Since Carmel Valley celebrated its Centennial in 1989, world-class hotels have been emerging along its rural country road. Stonepine Estate Resort at the upper end of Carmel Valley Road which opened in 1987 has become a world-renowed hotel as has the Bernardus Lodge, a new luxury spa resort at the corner of Carmel Valley Road and Laureles Grade. Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club and Carmel Valley Ranch, are renowned premier golf and tennis resorts.

Other inns such as Acacia Lodge, Carmel Valley Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, Los Laureles, and Gardiner's Resort (formerly John Gardiner's Tennis Ranch) have been the backbone of lodging here for many years.