This Chic Northern California Hotel Just Reopened With a Heated Outdoor Pool and Beautiful Gardens Overlooking the Beach

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, La Playa Hotel is where Steve Jobs unveiled the first Macintosh computer.

Throughout its more than a 110-year-old history, La Playa Hotel has become a staple in Carmel-by-the-Sea's — and Northern California's — social life. The lush property, known for its immaculately landscaped gardens, was built in 1905 and originally served as an atelier for artist Chris Jorgensen and his wife, chocolate heiress Angela Ghirardelli, but in the decades that followed, was transformed into a quaint retreat that hosted artists and innovators, including Apple's Steve Jobs (who reportedly unveiled the first Mac computer here).

Now, following a $15-million renovation, the legendary property continues its legacy with a new look that elegantly blends historical references and modern amenities.

"La Playa was originally conceived as a seaside escape during Carmel's early bohemian era that played host to some of the greatest literati, artists, and poets of the time," said John Grossman, president of Marc & Rose Hospitality, the property's owner, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. "Together with [design studio] Post Company, we sought to unearth the essence of place and time through a focused attention on how the hotel itself–and Carmel in general–might have looked and felt during that era."

The property's 75 rooms and suites now have updated interiors with contemporary furnishings softened by thoughtful accents such as custom landscape paintings, brass doorknobs, and tasseled cabinet pulls. In-room amenities include fully stocked bars with curated cocktail recipes and oversized windows looking out to the hotel's beautiful gardens and the ocean. Bathrooms are clad in colorful tiles and stocked with Le Labo toiletries.

"Our goal was simple: to stylistically return La Playa to the halcyon of that time, while infusing essential upgrades to meet the expectations of today's traveler," Grossman explained.

Guests can socialize in the reimagined lobby with a grand stone fireplace or, even better, in Bud's Bar, an institution in Carmel-by-Sea. Named after one of the hotel's former owners, Howard "Bud" Allen, the space features moody lighting, dark woods, amber-hued mirrors, and historic photographs. In the 1960s, Allen debuted a "10-minute happy hour," where guests could purchase a drink for a dime, provided they had exact change.

But even in its reimagined version, its spectacular gardens remain at the heart of the property, navigated via a network of winding paths overlooking Carmel Point and Bay. Travelers can also unwind by the heated pool and sundeck or walk a couple of blocks to Carmel Beach.

Nightly rates at La Playa Hotel start from $500, and you can book your stay on the hotel's website.

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