Pacific Grove, City of Homes, #2: Gosby House Inn

643 Lighthouse Ave, at 18th St

22 guest rooms, 6,181 SF on a 8,077 SF lot
Built 1897
Last sold, 1978
National Register of Historic Places, 1980

Ideally located on the most walkable stretch of PG’s main drag, this massive two-story Queen Anne Victorian hosts a popular bed and breakfast, since 1978 as the Gosby House Inn. Steps from the shops and restaurants of Lighthouse Avenue, this location offers the most convenient stay available in PG.

According to the Inn, the original owner, J.F. Gosbey “opened his home to seasonal visitors attending the various religious and educational meetings held all summer long in Pacific Grove.” Gradually the guest house expanded its footprint and became the El Carmelo Hotel.

The current owners renamed the hotel the Gosby House Inn, restored its original yellow color, and last renovated the hotel in 2023.

Three things I love about the home:

1. The complex really is massive and extends much farther up the block from Lighthouse than I initially realized.

The Inn markets 22 guest rooms, each offering a unique experiences based upon which suite you select. One room comes with a private swing.

Another is an ADA-accessible ADU. While most of the lot is taken up by the hotel, there are also gardens and and a brick-paved patio surrounding the building.
2. The entrance and outdoor spaces are a big plus. When you arrive, you walk up a large courtyard leading up to the front porch, which is built at the rounded base of the corner tower and framed by stately columns.

The Queen Anne style typically features a lot of contrasting visual styles, which allow it to mesh well with anachronistic features, a big advantage in this location.

3. This hotel is a great option for guests with accessibility requirements, which could otherwise make it harder to find accommodations. Both the setting and the establishment offer a safe and comfortable stay with easy access to everything downtown.

.