I recently returned from a San Francisco/Sonoma trip (which I will report on soon) and now have been asked if I could plan an upcoming trip to California for my parents and my much younger 15 year old brother. They are flying out to California at the end of July and starting with two nights in San Francisco. This part I have figured out. I need some help with the second stop...

They want to drive south along the coast from here but other than that they are pretty open. I was going to suggest they base themselves in the Monterey Pennisula somewhere for 4 nights and take day trips from here, but I'm having trouble finding the right hotel. I've stayed in great hotels in various places and think this can really make or break a trip so I'd like to find them a special spot. Ideally, I'd like to find them a great place on the water that has a very good restaurant on the premises or at least within walking distance if possible. They love good food so this part is important. They absolutley loved Hotel Del in San Diego so if there is anything of similar caliber that you can think of in this area that would be great. I appreciate any advise you may have; again they are pretty open...natural beauty and great food are the two key things here. Thanks.

Here's a loding link for reference:

http://www.monterey.com/mc4/mc4.html

Based on what I've been told by friends and business associates as well as seen on other posts on this site (search on Monterey), the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa looks like a good one for your family:
http://www.woodsidehotels.com/monterey/index.html
Also check out the Portola Plaza Hotel and Spa. They are both in great locations to walk to dining, shops and attractions in Monterey. I'm more of a budget loding person so i don't have personal experience with these. You can also check on Trip Advisor.com.

Sorry. www.tripadvisor.com is the website I was speaking of.

Hi,

Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback. I had actually checked this hotel's site out before because it seems like it would be a good spot for them, but the mixed reviews on tripadvisor had turned me off somewhat. I will definitely keep it in mind though and check out the other postings on this site about the hotel which I haven't done yet.

Monterey Plaza is nice but stuck in tacky Cannery Row area. I would say the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach would be the most elegant experience. Great onsight restaurant (Roy's), killer views, and a Hotel Del like upscale atmosphere. This is where I would stay if $$ were no object. I usually stay at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. It has no views but is a REALLY nice Embassy Suites with beautiful atrium and large rooms. It is a short drive to all the attractions.

What is the budget? The Del is very nice but a similar place like the Inn at Spanish Bay will be a LOT more expensive. Plus it tends to book up pretty far ahead for any time in the summer.

Thanks again. Inn at Spanish Bay does look great (I had been on the site before) but I am guessing it may be too expensive. I am thinking no more than $400-500/night.

The Hyatt (formerly Hylands Inn), located on a cliff a few miles south of Carmel is another gem with a great restaurant. This too, however, is really expensive and may be booked.