If you are on a California road trip and need an “overnight” to break up the drive, take a
stopover for the night (or more than a night) in Monterey, California.
Monterey, of course, is home to the world-famous Pebble Beach, Cannery Row, made
famous by John Steinbeck’s novel “Cannery Row,” and right next door to Carmel-by-
the-Sea, one of the most beautiful, quaint “villages” on California’s Coast. Fairy-tale
cottages, art galleries, bakeries, restaurants, and shops dot the village. You will be
hard-pressed to find a more quaint place to stroll, wander, and relax, and of course,
there is the beach with a billion-dollar $ view at the bottom of Ocean Avenue. You can
easily spend several days in the area, but if you only have an “overnight” as I recently
did-here are two places to recharge, relax, and savor.
Where to Stay
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, you won’t be able to beat the view, ambiance, and
welcoming atmosphere of the Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute hotel. Describing
themselves as “the only hotel on the beach in Monterey, CA.” you will have your breath
taken away the moment you walk into the spacious, welcoming lobby. Right there, in
front of you, you will be staring out at Monterey Bay-calm and majestic at times, with the
sun sparkling like diamonds on the water’s surface, at other times, roiling as the waves
roll in, throwing spray into the air, and then at sunset-watch the majesty of the universe
as the sun slowly falls below the distant horizon.
Remodeled and open since August 2024, the Monterey Beach Hotel has immediately
garnered a reputation as a destination for overnight stays or several nights.
The expansive lobby has seating areas to enjoy a cocktail, read a book, or immerse
yourself in the magical ocean view. During winter, bundle up and take a stroll on the
beach below, or if the weather is nice, play in the ocean waters or soak up the sun. You
may also want to sit on the deck, around a fire pit, enjoying the relaxing sound of the
surf and watching a magical sunset as seagulls and shore birds abound, completing this
idyllic scene.
Book one of the oceanfront rooms with the waves coming up practically right under you.
Experience true luxury on the Monterey Peninsula. Lull yourself to sleep with the sound
of the surf, exhale, and say “goodbye” to any stress.
Of course, the hotel also offers all the amenities you would expect at a destination hotel,
such as meeting areas, a gym, fire pits, a restaurant and bar, electric bikes if you wantthem, binoculars in the oceanfront rooms, and superb service that defines the word “hospitality.”
The Monterey Beach Hotel is minutes from Monterey proper and Carmel, offering
sightseeing, world-class golf, food, drink, shopping, or relaxing. Trust me, just a one-
night stay will revitalize your soul. And you’ll be back.
Where to Dine and Wine
Monterey and Carmel are famous for their gastronomic delights, from pubs and inns to
fine dining. However, a gem I found years ago, which I return to every time I go to the
area, is Bistro Moulin, located just a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on
Cannery Row. We have been going here for years (opened in 2007), and it never
disappoints. Two years ago, this quaint neighborhood café was taken over by
Chef/owner/sommelier Federico and his lovely wife, Sabrina. Upon entering, you will be
greeted by one or both. And then, your dining experience will begin- unpretentious and
friendly, and your sense of taste and smell will be tantalized.
The menu combines French and Italian dishes, prepared perfectly by Chef and his staff.
Yes, you will have a problem deciding what to order, whether it be the amazing
dayboat-seared scallops, the Moule Frites, the Escargot with garlic hazelnut butter, the
Confit de Canard (duck), or any of the house-made pasta dishes.
If you love onion soup, you must order the Gratinée à L’Oignon. It is always a winner
and the best I have had outside France.
And, to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong by picking anything off the dessert
list, my favorite: Profiteroles French Vanilla Ice Cream!
If you are in a quandary about what to order, simply ask Chef Federico for his
suggestions (and if you have a small group, SHARE)! Of course, wine brings a great
meal with a loved one or group of friends together!
Among his other creative talents, Chef Federico is a certified sommelier by the Court of
Master Sommeliers. His knowledge of wine is extensive, and he has created a superb
wine list featuring excellent wines from California, Oregon, Italy, France, and Germany.
Ask Chef Sommelier Federico to suggest a wine that fits your palate and entree. Bistro
Moulin’s wine list is exceptionally well-priced, whether by the glass or bottle. You will get
a great “bang for your buck.”
So, the next time you find yourself in Monterey or Carmel, dine at this small
neighborhood favorite (but shhhhhhh…don’t tell too many people).
The Monterey/Carmel area is one of California’s true gems, an “any time of the year”
destination. There is plenty to do and see in the area, but if you happen to be there for
just a night on your way north or south, a stay at the Monterey Beach Hotel and dinner
at Bistro Moulin will refresh, invigorate, and please you. It will turn an 18-hour stay into a
mini-vacation, whetting your appetite for a more extended repeat visit.
The view and sound of the ocean, the taste of the food, the relaxing, quaint town, and history will call
you back.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food,
and travel adventures from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be
reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com