Monterey County Properties Celebrate Openings and Fresh New Looks

Hotels Invest Millions in Renovations and Upgrades In 2017

News provided by

Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sep 26, 2017, 09:00 ET

MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a breathtaking coastline and pristine landscapes, Monterey County draws millions of visitors every year who come to experience the awe-inspiring beauty. As the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) sees more travelers coming to the destination, properties throughout the region have been investing tens of millions of dollars to undergo major renovations, upgrades and additions. This year, there have been a number of notable projects that have been recently completed including Fairway One at The Lodge, Portola Hotel & Spa and The Sanctuary Beach Resort. In October, Ventana Big Sur will be celebrating its grand re-opening and reimagination after being closed as a result of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge closure, which is expected to open in the coming weeks. The Inns of Monterey also introduced a new property to its boutique collection.

"This is an exciting year for Monterey County as we see significant investments happening here in our local businesses and communities," says Tammy Blount, President and CEO of the MCCVB. "The renovations and upgrades will not only give visitors new experiences, but also unforgettable and inspirational stories to share with family and friends."

As the wave of projects in Monterey County continue this fall and winter, the MCCVB has compiled a brief list of properties that have recently completed or are currently undergoing renovations:

Located in downtown Monterey, Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, which is part of the Inns of Monterey, completed extensive renovations and technological upgrades in June 2017. Updates to the guest rooms and the six new suites include stylish hardwood floors, custom designed upholstered and wood headboards, luxurious cream colored bedding and new double-paned windows to diffuse exterior noise. Other upgrades include high-definition capabilities and updated fire and air conditioning systems. The new decor and historic images in the rooms also reflect the region's Spanish heritage.
Embassy Suites by Hilton, located just two blocks from the beachfront in Seaside, will be completing an exciting $17 million renovation by mid-October 2017. Renovations to the hotel include its 225 suites and the 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting space as well as the atrium, restaurant and bar. The property is currently putting the finishing touches on the project.
Pebble Beach Resorts introduced the new Fairway One at The Lodge in August 2017. Located along the first fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, Fairway One is a distinctive addition to The Lodge. Fairway One includes 30 oversized guest rooms in three two-story buildings, two four-bedroom golf cottages each with a 1,000 square foot living room. A 2,500 square foot main meeting room with floor-to-ceiling views of the first fairway is part of the new meeting facility. Pebble Beach Resorts has also invested in a major, three-year renovation of all 454 guest rooms at The Lodge, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. The project will be completed in early 2019 for Pebble Beach's centennial celebrations and the 2019 U.S. Open.
This coming winter, L'Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, will be giving its guest rooms an aesthetic upgrade for a fresh look. While they are still in the design phase, the boutique inn is expecting the renovations to be completed by the end of January 2018.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa on Cannery Row is in its final phase of a $4.5 million renovation of the property's guest rooms. The hotel recently completed an upgrade of the outdoor patio at its restaurant Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar with a new fire pit, furnishings and glass railing. There is also a new exterior staircase and a newly tiled lower terrace. In 2016, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa unveiled a new lobby, upgraded guest service stations, the new Helmsman Lounge, a new rooftop sundeck at the Vista Blue Spa and remodeled penthouse luxury suites.
Adjacent to the Monterey Conference Center, the Portola Hotel & Spa has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation including the completion of a $10 million full renovation of all 379 guest rooms. The hotel also recently completed a $6 million renovation of the lobby and its new lobby bar and restaurant - Jacks Monterey. In addition, the hallway carpet was replaced, new exterior signage has been put in and the exterior of the main building is being repainted this month. Improvements also included cutting-edge energy and water conservation fixtures, reinforcing the Portola's commitment to sustainability and LEED^® Certified Status.
Nestled on 19 acres in Marina, Sanctuary Beach Resort unveiled a $4 million renovation of the restaurant and meeting space this month. The new Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette features fresh cuisine made from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, inspired by Salinas Valley and its rich, agricultural bounty. The three new adjoining beachfront conference rooms provide large spaces for presentations, lectures and cocktail parties and are all equipped with 42'' flat screen monitors, LCD projectors and surround sound systems. In addition, the 60 room oceanfront resort also made improvements and furnishing updates to the guest rooms.
Spindrift Inn, also part of the Inns of Monterey boutique collection, will be renovated this winter. Located on historic Cannery Row, the property will undergo a facelift as plans include repainting the entire exterior of the hotel. Inside, guests will be welcomed by new artwork hung over the fireplace in the lobby along with reupholstered furniture. The ever romantic guest rooms will also receive an upgrade with new custom-made headboards and canopies.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott The Dunes on Monterey Bay debuted an all-suite hotel in Marina this past June. The new four-story property includes 106 suites and up to 1,850 square feet of meeting space with state of the art audio visual equipment. There is also a lobby lounge, bar, outdoor patio with three fire pits and a fitness center.
Perched high above overlooking the Pacific coastline, Ventana Big Sur has undergone a multi-million dollar reimagination to coincide with its fall 2017 reopening. The intimate 59 room resort will introduce distinctive experiences that invite guests to discover, inspire and create. The opening of Ventana Big Sur also marks the North American debut of Alila Hotels & Resorts. Enhancements to the property include a refresh of the guest rooms, suites and villas, the new Glass House Gallery to showcase works of art, a new luxury glamping experience offering 15 safari-style, canvas tents spanning a 20-acre canyon and the new awe-inspiring Ocean Meadow Lawn for events and celebrations.
In the heart of the Cannery Row historic district, the new Wave Street Inn debuted in July 2017. Wave Street Inn, an Inns of Monterey property, features 32 guest rooms and adds another outstanding hotel choice for travelers who want to follow in John Steinbeck's footsteps. Signature Design of Salinas created an ambiance inspired by the surrounding natural beauty and maritime history. Shiplap walls evoke the area's fishing heritage while contemporary art, ocean-blue oversized headboards, pops of starfish-orange accessories and an on-trend barn door to the bathroom create a laid back coastal vibe.