One of Carmel's original accommodations, the Colonial Terrace Inn sought out the peace and tranquility of the village neighborhood when it was built in 1925. The desire for a relaxing and natural setting resulted in what is now the closest inn to Carmel Beach, just steps from the sand and yet just a few blocks from the shops and restaurants of downtown Carmel. Visitors are treated to the quiet calmness of a residential area with the gentle roaring and ocean breezes of the nearby sea. Built and founded by Mrs. Ida Theurer in the 1920's and 30's, the property provides a considerable complex of cohesively designed and well sited buildings, modeled to blend visually with the predominant Colonial Revival style.

As an excellent example of the type and style of visitor accommodations developed in Carmel-by-the-Sea during the decade of the 1930's, it incorporates the unusual employment of a popular traditional eastern building style for the Carmel lodging industry. The use of stylized door surrounds, cornices, traditional building materials and other colonial detailing is coupled with the employment of Carmel stone, veneers and decorative exterior wood shingling that give the hotel a "Carmel" look.

The 1937 unusually shingled structure housing the current lobby and lounge was built by a German carpenter following Mrs. Theurer's trip to Oberammergau, Germany, where she became entranced with German architecture and woodworking.

Our collection of rooms and wonderful location provide the perfect retreat for couples and honeymooners, as well as a getaway for families, young people and adventurous souls seeking the romance and activities that the ocean front and Carmel Village provide.