Cypress Inn History
A Colorful & Artistic Past
The Cypress Inn site has a colorful and artistic past, dating back to 1906, when artist Sidney J. Yard, renowned for his English-style watercolors, established Carmel’s first art gallery on this site. The gallery later hosted Mary DeNeale Morgan, another celebrated local artist whose works became integral to Carmel’s artistic heritage.
In 1929, Dr. Rudolf Kocher collaborated with Hugh Comstock, one of Carmel’s most esteemed contractors, to build the elegant structure that stands today. Opened initially as Hotel La Ribera, it was immediately recognized by local newspapers as “one of the showplaces of the Monterey Peninsula.”
The 1960s marked another notable chapter when Earl E. McInnis and his son, Frank, revitalized the property, renaming it Cypress West. Their careful restoration attracted nostalgic guests back to this beloved landmark, reigniting its charm and historic character.
In the mid-1980s, actress and animal welfare advocate Doris Day, along with local businessman Dennis LeVett, became co-owners, marking the beginning of the current chapter at Cypress Inn. Inspired by Day’s compassionate spirit, the hotel warmly welcomed pets as it did their human companions, earning national acclaim as Carmel’s original pet-friendly boutique hotel. Today, Cypress Inn remains a beloved gathering spot for locals, travelers, and their pets, a testament to Doris Day’s enduring legacy of hospitality and kindness.
