Salinas, CA, May 30, 2016 - The Highlands Inn was built in 1916 by Frank Work and sold to J. Frank Devendorf, one of the co-founders of the city of Camel-by-the-Sea, who opened it in 1917. Devendorf envisioned an inn "that combined the rustic qualities of its setting, yet offered travelers all the luxury that the progress of the new century could offer," according to a story in The Monterey Peninsula Herald archives. Devendorf developed the Carmel Highlands as a residential community with a keen appreciation of its unique setting. Devendorf and his longtime foreman, Frank DeAmaral, planted pine trees and laid out the roads and building sites to be in harmony with the natural surroundings.

As early as 1906, the San Francisco Call newspaper devoted a full page to the "artists, poets and writers" of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Highlands.

Over the years, the Highlands Inn and the Carmel Highlands area became a haven for many artists and writers, including authors Robinson Jeffers, George Sterling, Jack London, Harry Leon Wilson and Mary Austin; journalist Jimmy Hopper; photographers Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, marine painter William Ritschel and Pulitzer Prize-winner playwright and novelist Martin Flavin.

Building on that tradition, the Carmel Highlands has continued to host notable celebrities, including Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Robert Redford, Tina Turner, Michael J. Fox, John Denver, Tony Bennett and John Travolta. The Highlands Inn has also played host to nobility, including the Crown Prince of Japan and the Crown Prince of Jordan.

About Pacific’s Edge:
Set on the edge of the earth overlooking the unforgettable ocean vistas, Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers award-winning cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere with glass walls and impeccable service standards. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Big Sur coastline as you savor innovative California coastal cuisine, made with the freshest seafood, meats and locally sourced produce and ingredients with a seasonal focus. An excellent choice for both everyday dining and special occasions, Pacific’s Edge Restaurant offers a convivial ambience along with jaw-dropping views that cannot be topped. Known as one of the best dining options in the area, our Carmel restaurant has received AAA’s 4 Diamond awards year after year, and been named as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in America by Zagat and one of the Top Ten Restaurants with a View by USA Today. You’ll also find an incredible wine menu, which has also been honored with Grand and Excellence awards by Wine Spectator.

About California Market:
With dramatic views of the breathtaking Big Sur California coastline and Yankee Point, California Market Restaurant provides an ideal setting for a delightful breakfast or lunch with friends in a casual bistro atmosphere. Dine in the sun on our expansive redwood deck, or eat indoors next to a warm pot-bellied stove as you experience the friendly and attentive service that Hyatt is known for around the world. California Market Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers something for every palate, with a rotating menu of fresh-caught seafood, seasonal local produce, gourmet sandwiches and daily specials. Start your day with a delicious breakfast array, savor a light lunch or sip a glass of fine California wine as you soak in the magnificent view. Reservations recommended. Please call 831-622-5450 or visit Open Table.

Renovation Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the renovations?

The renowned Hyatt Carmel Highlands is completing one of the most exciting renovations in its 99-year history. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Pacific’s Edge, along with the guestrooms, bar, hotel entrance and lobby area are undergoing a series of upscale enhancements inspired by the property’s refined charm and classic seaside setting.

Renovations will include the merger of Pacific’s Edge with the hotel’s excellent casual bistro, California Market, into a new restaurant — California Market at Pacific’s Edge.

When will the renovations be completed?

The renovations are currently being completed in phases to accommodate guests. We will continue to keep guests informed as the phases are completed.

What is the design inspiration?

The design concept for the renovation is based on the rich history of the property.

Drawing from the artist colonies that were the heart of the artistic and literary landscape that Carmel is known for, the new restaurant and bar area will reflect a celebration of those elements and casts a nod to the rugged local coastline. As guests arrive, sculptural elements of flying coastal birds will greet them, framing a breathtaking view of the Big Sur coast. Seating styles are a comfortable collection of chairs featuring tweed fabric and leather “elbow” patches reminiscent of a country sports jacket.

What was the idea behind the renovations?

We are thrilled to offer our patrons these improvements. This luxurious refresh will offer some new design elements, while maintaining the unique and authentic feel that has made visiting this property such a memorable experience for so many during the last century.

What will the transformation of Pacific’s Edge entail?

The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Pacific’s Edge, will be merged with the hotel’s casual bistro, California Market, into one venue, California Market at Pacific’s Edge. The new three-meal restaurant will be on the upper level, where Pacific's Edge was located and feature an expanded 40-seat, 1,200-square-foot heated outdoor dining deck with awe-inspiring views of the rugged coastline. The addition of the glass-railed deck will allow capacity at the restaurant to increase by about one-third, to 140 diners and allow for unobstructed views.

New seating arrangements will include a large communal table made of a fallen Monterey cypress trunk and high-top tables in select areas to allow everyone a great view of the Pacific Ocean. The space feels tailored yet comfortable for that casual breakfast or lunch, as well as a relaxing celebratory dinner overlooking a spectacular sunset.

What other renovations are taking place?

In addition to the restaurant upgrades, renovations will be completed in the front entrance, guestrooms, bar and lobby area.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com