{"id":33601,"date":"2016-08-07T19:03:25","date_gmt":"2016-08-08T02:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soulofamerica.com\/?page_id=33601"},"modified":"2023-01-05T10:25:28","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T18:25:28","slug":"monterey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.soulofamerica.com\/us-cities\/monterey\/","title":{"rendered":"Monterey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Seaside attractions in Monterey<\/strong>; (c) Soul Of America<\/p><\/div>\n

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Monterey<\/h2>\n
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Photos<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Hotels<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Weather<\/a><\/div>\n
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Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is tucked behind majestic pine trees, just southeast of Highway One in Monterey, California. Located on 22 verdant acres the amenities-rich retreat has much to offer within and nearby — Jeanette Valentine, Soul Of America.<\/font><\/p>\n

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Walk into the bright and airy lobby, and you almost feel as if you\u2019re still outdoors. Wall-to-floor windows overlook the legendary Del Monte Golf Course, shedding bright light into the open space. The d\u00e9cor relies heavily on a cream and tan palette with plenty of natural textures in the furnishings, floor coverings, and table art to evoke an al fresco vibe. <\/p>\n

No crass fluorescent lighting; no heavy, bulky counters, and absolutely no wasted space. The lobby is functional and compact, while also managing to be welcoming and inviting. It\u2019s a tricky balance that I see throughout my visit.<\/p>\n

Just steps beyond the sleek, check-in area is a lounge that beckons weary travelers with leather sofas, ubiquitous wait staff and a massive, stone and wood fireplace open on four sides. In contrast to the gloom of many hotel lounges, natural light streams through skylights overhead, adding to the room\u2019s openness.<\/p>\n

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Order drinks from the bar, or if you wish to imbibe in more upscale beverages, cross the hallway to the Tasting Studio. The cozy outlet offers tastings of boutique wines from nearby McIntyre Vineyards.<\/p>\n

Despite the sophistication here, the Grand Hyatt Monterey is at heart a resort for families. You can tell by the foosball, air hockey, and ping-pong tables near its main pool; by the life-sized chess set nearby, by the popcorn machine in its sports-themed restaurant, Knuckles, and by the resort\u2019s offering of S\u2019mores Kits \u2013 graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate \u2013 for roasting the treats over a fire pit covered by a gazebo.<\/p>\n

Even Rover is welcome. For an extra $80-85 per night, a man\u2019s best friend receives a letter of greeting, a dog bowl, and a special \u201cWelcome Amenity.\u201d And the concierge will help you find local pet services. The spacious two-room suite featured an Asian-inspired d\u00e9cor: Angular, yet comfortable sofa and chairs, teak-inspired furnishings, and a lovely view of the main pool. My favorite feature was the shower, golden marble almost the size of a miniature room in itself. With a rain shower and strong water flow, I never wanted to leave it.<\/p>\n

\"Monterey

Monterey Hyatt Regency lounge<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Sports fans will find nirvana in Knuckles, just off the main lobby. The walls on one side of the room are comprised of floorboards from an actual basketball court. Across the room, memorabilia including pool cues, vintage wooden skis, and leather football helmets hang as if in a museum. A barrel of fresh roasted peanuts and the popcorn machine are nearby.<\/p>\n

The hearty fare \u2013 burgers, nachos, Buffalo wings, and the like \u2013 was tasty and served quickly. But what floored me were the flat-screen televisions \u2013 24 in all, some on the wall of individual booths. I\u2019d love to watch March Madness in this place.<\/p>\n

I especially looked forward to the Accista Spa, and the new facility didn\u2019t disappoint. After changing into fluffy white robes, my boyfriend, Patrick, and I was treated to side-by-side massages in a shared suite. (Kudos to the staff for its flexibility. Initially, we were booked in separate rooms. We preferred a shared experience, and were accommodated with little fuss.) <\/p>\n

From the plush sofas, soft music, and plentiful fruit trays in the spa waiting area to our 500-square-foot suite (soaking tub included), the Accista Spa experience is one of relaxation and elegance. The first floor of the two-story facility houses a reception area, and retail space offering many of the fragranced products used during spa treatments, a hair salon, and women’s and men\u2019s locker rooms.<\/p>\n