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Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel.

Family-friendly cottage in Carmel with a hot tub

Photo gallery for Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel.

Moonglow is nestled in the forest but minutes from downtown Carmel.
Welcome to Moonglow
Living room and bedroom
Living room
Living room fireplace

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 237.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Carmel By The Sea, CA
  • Place, Carmel Plaza
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Carmel Mission Basilica
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Living room

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Dining area

About this property

Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel.


Moonglow is available for 30 nights or longer stays. It is ideal for 2 people for a month or one person for multiple months.

Nestled into a beautiful setting overlooking the forest, you will find our rustic guest cottage perfect for your Carmel getaway. Moonglow is a unique oasis for those that enjoy the tranquility of the forest yet want to be minutes away from Carmel’s beautiful white sand beach and many artistic shops and restaurants.

A gorgeous deck surrounds Moonglow with plenty of seating, a barbecue for outdoor enjoyment and a heater for cool evenings. The patio has a table and 2 chairs for outdoor dining. The private hot tub under the stars beckons

For the active traveler Moonglow offers equipment for hiking, biking, tennis, golf and the beach. Walk or bike to unspoiled Hatton Canyon.

The beautiful bedroom has a double bed with a great mattress. The sleeper sofa is a queen. If you need a larger bed, Moonglow may not be the best choice for you.

Moonglow has a private bathroom with lovely tile shower, kitchenette and living room with a welcoming corner fireplace. There is also a sleeper sofa in the living room (converts to a queen bed) plus a bistro table with 2 chairs, a dresser with drawers, and a rocking chair.

The HDTV streams Netflix and other Apps seamlessly via the fast Comcast Wi-Fi.

Moonglow is smoke free. No pets, please.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number VR250013

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Carmel

Located in Carmel, this cottage is in the city centre and near the beach. Pebble Beach Golf Links and Fisherman's Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Carmel Beach and Monterey Bay. Travelling with kids? Make time for Monterey Bay Aquarium, or head to an event or a match at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Carmel By The Sea, CA

What's nearby

  • Carmel Plaza - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Sunset Center - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Carmel Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Carmel Mission Basilica - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Pebble Beach Golf Links - 6 min drive - 5.4 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 16 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Vesuvio - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Heaven - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Edwins Kaona - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Jeju Kitchen - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel. located?

This family-friendly Carmel cottage is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Forest Theater Guild and 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Beach is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 217 out of 245 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 245 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 245 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 245 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 245 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vida M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Stay

The hosts were very kind and helpful with recommendations, and the property was everything we had hoped for and more!.. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tonya W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Waters

THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING HOSPITALITY, until we meet again, go make today AWESOME
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Place To Stay

If you are looking for a nice place to stay close to Carmel and Monterey, you should consider staying at Moonglow. Clean, quiet and convienient.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and relaxing.

I quiet and unique stay. Well appointed and in a great location. Definitely recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Moonglow

it was an amazing experience! Owners were so helpful and pleasent. Beautiful.property
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, lovely cozy cottage in beautiful Carmel

The cozy little cottage is well appointed and very comfortable. The hosts are welcoming and friendly! The cottage is nestled in beautiful the gorgeous hill above Carmel; full of beautiful trees and sooo quiet. There is hiking nearby and bikes to ride. The cottage is walking distance to the beach and shopping.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert C., Austin,TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage in the woods

We loved the charm of this cottage and the location was barely outside of the downtown but still in the woods. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. We highly recommend them! Pura Vida Robert and Linda
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maggie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quintessential Carmel Cottage

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Moonglow. Cottage was comfortable, outside deck beautiful on sunny afternoons and the gas heater brings warmth in the evenings with a glass of wine. Location is great, you can enjoy Carmel by the Sea, drive up to Carmel Valley Village for wine tasting or drive down RT 1 and experience Big Sur.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

50th Wedding Anniversary

Celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Chuck & Diane are awesome.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dana M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway

This serene cottage was exactly what we needed. The bed was impressively comfortable and allowed us to get full night's of sleep, which is not the norm. The location could not have been better, central to everything but nestled away to provide the quiet we desired. The patio itself was a little oasis away from the hustle of daily life. And Chuck and Diane were absolutely wonderful, welcoming hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cottage

Stained-glass windows, airy vintage look, teal accents and beautiful scenery. Wonderful owners - gracious and friendly. Felt right at home with peaceful surroundings. If ever back in Carmel again, will definitely request Moonglow Cottage! Love it!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

William G., Paso Robles, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Moonglow

The owners were great very accommodating. The property was fantastic. Super quiet. My wife loved the hot tub. It is very convenient to downtown Carmel. Oh yes, the have an owl in residence we could hear at night. Definitely stay here!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage in the canyon

Our trip to the Moonglow cottage was fantastic. The location is perfect, quiet and surrounded by lush trees and flowers. The Cottage was so beautiful and welcoming with perfect touches to make it very comfortable. Chuck and Diane were the perfect host and hostess. They were friendly and helpful but not intrusive at all. We loved Bo, the dog, too!! We will return. We loved our visit!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hollis P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Moonglow Birthday Celebration

My husband and I stayed at Moonglow to celebrate his 80th birthday. Moonglow was the perfect get-away. The serenity and ambiance were perfect. The weather was somewhat cooperative. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed. The hot tub was delightful. Thank you for making this event memorable and special. Peace and blessings, Mr. & Ms. Jenkins
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful little studio!

Moonglow is a quaint little studio. The owners live in the hous3 and the studio is downstairs with its own entrance. The hot tub is on the deck outsider the upstairs of the home. Chuck and Diane couldn't have been nicer. There was so much attention to detail with folded towels and decorations. There was a complimentary bottle of wine (though we don't drink). It was very clean and with lots of light. Its not far from downtown and shops. We had a lovely time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Magical Stay in a Storybook Setting

Our recent stay in this Carmel-by-the-Sea cabin was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we had stepped into a fairy tale. The cabin is beautifully decorated with an extraordinary attention to detail—from the charming molding around the doors and ceilings to the thoughtful touches throughout the interior. Every corner reflects care and creativity.Inside, the space was cozy, spotless, and equipped with everything we could possibly need. Outside, we were surrounded by a peaceful, forest-like setting that offered multiple seating areas to relax and soak in the beauty. The private hot tub was an unexpected treat—perfect for unwinding under the stars.What truly made our stay special, though, were the hosts. Diane and Chuck were incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming. It’s clear they take great pride in their property and genuinely care about their guests' experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with them and appreciated their warm hospitality.We’re already dreaming of coming back. Highly, highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

It was a very beautiful place the forest was amazing everywhere we looked we were surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers the cottage was so beautiful inside it had everything you needed in it . We enjoyed our time there it was so relaxing and peaceful we would love to go back some day chuck and Diane are such wonderful people they made use feel really comfortable and asked us if we needed to let them know and the bottle of wine was very thoughtful our honeymoon at moonglow was everything we were looking for and more thank you chuck and Diane
Stayed 10 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

It is a very cute rental. Very nice hosts. Would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning outdoor space

I stayed with my daughter during college visits/tours and we both enjoyed coming back to spend time in the incredible outdoor space. The hot tub was wonderful after all the walking we were doing, the lush greenery and birds helped to create a super peaceful experience. The space inside was much tighter than anticipated, especially with the sofa bed open. And, given that the bathroom and compact kitchen were essentially in the bedroom, it was a little challenging logistically. That said, if a single person or a couple were staying, it may be just right for them. There were a few spiders and some ants just in the front door, but given the location near a wooded area, that wasn't surprising. Overall, we enjoyed our stay but the size wasn't ideal for our circumstances.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring break

Chuck and Diane are great hosts: there when you need them for help or trip ideas, and totally unobtrusive when you don't. Enjoyed meeting them.The location is fabulous for easily getting on Hwy 1, yet far enough away for peace and quiet. We got good leads from our hosts about local trails and were pleased by all our walks.The only minor observation was that because there are windows between the rooms (bedroom and living room, and bathroom and bedroom), if you are not a couple and have different night light preferences, you will need to adjust accordingly. Pleasant, quiet, and safe. Great little spot.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Moonglow was a perfect little paradise for my husband and I. The location is close to the airport and Carmel, but you wouldn't know that anything else was close once you drive up the driveway. It's secluded and serene. I wish the weather had been a little nicer to sit out on the deck. Diane and Check were great to visit with. We had a wonderful time, even sitting in the hot tub while it was raining. So many thoughtful touches- handwritten note, a bottle of wine, and chocolates.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful

Delightful, quiet, convenient spot of a Carmel getaway. Hoste were gracious and friendly!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laird M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage centrally located

The place had everything we needed. It was quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Snug and lovely

Really felt we were away from it all, tucked away in the forest❤️
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming cottage

We were very comfortable in Diane and Chuck's delightful cottage. It has been put together with artistry and anticipation of guests' needs: we appreciated the supplies of basic provisions for guests' use. The location is peaceful and relaxing despite its proximity to the centre of Carmel, just a 15-minute walk away. We particularly enjoyed the attractive timber deck with its range of seating.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Chuck and Diane

Host profile image
Our romance began in 1961 when Diane came to Carmel to be a 4th grade teacher at Carmel River School. She met Chuck who had just left the Navy's Blue Angels and was enrolled in the Naval Postgraduate School. In 1964 we were married and began a life together. Through the years, as a Navy family, we lived many places, but always returned to Carmel to visit our old friends and to bask in the beauty of the area. Of course, we always wished we had bought a place when we first lived here, and never really thought we would ever live in Carmel

Why they chose this property

In 2004 we fell in love with Sundance, a rustic and secluded home. We immediately bought it, sold our home in Del Mar, and became Carmelites. We love it here and have never looked back. Our family and friends enjoyed staying in the guest house, and after our son built a magnificent deck around it we christened it 'Moonglow' and decided to offer it as a vacation rental. As you can see from the guestbook, it has been very popular.

What makes this property unique

Moonglow is close to everything in Carmel, the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley and Big Sur, yet secluded and quiet.

Languages:

English
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