Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras is a historic property that primarily attracts vacationing couples. The structure that houses the hotel was built way back in 1824 with adobe walls (some of which have been preserved) by a diplomat from Spain, though much of the hotel has been updated since for modern safety and comfort. The lobby is contemporary and bright, with a mix of off-white walls and brick and lots of wood on the floors and ceiling beams, all paired with low ranch-style furniture in earthy tones, plus a white fireplace. There's a small sundries stand off to one side. The rest of the common areas are outdoors, the most notable of which is the lovely terrace garden, with seating for the on-site restaurant and lots of trees and shrubs.

Casa Munras is located in a business-oriented part of Old Town, near a Denny's and a Thai restaurant, in an area lacks the beauty and charm of many other parts of Monterey. That said, it's within walking distance of lots of local bars, restaurants, and shops as well as a bus stop. Monterey State Historical Park is a seven-minute walk away.Since Monterey is compact, most of its other attractions are an easy drive away. Del Monte Shopping Center and Cannery Row take about five minutes to reach by car. Del Monte Golf Course, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the American Tin Cannery Outlet Center Shopping Center all take around six minutes to reach by car. Laguna Seca Regional Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pebble Beach are all around 15 minutes away by car. The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is 20 minutes by car. For those flying in from elsewhere, it's a seven-minute drive to Monterey Peninsula Airport and around 80 minutes by car to San Jose International Airport.

Rooms at the Casa Munras range in size from 200-square-foot (18.5-square-meter) Cozy Queen Rooms, clear up to the 570-square-foot (53-square-meter) Manor House Suite With Fireplace. Most rooms follow a similar Spanish-infused decor scheme, with lots of saffron-hued accents such as bed throws and coordinating cushion covers paired with off-white walls, headboards, and classic dark-wood furniture. However, a few feature a more contemporary, business-like decor with ample use of beiges and browns. All units have Keurig coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs (either 42 or 49 inches), DVD players, safes, and mini-fridges, plus work desks, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports. Loaner DVDs are available through the front desk, free of charge. Many room categories add gas fireplaces and most categories have accessible options for wheelchair users. Pet-friendly rooms are available, for a fee. Bathrooms are pleasant, with granite countertops and Spanish-style tiling adding a bit of flair. They come with either shower/tub combos or glassed-in walk-in showers, though some higher category units have showers and separate tubs. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided

Amenities at Casa Munras are geared toward vacationers. Dining takes place at Esteban Restaurant, which serves an American breakfast a la carte daily (think omelets and pancakes) along with Spanish fare (notably paella), burgers, and seafood in the evening time. The restaurant offers indoor dining, or an outdoor patio with fire pits. The fitness center is a decent size, and is stocked with free weights, cardio machines, and a few pieces of cross-training equipment. There's also a spa with four treatment rooms plus a spa garden with a whirlpool hot tub and a fountain feature, but guests not getting treatments have to pay extra to access it. Alternatively, there is a mid-sized outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs, with a few tables and chairs but not a lot of shade.Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's a 24-hour business center for printing and surfing the web for travelers without their own computers. Self-parking is available on-site, for a fee, but there's plenty of street parking in the area for those who'd rather save a little cash. There's an electric car-charging station on the property. Other amenities include concierge services, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, and bike rentals.