Has anyone stayed here and could offer an opinion?

I was interested in this hotel, but could not stay becasue they were booked for the weekend we would be there. It sounds very nice. Check reviews on travelocity.

Our family stayed here two years and liked it very much. The small suites were comfortable and lovely, and it's a fairly short walk to the waterfront path. The main complaints I've read about this place are related to noise--especially street noise. I would recommend you ask for a courtyard room. We did, and were not bothered by any street noise. Enjoy beautiful Monterey!

We've stayed there twice and love it. Aside from the really large rooms, with living area, dining area (4 chairs and glass table), movable t.v. (towards the bedroom area and the living room area), there's a wet bar, a bathroom with separate bath and shower and w/c (the w/c is in the separate shower area). Also a mini t.v. in the bathroom; all Aveda products. Morning buffet breakfast is served above reception, and there are bed trays in the room so you can serve yourself and bring the goodies back to the room. Although the room has a coffee maker, the little packets of coffee are insufficient to make a decent cup of strong coffee, so we'd take the coffee pot down to the breakfast place and fill up the pot from the coffee urns! They also have nice balconies. I would say opt for away from Pacific Ave. for choice of rooms, because it's a relatively busy two lane street unless you don't have a problem with noise.

It is almost across the street from the Wharf and downtown Monterey, so particularly convenient for walking to dinner or bars.

While it doesn't have a pool, there are two spas.

Thanks everyone! I just booked a room there (non street-side) and they have a special package right now where you get $50 off at a local restaurant. The website says there are 6 participating restaurants to choose from....does anyone have any recommendations for a place to have a really nice, romantic dinner? (I'll just cross my fingers that one of them will be on the list

Kim: It would be a lot easier if you can get the list of restaurants and post them here.

Just called the hotel, and these are the participating restaurants: Whaling Station, Blue Moon, Ablonetti's, Domenico's, and Porta Bella.

The Whaling Station is excellent, especially if you like steak. It's my son's favorite place in the area.

Domenico's ( located on the wharf) has a very nice view of the marina and I do enjoy their fresh Monterey Bay sand dabs there. Service is very attentive and nice ambiance here.

We have had lunch at PortaBella a couple of years ago and it was very nice, located in downtown Carmel. Very small, quaint place with outdoor patio dining in the back. It's one of the few places that actually allows pets in their outdoor patio.

I think if I had to choose, and we were looking into the Hotel Pacific in December, I would choose the Whaling Station. Also, wonderful desserts here. Let us know how it goes!

You may want to post on the Chowhound website, www.chowhound.com for some opinions on the places you listed. Have fun!! ***kim***