The Hyatt Regency Monterey is a comfortable hotel on a golf course, ideally located just minutes from downtown Monterey.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Review
Check-In
We arrived in the late evening and found no wait at the front desk to check in. The agent greeted me, swiped my card, and handed me a room key: the whole process took less than two minutes. No suite upgrades were available, though I was upgraded to a room facing the golf course rather than the parking lot.
Guest Room
Rather than one large building, this hotel is spread over 22 acres (most of it being the Del Monte golf course) and includes many smaller buildings, some connected by covered bridges. All buildings are three stories. Our room was located on the top floor of building nine.
Our room was small, though not tiny. I had reserved a room with two queen beds, but discovered only a single king bed when I opened the door. I had also called ahead to have a crib delivered to the room and it was not there. Perhaps I was assigned the wrong room?
But it was late and rather than make the switch (because I had already lugged our bags up to the top floor), I just called down to again request a crib and my wife and I let my son Augustine sleep between us.
The guest rooms have been recently remodeled and as is becoming common, our bathroom did not include a bathtub (which is a shame because both my kids like taking baths).
It took about 10 minutes to deliver the crib, which was simply left outside my door due to COVID-19 precautions.
We had picked up a snack at Trader Joe’s in Monterey and enjoyed that before going to sleep. Thankfully, the baby slept thought the night (which isn’t a given now that she is teething!).
Breakfast
In the morning, I rose early to blog and headed down to Central Coast Provisions, the hotel’s coffee shop. During the pandemic, it has been the only food and drink available at the hotel (besides room service). The hotel uses Starbucks coffee, but it wasn’t too bad and I had a cappuccino while writing my articles for the day.
Later on in the morning, Augustine and I returned downstairs for breakfast. My wife just stuck to coffee in the room. In addition to coffee and pastries, there were a few hot items including breakfast burritos, waffles, and omelet. All were pre-made and simply warmed up by the staff.
Augustine and I shared three main courses. The breakfast burrito and waffles were tasty while the plain omelet was not great. Still, the Highlands Inn, our usual hotel in the area, was not serving food at all, so this was better than nothing. We sat outside.
Prior to the pandemic, we enjoyed a nice buffet breakfast at this hotel that included tasty omelets, chilaquiles, and fresh berries.
COVID-19 Precautions
COVID-19 precautions included obligatory masks in common areas. The hotel lobby included many signs advising that eating and drinking were not permitted indoors, though Monterey County has since moved into a tier which allows indoor dining.
Due to the pandemic, the fitness center, hot tubs, and the Marilyn Monroe spa were closed. Fire pits, the pool, ping pong tables, and tennis courts were open.
The spa, when open, includes a sauna and steam room.
Airport Shuttle
A complimentary airport shuttle from Monterey Airport is available. Call the hotel in advance to arrange.
Resort Fee
While the hotel usually charges a resort fee, it has been suspended until May 1, 2021. However, a $20/night parking fee is charged (during our visit, that was waived too).
Pet Policy
The hotel is pet friendly. Dogs under 50 pounds are permitted in guest rooms and common areas (but not restaurants) and cost $100 for a stay of up to six days. Up to two dogs are permitted, but combined should not weigh more than 75 pounds.
Parking
Free parking was available directly outside the building, though since we arrived late I had to drive around a bit before finding a parking spot.
If you have an electric car, free chargers are available.
Lounge
This hotel does not offer a lounge or Regency Club.
CONCLUSION
Despite the poor service concerning bed choice and crib, we had a nice stay at this hotel. The location is ideal, service was generally friendly, and the room comfortable. Breakfast, especially when Sea Root restaurant re-opens, is a treat.
This is a category four hotel in the World of Hyatt program, meaning a room is 15,000 points per night. We paid $126 for our rate, which I found a better deal. You can use a free anniversary night from the Chase Hyatt card at this property, though I expect this hotel will go up in category next year due to the extensive remodel.
Have you stayed at this hotel? What is your impression of it?
Wow, sounds like they really goofed with not getting the right beds. I ALWAYS confirm at check-in the bed situation as I hate to come back down to the lobby as I also have kids.
I stayed at this property last year and upgraded to a Suite which was really nice and spacious.
We often ran into the same bed situation with Marriott when our son was younger. We would get upgrades to nice suites with a king bed. Like you, we didn’t mind having him with us for a night or two.
That breakfast comparison is……sad.
I hope Augustine raked the sand trap:)
Stayed here two years with my bulldog, very pet friendly, loved having dinner on the patio with the pup, hated the $100 pet charge! Sadly due to the pet fee, I’ve moved my loyalty to Hilton (I know it’s not the same) but they waive my pet fee almost 100% of time vs Hyatt.
For a Regency it looks very nice. Updated furnishings are a plus. I would def give this a try. I’ve stayed at Highlands and it was nice, but for just a night or two this looks perfectly fine.
On another note, I just can’t understand the protocols anymore and what to expect. An example is that at many properties lately it’s completely the opposite, the restaurants and bars are fully open yet room service is suspended with, of course, the response, “Due to Covid.” I just fail to understand how room service is somehow less safe than packing people into indoor dining spaces with no ventilation. I guess I know why, but try to keep myself sane in not obsessing on the absurdity. At least this property had it.
They have it, but front desk told me Globalist perk was only for in-person pick-up, not room service. The delivery fee was only $5…I asked if I could just pay that and they said no. Honestly, poor service. But I ended up spending about $50 on breakfast when my credit was only $30 and they took it all off (without asking)…
@ Matthew (as I can’t trust reply button these days here!) Very odd. Never encountered that. Although it takes me 30 minutes after checking in these days to figure out what I can and can’t get these days as there is no uniform system, even within one jurisdiction.
We are working on fixing the reply feature. It broke with the latest WordPress update.
Agreed that the lack of room service at some hotels when the restaurant is open is totally nonsensical.
Sounds like a pretty depressing / boring hotel for globalists.
What was the room rate?
My price noted above ($126). Rates run from anywhere between $100 and $200.