The Monterey Peninsula is filled with great activities and accommodations for group travelers. Without further ado, here are our picks for the best Monterey hotels for group travel.
Featured photo of Sanctuary Beach Resort, courtesy of SeeMonterey.com.
Monterey Beach Hotel
Built originally in 1967, the Monterey Beach Hotel, which is a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, has just reopened after extensive renovations. It’s the only hotel with beachfront property along the Monterey Peninsula, according to a press release about the rebranding. Take a morning stroll along the water after a steam in their Scandinavian-inspired saunas or a plunge in the ice baths for the athletes. Or, opt to enjoy a glass of complimentary red wine and front-row view of the rolling waves from the comfort of your room. The hotel also features three on-site dining venues — a restaurant, cocktail lounge and beachfront dine and drink spot — for those looking to grab a bite. The Monterey Beach Hotel also makes our best waterfront hotel list for Monterey.
HIGHLIGHTS: As a waterfront property, the Monterey Beach Hotel took its redesign as an opportunity to embrace the California coast. Local artists were commissioned for much of the art and furniture, utilizing natural materials and a calming color scheme to evoke nostalgia and comfort for guests.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
The forested complex of lodging and meeting spaces predates World War I, when it served as a YWCA Leadership Camp. It became a state park in 1956 and enjoys 107 acres of state beach, restored dunes and buildings. Those buildings earned architectural renown thanks to the legend of architect Julia Morgan, who designed 13 structures like soaring Merrill Hall that remain today, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Celebrated in his own right, John Carl Warnecke created seven more structures three decades later.) Between its diverse types of rooms and suites, winding paths, deeply natural setting and expansive halls, it’s a village-like destination on its own, with Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey all within a few minutes’ drive. Depending on the season, it’s also a good option for a vetted value hotel.
HIGHLIGHTS: The dramatic pine and cypress trees merge poetically with the earthy style of the buildings, and so many birds call it home — from hummingbird to hawk — parks staff conduct regular birding tours. The history and architecture prove worthy of being celebrated too. The picturesque beach of the same name sits across the street, and Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey all await within a few minutes’ drive. The food program is award-winning and inspiring: Keeping with the grounds’ pioneering green policies, it trends towards maximum sustainable flavor and zero waste.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
If your ideal group getaway involves shopping, dining, spa treatments and sightseeing, then Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa should be on your list. On the quiet end of Cannery Row, but close to everything, the upscale hotel offers 290 recently renovated rooms and suites. Many feature dazzling Monterey Bay views and some have balconies so close to the water you might think you’re aboard a yacht — one reason this also makes our best waterfront hotels list. Dining at the new fine-dining Coastal Kitchen and the lively, bay-view Schooners Monterey are excellent, as is Vista Blue Spa, which provides its own panoramic views from a rooftop terrace with whirlpool spas. Monterey Plaza also makes our lists for the best waterfront and spa and wellness hotels.
HIGHLIGHTS: With a large, well-equipped fitness center overlooking Monterey Bay, the award-winning spa and proximity to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, this is also on our list of best hotels for wellness. Groups will love the suites that feel residential-sized, with classic yet contemporary decor, as well the easy access to Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and Monterey.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
The full name of the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course emphasizes one part of its appeal: It overlooks the oldest continually operated golf course west of the Mississippi, whose first nine holes opened in 1897. Although Pebble Beach Resorts operates the historic course, guests at the Hyatt Regency have easy access to it. Besides golf, there’s so much to do here, it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice for groups, from families to business execs: two heated outdoor pools, tennis courts, a new 3,000-square-foot fitness center, walking paths, a hammock garden and outdoor lounge with fire pits. Plus, wellness devotees will enjoy one of the region’s top spas at family-owned Spa Adeline.
HIGHLIGHTS: With 560 rooms, there is no shortage of lodging options here for groups to choose from. Fido is even welcome to stay in the pet suites, which provide easy access to “the barking lot” pet play zone, and are outfitted with pet beds, treats, bowls and toys. If your party really wants to splurge, however, book the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath President’s House, a luxurious 2,500 square-foot villa that features a full kitchen and backyard with its own private pool.
Monterey Tides
The exposed corridors are about the only remnant of the Monterey Tides’ past incarnation as a Best Western motel near Seaside on Monterey’s northern border. A stylish overhaul in 2016 brought in a boutique sensibility — but still relatively moderate prices — to its 196 guest rooms and public areas, including a lobby-level lounge and penthouse restaurant with dazzling views across Monterey Bay. In an unusual arrangement, the hotel actually owns much of the broad sands (part of Monterey State Beach) in front of it, which means guests can take advantage of bonfire and S’mores kits — a perfect way for families, friends and coworkers traveling together to spend the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS: All-inclusive event planning makes it easy to host groups at the Monterey Tides, whether for an afternoon, evening or multiple days, and the hotel can also organize semi-private luncheons in the onsite Bayside Lobby Lounge for groups up to 30, or fully private luncheons at the Tides Waterfront Kitchen for groups up to 80.
InterContinental the Clement Monterey
One of the newest structures in historic Cannery Row, the 220-room InterContinental The Clement Monterey spreads its rooms and facilities between a waterfront building and one across the street, connected by a second-story bridge. The hotel is well equipped to host groups of various sizes. All of its luxurious accommodations come with gas fireplaces (perfect for foggy nights), soaking tubs, walk-in showers and plump beds with Frette linens, and some include pull-out sofa beds as well. The street-side building hosts the small but well-regarded spa and the more commodious fitness center, which overlooks a courtyard with a modest heated pool. Everyone can soak in the sea air from the expansive deck with fire pits, an easy walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, shops and dining.
HIGHLIGHTS: Offering more than 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space to accommodate a variety of events, from weddings to family reunions to business meetings, nearly all of the InterContinental The Clement Monterey’s 12 event rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with captivating ocean views.
Portola Hotel
In the heart of Old Monterey, Portola Hotel & Spa is steps to the historic Custom House Plaza, the shops and restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, quaint adobes and intriguing museums. Its 379 recently renovated rooms and suites boast a bright and light coastal palette with modern, streamlined furnishings — and some feature a queen sleeper sofa or a connecting room option to accommodate groups traveling together. Dining options are tasty and convenient: clubby Jacks Monterey and the acclaimed indoor-outdoor Peter B’s Brewpub. A serene spa is also onsite offering more than 40 treatments sure to appeal to the wellness-enthusiasts in your party, including facials and massage.
HIGHLIGHTS: A plethora of appealing indoor and outdoor venues make the Portola Hotel & Spa a popular choice for hosting all types of events, from corporate retreats to destination weddings. The hotel will also help coordinate group experiences, from whale watching excursions to golf outings, to keep everyone entertained.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
A tranquil enclave of beach bungalows, boardwalks and sand dunes near Marina, Sanctuary Beach Resort hosts 60 recently renovated rooms and suites with ocean views. Each wood-framed cottage contains a room and a suite that can easily be combined for group stays. Families will love the heated pool, nightly bonfires and quick drive to Monterey attractions; adults will gravitate to the weekend nature walks and beach yoga sessions, nightly wine and cheese tastings, and the services at the Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort. Gorgeous views of Monterey Bay also land Sanctuary on our list of best waterfront hotels in Monterey.
HIGHLIGHTS: Saltwood Kitchen & Oysterette serves detour-worthy seafood in a casual-chic, indoor-outdoor setting. Active types can pursue bocce ball, volleyball and croquet on site, or rent one of the resort’s bicycles to head farther afield — the nearby Monterey Bay Coastal Trail spans 18 miles, from Castroville to Pacific Grove. It’s one of the best waterfront hotels in the region, and is a contender for best wellness options, too.
Casa Munras
From the hacienda décor-inspired rooms to the lush grounds surrounding the swimming pool, the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa pays homage to its origins as the 1824-built home of Spanish diplomat Don Estéban Munras. Despite the hotel’s nod to the past, however, it also provides the modern amenities today’s travelers expect, with plenty of perks for groups traveling together. Estéban Restaurant, serving Spanish-influenced cuisine, is a favorite gathering place for indoor and alfresco dining on the newly remodeled Mediterranean garden patio, and the onsite spa, Peloton indoor cycling room and complementary bike rentals ensure there’s plenty to do for everyone in your party.
HIGHLIGHTS: A variety of rooms and suites, some with fireplaces, sofa beds and generous seating areas (and some pet-friendly, too!), are designed to suit the needs of group travelers. And for those looking to host a celebratory gathering or meeting, the hotel boasts 5,500 square feet of event space in five unique venues.
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