MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA
It would be hard to improve on the location of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Its wide terraces and many guest room balconies hover over Monterey Bay, providing dazzling vistas with an equally impressive soundtrack: the flapping of seabirds’ wings, the bark of sea lions from nearby Fisherman’s Wharf and the lapping of waves on a pocket beach. But thanks to recent refreshes and a new executive chef, the Cannery Row hotel now offers indoor attractions that almost rival those outdoors.
Setting: On Cannery Row’s quiet east end, with two waterfront buildings and one across the street. It’s a 10-minute walk to Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The appeal: Classic clubhouse with contemporary touches. The rich wood and marble floors of the grand lobby lead to cozy fireplace seating areas with nautical flair, while newly tiled terraces, glass railings and fire pits invite gatherings outside. The 290 guest rooms — 140 with harbor or ocean view —offer plush armchairs, spacious marble showers and an overall lighter palette. The four refurbished luxury suites provide extra wow factor with sprawling private decks and living rooms.
Insider’s tip: Try the silky crab bisque and savory scallops at Schooners Coastal Kitchen, where new executive chef Jerry Regester also admirably competes with impressive views.
Good to know: You don’t need to book a spa treatment to enjoy the rooftop sun deck and hot tub at Vista Blue Spa, but children under 13 are not permitted. Arrive before sunset to nab a spot at one of Schooners’ surfboard countertop seats over the water. The daily $29 resort fee includes fast fiber-optic Wi-Fi and Land Rover shuttle to nearby sites, among other amenities.
Details: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 920-6710, reservations (877) 636-1618, https://monterey plazahotel.com. Inland views from $278 and water views from $391, including resort fee and all taxes.