CARMEL, CA., February 2007–Ideally located in the heart of Carmel, one block from Ocean Avenue on Monte Verde Street at Seventh, and a pleasant four block walk to famous Carmel Beach, Carmel’s newest hotel and restaurant, L’Auberge Carmel, has created a romance package for couples traveling to the popular Village-by-the-Sea.

The “LOVERS’ CARMEL ESCAPE”  package includes:
- two night stay in thoughtfully appointed king guest room
- house-made, natural fresh fruit essence water at check-in
- in-room welcome amenity of chilled half-bottle of Champagne
- couple’s massage in the privacy of your guest room
- one night’s dinner with selected wine pairings for two at critically acclaimed Restaurant L’Auberge Carmel, recently named #20 best restaurant in the USA by Gourmet magazine
- one night’s steaming scented bath service
- a CD of romantic music (your choice of three select artists)
-  nightly truffle turndown service
- daily European style breakfast for two
- all service fees, gratuities and taxes included

Rates for this special offer are $1459 for Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday arrivals, and $1599 for Friday and Saturday arrivals. The “Lovers’ Carmel Escape” is subject to availability throughout 2007 excluding holidays and special events.

L’Auberge Carmel is a renovated historic hotel dating to 1929. Its recent restoration reconfigured all of the 20 guest rooms, the entrance, and landscaping. Throughout, the ambiance of the hotel and restaurant is luxurious and romantic, combining modern with old-world charm. The decor accents the quaintness of original coved plaster walls, French windows and antique doorknobs with flat-panel tvs and wireless internet access. Individually designed enlarged bath areas feature antique travertine tiles with radiant floor heating, some with soaking tubs, artisan sinks and custom bath products. Guest room walls feature original black and white photography by Helmut Horn, and offer comfortably furnished seating areas. Luxurious designer beds are topped with romantic linens and cozy down bedding. L’Auberge Carmel is one of the village by the sea’s few full service inns offering guests valet parking, room service and highly personalized guest services.

Almost immediately upon opening the hotel and restaurant received critical acclaim from national magazines. The restaurant was featured in the January 2005 issue of Bon Appetit, as Best of the Year, Restaurant Hot Seat. Robb Report’s 17th annual “Best of the Best” June 2005 issue selected L’Auberge Carmel as one of the best new dining destinations in the United States. In January 2005,  Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Poll selected L’Auberge Carmel as the #42 best hotel in the United States, and the magazine’s January 2006 issue listed the hotel on its prestigious Gold List. In 2006 the hotel moved to #37 Hotel in the United States Readers’ Choice Awards in Conde Nast Traveler. Travel & Leisure named L’Auberge Carmel the #22 Hotel in the Top 100 in the Continental U.S. and Canada in 2006.

At the 12-table restaurant L’Auberge Carmel chef Tim Mosblech creates a dining experience designed to be a gastronomic journey. The multi-course meal begins with explosive bright and complex flavors, as the menu progresses the flavors become more pronounced with European influences and a respect for tradition. The menu has a simple focus; that each element be its very best. A diner’s only decision is to trust Tim and his kitchen team as they guide guests through a gastronomic journey with their nightly prix fixe menu.

Travelers interested in booking the “Lovers’ Carmel Escape” package, or to inquire for further information may telephone 831-624-8578 or visit the inn’s web site www.laubergecarmel.com.

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Contact:  Gabriela Knubis
Knubis Communications
707-265-7783
gabriela@knubis.com