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 (6083)
  • Very good (1148)
  • Average (392)
  • Poor (205)
  • Terrible (105)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Hotel in Monterey

Nov 30, 2023 themrssmith24

My family and I will never stay elsewhere. Monterey Plaza Hotel is hands down one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. The staff is amazing from the moment you get there to the time you leave. Special shout-out to Hil, thank you for being so sweet and so helpful and so accommodating. I can’t wait to come back here again!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa Rocks!

Nov 21, 2023 Mobile22949910102

The Monterey Plaza hotel and spa continues to be one of the most special hotels I’ve been to in the world! The management and service are truly exceptional, from the moment you valet park to the time you leave. The general manager and every staff member does their best to make your stay exceptional! And the views are spectacular, the rooms very… Read more
The Monterey Plaza hotel and spa continues to be one of the most special hotels I’ve been to in the world! The management and service are truly exceptional, from the moment you valet park to the time you leave. The general manager and every staff member does their best to make your stay exceptional! And the views are spectacular, the rooms very clean and the food excellent. If you are going to Monterey or Carmel I highly recommend the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa - it will help make for the best vacation experience! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Continuously moved to smaller rooms

Nov 20, 2023 Naomi D

We realized shortly after dark that our room had a broken AC unit because it was blasting cold air and wouldn’t heat up. An engineer confirmed it about 1/2 hour before my 7 yo bedtime. We thus had to move rooms. Packing up was a challenge, but they moved us two times to smaller rooms, both times I called the front desk speaking to a quite snarky… Read more
We realized shortly after dark that our room had a broken AC unit because it was blasting cold air and wouldn’t heat up. An engineer confirmed it about 1/2 hour before my 7 yo bedtime. We thus had to move rooms. Packing up was a challenge, but they moved us two times to smaller rooms, both times I called the front desk speaking to a quite snarky woman, requesting they put us in a room the same size. We moved 4 times! Rushing to get my daughter settled I didn’t have any more energy to argue. They offered me $39 one night valet credit for the inconvenience. I think they could’ve offered us a nicer room for the inconvenience… the first time we moved. Disappointed in a hotel this “nice” to say the least. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful hotel in Monterey!

Nov 17, 2023 P974QEteresas Fairfax, Virginia

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is amazing! From the valets to the front desk and restaurant staff they were all very professional and nice. We lived in Monterey back in 1989-1990 while my husband was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School. I had not been back since then and we were there recently in October 2023 for a wedding. It still is… Read more
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is amazing! From the valets to the front desk and restaurant staff they were all very professional and nice. We lived in Monterey back in 1989-1990 while my husband was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School. I had not been back since then and we were there recently in October 2023 for a wedding. It still is such a beautiful place. Chelsea Corona at the front concierge was so sweet and very helpful and suggested Osteria Al Mare for dinner. It was so good. Breakfast the next morning out on the patio was delicious. Our waiter was outstanding(sorry cannot remember his name) and we had the best eggs benedict ! Service was great! Awesome views!! Would love to visit Monterey again some day and will definitely stay here! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect stay.

Nov 9, 2023 Laura S London, United Kingdom

This is an exceptional hotel and has absolutely everything : comfort, style, excellent location, courteous and professional staff and modern facilities. It is a beautiful, elegant hotel where you can totally relax and unwind. The bedroom was huge with two queen beds, arm chairs, desk, fridge, tea and coffee Nespresso machine, robes and slippers… Read more
This is an exceptional hotel and has absolutely everything : comfort, style, excellent location, courteous and professional staff and modern facilities. It is a beautiful, elegant hotel where you can totally relax and unwind. The bedroom was huge with two queen beds, arm chairs, desk, fridge, tea and coffee Nespresso machine, robes and slippers in the wardrobe. The beds were super comfortable with gorgeous fluffy duvets and pillows. The bathroom was fabulous - modern, spacious with a great walk in shower. Nightly turn down service with a chocolate on the pillow - old school but very classy. Love the fact that parts of the property are built out over the ocean. You can have breakfast while the waves wash up and splash the windows next to where you're sitting. We didn't use the spa, but the terrace and hot tubs are a lovely touch. Don't bother looking at other properties in Monterey. Stay here! Read less