Monterey Bay Getaway: Unbeatable Embassy Suites Deal!
Monterey Bay Getaway: Embassy Suites Deal! (Spoiler: Worth It, Mostly)
Okay, so I just got back from a Monterey Bay getaway, and let me tell you, navigating life while simultaneously trying to relax is… an experience. But the Embassy Suites deal was, well, unbeatable. Seriously, for the price, I was bracing for disappointment, thinking it'd be all chipped paint and lukewarm coffee. But… sigh… it wasn’t all bad. Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups!
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Got to keep those bots happy!)
- Keywords: Monterey Bay, Embassy Suites, Deal, Monterey hotel, Accessible hotel, Spa, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Family-friendly, Monterey Bay attractions, California Coast, Ocean View, Car Park, Breakfast, Review
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay deal! Accessibility, amenities, and all the messy, imperfect details you really want to know. Is it worth it? Find out!
The Nitty Gritty: Accessibility, and the Quest for the Perfect Shower (and Avoiding a Catastrophe)
First things first – accessibility. Seriously, this is HUGE for me. My partner uses a wheelchair, and the Embassy Suites was surprisingly decent. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, with ramps and elevators that actually work. Huge win. And, god bless them, the facilities for disabled guests at the hotel are thoughtfully applied. I'm talking accessible rooms – we booked one, obviously, and it was spacious and well-designed and wasn't like some sad afterthought of a room. The usual suspects are covered: bathrooms and showers were user-friendly, wide hallways, the lot. BUT…
A Moment of Pure Panic (and How the Front Desk Saved the Day):
One morning, after a particularly vigorous exploration of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (stunning, by the way!), we tried to go back to our room, there was a problem with the keycard. Seriously. And, honestly? I had a minor meltdown. We were exhausted, hungry, and the thought of having to navigate this hotel again was not amusing. Enter the 24-hour front desk, who were angels. The guy sorted things out right away, even managed to quickly address the issue. Phew. That front desk staff member deserves a bonus, honestly. This is important stuff.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Yes, and with a surprising degree of actual comfort. The restaurants and lounges are actually spacious enough that you can move around. Not always a given, let me tell you!
Internet, Glorious, Free Internet!
Okay, let's be real, I basically live online. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a massive selling point for me, and the Embassy Suites delivered. Solid connection, reliable, which is crucial when you're trying to upload those Instagrammable sunset shots. Internet access – wireless in the common areas was pretty good too, and I caught up with some work while I was lounging in the lobby - don't judge me! And, yes, I did check out the (unused) Internet access – LAN. Just in case, you know?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa and the Pool (and My Failed Body Wrap Attempt)
Okay, the Spa was… a mixed bag. I went for the Body wrap. Or, at least, I tried to go for a body wrap. Apparently, I'm a bit claustrophobic. Let's just say, I had a minor freak-out inside the cocoon and ditched it midway through. This is probably more me than the spa, so I'm not docking points. But. The Sauna, however, was pure bliss. Perfect for melting away the stress of… well, life.
The Pool with a view? Magnificent. Even if the weather was a bit… Monterey-esque (read: a little chilly), the view of the bay was simply stunning. I spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring at the water. I saw some seals and a couple of dolphins!
We also used the fitness center. It was smallish. But did the job. Didn't spend a huge amount of time there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Protocols (and a Slightly Obsessive Hand Sanitizer Use)
Look, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room – we're still in a pandemic. The Embassy Suites was surprisingly on top of things. They were constantly Daily disinfection in common areas. They also had those signs, you know, with the Hand sanitizer everywhere. Plus, they had taken the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter into account.
Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Check. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I appreciate the effort. I chose to stay, but I have to say, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't an option to have my room be extra clean every day. And the Staff trained in safety protocol did their best.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, Bars (and a Quest for a Decent Coffee)
Okay, the Breakfast [buffet] was… a buffet. A fairly decent one, I must admit. They had everything from Asian breakfast options to the basic Western breakfast. I did enjoy the pancakes. You’ll queue - like everyone else - but it's worth it.
But, the coffee, oh, the coffee. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was an experience. Let's just say I needed a serious caffeine intervention after the first day. But they did have a Poolside bar, which was a nice touch. And the Bar was open until late, a bonus.
There are also a number of Restaurants and a Coffee shop, it's a great location to have this much food available.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (and That Elevator Again)
The concierge were helpful. The Daily housekeeping was top-notch. They also offer Car park [free of charge] and I like that. They have those little extras to make it easier to move around. As mentioned before, there's an elevator!
For the Kids: Babysitting and Fun Times
I don’t have any children, but it seemed like they had taken the initiative to become Family/child friendly. Didn't see a lot of them, but the hotel does have Kids facilities, and they offer a Babysitting service.
Rooms: What to Expect (and That Tiny Closet)
The rooms? Pretty standard Embassy Suites fare. Air conditioning? Yep, and it works. The Wake-up service was reliable. BUT. That Closet! Tiny! And the Slippers… where were the slippers? I might have packed my own.
The Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely. The price point, the location (Monterey Bay!), the accessible features… it was a win. Were there imperfections? Sure. But overall, the Embassy Suites deal delivered. And that view? Unforgettable. Go see it! But… pack your own coffee.
Final Score: 8.5/10. (Minus a point for the coffee. Seriously, that coffee.)
Utica's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, and it's gonna be a beautiful, chaotic mess.
Subject: Monterey Bay: Where I Attempt to Achieve Zen (and Possibly Fail Hilariously)
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Suit Hunt of 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM (ish… planes, trains, and automobiles, remember?)
- Activity: Land, assess. Deep breaths. Find the Embassy Suites (yay, easy!), stalk a parking spot (a competitive sport, truly), and then… the holy grail: the room. My luggage, resembling a small, slightly neurotic family, and I were finally here.
- Emotional State: Giddy anticipation mixed with the faint dread of unpacking. You know, that feeling? Like you're about to unleash chaos onto a perfectly good room.
- Quirky Observation: The atrium. Massive. Like, could-hold-a-small-volleyball-tournament massive. Why do hotels love atriums so much? Is it a power move? A flex of "look how spacious we are?" I'll never understand.
- The Great Suit Saga Unleashed: Okay, the suites. It's a suite! Two whole rooms! I'm living my best life. Except… wait. Where are the hangers? Is this a cruel joke? My shirts were destined for wrinkles. I had to ask for more hangers. My pride slightly damaged, but my laundry ready to go, I did the great search for a spot.
- Dinner: The free cocktail hour. It's a trap, people. A delightful, slightly-watery-but-free-and-therefore-perfect trap. After two (okay, maybe three) drinks, my mood went from "calm traveler" to "enthusiastic explorer" in a matter of minutes.
- Bedtime: Collapsed. The sheer comfort of a proper hotel bed, after a long day, is a religious experience. Plus, I totally overpacked.
Day 2: Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Battle for Brunch
- Time: 8:00 AM - The battle for the breakfast buffet began. It's a war zone of scrambled eggs, slightly-sad pastries, and small children fueled by pure sugar. I had to battle those small beings.
- Activity: Monterey Bay Aquarium. OMG. The otters. The jellyfish. The giant kelp forest. I could have stayed there for a week. It's the kind of place that makes you silently swear to be a better human.
- Emotional State: Utter wonder. Then pure, unadulterated joy when I saw the sea otters. I may have squeaked. No shame.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of tourists taking selfies with the fish. Am I part of the problem? Probably. But the pufferfish was adorable.
- The Post-Aquarium Food Frenzy: Seriously. Trying to find lunch was a nightmare. Every decent restaurant had a line longer than the queue for the Sistine Chapel. I ended up at a place called "Crabby's," which, frankly, lived up to its name. The crab was average, the service was a little… crabby, but at that point, I was so hangry, I would have eaten a shoe.
- The Afternoon Meltdown (or, Why You Should Always Double-Check the Directions): I had a map. I thought I knew where I was going. I was wrong. Very, very wrong. Ended up on a scenic (and slightly terrifying) coastal drive, battling GPS, and questioning all my life choices. It was beautiful, though, if a little stressful.
- The evening: the sun went down and the sky exploded with colors, I was at peace with myself and the universe.
Day 3: The Delights of Monterey and the Departures
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Activity: My last day. I walked along the coast. Smelling the sea and feeling the wind on my skin, I felt peaceful. I even bought some souvenirs. Maybe I will be back.
- Emotional State: a mixture of excitement and sadness
- Quirky Observation: I met a dog. It was the highlight of my day.
- The Departure: Check-out was painless. I left a trail of crumbs and happiness in my wake.
- Departure: Goodbye, Monterey. It’s been real.
Final Thoughts, Or: What I Learned (and Ate):
- Food is a battlefield. Especially when you're hangry.
- Always factor in extra time for getting lost. Seriously.
- Sea otters are pure therapy.
- Free cocktails are your friend, but also your enemy. Proceed with caution.
- Travel is messy, unpredictable, and totally worth it.
- Bring more hangers.
So, there you have it. My Monterey Bay adventure. A little bit chaotic, a little bit glorious, and entirely me. Hope you enjoyed the ride!
Concord's Hidden Gem: The Centennial Hotel Awaits!
Monterey Bay Getaway: Unbeatable Embassy Suites Deal! (Or, You Know, *My* Monterey Mayhem...)
So, what's the *actual* deal with this "Unbeatable" Embassy Suites? Is it even real? I'm cynical, you see...
Okay, okay, I hear you. Cynicism is practically a national pastime these days. *Yes*, the deal is real. It usually pops up on those discount travel sites, like, uh… (checks notes) …Expedia, Booking.com, maybe even Groupon. Look for the Monterey Embassy Suites – it's the one that *isn't* right on Cannery Row. Usually gets you a suite (two rooms! FOR THE KIDS! Or, you know... YOU. Nobody's judging.) plus breakfast and a *cocktail hour* (more on that gloriously messy event later.) But seriously. It *is* a good deal. I mean, I've snagged it for as low as… look, I’m not gonna brag. Let's just say, for the Monterey area, it's basically highway robbery... but in a good way.
Alright, alright. Breakfast and cocktails are tempting. What's the *catch*? What are you *really* hiding?
The catch? Well… it’s an Embassy Suites. So… you’re sharing an elevator, a pool, and… (sigh) …probably a screaming toddler or two at some point. Also, the breakfast, while… *functional*… is not gourmet. Think: a slightly overcooked omelet station, a suspicious quantity of pre-wrapped pastries, and a coffee that tastes faintly of disappointment (unless you load it with enough creamer to paint your teeth white). And the cocktail hour… Oh, the cocktail hour. That's where things get *interesting*. Picture this: tired, slightly sunburnt tourists jostling each other for the last mini-quiche, kids running wild with juice boxes (a personal nemesis), and a bartender who’s seen. it. all. I once saw a guy wearing a *speedo* at the cocktail hour! (Okay, maybe *I* was the one who saw it. My eyes don't miss a thing. Or maybe it was a hallucination brought on by free watered-down margaritas... ). But for the price, you can't complain! It’s a free happy hour! And you get to people-watch. That's worth the price of admission alone.
Speaking of the cocktail hour… Spill. What’s the *real* tea? Is it as chaotic as it sounds? BE HONEST.
Okay, *fine*. The cocktail hour? It's… a microcosm of humanity. It's where dreams are made and dashed, all within the space of two hours. It's glorious pandemonium! I've witnessed epic battles for the last shrimp cocktail. I’ve seen proposals (yes, really!), fueled by liquid courage from the well-stocked… well, the well-stocked *ish* bar. Once, there was this elderly couple, bless their hearts, who were clearly celebrating their 50th anniversary. They were slow-dancing to… I kid you not… the theme song from *The Love Boat*. And they were *completely* unselfconscious. It was… surprisingly moving. Then there's the children. The children. The children. Those are definitely there. I spent an entire cocktail hour once chasing around a miniature version of myself running amok around the tables like a little crazy person. It's. A. MESS. But a beautiful, messy mess, full of the beautiful imperfections of life.
Monterey! What should I *actually* do besides swim in the hotel pool and stuff my face at happy hour?
Okay, okay, fine. Monterey is more than just cheap cocktails and watery coffee. Though… that *is* a pretty good start. You’ve got the Monterey Bay Aquarium (GO! Seriously. Skip breakfast the day you're going - it’s worth it – but buy tickets in advance!), Cannery Row (touristy, yes, but with a certain, slightly faded charm), 17-Mile Drive (stunning, but watch out for the mega-mansions and…tourists), and whale watching (if you have the stomach for it! Me? I get seasick just *thinking* about it). And frankly, get out there and experience what Monterey has to offer! I spent a day at Point Lobos once - it was amazing. Really helped me clear my head and appreciate the natural beauty of California. But if you don’t go to the Aquarium, are you *really* going to Monterey? I'm not sure. Don't miss the aquarium.
Is it *really* kid-friendly? Because I have… one… (or five). Pray for me.
Kid-friendly? Let's just say the Embassy Suites is *designed* to handle kids. It's a fact. You've got the suite with separate rooms (translation: you might get a few extra minutes of peace), a pool (always a winner), and the aforementioned sugary breakfast that'll keep them buzzing for at *least* an hour. The cocktail hour? Well... that’s up to you. (Note to self: invest in earplugs.) Monterey itself is also pretty good for kids. The aquarium, the beaches (pack sand toys!), and even just wandering around Fisherman's Wharf can be a blast. Just… bring snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. And maybe a therapist’s business card. Honestly, the kids are tough to manage. But the hotel works.
Okay, the price is right, and the cocktail hour intrigues me. But is this *really* the best way to experience Monterey? Are you going to tell me to book something else now?
Look, I'm not gonna lie, I *love* the Embassy Suites deal. It's a budget-friendly way to get away to a beautiful place! Are there fancier hotels with better views and Michelin-starred restaurants? Absolutely. Are there more "authentic" experiences to be had away from other masses of people, also yes? But honestly? This deal offers something… more. It's *humane*. It's… relatable. It's got a certain charm to it despite its flaws. It's an adventure, and sometimes a total disaster, but one you'll be telling stories about for years. You know the kind. It’s my go-to. Plus, I’m a sucker for a free cocktail. So, yeah. Book it. But, for the love of all that is holy, book it *now* before everyone else does. And maybe, just maybe… I’ll see you at the bar. (Wearing the speedo.) Kidding! Kidding... maybe. (But seriously, book it.)
What’s the *worst* part about the Embassy Suites experience? Be honest.
Okay, here's the truly honest answer. The *worst* part? Dealing with the sheer *chaos* of the buffet breakfast when you're battling theMy Hotel Reviewst
Post a Comment for "Monterey Bay Getaway: Unbeatable Embassy Suites Deal!"