Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

You know what, I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa a handful of times over the years, and honestly, it’s one of those places that just gets better each visit. Tucked away in Monterey on Del Monte Golf Course (you literally wake up to golfers teeing off if you get a course-view room), this 5-star resort has this relaxed California vibe that hits you the moment you walk through those glass doors. The lobby smells like eucalyptus and ocean air – which makes sense since you’re just a few minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row.

I mean, the location is pretty spectacular when you think about it. You’re right off Del Monte Avenue, so getting to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is literally a five-minute drive, and if you’re feeling ambitious, 17-Mile Drive starts practically around the corner. The parking situation is refreshingly stress-free (they have both valet and self-park options), which is honestly a relief in this area where finding a spot can be a nightmare during peak season. The rooms themselves are spacious – way bigger than your typical California coast hotel – and I love that they’ve kept those sliding glass doors that open onto either golf course or garden views. Fair warning though: if you’re a light sleeper, maybe skip the golf course side during tournament weekends (it can get pretty lively out there).

What really sets this place apart is the spa – I’m talking about proper relaxation here, not just some token wellness center. The treatment rooms overlook the gardens, and there’s this outdoor relaxation area where you can actually hear the ocean if the wind’s right. The hotel restaurant (TusCA Ristorante) serves up solid Italian fare, though honestly, with Monterey’s incredible seafood scene just down the road, I usually venture out for dinner. Mornings are magical here – the fog rolls in from the bay and creates this dreamy, almost mystical atmosphere over the golf course. Staff-wise, they strike that perfect balance between attentive and not hovering, and check-in is usually smooth even during busy summer months. The only minor downside? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in some of the garden-view rooms (something about the thick walls), but hey, maybe that’s not such a bad thing when you’re trying to unwind in one of California’s most beautiful coastal towns.