Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

Monterey, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

If you like the idea of gazing over the Pacific Ocean, perhaps sipping your morning latte or feasting upon delicious seafood, you’ll be impressed by the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. Set along Monterey Bay, it's a real treat to come back to after a day out and about. Pamper yourself at the rooftop spa — a massage or dip in the whirlpool will help to soak away any niggles. If you’re travelling with the family, you’ll especially like chilling out at The Terrace, a cosy sundeck with comfy loungers and hot tubs. Or, as you’re on Cannery Row, maybe you'll fancy heading out for a stroll. There are plenty of attractions nearby, including Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the golfers amongst you will relish the nearby championship courses.

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Valet parking

Where is it

Located in Monterey Bay, on the quiet, romantic end of Cannery Row. Within walking distance to many local attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, shopping, restaurants and bars. There is plenty of hiking and biking to discover the scenic beauty of the area.

Hotel information

288 newly refurbished rooms (as of March 2023) across 3 buildings, each with air-conditioning, WiFi and wired Internet access*, HDTV flat screen television with 24-hour movie system, ceiling fans, telephone, safe, coffee maker, iron and board, iHome dual alarm clock radio, double granite vanities with lighted make-up mirror, Gilchrist and Soames spa bath amenities, 2 plush bathrobes and hairdryer.

 Inland View Rooms have either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children.

Ocean View Rooms offer panoramic views of Monterey Bay, with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children.

Coastal Kitchen restaurant (elegant, ever-evolving tasting menu featuring local coastal ingredients, open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday), Schooners Monterey (contemporary American cuisine with a focus on sustainable seafood and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) Tidal Coffee (contemporary coffeehouse, offers organic coffee drinks, pastries and light meals throughout the day) Both Schooners and Tidal Coffee have indoor/outdoor seating to enjoy the spectacular seaside setting. Helmsman Lounge (handcrafted cocktails, signature drinks & artisanal small plate, live music, open daily).

The Terrace (family-friendly sundeck with 2 oversized hot tubs). Vista Blue Spa* with rooftop whirlpools. Complimentary bicycles.

24-hour room service*. 24-hour business centre. Complimentary daily newspaper. Dry-cleaning service*. Concierge service. Valet parking*.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6092)
  • Very good (1148)
  • Average (392)
  • Poor (206)
  • Terrible (105)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One of a kind experience

May 8, 2024 Compass30670365812 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location, right on the Monterey Bay. We looked at several area hotels since we were meeting up with friends in Carmel and Pebble Beach. It was a short drive from the Monterey Airport and easy to get to. The valet who greeted us first also delivered our bags and gave us some great… Read more
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location, right on the Monterey Bay. We looked at several area hotels since we were meeting up with friends in Carmel and Pebble Beach. It was a short drive from the Monterey Airport and easy to get to. The valet who greeted us first also delivered our bags and gave us some great ideas for our free time. The valet service was always available and so professional. All of the staff we met during our four-day stay were friendly and helpful. Our room was not just clean, it was sparkling. The views of the bay are spectacular and there was so much activity in and around the water. Our favorites were the otters and the dolphins. Including binoculars in the room was a very thoughtful touch. From the hotel, we were easily able to walk into town for the shops & dining. When it rained, we used the free car service for a ride to & from the Aquarium. What a great service! The charcuterie tray we ordered for our arrival was delicious and VERY generous. There was live music in the open lounge every night and every day there were people working, cleaning, smiling and greeting us. Very busy place but not so busy that we ever felt rushed or crowded. On our last night we dined at Schooners and we sat right by the window to soak up that view. We asked our server if he ever gets tired of it and he said, “No - I love working here. It’s a beautiful place and the hotel is very good to us, we have a good group here.” This really says it all. It was evident to us every day that extra effort was being made. I’d definitely recommend the Monterey Plaza Hotel to anyone considering a stay in this area. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great stay! Will return!

Apr 30, 2024 KKCanada1 Winnipeg, Canada

Excellent hotel! My husband & I had a wonderful stay. We had a room overlooking the water with a balcony. Great view- too bad the balcony was so tiny. It would have been nice to enjoy it more. The room itself was decent. The bed was very comfortable. The cleaning staff were excellent! I did not expect turn down service. That was an added… Read more
Excellent hotel! My husband & I had a wonderful stay. We had a room overlooking the water with a balcony. Great view- too bad the balcony was so tiny. It would have been nice to enjoy it more. The room itself was decent. The bed was very comfortable. The cleaning staff were excellent! I did not expect turn down service. That was an added treat. The lobby was lovely. We always finished the evening having a drink & listening to the entertainer. The front staff were exceptional. Suggestion…have some comfortable chairs on the patio to just sit & enjoy the sun. There are only tables & chairs outside the coffee shop. We will definitely return! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent hotel experience at the Monterey Plaza

Apr 22, 2024 Mobile782884

The hotel was excellent - from the location, views, great restaurants and cafe, service (thank you Myrna and the servers at Schooners) and value. All five stars!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating World class location, absolutely world-class service

Apr 3, 2024 Les F

I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I’ve stayed at the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai! (FYI, the most impressive structure or hotel I’ve ever been in or stayed in) and no I am I comparing the Monterey Plaza hotel with that, but I will say if you are going to travel to one of the most fabulous locations possible on California’s world famous… Read more
I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I’ve stayed at the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai! (FYI, the most impressive structure or hotel I’ve ever been in or stayed in) and no I am I comparing the Monterey Plaza hotel with that, but I will say if you are going to travel to one of the most fabulous locations possible on California’s world famous coast, Monterey is one of the best places to go, and the Monterey Plaza is THE BEST place to stay. Also, big praise to Michelle Ponder and “Laura” (I don’t remember her last name… my bad)… who were both unbelievably helpful, and provided a level of service beyond what my fiancé and myself could possibly have expected as guests during our stay. Management deserves a huge pat on the back for hiring and retaining people of their caliber. Five Stars all the way. By the way, we had the Harborview suite with balcony. Absolutely magical. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I felt transported to the golden age of hotels.

Mar 31, 2024 Philip E

This was truly the most delightful experience. From the moment we arrived the staff were incredible. It was story book service from the classic age of American hotels. Valets and bellhops that met you with enthusiasm, a front desk that made you feel welcome and at home, and rooms that felt comfortable and palatial at the same time. The view of… Read more
This was truly the most delightful experience. From the moment we arrived the staff were incredible. It was story book service from the classic age of American hotels. Valets and bellhops that met you with enthusiasm, a front desk that made you feel welcome and at home, and rooms that felt comfortable and palatial at the same time. The view of the bay was unbeatable, and the hotel provided binoculars enhanced every sea otter and aviary delight. The hotel Dining was tremendous, but nothing could beat the lounge/ great room. Sitting with other guests, sipping on wine and listening to live piano while looking out over the ocean… I felt transported. I have no doubt that hundreds of hotel staff scurried in the background of every experience to make it seem less and wonderful for us. My thanks to all at the Monterey Plaza Hotel for the most perfect wedding anniversary we have had in 24 years of marriage. Read less