The Quail is a delightful curiosity. The only hotel in the luxury Peninsula Hotels family that’s not a named Peninsula property, it swaps the brand’s signature urban polish for a relaxed charm that matches Carmel Valley’s laid-back vibe. The hotel’s mix of unfussy upscale offerings makes it a great fit for couples looking for a weekend getaway (the reason I was there). But the hotel’s playful spirit is what makes me want to return with my kids on a second visit.
A relaxed escape
Hammocks, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and a deck out over the hotel’s little lake are gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy. As I walked around the property, I found myself drawn to a dozen pretty spots where I could simply sit and watch.
An 18-hole Robert Muir Graves-designed golf course curves around the hotel, making it a magnet both for golfers and for birds and wildlife drawn to the greens and water features. After noticing birds, rabbits, and quail, I asked a staff member about the local wildlife and learned that more than 160 species have been spotted on the hotel grounds.
And a hub of activity
On the one hand, The Quail felt like a relaxed country stay. On the other, it’s a hub for events and activities. The hotel is part of a larger 850-acre property that includes the golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and the Land Rover Experience Center. And during the annual Monterey Car Week, The Quail hosts an event featuring vintage cars and motorcycles.
Though there are plenty of great restaurants a short drive from the hotel, The Quail’s Covey Grill earns destination status in its own right. The hotel’s recent move to dial up its culinary offerings with a new executive chef have paid off, with a menu that feels familiar but interesting and delivers on plating and flavors. Intrigued by the unusual pairing, I ordered the acorn and prawn risotto and was impressed at how light and subtle the dish was–no small feat for a risotto. In addition to Covey Grill, there’s also Edgar’s Restaurant at the golf clubhouse down the road.
Kid-friendly offerings
As a member of a family of four that now includes a tween and a teen, I understand the value of a room that’s set up to give everyone a bit of space. So I appreciated the Bungalow Suite, which pairs a king bed with a secondary space that has a pull-out sofa and can be separated for privacy.
Sweet family-pleasing details include s’mores kits to use at those fire pits around the property, e-bikes that adults and teens can borrow, a heated outdoor pool, a nine-hole putting course woven through the property, and plenty of room for little ones to play.
The Land Rover Experience
Among the hotel’s packages is Bring on the Mud, which pairs an overnight stay with a two-hour Land Rover Driving Experience, which takes place just down the road.
The Land Rover Experience Center is one of only three in the U.S. and offers drivers the chance to learn and practice off-road skills on the center’s closed course. I’ve accidentally off-roaded a number of times in my life, but learning actual skills was both fun and honestly shifted my entire relationship to driving. I learned both general skills like the importance of driving with your senses and specifics like how to drive through a big pit of mud without getting stuck. (Here’s a quick video of my experience.)
For families with teens 14 and older, there’s also a Young Off-Roader experience that teaches kids the fundamentals of driving, awareness, and off-road skills. As the parent of an almost 14-year-old, I will definitely be coming back for some help honing my kid’s safe driving skills.
Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley
I’ve visited Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its famous former mayor (Clint Eastwood), concentration of art galleries, dog-friendly offerings, and its charming refusal to use addresses (navigating downtown is an art that depends on cross-streets and patience) .
But before staying at The Quail, I’d never visited Carmel’s slightly inland agricultural wonderland, Carmel Valley. This lush narrow valley is dotted with roadside farm stands, vineyards and tasting rooms, flower farms, and relaxation-focused hotels.
Though its address is Carmel Valley, The Quail sits about equidistant between the hamlet of Carmel Valley and busy Carmel-by-the-Sea. For me, that was a real win, and gave me the chance to easily include both towns in my weekend visit. And bonus, Carmel is only about a 10-minute drive from Monterey or a 40-minute drive from Big Sur.
