Ready To Be Tickled Pink?
In December, my husband and I decided to visit the Tickle Pink Inn to see for ourselves. Planning our trip was easy using their website. There is an option to see the view from each room. This is a great way to remove some of the guess work so you don’t have to wait and hope for the best. Our view from the room was amazing! This boutique property boasts breathtaking ocean views in the Carmel Highlands. When we were perusing the website, room availability was limited; however, if there is a specific room/view you prefer, you can view the available dates on a calendar. We opted for a better view as a result of this feature, and it was well worth the additional cost.
“If you stay here once, you will be back. It gets inside of you like a lovely bar of music.”
We were pleasantly surprised to find out our stay included a welcome bottle of champagne on ice with artisan truffles, deluxe continental breakfast, evening wine and cheese reception, and many other luxurious amenities. I can appreciate why the guest stories over the years reiterate one guest’s sentiment, “If you stay here once, you will be back. It gets inside of you like a lovely bar of music.”
The breakfast was more than continental; it included hot breakfast options like potatoes, eggs, and bacon. You can opt for breakfast in bed if you prefer, at no extra charge. Otherwise, breakfast is served in a quaint comfortable reception room that opens up to a cliffside terrace with spectacular views. The evening wine and cheese reception is also served there, which changes the view to a sweeping sunset and twinkling lights.
Since 2015, the property has undergone improvements, with new amenities and décor, including updated artwork, ADA upgrades, new signage, an extended room service menu, new bedding and entry doors, and various personal touches for guests. One fun amenity includes a DVD player and a list of some of the best classic movies of all time. I was familiar with many of them as my mother turned me on to them when I was growing up, as did one of my college professors who taught a class about women in movies. The list included Academy Award winners such as “Casablanca,” “All about Eve,” and “Citizen Kane” to name a few.
“Adding to the adventure were the jagged edge ocean coastline and tree-covered mountains which are as magical as the sound of the ocean waves hitting the cliffs.”
“For six decades, guests have been leaving their unique experiences in notebooks which you will find in each room.”
Overlooking the famous Big Sur coastline along Highway 1, Tickle Pink Inn sits on the original home site of State Senator Edward and Mrs. Bess Tickle and was built by their good friends, the Gurries family, in 1956. Mrs. Tickle was a lover of flowers, especially pink ones, which inspired the name Tickle Pink for their home. The little cottage is no longer there, but the charm and memory remain at the Tickle Pink Inn. For six decades, guests have been leaving their unique experiences in notebooks which you will find in each room. I noticed people traveled to this locale from all over the world, many on their honeymoon. It was fun, and a little romantic, to read all the different stories. I, of course, had to share our experience in hopes of inspiring the newlyweds by noting that we have been married almost 25 years.
I love the Carmel Highlands area because of its gorgeous variety of views. It is a quick 8-minute drive to downtown Carmel. Adding to the adventure were the jagged edge ocean coastline and tree-covered mountains which are as magical as the sound of the ocean waves hitting the cliffs.
My suggestion would be to plan a getaway to the Tickle Pink Inn during the late fall or early winter when the chances of sunny clear skies are most likely. We went in early December and the weather was 79 degrees and clear. You also may have a better chance of getting the room you’d like since this popular place is booked pretty far in advance. I understand why it’s booked up and so many generations have returned here to make memories! I’m sure your visit to the Tickle Pink Inn will leave you feeling as pampered and relaxed as we did during our stay! I’d say we were definitely tickled pink!
www.ticklepinkinn.com
Photos Provided
