The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel
| 03/28/25
The Charles Hotel in Pacific Grove, California; gay interior designer Charles Gruwell
courtesy The Charles Hotel; Kelli Uldahl
Pacific Grove is on the brink of becoming the next must-visit coastal escape for LGBTQ+ travelers, with the highly anticipated June opening of The Charles Hotel (www.TheCharlesPG.com), the town’s first LGBTQ+ boutique hotel. Named after renowned gay interior designer Charles Gruwell, The Charles is more than just a stylish retreat—it’s a bold statement of inclusivity and sophistication, setting the stage for Pacific Grove to emerge as a premier LGBTQ+-friendly destination. With its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, this idyllic seaside town is poised to become a beacon for queer travelers looking for an elevated, welcoming escape.
The shoreline of the Monterrey Peninsula
courtesy The Charles Hotel
Perched along California’s stunning Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove offers an abundance of activities that cater to LGBTQ+ visitors. The region is home to world-class whale watching, where travelers can embark on excursions to witness majestic gray whales, humpbacks, and even the elusive blue whale. Paddleboarding in the calm, scenic waters provides a perfect way to explore the coastline, while scuba diving enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the mesmerizing kelp forests and marine sanctuaries teeming with colorful sea life. On land, the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail offers some of the most picturesque hiking in California, winding along the rugged coastline and providing breathtaking ocean views at every turn. Beyond outdoor adventure, Pacific Grove is known for its charming small-town atmosphere, with LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, boutique shops, and a welcoming community that embraces diversity year-round.
Gay interior designer Charles Gruwell
Kelli Uldahl
At the heart of this transformation is Charles Gruwell, a visionary interior designer whose four-decade career has taken him from San Francisco to Bali, Disney Resorts in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. Now, Gruwell is turning his attention to redefining LGBTQ+ hospitality with his Metro Lifestyle Brand, a new collection of boutique hotels designed specifically to provide LGBTQ+ travelers with stylish, inclusive spaces where they can feel celebrated and at home. The Charles Hotel, opening with a Pride celebration on June 28, 2025, marks the first of what promises to be a series of exceptional LGBTQ+ destinations.
The Charles Hotel in Pacific Grove, California
Courtesy The Charles Hotel
Gruwell chose Pacific Grove as the flagship location for his brand because of its stunning coastal setting, progressive spirit, and untapped potential as an LGBTQ+ travel hub. He saw an opportunity to introduce a hospitality experience that seamlessly blends high fashion, artistic sophistication, and local charm, creating a destination that speaks to both luxury-seeking travelers and those looking for authentic, community-driven experiences. The hotel, a transformed version of the former Pacific Grove Inn, will feature interiors that reflect Gruwell’s signature design aesthetic—merging classical artwork, unique furnishings, and internationally inspired touches to craft an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Guests will also enjoy gourmet breakfasts made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as a curated social hour featuring Monterey’s finest wines and artisanal cheeses.
The charming community of Pacific Grove
Courtesy The Charles Hotel
The excitement surrounding The Charles doesn’t stop in Pacific Grove. Gruwell and his partners, Don and Jay Desai, have already acquired a second property in Napa, California, which will undergo renovations in late 2025 to align with the Metro Lifestyle Brand’s signature style. With its world-famous vineyards and sophisticated charm, Napa will provide the perfect complement to Pacific Grove’s seaside elegance.
The Charles Hotel in Pacific Grove
Courtesy The Charles Hotel
For more information, visit www.TheCharlesPG.com for the Pacific Grove location and www.TheCharlesNapa.com for the upcoming Napa property.
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