Charming, while slightly dated cabins. Their small size puts evident limits on storage, but the small kitchen is practical, and the bathroom was adequate. The key here lies in knowing what you get, and be prepared for charm, instead of expecting a modern hotel infrastructure. No air-conditioning, so if it's sunny, the cabins get warm, However, they air out quickly too. The closeness of the cabins and shared walls mean you may overhear noisy neighbours. Service (based at the Lamplighter Inn) was very friendly and helpful, and even offered some personal treats to make us feel welcome.
My friend and I stayed at the Garden House, which was great as we did not want to share bedrooms, but could share the same living space and bath, and enjoyed the small terrace with rocking chairs. The location just at the edge of the centre of Carmel was great to explore the town by foot, while also car-parking is available. We greatly enjoyed staying at the Forest Lodge, and would go back and/or recommend to friends and colleagues who want to spend a few days in exploring the area.
Some of the negative remarks on the Forest Lodge seem to stem from false expectations or insufficient attention to the information given - like the fact that check-in and breakfast are at the Lamplighters, that not every cabin has AC, fireplace, etc.The staff are very approachable, so conversations by phone or email before deciding on a particular cabin could prevent much of the points expressed by some travellers.

The outdoor space at the Lamp Lighter was fantastic. The location was perfect too. I would recommend your Inn to others, but I would not recommend the Garrett Loft at the Forest Lodge (another property of the Lamplighter Inn). The stained glass windows, while beautiful, did not have shades. The nice outdoor lights on the central patio area were not so nice when they shined straight through the window onto the bed. The fan in our room did not work as well. We tried for over 20 minutes to get it operating. At midnight it was 77 degrees in the room even with the windows open and 55 degrees outside. I wonder if the people down below were using their fireplaces? It was a nice room, but very uncomfortable night's sleep.

My friends and I spent two nights in the Garrett Loft...each evening free wine and snacks are provided in the hotel's main courtyard as well as continental breakfast each morning. Our "hostess", Peggy, greeted us each evening and morning and she was eager to make things perfect for us, make us comfortable, and provide any little service for us that she could, i.e. directions to a specific place, suggestions for things to see. She went over and above the call of duty and and I thank the Forest Lodge and Peggy for a wonderful experience.

Forest Lodge and her sister property in Carmel (The Lamplighter Inn) are both owned and run by the same management. We thought we'd booked the L.I. but when we arrived at reception we were told our cottage was a few blocks away. We were not disappointed. In fact the F.L. is in a quieter location and the cottages are better spaced with nicer grounds.

Most cottages have a small sitting room plus bedroom and bath. All have access to a very pleasant decking area. Rooms are small but well furnished. Comfy beds, bathroom was a bit basic, but loads of towels.

If you are staying in the F.L. you can go to the L.I. for breakfast, but its a better idea to get breakfast delivered by staff from the Inn. You'll have to buy take away coffee or make some in the tiny kitched area.