Weekend trip to Carmel/Monterey Area - where to stay with kids?
 

Hello,
We'll be visiting friends in Palo Alto in April and would like to go to Carmel/Monterey area for the weekend (2 nights). Out friends from LA might join us there so it will be 3 families with 5 kids ages 2 through 6. We need suggestions for a family friendly resort in the area, preferably with nice views and not far from some attractions. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
--Anna

This isn't a resort specifically, but the Portola Hotel is nice and has a good location. It is just across the Monterey History Park plaza from Fisherman's Wharf.

I also recommend the Portola hotel in Monterey. Be sure to take the kids to Dennis The Menace Park. They will love it. And of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see for all ages.

The Monterey Plaza has very large rooms which can come with 2 king beds and it is close to the Monterey attractions. The La Playa is a bit dated but has some decent suites and is close to everything in Carmel. The Hotel Pacific is also decent with junior suites that would work for a small family.

The Monterey Beach Resort is very family-friendly and is just a short 5 minute drive to downtown Monterey. This property is right on the ocean which is great for the kids. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and on-site restaurant with good food and oceanviews. Enjoy your trip! ***kim*** ((#))

There is also an Embassy Suites in town which is family friendly - indoor pool for the sometimes cooler and foggy nights that we get. Comp breakfast and upper floor rooms have an ocean view. All suites. Otherwise I do like the Portola and Monterey Beach as well for views/location.

If you want something other that a normal hotel check out ASILOMAR. It is across from the ocean in PACIFIC GROVE and close to the entrance of 17 Mile Drive and Spanish Bay Resort. ASILOMAR is run by the State of California and is an historic conference center. Most of the buildings are Julia Morgan designed and use logs. It is designed for group meetings and families. You can walk across to the ocean. One caveat: No TV!

Go to their web site and check it out. It beats the standard Embassy Suites or Marriott you see in any town and gets you more into the flavor of the Monterey Peninsula.

Thank you everyone for your responses. We actually ended up booking the Intercontinental. I hope it turns out all right. Now on to planning the rest of the itinerary!

There is a small beach in Pacific Grove along Ocean Avenue... that has the perfect tidepools for your childrens ages. They will find plenty of crabs and be able to watch them scuttle under the rocks and if they fall, they will not fall far. My kids were entertained for HOURS here and simply did not want to leave. The cove is very protected and you can easily watch them. Have a wonderful time!

The Intercontinental is a wonderful hotel. Good choice. Some of the rooms are above a very noisy street, so let them know in advance that you don't want one of those rooms.
Have fun.