Hotel Pacific
Monterey, California

Monterey has a fascinating history dating even before the Spanish colonial days of the early 1600s when the area received its name - Monte Rey - from explorer Sebastián Viscaíno.  The Hotel Pacific is situated in the midst of this richly cultural area, and its sweeping adobe architecture and lush courtyard gardens are a perfect fit.

The hotel contains 105 suites decorated in warm southwestern tints, accented with hardwood floors, Spanish tile, fireplaces, private balconies/patios...and all the amenities expected from a luxurious inn.

Continental breakfast and afternoon tea with fruits and cheeses are served in the salon.  This room is quite a comfy spot for enjoying the treats, or they can be taken on trays back to the suites...to be savored in the dining area in front of the French doors or on the balcony on the other side of them. 

The lobby is equally inviting, and we found the staff to be very gracious and helpful ... matching the genteel hospitality conveyed by the hotel's graceful design.

The rambling staircases, courtyards, fountains and gardens lend an air of privacy and seclusion, even though the hotel is near Monterey's busy convention center, downtown, and Old Town areas.

Since the hotel is located so close to the downtown and Old Town areas (and conveniently near the convention center), it's possible to walk to many attractions, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.  We thoroughly enjoyed strolling to 3 area restaurants: Montrio, housed in an old fire station and part of the same excellent group as the Rio Grill and Tarpy's Roadhouse (two of our favorite Monterey Peninsula eateries) - excellent food - try the Veal Cheeks; Stokes Adobe, which we had dined at during a previous stay at the Hotel Pacific a few years ago...and it was better than ever; and Indian Summer, a wonderful Indian restaurant - with that clever name that I love!  Another restaurant had been in this cozily attractive spot on our last Hotel Pacific visit.  We were sorry to hear that Trifles had closed, but we were totally happy with our delicious Indian meal (and glad to see that the lovely courtyard dining area has remained).

A terrific way to get some exercise and enjoy Monterey's unique sights ... and some incredible scenery ... is to walk past the historic buildings and old adobes to Fisherman's Wharf with its boat tours and restaurants featuring the freshest catch (stop to greet the organ grinder and monkey...a routine of ours for many years).  The coastside trail that begins in Seaside and winds its way to Lover's Point in Pacific Grove is a perfect place for walkers, runners, bicyclists, skaters...even the ubiquitous bike-type surreys that are rented in the area.  This picturesque route adjoins beaches, passes through famous Cannery Row with its shops, galleries and restaurants...and an intriguingly varied past; past the magnificent Monterey Bay Aquarium (a MUST-DO); across from the Factory Outlet Stores; and along Pacific Grove's gorgeous shoreline leading into that charming little town.  Seals can be found sunning themselves on the sand or balancing in the water (look closely...those aren't rocks on the beach!); and those glorious sea otters are bobbing in and out of the ocean, floating on their backs, grooming their adorably furry faces and - as always - thoroughly delighting John and me!  We saw more sea otters on this trip than ever before, and we come to the Monterey Peninsula at least once a year...YEAY OTTERS!!

We always spend Christmas week on the Monterey Peninsula, but we stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea and make forays into Monterey for dining, shopping etc.  It's nice, every once in a while, to base ourselves in this historic city so we can enjoy it more fully...and even nicer yet to stay at the Hotel Pacific while doing so.  You can find more information and make reservations by calling 1-800-554-5542 or visiting the website at http://www.hotelpacific.com/pacific_hotel.html ...then watch for our otters when you get there!

Copyright © 2002 - 2008: Jan Hight
All photos are the property of Jan & John Hight and may not be copied or used in any way without our written permission.

Published -- June 26, 2002
Last Revision -- Sunday, 13-Aug-2006 03:36:42 GMT