Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

We've enjoyed many stays at the Monterey Plaza over the years, so were surprised and disheartened to book a room advertised as "directly above the crashing waves" and receive a room directly above the noisy restaurant 30 - 40 yards from the crashing waves. We had to cancel our 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii to deal with a medical diagnosis and surgery, so thought a couple days relaxing over the water would be just the ticket. Not the case. Even though the room was advertised as the attached photo shows, it was not at all as described. There's nothing relaxing about listening to dishes being stacked, tables moved around, and diners over imbibing. When I brought the issue up at the front desk, I was told there wasn't another room available. Very disappointed with the deception and the Plaza's response. They should be better than this.

Monterey was the dramatic interlude of the trip: salt air, crashing water, and that immediate shift in temperament that happens when the Bay gives way to the coast. Monterey Plaza does have the obvious advantage of its spectacular setting, but what impressed me is that it does not rely on the view alone. The hotel feels genuinely luxurious yet still warm, with a kind of polished coastal hospitality that makes one night feel restorative rather than rushed. It is perched right on the water along Cannery Row, and the whole property seems designed to immerse you in Monterey Bay rather than merely overlook it. The hotel emphasizes its waterfront setting, spa, and curated guest experience, while Schooners is described as perched dramatically over the bay with sustainable seafood and unobstructed views. This was one of those stays where the surroundings became part of the emotional memory of the trip. After days of family and friend visits, Monterey gave us a slightly more romantic pause. I can imagine us arriving in the late afternoon, taking in the bay light, maybe walking Cannery Row, then settling in for dinner with the water practically beneath us. Monterey always has that blend of natural beauty and wistfulness, and the hotel leans into it in just the right way. Schooners Monterey Of the hotel restaurants on this trip, Schooners most fully embodied the place. It is suspended over the waves and really is the kind of restaurant you choose when you want seafood to feel like part of the landscape, not just part of the menu. The restaurant is known for sustainable seafood, and a lively waterfront terrace, and current menu highlights include a Schooners seafood platter, shrimp tempura, warm Dungeness crab dip, and steamed mussels. I can easily picture us again leaning into exactly that sort of meal here: perhaps beginning with the warm Dungeness crab dip or steamed mussels, then moving into something more substantial while watching the changing light on the bay. This is the kind of place where even a simple seafood dinner feels cinematic because the setting does so much work alongside the kitchen. What I remember most in writing it this way is the feeling: fresh sea air, a table by the water, attentive but unintrusive service, and the sense that Monterey still knows how to stage an evening.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa was an outstanding spot for a family vacation with our college-age daughter! We felt pampered and welcome in all the spaces and by every staff person we encountered. The property has it all plus amazing views, especially from the roof top hot tubs! The location was perfect, we could walk out the door and go any direction to find wonders of nature, excellent food, and interesting community life. The room was super clean and very spacious with heavenly comfortable beds. Having the lobby with the ocean views, the spa with the hot tubs and fireside seating area, and Tidal Coffee on the Plaza/Terrace truly gave us the feeling that we were at a resort and made the per night cost feel full of value.

We have been visiting the Monterey Plaza for several years. It’s our favorite place! So wam and inviting staff. If you can’t have a good time at the Monterey Plaza it’s your own fault. You will love your time there!

The Plaza is an amazing hotel. The staff are always exceptional. It’s pricey, but worth it when you want to be truly pampered. We booked the Black Friday special and it helped with cost. You just can’t beat the location and the experience.