Monterey Plaza Hotel exterior with ocean in forefront.

Monterey Plaza Hotel

By Published On: October 29th, 2023

Enjoy Food, Wine and unobstructed views of the Bay.

With Monterey Bay as its backdrop and a soundtrack of crashing waves, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is perfectly situated on the Pacific Coast. Adding to the appeal of the hotel’s oceanfront setting, the historic Cannery Row area offers boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and wine tasting rooms—a reminder of the hotel’s location in one of California’s top wine producing regions. 

Monterey Plaza Hotel dolphin statue.
Dolphin statue. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Accommodations

Nicknamed “The Grand Dame of the Bay,” the hotel boasts a heritage that is reminiscent of the Tevis Estate which was located where the hotel now resides and wasbuilt in the early 1900s.

The hotel’s  285 recently renovated guest rooms and suites, many with ocean views, feature luxurious bedding, custom furnishings, plush robes, spacious bathrooms, expansive windows, Nespresso machines, and nightly turn-down service. Suites with sliding glass doors, private balconies, panoramic ocean vistas, fireplaces, and spa-style marble bathrooms are available.

Monterey Plaza Hotel guest room with an ocean view.
Suite with ocean view. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

The 2,100 square foot Presidential Suite boasts an expansive furnished sun deck with a custom-built whirlpool tub, outdoor stereo system, and 180-degree view of Monterey Bay. 

The opulent Grand Bay Suite offers three separate balconies, all with sliding glass doors. In the living room, there’s a fireplace, dining table, entertainment center, and wet bar. The private bedroom features its own fireplace along with an oversized bathroom and soaking tub.

Grand Bay Suite at Monterey Plaza Hotel.
Grand Bay Suite. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Dining

The newest addition to the hotel’s dining scene is Coastal Kitchen, where guests can enjoy a Chef tasting menu, which offers an elevated oceanfront dining experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Michael Rotondo, the restaurant features an ever-changing menu based on seasonal local ingredients creatively prepared and presented.

Coastal Kitchen Sommelier Conrad Reddick’s distinguished wine program includes a wide selection, and his suggested pairings for each course of the tasting menu enhance Chef Rotondo’s cuisine.

Monterey Plaza Hotel Coastal Kitchen.
Cuisine at Coastal Kitchen. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Schooners Monterey, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offers a more casual dining experience on a heated waterfront terrace with unobstructed views of Monterey Bay.

The menu focuses on contemporary American cuisine with seafood options that include West Coast oysters, local ceviche, ahi tuna poke, scallops, cod, mussels, and Dungeness crab. Salads, pastas, steaks, Monterey cioppino, and vegan dishes are offered along with specialty cocktails, craft beers, and an impressive selection of wines by the glass.

Schooners Monterey restaurant on the water.
Schooners restaurant on the water. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Tidal Coffee is the place for breakfasts like ham and cheese croissants, scones, pastries, and more. Salads, sandwiches, gelato, and cookies are offered along with tea, hot chocolate, and a variety of coffee drinks based on locally roasted beans.

The Lobby Lounge is a popular gathering spot for cocktails, live music, small plates, and welcoming atmosphere. In-room dining is available with dishes from Schooners Monterey.

Cocktails at Monterey Plaza Hotel Lobby Lounge.
Cocktails at Lobby Lounge. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Spa

Vista Blue Spa, aptly named, is located on the hotel’s top floor, with panoramic ocean views. Recognized as a top spa by both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast, Vista Blue Spa features nine treatment rooms, a couples oceanview tub room, whirlpools, steam room, and a co-ed sun deck with a fireplace. A variety of massage, facial, and nail services can be arranged.

Monterey Plaza Hotel co-ed spa sun deck with panoramic ocean views.
Co-ed sun deck with panoramic ocean views. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

The private Spa Suite provides soaking tubs and a rain shower for a relaxing experience with the benefits of hydrotherapy to relieve stress and muscle aches. Bath enhancements like coconut milk, Himalayan salt, and aromatherapy are available.

The Suite includes a private balcony where guests (solo or with a companion) can enjoy refreshments, fruit, charcuterie board, champagne, or chocolate covered strawberries. 

Monterey Plaza Hotel private spa suite.
Private Spa Suite. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Hotel Amenities

There’s a family-friendly outdoor terrace with lounge furniture and two oversized hot tubs, as well as a rooftop spa deck with two hot tubs overlooking Monterey Bay for guests over age 18.

Family-friendly outdoor terrace. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

On a first come, first served basis, courtesy BMW X7 transportation is available. Conveniences include same-day dry cleaning service, an on-site gift shop, high-speed fiber-optic internet, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the area. 

The Fitness Center, open from 6 am – 8 pm daily, includes treadmills, ellipticals, Peloton bikes, weight equipment, and a spacious stretching area. Located on the penthouse level, the fitness center offers views of Monterey Bay.

Monterey Plaza Hotel fitness center.
Fitness Center. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

With the hotel’s stunning surroundings and outstanding restaurant facilities, events held there are certain to be memorable, from weddings and parties to conferences and business meetings. Venues with a variety of guest capacities and styles are available.

Things to Do in the Monterey Bay Area

A short walk from the hotel, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an array of entertaining exhibits, sea life, and educational programs encouraging visitors to conserve the oceans and marine life for the future. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles to cruise the bike lanes and waterfront trails or to explore the Cannery Row shops and restaurants. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and get even closer to Monterey Bay and its fascinating marine life.

Sample wine at nearby tasting rooms or take a day to visit Monterey Wine Country wineries. Enjoy the scenery, the ambiance, and learning about the outstanding wines produced in the area. Revel in the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula with a road trip along Big Sur or a scenic ride through the 17-Mile Drive. Browse the galleries, shops, and cafés of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Allow the hotel’s team of Coastal Curators to create a personalized itinerary for you. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa can be your oceanfront home base as you explore the beautiful Monterey Peninsula’s wineries, beaches, golf courses, and rugged coastline.

Monterey Plaza Hotel aerial view.
Hotel aerial view. Photo Courtesy: Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Or if you prefer, you can take advantage of the hotel’s walkable location, spa, hot tub, and restaurants—and simply enjoy views of the sea all day and sunsets each evening.

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