Steeped in history and nestled within the dunes, Monterey’s only beachfront property, Monterey Beach Hotel, is now open following a complete transformation…
Ascendant Capital Partners, a leading real estate investment and operating company, in partnership with global hotel management firm Highgate and global investment manager Centerbridge Partners, has announced the highly anticipated debut of Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel.
Built in 1967, the hotel has reopened under its original name after a significant renovation and rebranding effort worthy of its iconic stature. The unique property represents the only beachfront hotel within the Monterey Peninsula, boasting over 600 linear feet of exclusive shoreline, and embraces the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Offering an unparalleled seaside experience, the hotel promises unforgettable moments of authenticity, inspiration, and community connection. With 192 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms including four suites, modern meeting and events spaces, and reinvented culinary venues that invite guests to savour the best the region has to offer, Monterey Beach Hotel is poised to redefine coastal luxury.
Image credit: Marriott International
The property has been a symbol of oceanfront allure since its opened in 1967 as the Monterey Beach Hotel during the iconic ‘Summer of Love’. Centrally positioned just moments away from downtown Monterey and located directly along the famed Highway 1, with convenient access to scenic Big Sur to the south and Santa Cruz to the north, the hotel is a haven of relaxed elegance and genuine hospitality. Serving as an anchor of Monterey hospitality, Monterey Beach Hotel proudly collaborates with local artisans, personalities, and partners, infusing every aspect of the guest experience with enriching moments of local culture.
“Monterey Beach Hotel embodies the essence of the Monterey Peninsula and is a reflection of the quintessential central California coastal experience, which we sought to honour as part of a dramatic renovation of this truly one-of-a-kind property,” stated Alex Halpern, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Ascendant. “With its modern interiors, enhanced dining and drinking offerings, and dynamic spaces for gatherings of every kind, the hotel pays homage to a convergence of the ocean, nature, and the vibrant mosaic of the community that defines Monterey’s charm. We are excited to reintroduce this iconic property with an entirely new aesthetic and elevated experiences that reflect an incomparable sense of place along a truly special stretch of the coast.”
“With this momentous opening, we are excited to start making our mark and welcoming new travellers and community members alike to Monterey Beach Hotel; our hotel stands out among the rest, with a reimagined hotel experience, premium dining offerings, and best-in-class hospitality style,” said Nathan Hanner, General Manager of Monterey Beach Hotel.
Image credit: Marriott International
With a blend of 188 guest rooms and four suites, the majority of which feature spectacular ocean views, the hotel beckons guests to immerse themselves in a stay marked by warmth and organic hospitality. Tasteful and well-appointed accommodations feature modern coastal interiors, along with unobstructed oceanside panoramas and cosy garden views. Ensuring a restful night’s sleep to the symphony of rolling waves, plush bedding sets the stage for an idyllic seaside retreat.
Spearheading the hotel’s design transformation is Los Angeles-based Indidesign, whose visionary approach encapsulates the best of California living – from its effortless, laidback lifestyle to its breathtaking landscapes. Managed by Highgate’s in-house Design & Construction studio, LUCID, Indidesign was meticulous in its curation of bespoke furnishings and collaboration with talented local artists such as Jessica Bovert, Emily Hess, Jess Soriano and James Aarons, infusing the space with captivating mixed media installations, handcrafted ceramic wall pieces and vibrant murals. The result is an aesthetic that not only engages guests but encapsulates an effortlessly elegant home away from home feeling without pretence – representing a coastal retreat where guests can unwind and immerse themselves in nature’s surroundings. Accentuating panoramic ocean views and mountain vistas, the integration of natural elements and textures facilitates an open and inviting atmosphere.
Image credit: Marriott International
The hotel’s design transformation seamlessly marries contemporary elegance with timeless charm that honours the destination’s rich heritage. Commissioned artwork from local artists coupled with tailor-made furnishings inspired by vintage nostalgia, muted wood accents and organic hues, creates an ambiance that speaks to the unique identity of the Monterey Peninsula. Throughout communal areas and dining spaces, the integration of natural materials fosters a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, underscoring the classic central, coastal California lifestyle while showcasing the spectacular ocean views from the moment of arrival.
Set against glimmering Pacific Ocean views, Monterey Beach Hotel’s three distinct culinary and cocktail venues offer unique, chef-driven interpretations of central, coastal California flavours. From all-day dining to twilight cocktails atop alfresco decks and beachside courtyards, guests can savour the best that Monterey County has to offer set against some of the destination’s most memorable oceanfront backdrops. The property’s culinary, wine and beverage offerings celebrate the hotel’s commitment to the community by way of its wide array of local partnerships. Embedded in the DNA of the hotel’s food and beverage offerings is the commitment to organic and sustainable practices, and partnering with groups that embody these same values.
Image credit: Marriott International
As the hotel’s centrepiece, the Lobby Lounge embraces both locals and hotel guests alike. The versatile space offers a tranquil setting for morning coffee moments with ocean views, sunset happy hours, and everything in between, creating a true home away from home experience. Offering a creative take on traditional lounge dining, the daily menu features locally sourced, fresh ingredients, ranging from shared light bites to heartier fare. When the marine layer rolls in, guests can retreat inside to enjoy the comfort of the Lobby Lounge’s expansive fireplace while indulging in inventive craft cocktails, alongside a selection of local beers and a robust local wine list.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Lantern Room, emphasizes the vibrant flavours of Monterey’s coastline for breakfast and dinner service amidst a warm, nautical-inspired aesthetic and design by acclaimed Bay Area-based ROY Hospitality. Rooted in sustainability and a commitment to highlighting produce from nearby farmers and purveyors, The Lantern Room offers an authentic dining experience set against stunning oceanfront views. The farm-to-table menu celebrates the bounty of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, spotlighting regional suppliers, while demonstrating a culinary journey that honours the community’s rich heritage.
Image credit: Marriott International
Representing the Monterey Peninsula’s newest cocktail-hotspot, Tidewater is a beachfront eatery featuring firepits and lounge seating so that locals and guests alike can dine and imbibe over mesmerizing sunsets, enjoy live music, and partake in lasting conversation. This venue evolves from beachside sun by day, transforming into Monterey’s best sunset come evening. Guests can unwind with a warm signature cocktail, bask in the glow of the downtown lights, and cosy up beside one of many inviting firepits, extending the experience long after the sun sets.
The hotel features top-tier amenities that extend far beyond its private beach and once-in-a-coastline views. From a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and beginning this fall, Scandinavian inspired contrast therapy with barrel saunas and ice baths, to complimentary Zybra e-bikes for exploring the adjacent Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey Beach Hotel is a haven for wellness aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
With over 7,500 square feet of versatile meeting and event venues, in addition to 32,500 square feet of private beach, the property caters to a variety of occasions, from beachside weddings and large-scale corporate gatherings to hotel buyouts and intimate executive retreats. Whether it’s the expansive 4,500-square-foot Del Monte Ballroom or the secluded 750-square-foot Seascape Room, the hotel’s adaptable spaces provide unforgettable venues for groups of every size and style.
Main image credit: Marriott International
