Rediscover Three Beautifully Renovated Hotels in the South Bay

Hyatt Pacific Edge

Bernardus Spa

1. Bernardus Lodge and Spa Some might say just sipping chardonnay poolside is enough of an adventure for any wine lover staying at this recently renovated treasure in Carmel Valley. Under new ownership, the property has undergone a four-month multimillion-dollar transformation that included a few small enhancements to the award-winning restaurant Lucia. A range of culinary and cardio activities are on offer and a $65 passport is good for one $10 flight at nine tasting rooms. Rooms start at $475, bernarduslodge.com.

Toll House Riding

2. Toll House Hotel Sister property to Tiburon Tavern and Casa Madrona, the Toll House Hotel, just off the idyllic town square in Los Gatos, has been renovated with a rebranding of the on-site restaurant as Verge Restaurant and Lounge. A “Sips and Saddles” package offers breakfast for two, a scenic horseback ride and a picnic with wine tasting. With a small-town vibe evocative of Marin, Los Gatos features award-winning restaurants, high-end boutiques and access to nearby wineries. Rooms start at $254, tollhousehotel.com.

Hyatt Pacific Edge

3. Hyatt Carmel Highlands A longtime foodie destination featuring jaw-dropping views at the award-winning Pacific’s Edge Restaurant, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands is always a crowd pleaser. The revamped property offers a daylong winery tour with private guide that covers the entire winemaking process, with information about Salinas Valley agriculture, and ends with a picnic lunch. Rooms start at $399, highlandsinn.hyatt.com.

This article originally appeared in Marin Magazine’s print edition with the headline: “In With the New”.


Mimi Towle

Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.