Where to Stay in Monterey

Carmel Valley Ranch offers 500 acres of space with something for everyone, from secluded romantic spots to flexible meeting spaces to family areas. The accommodations are all suites, with the choice of studio suites or those with one to four bedrooms. All suites have fireplaces and private decks as well as flat-screen TVs, sumptuous bathtubs, separate showers, complimentary wireless on unlimited devices, mini-fridges, Nespresso coffeemakers, tea kettles, slippers, cozy robes, laptop-sized safes, aromatherapy bath amenities, and irons with ironing boards. The property has nearly unlimited things to see and do on site, including golf, tennis, hatchet throwing, bocce, children’s camps, an Artisans and Artists series, birdwatching, gardens, beehives, arts and crafts, and demonstrations at the on-site Market and Creamery. You can also visit the gardens, use the fitness center, attend a fitness class, or do yoga while your kids enjoy their own activities with the children’s programming made just for them. Spa Aiyana sits among the treetops and has immersive treatments, including an exclusive HydraFacial. When hunger strikes, enjoy local, organic dishes from the ranch’s award-winning chef, including produce right from the property. You can also visit the Artisans Workbench for a unique snack like a cheese board, oyster hour, infused honey tasting, hand-churned ice cream, ranch goat cheese tasting, and s’mores.

One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, California, Phone: 855-687-7262

The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa sits on the gorgeous historic beachfront property with views of the Pacific Ocean. Guest rooms feature residential-style comforts combined with modern amenities. Expect spacious bathrooms with marble vanities and baths, Zents spa amenities, and microfiber spa robes. Other standard amenities include pillow top mattresses, custom furnishings and art, fiber-optic high-speed internet, LCD flat-screens, Keurig coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons, nightly turn-down service, ceiling fans, and three phones with voicemail. You can also opt for a suite with a private ocean-view balcony, a whirlpool tub on the deck, a fireplace, and/or a wet bar. The Vista Blue Spa was recently extensively updated, offering a revitalized service menu with a new focus on wellness. It now includes a couple’s suite and Himalayan Salt Halotherapy. Head up to the family-friendly Terrace with its spacious sundeck, lounge furniture, and pair of oversized hot tubs. For convenience, the hotel offers valet parking that includes in and out privileges. The hotel’s Coastal Curators gladly assist guests with personalized itineraries to explore local attractions and more. The hotel also has complimentary bicycles, complimentary shoeshine service, complimentary shuttle service, complimentary daily papers, and same-day dry cleaning. Visit Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar for sustainable fresh-caught sea food and ocean views.

400 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, Phone: 831-920-6710

The Quail Lodge & Golf Club offers a resort-like getaway in California with 93 guestrooms and suites inspired by California ranches, without a resort fee. Expect amenities like separate showers and baths, make-up mirrors, bath amenities, phones, complimentary Wi-Fi, widescreen LCD HDTVs, safes, irons, iPod docks, mini-fridges, speakerphones with voicemail, climate control, and hair dryers. The Pressreader app offers complimentary newspapers. You can also opt for a pet-friendly room or request a rollaway bed. Upgrade for a larger room or a suite with a gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, balcony with a view, parlors, living rooms, powder rooms, and/or dining tables, perfect for entertaining. Guests are welcome to make use of the championship golf course, which is award-winning. There is even a golf academy and a nine-hole putting course. The property also features pickleball and tennis courts and sand bocce ball pits. Go for a swim anytime of the year in the heated pool. Visit the wellness area for relaxation massages, a steam room, or to get in your workout. There are also self-guided motoring rallies, hiking, off-road driving lessons, and more. The restaurant, Waypoint Bar + Kitchen, serves farm-to-fork dishes for every meal of the day, with indoor or outdoor seating.

8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, California, Phone: 866-675-1101

Sanctuary Beach Resort offers oceanfront resort and hotel accommodations, spread out on 19 acres of shoreline. Stay in the 60 contemporary cottage rooms and suites with private patios or decks featuring panoramic views. The property is pet-friendly so the entire family can stay and it has complimentary high-speed internet access. Rooms have amenities like binoculars for whale watching, fireplaces, patios or decks, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, L’Occitane bath amenities, pay-per-view movies, wet bars, MP3 docking stations, pre-stocked mini bars, Keurig coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons, and safes. You can also opt for connecting rooms and/or separate seating areas. There are numerous ways to enjoy the property and your stay, including coastal hikes and sunset bonfires. The property has its own private beach access. Weekends feature workshops or demonstrations with featured local artists. If you want to explore, borrow one of the complimentary bikes. Or, stay on site and enjoy the outdoor heated pool. Book an experience in the Spa with its three luxury treatment room or play on the bocce ball court. In the evening, enjoy the nightly cheese and wine tasting. The market features freshly made sandwiches, wine, and snacks. Visit Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette Restaurant for seasonal New American cuisine.

3295 Dunes Drive, Marina, California, Phone: 855-693-6583

Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers an authentic Wine Country retreat in the Carmel Valley. Guest rooms have double vanities, heated bathroom floors, and custom-made furniture along with king-sized beds, fireplaces, dining tables, two-person soaking tubs, and plush bathrobes. Some also have private patios with hot tubs. There are 12 suites, each of which are 1,050 square feet, as well as two 2,100-square-foot villas with two bedrooms. All accommodations feature an extra powder room, a sleeper sofa, two fireplaces, and a wet bar. The master baths have free-standing copper soaking tubs along with wet rooms featuring rain showers and wall showers. Suites also have a fire pit or fireplace, lounge chairs, and balcony with a dining table. The Spa follows a garden-to-treatment philosophy with customized offerings for everyone. It includes a locker room, dry sauna, warming pool, and eucalyptus steam room. The property covers 28 acres and produces plenty of fresh produce that you will find in the Lucia Restaurant & Bar, with its seasonal menu.

415 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, California, Phone: 831-658-3400

The InterContinental The Clement Monterey offers guests radiant sunrises and panoramic ocean views. The hotel sits right on the waterfront for amazing views. Pet-friendly rooms are available. All accommodations are spacious with high-speed wired and wireless internet, bathrobes, 37-inch (or larger) plasma TVs with media centers, in-room movies, writing desks, two phones, Nespresso coffeemakers, mini-bars, tea makers, irons with boards, deep soaking tubs, and separate bathtubs. Suites are even larger, including private balconies with ocean views. The Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey offers therapeutic massage, wellness therapies, and body treatments in a tranquil setting. The hotel has its own boardwalk and pier, perfect for enjoying the Bay. Guests can work out in the on-site fitness center or make use of the conveniently located Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail that passes right along the coastline in front of the hotel. The hotel offers self-parking or valet parking for the convenience of guests. Other amenities include dry cleaning, a doctor on call, babysitting, children’s activities, and daily housekeeping. Dine at the C Restaurant + Bar, where you will enjoy organically grown local produce, premium meat, and fresh seafood with panoramic views. There is also extensive event space and convenient access to local attractions.

750 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, Phone: 831-375-4500

The Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay gets its inspiration from the natural beauty of the peninsula. Rooms have pillow top mattresses, 300-thread-count linens, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, your choice of views, and eco-friendly toiletries. Other standard amenities include voicemail, irons, high-speed wired or wireless internet, safes, hair dryers, hypoallergenic bedding, data ports, ceiling fans, on-demand movies, makeup mirrors, Keurig coffeemakers, fridges, robes, work desks, and wooden luggage racks. You can also request connecting rooms, dental kits, dog beds and accessories, down or feather pillows, microwaves, shave kits, turn-down service, pack n’ plays, combs, and more. Work up a sweat in the 24-hour fitness center. Or, go for a swim in the outdoor pool before soaking in the whirlpool. Then, relax in your cabana by the pool. The Spa on the Plaza lets you feel pampered. The property has concierge services, a 24-hour business center, on-site security and tech, bicycle rentals, self-parking and valet parking, laundry service, dry cleaning service, and on-site galleries, wine lounges, and shops. Dine at The Club Room, Peter B’s Brewpub, Peet’s Coffee, or Jacks Monterey, all of which have delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients. The brewpub is the original craft brewery in Monterey. Upon arrival, guests receive homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, California, Phone: 831-649-4511