Monterey, California, is getting a major upgrade.
At least 18 hotels and resorts at the popular Pacific Coast destination have started or completed work on their properties, including a few of the industry’s biggest players.
Why the sudden surge?
Two reasons: coincidence and the return of a major meeting facility.
The investment of tens of millions of dollars comes as Monterey Conference Center completes a $60 million overhaul for an early summer debut. Sure to be a favorite of planners, the center will be LEED-certified, with more than 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible event meeting space and a capacity of 3,200 people.
“As the renovation of the Monterey Conference Center takes shape, its presence is being felt throughout the community,” says Doug Phillips, general manager of the center.
Group gatherings pumped $161 million into Monterey County in 2016. That figure reflects only direct hotel room revenue, not ancillary spending.
New, and Improved, Monterey Hotels
Springhill Suites by Marriott The Dunes on Monterey Bay opens in May. The new hotel in Marina will feature 106 suites and three meeting rooms. Marriott finished work on the 341-room Monterey Marriott in 2016. The property has 16,500 sq. ft. of meeting space onsite and 40,000 sq. ft. at the adjacent Monterey Conference Center. (The independent Portola Hotel & Spa, also next to the center, recently completed a $10 million renovation of its 379 guest rooms.)
Embassy Suite by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside is undergoing an $11 million renovation to its 234 guest rooms, as well as to its ballrooms. And Hyatt Carmel Highlands is making upgrades throughout the 48-room hotel, including the addition of an 870-square-foot deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coast.
Woodside Properties Inc. manages two properties that completed major improvements: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, with 290 guest rooms and 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; and Bernardus Lodge and Spa in Carmel Valley, with 73 guest rooms and 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Pebble Beach Resorts—owned by an investment group that includes Clint Eastwood and Peter Ueberroth—will introduce its new addition, Fairway One at The Lodge, with 30 guest rooms, two four-bedroom cottages, and 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.
That should make your day.
Monterey Hotel Renovations Bring Big Benefits
The wave of activity certainly makes visitors happy.
“The investments that are happening here in Monterey County are not only investments into the individual properties, but also the community and destination, says Tammy Blount, president and CEO of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The renovations and upgrades will give visitors new experiences that will inspire them to share their life-enriching experiences.”
Other hotels with upgrades underway:
–The Vagabond House, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–Sanctuary Beach Resort Monterey Bay, in Marina
–The Stevenson Monterey
–Hotel Abrego, in Monterey
Other recently completed renovations:
–Hotel Carmel, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–The Hideaway, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, in Monterey
–Hotel 1110, in Monterey
–Hotel Abrego, in Monterey
–Monterey Tides, in Monterey
–Monterey Peninsula Inn, in Pacific Grove
