Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Classic California coastal grandeur — European architecture meets warm, lived-in hospitality. Elegant but not stiff. Families, couples, and business travelers all feel at home.
Book a Direct Ocean View room if you can; some lower-floor rooms have waves crashing directly beneath the balcony — surreal for wildlife watching
Why It Matters
The hotel is literally cantilevered above the waves of Monterey Bay — you can watch sea otters from your room window. It holds Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond ratings, has been voted Top 20 Hotels in Northern California by Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice for eight consecutive years, and is the top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor in Monterey.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is literally built over the crashing surf of Monterey Bay, sitting right on historic Cannery Row. This is the only Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond property on the bay — 250 rooms and suites, a penthouse spa, two serious restaurants, and views you won't forget. It's big enough to have real amenities, personal enough that the staff still knows your name by day two.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Cannery Row Suite
A 1,500 sq ft ADA-accessible suite with a home-away-from-home feel. Living room has a fireplace, pull-down king Murphy bed, full bath, and wet bar. The bedroom has its own fireplace and marble soaking tub. Both rooms open to balconies with Cannery Row views. The pull-down Murphy bed in the living room makes it genuinely flexible for families.
139 sqmDirect Ocean View Room
The real deal. Located directly above the crashing waves, these rooms offer unobstructed Monterey Bay vistas. Wood accents, custom artwork, large marble bathrooms, and the sound of surf as your background track.
37 sqm
Executive Suite
At 900 sq ft with a spacious living room and separate bedroom, this works well for families or small corporate retreats. Sliding glass doors open onto exterior balconies overlooking Monterey Bay.
84 sqmGrand Bay Suite
1,700 sq ft with three separate balconies — all with sliding glass doors and Monterey Bay views. Fireplace, dining table, entertainment center, half bath, wet bar with pantry in the living room. Private bedroom has its own fireplace, double-sink vanity, soaking tub, and separate shower. Views from every window.
158 sqmHarbor View Room
Watch sunsets glow over the harbor from your own private balcony. King bed, signature Plaza amenities, and sweeping views of the harbor and Monterey Bay. Sunset hour here is genuinely special.
37 sqmInland View Room
Timelessly appointed rooms with plush beds, dark wood accents, and custom artwork. No ocean view, but fully loaded with marble bathroom, separate vanity, Nespresso machine, and flat-screen TV. Some have private balconies. The most affordable entry point at the hotel.
37 sqmPartial Ocean View Room
Classic elegance with dark wood accents and subtle coastal touches. Partial views of the Pacific, plush beds, and large marble bathrooms. A solid step up from inland without the full ocean premium.
37 sqm
Presidential Suite
The top of the pile at 2,100 sq ft, with a 500 sq ft private sun deck featuring a custom-built whirlpool tub, deck furniture for four, outdoor stereo, and a full 180-degree view of Monterey Bay. Inside: fireplace, dining room table, half bath, and a proper entertainment center. The views are as good as it gets on the California coast.
195 sqmSpa Terrace Suite
Made for couples who want total privacy. At 700 sq ft, this suite has a cozy gas fireplace, wet bar, state-of-the-art entertainment system, and — the headline feature — a private outdoor deck with a whirlpool tub. Marble soaking tub inside too. Note: no ocean view despite the premium.
65 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A dedicated team of deeply knowledgeable local experts who build personalized itineraries — whale watching tours, scenic drives, wine country routes, golf tee times, coastal hikes, and more.
Bikes are complimentary for guests — perfect for cruising the 18-mile Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail that runs right alongside the hotel.
Available via the hotel's Mad Dogs and Englishmen package — high-end e-bikes to explore the California coast and Coastal Recreation Trail.
Complimentary courtesy BMW X7 transportation for hotel guests, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A newer family-friendly outdoor Terrace with lounge furniture and two oversized hot tubs. No age restriction — designed for families and groups.
Nearby kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours via Adventures by the Sea, directly across the street from the hotel. Kayak tours through the kelp forest with otter, harbor seal, and sea lion sightings.
Complimentary kids program for hotel guests. Each child gets a discovery kit with binoculars, tide pool bingo, and exploration gear. Integrated with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's digital curriculum. Kids earn prizes for completing activities during their stay.
Two whirlpool hot tubs on the Vista Blue Spa rooftop deck with full Monterey Bay panoramas. Adults 18+ only. Sundeck open 8am–9pm daily.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The hotel has access to a private beach area on Monterey Bay.
A 17,000 sq ft conference facility with AV capabilities, wireless internet, climate control, and staffed business center. Groups of 10–300 accommodated. Ballroom and ocean-view banquet rooms available.
Fiber-optic internet access throughout the hotel, complimentary for all guests.
Room service / in-room dining available for hotel guests.
Same-day dry cleaning service available for hotel guests.
Every guest room and suite includes a Nespresso machine.
Custom pillow menu available in all guest rooms, alongside premium pillowtop mattresses.
Complimentary nightly turndown service for all guest rooms.
Gift shop located near the front desk for souvenirs and local gifts.
24/7 in-and-out valet parking at $45 + tax per night. Complimentary with validation for dining guests (up to 2 hours).
Electric vehicle charging available at $20 + applicable tax per night.
State-of-the-art fitness center on the rooftop level with Peloton bikes, open daily 6am–8pm with views over Monterey Bay.
BUILD YOUR MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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