Monterey Peninsula Hotels Info

Monterey Peninsula Hotels

Some of the nation''s most romantic hotels are located on the Monterey Peninsula, tucked into lush valleys or perched on ocean cliffs. But since we wanted to stay downtown in order to stroll after dinner and enjoy some local nightlife, we bypassed the more charming, remote locations and cashed in a bundle of frequent-stay awards at the Marriott in downtown Monterey. The hotel has all the amenities of a first-rate conference center with extensive meeting rooms, high-speed, wireless Internet connections, exhibition halls, and a 24-hour business center tucked behind the ubiquitous portrait of J.W. and son, founders of the chain. However, in spite of being part of a triad of hotels that make up the Monterey Conference Center, the hotel has an intriguing past which bubbles under the high-tech facade. In its earlier turn-of-the-century incarnation it was known as the St. Charles, a plush resort destination for visitors to the peninsula. This splash of romance may surprise conference-goers and please vacationers. But even without this bonus point, staying here put us within walking distance of Fishermans'' Wharf, excellent restaurants, the historic Monterey park, and the city''s many festivals. During the summer months the city''s free bus service, The Wave stops in front of the Marriott, offering yet another incentive to stay centralized. If you also enjoy indulging in reasonably priced, luxurious spa treatments, the Escape Spa is a new addition to the hotel where visitors can hide out from the hectic world of business buzzing outside. A variety of services, from massages to seaweed wraps and Ayurvedic Facials, coaxes the facility back toward its early resort origins. A heated pool and whirlpool in the courtyard tempt with yet another remedy for travelers looking more to get away from business and into relaxation. The Marriott provides catering services for the conference center and has two on-site restaurants and a coffee bar. Characters Sports Bar is aptly named. After passing the late hours here twice, we grew enchanted not by sports on multiple TV screens as the name implies, but rather by a colorful collection of characters who obviously make karaoke a habit such as the group of multi-talented linguists who had recently attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where they participated in a submersion course in Arabic. We learned that most of them were shoving off for Baghdad soon. Meanwhile, they sang their hearts out and glowingly recounted their stay in Monterey and their nights at Characters. And why not? The staff is delightful, the facility top-notch, the atmosphere an unlikely combination of serious business and laid-back warmth. The front desk was ever-accommodating, whether to locate Dennis the Menace Park, or explain the significance of Doc Rickett''s Laboratory. Stepping outside onto bougainvillea-draped balconies, whether or not you have a prized ocean-view room, listening to sea lions barking off Fishermans'' Wharf, you may want to cover the receiver when you call into corporate headquarters.
About
For years I listened to fables and myths about Pebble Beach, the golf mecca of rich and reluctant celebrities. For decades I'd heard people with high aspirations of human potential declare Big Sur the consummate soul searchers' destination. I'd even heard rugged Harley riders swear (literally) that the storied drive along Hwy. 1 was bleep-ing phantasmagoric - among other things. Yet, I remained unconvinced that Monterey Peninsula was the be-all end-all destination. That is, until a friend who is in the business of wines showered high praise on the vintages of the Central Coast (the area from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, from the ocean to the Santa Lucia mountain). She claimed more wine grapes are grown in Monterey than any other county in the nation. Now I was listening. After all those years of hype, all the places I've been, I was unconvinced simply hearing about awesome views and outstanding encounters with nature's harmonic convergences. Soul-searching and brilliant scenery I have at home (Maui).
It was the wine that originally drew me to the Monterey Peninsula, but no amount of ballyhoo prepared me for what I actually discovered - heaven on the mainland.
Quick tips/suggestions
Salinas, great Valley of the World, as John Steinbeck called it in his notes for East of Eden, is also more humbly known as Salad Bowl of the World. Using this phrase metaphorically, the traveler of the peninsula, although sure to find artichoke, garlic, and romaine authentically represented, also discovers historical, cultural, artistic, recreational, and natural venues so exquisite it induces more sniffles than a drive through Gilroy. The drive to Big Sur may find you choking back an overwhelming tension - not caused solely by the dizzying heights of the coastal cliffs, but rather the astounding beauty unveiled at every turn. Travel to Carmel to indulge at any of the splendid restaurants that transform the bounty of nature afforded this area into gourmet delights, but more importantly, soak in the coastal air scented with sage, salt, cedar, and soil. Drink in the glorious sunrise and sunset over untamed seas; inhale the fog rising from the ocean mists; hike the Del Monte forest or Point Lobos State Park. Wander inland and never again pine for Tuscany, for Monterey Peninsula satisfies more than a hunger for food and wine; it nourishes the soul with natural inspiration.
Best Way to Get Around (i.e. walking, driving, taxis, public transportation etc.) Monterey revealed our gluttonous tendencies. Although we didn't overeat and exercised self-control during winery visits, it was the road that lured us, demanding heightened attention both for the exquisite scenery and for safety's sake. Follow Hwy. 1 from Monterey to Carmel after traveling the famed 17-Mile Drive, a restful route punctuated frequently with vantage points and vistas, we took Hwy 68 as it meanders across the salad valley to Salinas. From there, Los Laureles Grade provides an alternate route to Carmel Valley Road through the rolling farmlands of the area's graceful vineyards.
The drive to Big Sur, notorious, rugged, merely two lanes, winds and twists along sheer cliffs, following the coastal route from Carmel for 60 breathtaking miles. Often swathed in veils of fog, the road delights with hairpin turns and sheer drops into the sea. On one hand, we didn't want the experience to end, but were admittedly relieved to forgo the challenge at Hwy. 46, making our way again across the fertile valleys to Paso Robles and earth-bound Hwy. 101. For the faint-hearted, there is a regional bus. The city of Monterey also operates a local free shuttle during the summer.
More.....
Is there a greater pleasure when traveling than hanging out and poking around a new territory? Searching out the unfamiliar, where nothing much and everything has the potential to surprise and offer unexpected connections and insights, is travel's supreme joy. This sort of carefree exploration is the essence of a visit to Carmel. It starts out being so beautiful you don't mind if it also turns out to be a mindless indulgence. But soon enough, you inevitably begin to question and examine the very elements that create the overall attraction. In other words, Carmel's beauty is far deeper than its gorgeous skin, but you'd accept her even if it weren't so.
The legacy of Carmel began when the area's bounty attracted many visionaries and great thinkers who were resolute in their determination to protect the area. It's true that residents of this magical place are beyond wealthy; they are mega-rich. Against some criticism, they have historically not been content to rely on governmental agencies to handle this environment and, encouraged by their wealth, managed to create their own organizations to "protect and preserve."
Which is why visitors must pay a fee to travel the famed 17-Mile Drive. This is one of the few private toll roads in the country, owned and maintained by the Pebble Beach corporation. There are three separate tollgates guarding entrances to the loop, which takes visitors through the vast Del Monte Forest along a stunning coastal route that runs just south of Pacific Grove and through Carmel.
Moving from the secluded Spanish Bay to the treacherous Point Joe, where underwater colliding currents promise a vigorous ocean show, visitors are drawn to the amazing vistas along the route. At famed Bird Rock, observe huge colonies of cormorants, seals, and sea lions that roost and cavort. Over 150 species of birds call these woods home, allowing even casual bird-watchers to catch sight of many of them.
The visitor's map shows 21 Points of Interest, the most famous being the Lone Cypress. A testament to endurance and tenacity, the 200-year-old tree clings precariously to a cliff, taking whatever wind, salt, and storm the ocean dishes out. The tree is being aided currently in the hopes this symbol of Pebble Beach (it is copyrighted) will endure another century.
Just beyond the turn at Pescadero Point rests Stillwater Cove, where the multicolored pebbles first attracted visitors to the region over 100 years ago. During that era, horse-drawn carriages took picnicking pleasure seekers along this very route.
Leaving the 17-Mile Drive at the Carmel Gate, following along Scenic Road reveals multi-million-dollar "cottages" fronting the roadway leading to the mouth of the Carmel River and the deliciously beautiful River Beach State Park. With the exception of excellent diving options, the Beach is too treacherous for water sports. The main attraction here is the bird sanctuary and lagoon that is literally howling with aviary arias and teeming with fowl activities. (I haven't seen that much fluttering, flitting, and preening since I visited South Beach.) It is a stupendous site for bird lovers, artists, and anyone who loves nature and canvas-worthy settings.
Loop back around to Carmel Point, arriving ideally just before sunset. Take a stroll through the sugary sand as lovers spoon, dogs leap for frisbees, and photographers salivate at the coming attraction.
Like a precise, solid drive off the tee that results in a hole in one, ending your day of touring with sunset in Carmel is an occasion that may inspire you to buy everyone on the beach a drink. As with the golfer who suddenly hits his mark, you've likely spent years in misguided strivings, searching for perfection in all the wrong places, muscling through intensive attempts at improvement, seeking the keys to life's true meaning via better equipment, when the great paradox arrives.
In one fleeting, profound, and miraculous moment when you weren't even trying, you are suddenly face to face with the pure, unadulterated excellence you've searched for so long. It arrives effortlessly in a harmonic convergence of the laws of motion, a relaxed state of mind in elusive flow, and a brilliant dash of good fortune.
The sun sets. Pink, gold, purple swirls paint across the horizon. Life is so beautiful, its purpose so clear and unfettered. You are swimming in joy. In times such as this, eternal happiness seems assured.
Savor the experience. Take a picture. Moments like this do last a lifetime.

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