the most popular section. The path is separated from street traffic, providing a safe environment for children still learning to balance on two wheels and nervous adults returning to cycling after a long time away. The ride provides fantastic views of Monterey Bay and plenty of great places to stop as it winds past the Coast Guard Pier, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the harbor seal beach at Hopkins Marine Station.

2.     Parker Flats Loop, Fort Ord National Monument

(Beginner) Once an Army base, the Fort Ord National Monument has several paved roads that are a perfect spot for children and adults seeking a more challenging ride than the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. "There are so many different terrains that if someone isn't in very good shape they can stay in the flatter sections," Latham says. "Someone who wants a little more challenge can ride in the steeper areas." A good beginning ride is the 5-mile Parker Flats loop, which has just enough short climbs to add a little challenge. Park at 8th and Gigling, the last spot where cars are allowed. Then bike on 8th Avenue south to Parker Flats Road. Take Parker Flats southeast to Eucalyptus. Turn right on Eucaluptus. You'll have a short but strenuous climb on Eucalyptus. Take Eucalyptus to the next segment of Parker Flats, which runs between Welch Ridge and Artillery Hill. Turn right on Normandy, then left on Eighth to complete the loop and return to the parking lot.

3.     17-Mile Drive

(Beginning-Intermediate) "When people come into our shop, most want to ride into 17-Mile Drive," says Knight. And Pebble Beach's scenic road isn't just popular with tourists. "My favorite ride is doing the morning ride out to the Lone Cypress and back," Knight says. One of the reasons this ride is so popular is that it's easy to navigate. "Keep the water on your right on the way out and keep it on the left as you come back and you won't get lost," Knight advises.

The traditional route begins at the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail at Cannery Row. After a little over a mile, the trail ends, and riders cycle through Pacific Grove on Ocean View Drive past scenic Point Pinos. Riders then continue on Sunset Drive past beautiful Asilomar State Beach, where they'll catch their first views of Pebble Beach, to 17-Mile Drive. "There's a lane for bikes, so it's very, very safe," says Knight. Riders follow 17-Mile Drive down to Point Joe and around to Seal Rock. "It's a nice place to stop because they have restrooms and picnic tables," Knight says. About a mile further is Cypress Point, which is "a vista," Knight says. In spring, cyclists can see pupping harbor seals. "As you continue on," says Knight, "it turns into an intermediate-advanced ride because you're riding with cars from there on in - there's no bike lane."Knight says the best time to do the ride is in the morning. "There's basically no traffic," he says. "The locals are going through the upper roads to go where they want to go, and the tourists driving will go in the afternoon." The round-trip from Cannery Row is 18 miles to Cypress Point and back, and 24 miles to the Lodge at Pebble Beach and back.

4.     Monterey to Marina on the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec. Trail

(Beginner-Intermediate) For a different perspective on the Monterey coastline, Knight recommends this ride. "It's more of a bay view," Knight says. It's also a great workout. Riders can choose to tackle the steep hill up the sand dunes at the Monterey/Seaside border, with its reward of a sweeping view of Monterey Bay all the way to Santa Cruz, or opt for the flat cutoff that winds around Laguna Del Rey. Both trails meet up again at the Seaside parking lot for Monterey State Beach, and continue along the dunes and bluffs for miles. "When you get on the bluff out in Sand City it's a grand vista," Knight says. Once riders pass Sand City, they'll reach four miles of open, cypress and sand-dune-lined trail up to Marina, with only other cyclists and pedestrians and the occasional gull or hawk for company. Because the ride becomes so remote, Knight recommends that riders bring a tire repair kit; a flat could lead to a very long walk home.

From Monterey, just take the Rec. Trail north to enjoy this ride. Keep the water on your left to head toward Marina, and on your right to head back to Monterey.

The Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin It to Win it contest!  If you are like us, you love some good Pinterest time! From stunning views to sunsets, we can get lost browsing the beautiful beach scenes!

To enter our contest simply:

• Pin your favorite beach pic and one lucky winner will win a two-night stay at Hofsas House! These can be any beautiful beach pics from around the world!!

•Follow our board: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse/beach-pics-we-love/

• Pin your favorite beach pics with the hashtag #HofsasHouse

•Pin It to Win It contest valid March 1 – March 30, 2014

•Three lucky winners will receive a two-night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel! Winner picked by April 15th.

Who doesn’t love long weekends?  Why wait for a 3 day holiday to relax and rejuvenate?  The Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its Lovin’ Long Weekend package.  The hotel is offering 20% off a stay when guests book 3 nights or more between Friday Feb. 28th thru March 31^st, 2014. To book the package call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.  Mention the code LLW when booking.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Hofsas House has selected their favorite things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a 3 day adventure:

•Go for a walk on Carmel Beach, at the foot of Ocean Avenue.

•Shop along Ocean Avenue, stopping at the Carmel Bay Company and Carmel Plaza.

•Have lunch at Casanova, two blocks from  the Hofsas House or have lunch outdoors next to one of the stone fire pits at The Forge in the Forest

•Visit Robinson Jeffers’ Tor House.

•Tour Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo, just a 10-minute drive away.

•Visit Point Lobos

•Grab a cocktail and early dinner at The Restaurant at Mission Ranch.

•Take a drive along 17-Mile Drive.

•Take a walking tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea with Carmel Walks.

•Explore the art galleries.

•Relax your feet and grab a coffee at the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company.

•Have dinner at Grasing’s or Mundaka.

How will you spend your long weekend?

The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea is pleased to offer a Wine Tasting Passport for $65 which entitles the buyer to one $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms (a $90 value). It can be used in one day or spread out over a weekend, several weeks, or even months. The Wine Tasting Passport is available for purchase at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on San Carlos between 5th & 6th in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The Wine Walk by-the-Sea is a self-paced self-guided stroll to the tasting rooms which are all within a block of each other on the south side of Ocean Avenue. They are Blair Estate Artisan Wines, Caraccioli Cellars, De Tierra Vineyards, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Manzoni Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Shale Canyon Wines, Wrath Wines and Vino Napoli.  Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea offers the opportunity to savor superior still and sparkling wines without ever having to think about transportation, parking, or even dinner plans. Each tasting room on the Wine Walk will offer recommendations for dinner or call to make reservations. As an added bonus, corkage will be waived for bottles purchased at a Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea tasting room at participating restaurants for one bottle per visit, per party.  The Hofsas House offers wine passports at a discounted price of $50 per person with any 1 night stay if purchased at the Hofsas House concierge.  In addition, stay at the Hofsas House and enjoy our special wine and cheese package for $30. Enjoy a bottle of Monterey County Wine and cheese from the Cheese Shop ... a Carmel cheese lover's heaven!  You purchase Wine Passports and / or the Wine and Cheese package when you book your stay at the Hofsas House Hotel.

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter.

Every holiday season our family has traditions.  This year we want to share what makes our holidays sparkle.  We hope you enjoy!

1.  Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea to look at Christmas lights.  Take a stroll and soak it all in!

2.  Christmas Movie Night!  Celebrate Xmas with Clark Griswold, Charlie Brown and The Grinch. What is your favorite holiday movie?

3.   Buying and picking out the family Christmas Tree and decorating.  Ahhh the memories.  Stop by and check out the Hofsas House lobby tree!

4.   Putting out Santa's cookies and milk.  Don't let Santa leave on an empty stomach.

5.   Baking Christmas cookies.  Home baked cookies all the way.

6.   Hanging the Christmas lights.  You don't have to go all out, but a little color is a must.

7.   And our favorite Theis Family tradition is … Christmas Dinner.  Christmas traditions start at the dinner table.

Try Carrie's favorite holiday cookie recipe at home.  The cookie is the Sugar Zwieback.

Ingredients

Recipe makes 4 dozen

·    1 cup milk

·    4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

·    1/4 cup honey

·    1/2 teaspoon salt

·    2/3 cup white sugar

·    1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

·    1/4 cup warm water

·    1 egg

·    4 cups all-purpose flour

·    1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1.  Heat milk in a small saucepan until just starting to bubble. Remove from heat; stir in butter, honey and salt. Set aside and let cool. Set aside 2 teaspoons sugar. Stir remaining sugar into milk mixture. Let cool to room temp.

2.  In a large bowl, combine yeast and lukewarm water. Set aside 5 minutes for yeast to soften. Beat cooled milk mixture, egg, 4 cups flour, and nutmeg into yeast mixture.

3.  Knead dough in a bowl, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if necessary, until a smooth, soft dough forms. Divide dough into 8 balls 3 inches in diameter. Place balls 4 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets; pat into 4 inch rounds. Brush tops of rounds with water and    sprinkle with reserved sugar. Set aside, lightly covered with kitchen towels, about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Bake raised rounds 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven; leave oven on. Let cool on sheets 10-15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

5.  With a serrated knife, cut each round into six 1/2-inch slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on cookie sheets and return to oven for 5 minutes. Turn slices and bake 5 to 7 minutes longer, or until golden on both sides. Turn off heat and leave in unopened oven until cool, about 45 minutes. Store in tightly covered container.

The town is storybook pretty: narrow streets lined with quintessentially charming cottages.  Add to that the seaside charm of waves crashing on rocks and soft sand beaches that tempt you to linger longer, and it’s hard not to find serenity and peace around every corner.  Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful village for a romantic retreat, arm-in-arm walks on the beach, and quiet candlelit dinners.

•While Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a great family destination sometimes you need to plan a romantic escape.  The town offers the best for families and romance!  If you are taking a romantic getaway for 2, be sure to:

•Dig your toes into the sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue, pop open a bottle of local vino, or snag a custom-designed picnic basket from the one of the many nearby restaurants.

•You can also take a walk or—if you have access to a car—a cruise along Scenic or 17-Mile Drive.

•Another great trek is to head down the path that weaves through the forested canyon to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, where you can take a tour or simply wander through the beautifully restored 18th Century buildings.

•Nothing beats just window-shopping through the one square mile of downtown, especially if you’re an art lover. The village’s past and present incarnations as an artist colony imbue it with a dignified yet slightly Bohemian aura.

•For the serious romantic, sunset brings a whole new sensibility to Carmel, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in all the possibilities. Ask the Hofsas House about their beach and smore’s package!

•Or just take moonlight stroll through the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

No matter how you choose to fill-out your romantic retreat to Carmel, you can rest assured that finding ways to make the getaway truly special is infinitely easy. You’ll fall in love over again—not just with each other, but also with Carmel itself.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The team at the Hofsas House loves the great outdoors and exploring the Coast.  We offer the perfect European ambiance for hikers! Within minutes of the hotel, you can experience hikes in Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley and Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness. After a day of hiking, relax your tired muscles in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas.

This September we invite you to explore Point Lobos State Reserve!

This beautiful promontory has been called "the crown jewel of the State Park system." It's also an inviting hiking spot, with convenient trails that allow hikers to go for short scenic walks or long traipses.

Once you enter the reserve, take a right and head to the parking lot at Whalers Cove, where you'll begin your hike. From the parking lot, you'll see a staircase going straight up the steep hill. That's the beginning of the North Shore Trail. Take that staircase, and, when you get to the top, take a break by admiring the view. You'll continue to see these stunning views throughout your hike - a perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath! From many of the cliffs, you'll have great views of the Carmel coastline and Pebble Beach. This trail runs 1.4 miles to the Sea Lion Point parking area. If that's enough for you, just follow the paved road back to the Whalers Cove parking lot.

If you're looking for more, take the Cypress Grove loop, which leads through a natural cypress grove and along spectacular seaside cliffs for 8/10 of a mile. You can then continue along the Sea Lion Point Trail for 6/10 of a mile (with views of - you guessed it - sea lions, as well as fascinating rock formations), and follow another mile along the coast along the South Shore Trail. Complete your loop of Point Lobos by taking the Bird Island Trail around China Cove and Gibson Beach, with great views of a Brandt's cormorant nesting area. Backtrack to the Mound Meadow Trail, which will take you across a wooded area and back to the road to the Whalers Cove parking lot.

From September 1 - 30, 2013 the Hofsas House explores nature with its special Hiking Package. Mention this Hiking Packing when reserving a minimum of two nights and receive a $25 gift certificate to 5th Avenue Deli, the perfect place to get your picnic for the hike. 5th Avenue Deli is located only 2.5 blocks from the hotel. When booking online, indicate HHNature to receive this gift certificate upon arrival. This offer is not valid with any other discounts or promotions.

Carmel is a cultural Mecca — the home of the venerable Carmel Bach Festival, as well as the Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay and the Monterey Symphony. All perform at the Sunset Center, the city’s fine arts center that puts on performances and lectures, and serves as a venue for city events.

Three theater groups — Pacific Repertory Theater, The Forest Theater Guild and the Cherry Center for the Performing Arts — all put on year-round productions.

Carmel is known for its art galleries, which include painting, sculpture and photography, and there are cultural events such as the Carmel Art & Film Festival, the Carmel Art Festival, and numerous food and wine events.

In addition to music, theater and art galleries, enjoy the historic buildings. See one of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic homes on the oceanfront in Carmel. It is a private home and tours are only available rarely, but it can be seen on Scenic Road or from the beach.

Did you know? Carmel is home to more than 20 wavy-roofed, classic cottages built by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s and ’30s.

Looking for an afternoon adventure exploring a historic building? Enjoy the following tours:

Mission San Carlos de Borremeo de Carmelo is one of the missions built by Father Junipero  Serra in 1771 as part of the California Mission system.

Tor House and Hawk Tower is on the National Historic Landmark list. Renowned poet Robinson Jeffers built this stone masterpiece — one of Carmel’s first homes — for his bride.

The First Murphy House has been preserved as Carmel-by-the-Sea’s first house and is home to the Carmel Heritage Society.

Ask our concierges to help you put together an afternoon full of culture and history in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offers a Sunset Beach Package July - October 2013. What could be better than enjoying a sunset fire and s’mores at the beach? Enjoy watching the sunset while lounging on the deep white sands of Carmel Beach with views of Point Lobos and Pebble Beach 

The Hofsas House invites guests to order a hotel canvas bag and wood bundle with all the fixings for s’mores and head down to the beach (south of 10th Avenue ) at their leisure.   Four legged friends and a bottle of wine are also permitted on Carmel Beach .

The Hofsas House Sunset Beach package Includes:

Wood and starter for a 3 x 3 foot beach fire

Comfy oversized beach blankets to relax upon

All the fixings for s'mores including marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham crackers and long handled roasting sticks (for 10 people)

Safety Flashlight

Total cost is $60.  Return the beach package tote bag and skewers and you will receive a $10 refund.  Beach fire must be ordered from the Hofsas House 24 hours in advance and subject to availability.  Package can be booked through the Hofsas House concierge or if reserving online use Booking Code: HHSunset.

The team at the Hofsas House invites you to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.

Here are some of the Hofsas House teams favorite bike rides.

•   Try the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path that goes from Pacific Grove all the way north to... Castroville, some 29 miles long. See the seals and sea otters by Fisherman's Wharf or stop for a bite to eat on the Commercial Wharf at The Sand Bar Grill.

•   One of General Manager Carrie Thies' favorite bike routes is about five miles that goes from the Hofsas House, down to Scenic Avenue going south along the Carmel Bay and to the Carmel River. Stop by the Carmel Mission for a bit of history and go along Rio Road and cross Highway 1 and have lunch at Rio Grill . The grilled artichoke is the best!

•   For serious bikers, Ford Ord Public Lands have both mountain bike trails and paved-road cycling. Try the suggested 8 mile route to get acquainted with the area.

Ask the Hofsas House Concierge about renting bikes in the area. We can have bikes delivered to the Hotel for a day rental or we can arrange to have you pick them up in Monterey near the Coastal Bike Path for a half a day rental.

We offer two types of bike rentals:

The Comfort Cruiser with 7 gears and & a comfort saddle for $8 per hour/$24 -  4 hours/$32 -  8 hours

The Hybrid with 21 gears for $9 per hour/$27  -  4 hours/$36  -  8 hours

With 24 hours' notice our concierges can have a bike delivered to you at the hotel! 

Hofsas House Pick!  Best Sunday Ride

Depart the Hofsas House Hotel and bike down to Mission Ranch for Sunday Brunch.  Cruise down Ocean Avenue and then follow Scenic Drive around the bluffs of Carmel to the Carmel River Beach.  Stop and enjoy the scenery of Point Lobos, check out the birding spot and continue biking through the quaint residential streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea to Mission Ranch!  Brunch is served. Ahhh the perfect Sunday.

Contact us today and spend the perfect Sunday with us!

Along with the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium and nature-friendly Point Lobos, there's a world of fun for kid’s right here in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Outdoors or in, a host of activities keep young visitors happily occupied from morning 'til bedtime.

Here are our favorite family friendly activities:

Explore Carmel's beautiful white sand beach and adjacent tide pools.

Take a hike through Forest Hill Park and Mission Trail Park. 

Attend surf school. Drop by the Carmel Youth Center.

Rent bikes.  The Hofsas House Hotel concierge can you help you coordinate. 

Take in 9 holes or a golf lessons for kids at the Peter Hay Golf Course at Pebble Beach.

Picnic and hike at Point Lobos!

Rent a family kayak from Adventures by the Sea.

Young artists can make their own creations at Glazes Studio, a colorful, fun, and playful place for kids of all ages.

See a show like The Wizard of Oz at the outdoor Forest Theater.

And be sure to visit the very cool Carmel Children's Library.

For more information check out the website at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.  http://www.carmelcalifornia.org/things-to-do/Family_Friendly.aspx

Our staff is frequently asked what they like to do with their families.  Here are our staffs Family Friendly Picks … drumroll please.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo

The beautifully restored Carmel Mission. Still a working church and school, take time to explore the park-like grounds.  Even young ones will appreciate the quietness of the Basilica, even if for just a few minutes. Direct your kids to the nativity scene in the back left-corner of the Basilica. According to volunteers it’s like no other in the world, because of something tastefully hidden in it’s midst. Challenge your kids (and yourself) to figure out what “it” is. (I don’t want to give away the surprise.) Check it out, if you’re stumped, grab a volunteer to help in the search.

Ocean Avenue

Tree-lined Ocean Avenue is a shopper’s dream. Start in the park across the street from Tiffany and Co. Once the kids have rolled around in the grass for a bit, start window shopping your way to the waves. Kids don’t like to shop? No worries. Have them count the dogs. Trust me, there’s so many, they’ll lose count more than once. Even better, have your kids hunt for the numerous water bowls hidden among the flowers for thirsty hounds out on the town. Dogs dig Carmel.

Get Sandy

Carmel-by-the-Sea has one of the most beautiful beaches. Just keep heading down Ocean Drive, and you’ll be rewarded. The beach is leash-free, so dogs and kids run freely in the sand.   Ask for a free Frisbee to take with you to the beach.

Share your favorite family friendly activities to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/hofsashousehotel.

Summer is almost here.  How will you plan your family’s summer get away?

Family, heritage and relative connections are of utmost importance to all of us. At the Hofsas House Hotel our family understands this only too well, and our team is now pleased to offer a special Celebrate Family package. With it, you can now bring your relatives together for a living “family tree.”

Celebrating family is easy at the Hofsas House! The Theis family has been running the Hofsas House for more than 60 years! Offering affordable lodging options, close proximity to Monterey Airport and year-round activities, there is something to keep everyone happy. The Celebrate Family package provides groups rates for rooms (with 5 or more rooms booked with a two night minimum), complimentary continental breakfast, wine and cheese upon arrival, and much more.

Families can enjoy our poolside meeting facility and share an evening of laughter, games and shared memories. The meeting facility offers a comfortable setting for up to 40 people depending on the configuration of the room.

By utilizing the six round tables, a sit down dinner for 30 can be accomplished very easily by either having it catered by a local restaurant or preparing it in the complete kitchen that contains an oven, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Share your memories around the wood burning fireplace. Make memories to last a lifetime.

Let the Hofsas House Celebrate Family package help you celebrate your very special bonds with those you care about most. Call us today and let the Hofsas House family help plan the perfect getaway at a price that will make everyone happy.

Hofsas House Family Reunion Package includes

·Group Rates on Guests Rooms (starting at $ 135 .00 per night, excluding tax when 5 or more rooms are booked for a two night minimum)

·Welcome wine with cheese and cracker tray upon arrival

·Complimentary Continental Breakfast

·Discounted Price On Use of Poolside Meeting Facility ($75.00)

·One complimentary family portrait session on the beach by certified professional photographers; also receive a free 8x10 photograph. The photo image and additional photos can be purchased directly from the photographer.

Offer does not apply to existing groups and are subject to availability. Offer is subject to change without notice and some blackout dates may apply. Minimum night stay required.

Call Hofsas House Owner and General Manager, Carrie Theis, personally to make reservation.

Experience the Hofsas House and all Carmel-by-the-Sea has to Offer!

The Hofsas House offers you the suggestions for a perfect weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Spend your weekend exploring the arts, culture, cuisine, pubs, and spas that make Carmel one of the Pacific Coast’s brightest vacation spots.

Start the day with a brisk walk along spectacular Scenic Road where Carmel’s trademark ocean views take your breath away — followed by coffee and a croissant at a local coffee house or bakery.

Get a great overview of our village’s “open-air art museum” at the Carmel Art Association, a showcase for renowned California artists since 1927, when it became the first art association west of the Mississippi. Then, sample 100 A-List galleries tucked into a square mile of quaint streets and alleyways. Visit www.carmelart.org for details.

Enjoy a wide range of casually elegant cuisine, including a number of Wine Spectator-awarded restaurants. From sushi to Italian to hearty pub fare, Carmel has the best of everything.Enjoy Mundaka Restaurant, Flaherty’s Restaurant, Grasing’s, Carmel Cheese Shop and so many more!

Experience the charming history of our famed art colony with a self-guided walking tour that starts at Carmel Heritage Society’s First Murphy House, a 1902 legacy of Carmel’s charming history, and Comstock House. Visit www.CarmelHeritage.org for details.

Sample cheeses and other gourmet treats from around the world at The Cheese Shop, a Carmel landmark for three decades, located at Carmel Plaza. Visit www.CarmelPlaza.com for details.

Sip local and international wines at Galante Vineyards, Southern Latitude Wines, and La Bicyclette, among many others. Enjoy the new Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk.

Enjoy a casually exquisite dinner at one of Carmel’s dozens of top-drawer restaurants, followed by a live performance at the Golden Bough Playhouse, home of Pacific Repertory Theatre; the landmark Sunset Center, the Monterey Peninsula’s leading venue for top national and global performers of all kinds; or the Forest Theater, the nation’s first outdoor live theater west of the Rockies.   

Toast to the day’s adventures in the authentic pub atmosphere of popular spots like Jack London’s Bar & Grill, Brophy’s or the Hog’s Breath Inn, once owned by Clint Eastwood.

Top off the evening with a beach fire and s’mores on captivating Carmel Beach, rated one of America’s cleanest and prettiest.

Contact the Hofsas House today and let us help you plan your perfect weekend in Carmel-By-The-Sea!

Monterey County Named The 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2013 By Wine Enthusiast

Check out Carmel’s new Wine Walk by-The- Sea currently features 7 wine tasting venues. The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ is also pleased to offer the Wine Tasting Passport and added value to sweep visitors away to seven different tasting rooms. The $50 Passport, a $70 value, provides tasters with one $10 flight at each of the seven tasting rooms of Caraccioli Cellars, Coastview Vineyards, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Manzoni Cellars, Scheid Vineyards, Wrath and Vino Napoli.

The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ Wine Tasting Passport allows guests the ability to taste the distinct flavors of each tasting room all in one day or to spread the tastings out over a weekend, several weeks, or even months. The Wine Tasting Passport is available for purchase at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on San Carlos between 5th & 6th in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Stay at the Hofsas House Hotel and enjoy our special wine and cheese package for $30 . Enjoy a bottle of Ventana Wines and cheese from the Cheese Shop … a Carmel cheese lover’s heaven!

Spend the morning walking on Carmel beach, wine taste in the afternoon and have dinner at a local restaurant with an award-winning wine cellar – all without getting in your car. Or drive to Carmel Valley for wine tasting in charming country settings. You can say you’ve been here when Monterey County becomes the new Napa.

Wine Enthusiast Names Monterey County Wine Region The 10 Best In The World!

http://lajollamom.com/2013/01/10-best-wine-travel-destinations/

Stay, Watch & Play! Come and stay at the Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea to go to a practice round of the AT&T Golf Tournament. The practice rounds are less crowded and cameras are allowed! Then go play a round of golf at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club. Stay, Watch & Play package starts at $300 and includes a one night stay for two people, one bed, at the Hofsas House, two rounds of 18 holes of golf and cart at Quail Lodge and a continental breakfast. Pricing is good for Sunday, February 3 thru Wednesday, February 6th and is based on availability and does not include taxes. Call today to make your room reservation and we will take care of your tee time: 1-800-221-2548.  www.hofsashouse.com

It's time to bid aideu to 2012 and welcome New Year 2013 with great fun and enthusiasm. As the New Year dawns, everyone is getting in the spirit of grand celebrations. The team at the Hofsas House in Carmel-By-The-Sea wishes you a warm and heartfelt New Year to your loved ones.

Start the New Year with preserving those memories that you cherish so much!  Did you know?  The Hofsas House offers the perfect crafters getaway! Think of the Hofsas House as a girls get away for quilting, knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, cross stitching, stamping, and more. Bring a group to Carmel and utilize the hotels spacious, secure and well lit poolside meeting room with full kitchen and fireplace.

The Hofsas House Hotel installs special lighting to add to the natural light that comes into the room. Groups can also make use of the hotels kitchen.  Learn more about our special offer click here.

Happy New Year!

May the Christmas season

fill your home with joy,

your heart with love

and your life with laughter.

Every holiday season our family has traditions.  This year we want to share what makes our holidays sparkle.  We hope you enjoy!

1.  Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea to look at Christmas lights.  Take a stroll and soak it all in!

2.  Christmas Movie Night!  Celebrate Xmas with Clark Griswold, Charlie Brown and The Grinch. What is your favorite holiday movie?

3.   Buying and picking out the family Christmas Tree and decorating.  Ahhh the memories.  Stop by and check out the Hofsas House lobby tree!

4.   Putting out Santa's cookies and milk.  Don't let Santa leave on an empty stomach.

5.   Baking Christmas cookies.  Home baked cookies all the way.

6.   Hanging the Christmas lights.  You don't have to go all out, but a little color is a must.

7.   And our favorite Theis Family tradition is … Christmas Dinner.  Christmas traditions start at the dinner table.

Try Carrie's favorite holiday cookie recipe at home.  The cookie is the Sugar Zwieback.

Ingredients

Recipe makes 4 dozen

·    1 cup milk

·    4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

·    1/4 cup honey

·    1/2 teaspoon salt

·    2/3 cup white sugar

·    1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

·    1/4 cup warm water

·    1 egg

·    4 cups all-purpose flour

·    1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1.  Heat milk in a small saucepan until just starting to bubble. Remove from heat; stir in butter, honey and salt. Set aside and let cool. Set aside 2 teaspoons sugar. Stir remaining sugar into milk mixture. Let cool to room temp.

2.  In a large bowl, combine yeast and lukewarm water. Set aside 5 minutes for yeast to soften. Beat cooled milk mixture, egg, 4 cups flour, and nutmeg into yeast mixture.

3.  Knead dough in a bowl, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if necessary, until a smooth, soft dough forms. Divide dough into 8 balls 3 inches in diameter. Place balls 4 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets; pat into 4 inch rounds. Brush tops of rounds with water and    sprinkle with reserved sugar. Set aside, lightly covered with kitchen towels, about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Bake raised rounds 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven; leave oven on. Let cool on sheets 10-15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

5.  With a serrated knife, cut each round into six 1/2-inch slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on cookie sheets and return to oven for 5 minutes. Turn slices and bake 5 to 7 minutes longer, or until golden on both sides. Turn off heat and leave in unopened oven until cool, about 45 minutes. Store in tightly covered container.

Hofsas House has one of the most pet friendly hotels around, and you'll realize it from the moment you and your pet check in. All pets receive their own gifts including a Frisbee and special treat to start their vacation. Carmel comfort for you and your furry friends! For the month of November 2012, dogs stay free! You also receive a complementary doggie welcome package upon arrival!

Everybody needs a break, including your four-legged friend! Bring your pet for a one-night stay at the pet friendly Hofsas House and chase your blues away. Hofsas House makes it easy with a great rate, an in-room bed for your furry friend and a special Frisbee to take to beautiful Carmel Beach! Make your pet the first on the block to have a Hofsas House getaway!

Don’t forget to meet our Pet Concierge Cajun!   He is featured in the November issue of Carmel Magazine.

Hofsas House in Carmel- by- the- Sea , offers Holiday ’s Are Where the Heart Is package! Stay at the Hofsas House any date in November and December 2012 and enjoy rate discounts and family fun!

Kids will enjoy ginger bread houses to decorate in-room while adults sip award winning local wines. Whether you are visiting family or just looking for that special holiday getaway, Hofsas House will help make your holidays memorable.

Accommodations start at $179 for a spacious room with two queen beds or for a two bedroom family suite (king with two queen beds, two bathrooms) $239 per night plus taxes. (This includes one Gingerbread making kit, a bottle of award winning Ventana Vineyards Wines and a cheese tray in room upon arrival. Holidays Are Where The Heart Is package must be ordered 72 hours in advance and subject to availability)

Package can be booked through the Hofsas House concierge. Offer valid with a minimum of a 1 night stay at the Hofsas House. Expires December 31 2012. Booking Code: HHHoliday.

The team at the Hofsas House in Carmel-By-The-Sea loves the great outdoors and exploring the Coast.  We offer the perfect European ambiance for hikers! Within minutes of the hotel, you can experience hikes in Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley and Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness. After a day of hiking, relax your tired muscles in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas.

This September we invite you to try two new hikes we have found and love!

Bird Rock to Indian Village – Pebble Beach

This casual day hike is a great break from the usual 17-mile Drive for those who want to explore the Del Monte forest that reaches into Pebble Beach.  Start at Bird Rock on the coast and begin a stroll up the coast to Seal Rock before venturing across the sand dunes inland through Monterey pines towards Indian Village.  After one mile you will arrive at a grassy picnic area with a log cabin, named Indian Village for as it was thought to be used by the Costanoan Indians as a spa before the Spanish missionaries arrived in the 1700s.

Duration: 1 hour

Length: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Beginner/ Casual

Buckeye Nature Trail – Garland Ranch Regional Park, Carmel Valley

Named for its shady Buckeye Trees, take the Buckeye Nature Trail at Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley for a moderate hike any time of the year.  Hike along the trial and stop frequently to learn more about the flora that reside in the Carmel area, as well as how natives and settlers used the plants as medicines and foods.  Make sure to grab a map of Garland Ranch at the visitor’s center so you can continue the exploration of the favorite local hiking spot!

Duration: 2 hours

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

From September 1 - 30, 2012 the Hofsas House explores nature with its special Hiking Package. Mention this Hiking Packing when reserving a minimum of two nights and receive a $25 gift certificate to 5th Avenue Deli, the perfect place to get your picnic for the hike. 5th Avenue Deli is located only 2.5 blocks from the hotel. When booking online, indicate HHNature to receive this gift certificate upon arrival. This offer is not valid with any other discounts or promotions.

At the Hofsas House in Carmel-By-The-Sea, family, heritage and relative connections are of utmost importance to all of us. Our family understands this only too well, and our team is now pleased to offer a special Celebrate Family package. With it, you can now bring your relatives together for a living “family tree.”

Celebrating family is easy at the Hofsas House! The Theis family has been running the Hofsas House for more than 60 years! Offering affordable lodging options, close proximity to Monterey Airport and year-round activities, there is something to keep everyone happy. The Celebrate Family package provides groups rates for rooms (with 5 or more rooms booked with a two night minimum), complimentary continental breakfast, wine and cheese upon arrival, and much more.

Families can enjoy our poolside meeting facility and share an evening of laughter, games and shared memories. The meeting facility offers a comfortable setting for up to 40 people depending on the configuration of the room.

By utilizing the six round tables, a sit down dinner for 30 can be accomplished very easily by either having it catered by a local restaurant or preparing it in the complete kitchen that contains an oven, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Share your memories around the wood-burning fireplace. Make memories to last a lifetime.

Let the Hofsas House Celebrate Family package help you celebrate your very special bonds with those you care about most. Call us today at 831-624-2745 and let the Hofsas House family help plan the perfect getaway at a price that will make everyone happy.

Hofsas House Family Reunion Package includes:

-Group Rates on Guests Rooms (starting at $125.00 per night, excluding tax when 5 or more rooms are booked for a two night minimum)

-Complimentary Continental Breakfast

-Discounted Price On Use of Poolside Meeting Facility ($75.00)

-One complimentary family portrait session on the beach by one of our certified professional photographers, also receive a free 8x10 photograph. The photo image and additional photos can be purchased directly from the photographer.

Offer does not apply to existing groups and are subject to availability. Offer is subject to change without notice and some blackout dates may apply. Minimum night stay required. The Hofsas House Family Reunion Package is available from May 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012.  Contact us or email at info@hofsashouse.com for additional information.

The Hofsas House in Carmel- by- the-Sea, offers a Sunset Beach Package June - October 2012. What could be better than enjoying a sunset fire and s’mores at the beach? Enjoy watching the sunset while lounging on the deep white sands of Carmel Beach with views of Point Lobos and Pebble Beach . The Hofsas House invites guests to order a hotel canvas bag and wood bundle with all the fixings for s’mores and head down to the beach (south of 10^thAvenue ) at their leisure. Four legged friends and a bottle of wine are also permitted on Carmel Beach .

The Hofsas House Sunset Beach package Includes:

• Wood and starter for a 3 x 3 foot beach fire
• Comfy oversized beach blankets to relax upon 
• All the fixings for s'mores including marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham crackers and long handled roasting sticks (for 10 people)
• Safety Flashlight

Total cost is $60. Beach fire must be ordered from the Hofsas House 24 hours in advance and subject to availability.

Package can be booked through the Hofsas House concierge or if reserving online use Booking Code: HHSunset.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com. Like us on Facebook.

The sun is shining.  Check out Carmel ’s new Wine Walk By-The- Sea  currently features 7 wine tasting venues. The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ is also pleased to offer the Wine Tasting Passport and added value to sweep visitors away to seven different tasting rooms. The $70 value provides tasters with one $10 flight at each of the seven tasting rooms of Caraccioli Cellars, Coastview Vineyards, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Mazoni Cellars, Scheid Vineyards, Wrath and Vino Napoli.

The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ Wine Tasting Passport allows guests the ability to taste the distinct flavors of each tasting room all in one day or to spread the tastings out over a weekend, several weeks, or even months. The Wine Tasting Passport is available for purchase at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on San Carlos between 5th & 6th in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Stay at the Hofsas House  and enjoy our special wine and cheese package.  Enjoy a bottle of Ventana Wines  and cheese from the Cheese Shop  … a Carmel cheese lover’s heaven!

Spend the morning walking on Carmel beach, wine taste in the afternoon and have dinner at a local restaurant with an award-winning wine cellar – all without getting in your car. Or drive to Carmel Valley for wine tasting in charming country settings. You can say you’ve been here when Monterey County becomes the new Napa.