Monterey Tides

This lovely hotel, formerly Unscripted Monterey Bay, was completely renovated in 2016. From the expansive outdoor courtyard to the restaurant and bar, the property takes advantage of its unobstructed ocean views. It’s a quiet and relatively isolated place that attracts tourists on getaways and corporate groups on retreats. The fresh lobby has a rustic seaside ambience that’s relaxed and casual, with wood laminate floors, nautical accents, and wood-slab tables. A gas fireplace is the centerpiece of a cozy seating area, and there's a striking bar just off the lobby. Sunsets are a festive event here, as guests gather in the courtyard, or by any of the windows facing the ocean. 

The hotel enjoys a spectacular oceanfront location, set on a clean and uncrowded public beach. The property is located about an 11-minute drive north of downtown Monterey on the legendary Highway 1 that runs along California's coast. Some restaurants are within walking distance, but it requires crossing the highway -- having a car is a necessity here. 

• Five-minute drive to Monterey Regional Airport
• 11-minute drive to Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey
• 12-minute drive to Carmel
• 14-minute drive to Pebble Beach
• 60-minute drive to Big Sur
• 90-minute drive to San Jose International Airport

Guest rooms at Monterey Tides have attractive, midcentury modern decor and quality amenities. However, some are small and a bit dark, and despite the designer-like details, there’s no denying that they're housed in an older building that was once a mid-range chain property. Still, they're stylish, done in steely blue and gray, and there are padded leather headboards finished with grommets, tables and chairs with Danish lines, and throws with an energetic geometric pattern on beds. 

All rooms come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, robes, safes, and coffeemakers with free Starbucks coffee. Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee. Bathrooms have lovely white vanities with basin sinks located outside of the cramped spaces housing shower/tub combos or walk-in showers and toilets. All come with hairdryers and a generous supply of high-end Jonathan Adler products. 

Like the hotel’s public spaces, ocean-facing rooms on floors two through four have spectacular views (first-floor views are obstructed). Other rooms overlook the pool or garden area, but the views are still pleasant. Kings and two Queens are the bed options.  

The beautiful public beach is a top amenity at this hotel, which offers bonfire and s’mores kits to enhance the oceanfront experience. Guests who don’t want to build their own fire on the beach can gather around the gas fire pit on the lovely oceanfront lawn. Another highlight is the year-round heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, surrounded by loungers on wooden decking. For on-site dining, Vizcaino Waterfront Food + Drink features Spanish-Californian cuisine with a focus on seafood, and it's open for all three meals. Bar Sebastian also has a Spanish tapas menu. Other amenities include a fitness center with minimal cardio and weight-training equipment, a business center with two computers, and 9,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests can rents bicycles on-site, and dry cleaning and laundry services are offered. The hotel’s rather hefty daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi and on-site parking. Pets are welcome for a surcharge.