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.
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.
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
This hotel is situated in Old Town Monterey. With a full-service spa, a range of suites and an onsite restaurant, your group getaway to Casa Munras will surely be relaxing and luxurious. And you can bring your furry friends along in one of their pet-friendly rooms.
HIGHLIGHTS: Originally built in 1824, the historic adobe hotel has an old Spanish charm that will transport you to another time — a perfect retreat within Monterey.
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