InterContinental The Clement Monterey

This InterContinental offers a quiet yet welcoming atmosphere along with excellent panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Beach-style buildings with gray siding and white trim face either the Bay or the wooden buildings of Cannery Row, accessed by a covered walkway. An elegant covered entranceway with thick white columns leads to the front desk area and open-plan lobby, where the mantle of the stone fireplace is decorated with glass vases filled with sand, seashells, and ocean plants. Plush gray couches and armchairs offer comfortable seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural light. Modern light fixtures adorn the wood ceilings, while gray tile floors are warmed up by blue area rugs in a subtle wave pattern. This space opens up to the oceanfront terrace, which offers amazing waterfront views. There’s also an interesting and colorful jellyfish light in the stairwell with swirling neon lights. At the C Restaurant + Bar, red carpet and tan-patterned chairs run throughout, while large windows provide lovely bay views. Outside, a patio with two large fire pits and lots of wood seating provides another spot to take in the outstanding ocean panorama.

The InterContinental The Clement Monterey resides both on famous Cannery Row and on Monterey Bay in a touristy area. The American Tin Cannery, Monterey Bay Aquarium, shops, and restaurants can all be reached in about five minutes on foot. Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Conference Center, and Asilomar State Beach are about a five- to 10-minute drive. Monterey Regional Airport, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Carmel Beach are around a 15-minute drive, while Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is 20 minutes away.

Rooms are cool and modern with gray carpet, white Frette linens, and neutral armchairs with rust-colored throw pillows. Wood headboards have built-in bedside tables, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide lots of natural light. Coffeemakers and 37-inch flat-screen TVs sit atop light-wood cabinets, with well-stocked minibars hidden inside. All rooms also have iPod docking stations, irons and ironing boards, and free newspapers and bottled water. Some rooms and suites have balconies with breathtaking ocean views, or gas fireplaces. Unfortunately, other rooms have views of the alley or the busy street instead. The spacious beige marble bathrooms have separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers with glass doors, along with Agraria toiletries and bathrobes. 

The narrow, single-lane outdoor pool is surrounded by a brown tile deck and has several lovely fountains flowing into it. Although the size makes it a little awkward for proper swimming, it's adequate for a refreshing dip. Adjacent is the delightful hot tub with another fountain feature, and sleek, white lounge chairs for sunbathing. C Restaurant is oceanfront with fresh sustainable seafood, prime beef, pastas, sandwiches, and salads, while C Bar serves cocktails, wine, and small plates -- and hosts live music some nights. Massages along with wellness therapies and body treatments are available at the full-service spa, while the large fitness center has modern cardio and weight machines and free weights in a bright, contemporary space. Copying, printing, two computers, and a technical concierge are available at the business center, which resides in an office space with a door. Concierge services, 24-hour room service, and a children’s club are also available. Wi-Fi incurs a fee both in the rooms and the common areas, and self-, valet, and garage parking have an expensive daily fee.