Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside

My daughter had lacrosse matches in Carmel so we decided to make a weekend stay so the kids can visit the aquarium on Sunday. I was looking forward to see the remodeled hotel because last time we were here it was dated and overall unimpressed. Since we have our girls plus a friend with us on this trip I’ve decided to book a two bedroom suite to better accommodate everyone. When we checked in our first impression was that the lobby had a clean, open feeling which is nice and check in was a breeze. I was surprised to find that instead of a true two bedroom suite, it’s a king corner suite with a double double room next to it, making it a makeshift 2 bedrooms with connecting doors open. The girls were happy that they get their own room and settled in quickly. At first I find the furnishings nice but upon closer inspection I was rather disappointed to find ragged dirty wallpaper edges along the windows and sliding door. The one thing that wasn’t updated was the popcorn ceiling... and that looked really old and icky. The layout for the double-double was spacious with its own fridge/minibar area, however the corner king bedroom and bathroom was rather odd. First, the toilet was right in the middle of the bathroom, it seems like the design was trying to make other area spacious but squeezes everything right in the bathroom. Second, the bathroom door is a barnyard style sliding door, which looks cool but not exactly practical since there’s no lock or real sense of privacy. Lastly, the beds were a bit lumpy... only one kid said that bed was ok, the rest of us thought the beds were uncomfortable. The overall cleanliness was average at best and I would expect more from a room that costs over $400+ per night. The hotel had a bunch of high school kids having their prom that night and the hotel had good soundproofing since we weren’t bothered at all... and the fact that our rooms were on the 9th floor! Next morning the breakfast was nice in the atrium, enough selections for the kids and I did enjoy the pancakes from the made to order section. Overall I find the staff very friendly, the hotel itself could use a bit more update and cleanliness, so... 3/5 for the hotel rooms overall, 1/5 for the bathroom layout, 3/5 for bed comfort, 3/5 for the remodeling, 5/5 for the staff. Read less

Booked the hotel based on favorable reviews. Front desktop staff attentive, friendly and efficient. Room is spacious, except I didn't fully take in that 2 double beds aren't the same as 2 queen beds. I can't remember the last time double beds were the only option. I took a another room shortly after checking in. The front desk was very patient and helpful in booking me the next room, and charging me a lower rate. The second room facility turned out to be unsatisfactory. The a/c didn't work properly. The tub drained slowly, I was in ankle deep water at the end of my shower. i had forgotten there was made to order omelet station. Not having seen it during the first morning, I assumed the hotel didn't have one. The next morning we had an early outing, so didn't have breakfast at the hotel. On the third morning we saw pancakes on someone's plate, and asked a staff about it. He was helpful in showing the station to us. The station was tucked behind a partition wall. I wonder why it's hidden from view? The view really isn't worth mentioning, considering how much nicer the downtown area is. I believe the advertised view isn't visible for most of the rooms, and again it's not a thing to write home about. when booking, i thought 10 minute drive away from downtown is reasonable. It felt farther than the actual distance. There's daily parking fee, sadly i must've missed this detail when booking. Would try elsewhere next time visiting Monterey. Read less