Nestled on Monterey Bay, and only a block from historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a true gem, with coastal beauty that envelops you at every turn. But it’s not just the dramatic views that make it special. The Monterey Plaza’s perfect location allows for up-close encounters with diverse marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea lions, and even whales.
My recent stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel was inspiring. I enjoyed my lovely room, the fantastic food and relaxing spa. The hotel’s understated luxury really wowed me.
Guest Rooms and Luxury Suites
While Monterey Plaza Hotel offers a wide choice of accommodations, including rooms that overlook Cannery Row, I strongly recommend booking one with a sweeping ocean view. It’s a little pricier, but well worth it. Either way, all the rooms have thoughtful amenities, including plush, comfy bedding, large bathrooms.
Grand Bay Suite Splurge
During my stay, I soaked up stunning Monterey Bay views from the luxurious, 1700 square-foot Grand Bay Suite. The suite features a spacious living room, fireplace, dining area, entertainment center, wet bar and three balconies. The private bedroom offers a second cozy fireplace and an oversized bathroom with a soaking tub.
Every night, I fell asleep to the soothing sounds of waves below and woke up to the glow of morning sunlight. One afternoon, I was lucky enough to have a front row view of a local sailboat race – a memory I’ll cherish. From its top-floor vistas to the exceptional service, this suite offers a true VIP experience.
Dining above the Bay
The hotel offers a number of dining options, including Schooners, which delivers contemporary American cuisine on the heated waterfront terrace. Perched directly on the bay, Schooners provides a relaxed and inviting place to enjoy a pleasant seafood meal.
For a more indulgent experience, I recommend Coastal Kitchen’s five-course tasting. Executive Chef Michael Rotondo offers innovative, locally-sourced menus that showcase the region’s abundance. Enhance your epicurean journey by the sea with hand-picked wine pairings by Sommelier Conrad Reddick for an added touch of luxury.
The tasting menu began with small bites like Pacific gold oysters and white asparagus. Then we moved on to Dungeness crab, miso marinated black cod and dry-aged duck with blueberry and endive and chiogga beets. The final courses were red wine braised short ribs with slow roasted yams and purple broccolini. For dessert, a tasty olive oil cake with honey, lemon yogurt and chamomile.
“We change the dishes weekly depending on what’s available and if ingredients have peaked in flavor. This gives our guests a chance to enjoy a whole new experience,” said Executive Chef, Michael Rotondo. “Some of our favorite ingredients are starting to come alive here on the peninsula. Tomatoes from Mariquita Farms, Pluots from Bird Song Orchards, Squashes and eggplants from Borba Farms, Sweet Corn from Phil Foster Ranch. All of these amazing farmers will build the structure of our upcoming late summer menu.”
Their five-course tasting menu is perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary. Coastal Kitchen also offers a three-course prix fixe meal and Sunday brunch with complimentary champagne and abundant seafood.
The Relaxation
Not surprisingly, the Vista Blue Spa offers panoramic views. With nine treatment rooms and an ocean view terrace, the spa provides coastal-inspired treatments. The couple’s ocean view tub is sublime.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is one of my very favorite places to stay and it only gets better. “Our prime location offers breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and convenient access to the area’s top attractions, making us the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure,” said Managing Director, Chris Sommers. “We strive to create an environment where guests can truly unwind and create lasting memories.”