Relaxation and comfort in the very heart of Monterey: Portola Hotel & Spa

To get the most out of the wonders of Californian coastal town of Monterey you’ll be needing a place to stay that sets you up right in the heart of the action.

That place is the Portola Hotel & Spa, allowing exploration of the city and the surrounding areas with ease.

Set in historic Old Monterey the hotel backs onto the Marina and the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, and opens up spectacular coastal walks and beaches all within a few minutes walk.

The history of the area is available in same complex as the hotel with the Custom House Museum and Pacific House Museum available to delve into the area's local history.

Heading along the coast within 20 minutes walk you can reach the famous Cannery Row area with its sought after shopping, drinking and dining experiences. The area is also home to the world-famous Monterey Aquarium.

In another direction, a few minutes also opens up the centre of Monterey town which has a laid back vibe but incredible boutique shopping, great cafes and quality bars such as the Alvarado Street Brewery, selling a range of their own-brewed beers and incredible bar food.

The location also puts Portola in the best possible position to drive out to explore nearby ‘must-see’ sites such as Carmel by the Sea (an exclusive and cute enclave with incredible independent shopping experiences and great beaches) and the breathtaking beauty of the coast along Highway One and Big Sur.

The Hotel offers a map that shows you exactly how to get to the 17-mile Drive, which for its $10 entry to the route crams the best drive into such a short distance. Read more about our experience on this drive HERE.

If you are stuck for suggestions ask in the hotel for guidance, as they will be able to direct to the best things to suit your plans.

But with the hotel itself you may find that you don’t want to venture out. As a waterfront property many of the rooms offer exceptional views, with our own room looking out over the Marina and Del Monte beach across the roof-tops. Perfect for sunrises and sunsets and a tranquil way to start the day!

If that tranquil feeling is what you want from your stay the hotel comes complete with its own spa, the Spa on the Plaza, the largest day spa on Monterey County, offering treatments, massages and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

If food and drink is more your thing on holiday, Portola has you covered as well. Our meal in Jacks Monterey was the best we had in the city. The restaurant, run by acclaimed chef Danny Abbruzzese, offers a fresh take on Californian cuisine from local ingredients in classy surrounds just off the hotel's foyer.

Service was quick and courteous, and the quality of the food made the not-exactly-cheap bill more than worth the cost. You get what you pay for and Jacks delivered. If the bill is worrying you, just over-indulge in their brilliant house cocktails and forget your worries.

Craft beer brewing has become a real “thing” in the US and Portola offers its own take on this trend with the attached Peter B’s Brewpub, which has the stereotypical vibe of a casual American bar but with Portola's own award-winning craft beer on tap.

Your Californian journey deserves luxury, relaxation and great food (and drink) and it more than deserves a visit to wonderful Monterey. In that case it deserves a stay at Portola, which gives you all you could need right in the heart of this must visit city.