Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa
Member rates available
Travelzoo Staff
Why We Love It
- Ranked on Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards in 2017 as one of the Top Hotels in Northern California
- On-site craft brewery, outdoor pool and kids club
- The hotel has the largest day spa in Monterey
- A five-minute drive to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row
Map & Directions
Rooms & Rates
Overview
On the coast among the wineries and beaches of central California lies the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, which recently completed a lobby renovation and added a new restaurant. This child-friendly property is also home to the area’s largest day spa and Monterey's original craft brewery.
The hotel is set on a historic plaza and is within walking distance of the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium (ask at the hotel about tickets -- they are the same price as when you buy direct, but are valid for two days instead of one). It's also a good location for business travelers (Monterey Conference Center is just next door), and Santa Cruz and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are both about an hour's drive for day trips.
The hotel does not have air conditioning, but all nautical-style bedrooms have ceiling fans and large windows or patio doors that open to the sound of the ocean (and the occasional seagull or seal). Most rooms overlook the city or the pool courtyard. Upgrade to a Harbor View Room on the fifth or sixth floor for impressive sea views at night. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby or bar, but available for an extra charge in the guest rooms.
The hotel has three on-site restaurants. There is Jacks Monterey, the hotel's newest restaurant, which opened in April 2017 and features California cultural cuisine; Peter B's Brewpub, a craft brewery; and the Club Room, which offers a European style breakfast buffet daily.
From the press:
- "You’re in the heart of the action when you stay here" -- Frommer's
- "[Monterey is] a sanctuary of relaxation and recreation" -- Huffington Post
Amenities
Policies
Have a Question? Contact Travelzoo.
Customer service available Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm GMT + 8.
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
It is the responsibility of the hotel chain and/or the individual property to ensure the accuracy of the photos displayed. Travelzoo is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the photos.
*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
Please note: Some amenities and services may not be available in all rooms or may incur an additional charge. All prices stated have been verified at the time of publication and may vary at the discretion of the hotel.
Enjoyed This
(63 Member Ratings)
(63 Member Ratings)
Enjoyed Most
Great value for the price. Centrally location to pier, cannery row, downtown.
Other Comments
Didn't like the fact that it's pet friendly.
Ray
Nov 09, 2018
San Ramon, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
great staff....nice rooms....comfy beds....steps to downtown & Fishermans Wharf...delicious breakfast with eggs & omelettes made by the Wonderful Linda!!!
Other Comments
Peter B's Brewery in the back of the hotel has great Happy Hour food & drinks.
Tony
Nov 08, 2018
Napa, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
The atmosphere, breakfast,and the quiet. It is centrally located so we can walk to the wharf, downtown and cannery row.
Other Comments
Unfortunately the pool and hot tub were closed during our stay. They were redoing the deck are.
Sally
Nov 07, 2018
Sacramento, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
location of the hotel
Karen
Oct 23, 2018
San Ramon, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
Location and warm chocolate chip cookies when you check in.
Jessica
Oct 22, 2018
Glendale, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
The hotel is nice in a good location that's a short walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf and Alvarado street, so there are many options to eat, drink, and see. Access to the trail is right there too. The hotel has a nice open lobby, rooms are nice. The breakfast with Mimosa was nice. Wifi is fast and reliable.
Other Comments
If you get a room facing the afternoon sun, it gets really hot and the rooms do not have air conditioning. The carbon monoxide detector was chirping because it ran out of batteries and a call to the front desk was ignored, so I had to pull the battery myself. Attempted to make coffee in-room, only to find a live bug (small cockroach go into the Keurig), which grossed us out. I informed the front desk, but nothing was comp'd and said they'd take note of it. So hopefully the next guests staying in the room have those items fixed.
Charlie
Oct 21, 2018
Los Gatos, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
Beautiful hotel with a welcoming staff. The location is walking distance to the wharf and old downtown.
Sarah
Oct 19, 2018
Hughson, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
The breakfast package was the best. Always look forward to this offer.
Eva
Oct 18, 2018
Sacramento, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
Location
CRYSTAL
Oct 17, 2018
Modesto, CA, USA
Enjoyed Most
Location
Other Comments
Breakfast was amazing
Raymond
Oct 17, 2018
Folsom, CA, USA
