Relax and Recharge at this Carmel-by-the-Sea Gem
Located just 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea simply oozes charm. This one-square mile European-style village boasts Bavarian-style homes, quaint shops, galleries of all sorts, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California. Often described as a storybook setting, this Northern California enclave is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge. And there’s no better place to hang your that than Hofsas House — a historic property with modern access upgrades, and an owner with the right attitude.
Hofsas House
Located just a few blocks from the town center, Hofsas House (www.hofsashouse.com) is an excellent lodging choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Although this property dates back to 1957, owner Carrie Theis has proactively made access upgrades over the years, so that guests with mobility disabilities can enjoy this Carmel-by-the-Sea gem.
Although there are two steps up to the front office (and absolutely no room for a ramp), Carrier offers in-car registration for guests with mobility disabilities. After that, you can drive around and park right in front of accessible room 37. And if you need help, luggage assistance is also available. There are a few slight half-inch lips along the pathway to the room, but all-in-all it’s pretty doable.
Access features in the room include wide doorways, good pathway access, and level access out to the spacious back balcony. Since the property is built into the hillside, this street level room is actually on the third floor, so there’s a great ocean view from the balcony. There is wheelchair-access on both sides of the 25-inch high king-sized bed, and the room is also furnished with two easy chairs, a small table, a microwave and a refrigerator,
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius, and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink with a very spacious counter is located just outside the bathroom.
Bottom line — it’s a comfortable room with good access and a great view.
But Wait — There’s More!
Of course there’s more to Hofsas House than just the room — they also go above and beyond in the service department too. For example, thanks to Carrie’s relationship with a local non-profit, she can provide a variety of medical equipment; from wheelchairs and shower chairs, to toilet risers and even walkers. Just let her know what you need, and she’ll see if she can borrow it.
And if you can’t manage the two steps up to the lobby, Carrie will happily deliver the included Continental breakfast to your room.
In the end, Carrie is continually finding ways to make her historic property more accessible. She is particularly proud of her access upgrades to the pool area, which includes a barrier-free pathway and a pool lift.
Says Carries, “If we can accommodate folks, we will; but I encourage people to call us and discuss their access needs, so we can provide them with the right room.” Also a member of the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council, Carrie adds, “I know every property in town, and if our place won’t work, I will suggest one that will.”
