We spoke with Carrie Theis, of the Bavarian themed Hofsa House hotel, whose family inn has stood for over 60 years in Carmel by the Sea.

Carrie Theis of Carmel’s Hoffa House

Theis, a blonde woman with a rosy complexion and a kind open manner, conveys a strong passion about her work and her community, as an inn manager as well as an elected member of the city counsel.

As her parents did, like her role model grandmother before them, Theis began helping at Hofsa House when she was just 8 years old. “I showed guests to their rooms.” Theis recalls.

Founded in 1947 by grandmother, Donna Hofsas and husband Fred, of German Bavarian descent, the vision of the inn was inspired by a trip to Germany.

They sought to capture the aesthetic of old world European charm with a timber–framed building, a classic style for town houses of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Dutch doors, and shingle style roof.

In 1957, Donna commissioned Maxine Albro, one of America’s leading female artists, to create a mural representing the clothes and costumes of the Bavarian culture right on the front gate.

“We work hard here to maintain European Bavarian theme”.

Each of the 38 rooms is unique, offering a casual inviting feeling with old world simple elegance. With floral brocade bedding, warm tones such as peach orchard and rose accent each room. Some have balconies with ocean views and lush green foliage, which feel spacious and expansive, while red brick fire places create a cozy and intimate environment.

All rooms and public areas have free Wi-Fi access. Hofsas House was built into a hill, magnificent ocean views can be savored on the fourth floor deck area – a great place to sit, read, and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the glorious sunset.

There is also a heated pool, dry sauna, and all the basic amenities one would want or need for a comfortable stay. A continental breakfast is available to be enjoyed in the lobby or eaten privately in rooms, which may include a kitchen or wet bar if requested.

She describes the unique charms of her home at Carmel by the Sea, a 1 square mile sanctuary preserving a quieter world, with strict city ordinances to ensure and maintain these standards and aesthetics. No chain stores allowed here, explains Theis, recognizing that many of her guests are middle aged and retirees, who want to get away from the fast paced life, to recharge and reconnect with their partners or significant others.”

Chinese Guests

Theis who has recently traveled to Asia, Cambodia and Thailand, enjoyed the rich experience of the exotic cultures, expressed her delight at Middle Land’s mission to build cultural bridges between East and West.

“I wish I knew more when I was there.” she admits, speaking of the proper bowing gestures of Thailand.

In hopes of educating the Chinese tourists who come here, we asked Theis to offer her impression of Chinese guests. “I enjoy the Chinese guests!” she said. “They seem to really like the rooms and the property.” she added.

We asked if there was any suggestions she could offer to help acculturate Chinese into Western living. Theis acknowledged that Chinese usually speak in very loud voices, which can be off putting in certain environments.

“They don’t understand how their voices carry.” she noted about her Chinese guests who speak loudly, which is strong contrast to the serene environment, of Carmel By the Sea, known for its natural beauty and quiet, slow pace.

“That happens a lot.” she acknowledged, “Let us know how many people to the room so we can accommodate all the persons traveling together.” She explained, that sometime another bed will not fit in a room. Clarity is best so no one is unpleasantly surprised.

One big difference she noticed from her travels to Asia was the pollution problem. “They don’t have the infrastructure like we do here.’’ As a big supporter of recycling, Theis explained the strides that her town has made to reduce wastes.

“Carmel recycles 75% of our garbage.” she said. Theis understands that even though is cost more in the short them, she feels it is important to look at the long-term costs of doing nothing. Asia has not yet been able to fully embrace this mindset.

She is a President and Board Member of the Carmel Inn Keepers Association, Board Member of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Economic Advisory Committee. She’s also served on the City’s Income and Expense Ad Hoc Committee and MST and Regional Taxi Authority.

Theis is committed to making the world better, sits on city council, with the very hopes of serving her community and bringing people together.

“I try to be fair, reasonable, find middle ground, its hard to do sometimes.”

“We like talking to our guests. I enjoy people, you get to hear what is like in other counties.” Theis concludes, “You have to really like hospitality to do this work.”

Clearly, Theis takes great pride in her work and business that passed by her family.