Los Laureles Lodge, Carmel Valley

Despite the mediocre reviews for the Los Laureles Lodge here on Yahoo, I was fooled by Kim Severson's 2003 SF Chronicle article extolling the virtues of this historic property. While the owners/operators were friendly enough, the first room we were given was dark and gloomy, which combined with the noise from the pool bar and adjacent highway was enough for us to immediately request a room change, though the afternoon pool party scene never changed during our stay. (Avoid as well the mediocre Saloon food.) My partner and I had a much better time on a previous visit to Carmel Valley at the Hidden Valley Inn, where at least we had a clear view of the mountains during our relaxing pool sessions and could walk safely and easily to tasty meals at Corkscrew and Cafe Rustica.