Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

An incredible stay at Monterey Plaza in our ocean view room with front row seats to sea otters playing and stunning sunsets from our balcony. The room and bathroom were spacious and clean, but it could use an update as the decor, carpeting, and furnishings were dated and dark for a beachside hotel & spa. Soundproofing could have been better with the door to the hallway and the sliding door out to the balcony. Our room was right above the water and rocks, so we heard the waves hitting the rocks all day and night, and sometimes the waves were strong enough to even shake the room. It didn't bother us too much, but if you are a light sleeper, you may want to request a room on a higher floor. We did not dine at the hotel restaurants, but did order in-room dining one night, and the service was excellent. We thought it would take a while as we ordered during peak dinner time, but the food was brought up by Brian within 15 minutes after ordering. Everything was hot and delicious. There is only valet parking, but you can easily notify the valet service to pull up your car while you are still in your room via the link they texted you. It shares status updates on where you are in the line and when your car is ready, which is convenient. Depending on how busy they are, it could take a few mins to get your car, so I recommend notifying them at least 10 to 15 mins before you plan to leave your room. The hotel is situated in a great location, with a 10 minute walk to the aquarium and a 15 minute walk to Old Fisherman’s Grotto. It was nice checking out the shops on Cannery Row, like Carmel Honey Company, and restaurants nearby. Highly recommend First Awakenings for brunch, but be aware that the wait time can be long. Overall, our stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa was wonderful, but pricey. We did feel we got our money’s worth as the service was excellent and the staff at the front desk, room service, and valet were all friendly and helpful. If you plan to utilize the amenities at the hotel, such as the spa, and spend time relaxing in your room, the stay is worth it. But if you’re not going to be in your room that much, I would look at other hotel options in the area.

Fantastic location and excellent dining options. First class service from arrival to departure. Room service forgot some minor items on our orders but quickly corrected the oversights when we called back

Hilary, Matthew & Myrna help make this hotel feel like our second home - coming here for over a decade and it never gets old

Nice simple clean room, but excellent location, beautiful lobby. Electric car charge - upon request and if available.

Every visit here is wonderful. Their location right on the water can't be beat. If you can swing it, get a room on the ocean side - it's worth it because you will be rewarded with views of sea otters, sea lions, birds, and boats. Rooms are spacious, clean, and quiet. The hotel is elegant but with warm hospitality. I've stayed there 5 times and each experience has been wonderful. Shout out to the super friendly and fun parking valet folks and the concierge staff who reach out before your stay to see if you need anything. The front counter people are nice (painfully polite) but the friendliest folks are elsewhere in the hotel. I've been there when it was quiet in the dead of winter and also when it was bursting at the seams with events and the experience has always been consistent. I've visited the spa a few times and that's also been a lovely experience. I'm a traveler and it's one of my favorite hotels. It is not cheap so if you want that, there are lots of options in Monterey. This hotel does deliver value and keeps their promises for a great experience.