Has anyone stayed at the Asilomar in Monterey?
 

Just wondered if anyone out there has stayed at the Asilomar Conference Center in Monterey, CA as a Leasure Guest (in other words, you just rented a room there). Love to hear about your experience. Thank you.

Have stayed there numerous times. I usually request a room in the View Cresent as name implies many of the rooms have a view of the ocean. Asilomar is next to a spectacular beach and you can walk out on to it from a room in the View Crescent. The rooms are clean and comfortable--no phones, TV or mini bar--makes for a nice retreat. If you have specific questions, just ask.

Hi Susan, Thanks for your reply. Would you recommend staying there for seeing Monterey and Carmel too? We are traveling with teens who would probably prefer to stay somewhere lively (=touristy) but we would prefer someplace more nature oriented.Also, I see they only rent rooms 90 days in advance. I wonder how hard it will be to get in there in August?

Cindy, Asilomar is very nature oriented, it has diligently restored the sand dunes to their natural habitat and deer roam the grounds. You know your children the best but FYI it is definitely not touristy and it cannot be considered anywhere close to lively. It is also not near i.e. within walking distance of anything that could be considered touristy. There is a central lodge with a pool table and there is an outdoor swimming pool, but that is it. Lots of people (non conference) stay at Asilomar because of its location next to Asilomar Beach and the ability to take long walks and hikes along the ocean. It is next door to the Inn at Spanish Bay (which is one of the top resorts in the US) and even its rooms are not as close to the ocean. It is easy to get to Carmel, the start of the 17 mile drive, and Monterey from Asilomar. I don't know what the room situation will be like in August as I have never stayed on the Monterey Penninsula at that time of year. I know room availability is based on how many rooms are taken up by conferences but I have no idea whether August is a big conference month.

Cindy, Asilomar is very nature oriented, it has diligently restored the sand dunes to their natural habitat and deer roam the grounds. You know your children the best but FYI it is definitely not touristy and it cannot be considered anywhere close to lively. It is also not near i.e. within walking distance of anything that could be considered touristy. There is a central lodge with a pool table and there is an outdoor swimming pool, but that is it. Lots of people (non conference) stay at Asilomar because of its location next to Asilomar Beach and the ability to take long walks and hikes along the ocean. It is next door to the Inn at Spanish Bay (which is one of the top resorts in the US) and even its rooms are not as close to the ocean. It is easy to get to Carmel, the start of the 17 mile drive, and Monterey from Asilomar. I don't know what the room situation will be like in August as I have never stayed on the Monterey Penninsula at that time of year. I know room availability is based on how many rooms are taken up by conferences but I have no idea whether August is a big conference month. BTW Asilomar is not in Monterey, it is actually in Pacific Grove.

Oops!

Cindy,<BR>I've stayed there too and agree with Susan--it's very nice and very much a place to enjoy nature and slow down.