Hotel Review: InterContinental The Clement Monterey

It was late at night as I pulled into the drive at the InterContinental The Clement Monterey. The location was ideal, as the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a couple buildings away and the hotel was right on Cannery Row.

There are 205 total rooms at the property, with 15 suites. As a Royal Ambassador with Intercontinental, I had booked a standard room but was given an upgrade to an outstanding oceanfront suite! There was a dining table, comfortable couch with coffee table, and a cute Bonzai tree.

A benefit of the Royal Ambassador status meant that all minibar items were free, including this bottle of Laurent-Perrier.

A pair of binoculars were propped up against the window, with a sign explaining that the waters just outside were teeming with animal life. I couldn’t wait to use them the next morning!

Two large bottles of complimentary water were waiting for me, along with the business card of the general manager and a hotel copy of a book on Monterey Bay.

The best feature of the room was the fireplace. Situated below the TV, it could be turned on with the touch of a button.

Over on the desk, there was a coffeemaker with Starbucks, Tazo tea, and plenty of stir sticks, creamers, sugar, etc.

A fun Zen garden with rake sat ready to take away any tension I might have, and the hotel’s spa book was just to the side. I’d actually never played with a Zen garden before, so I had fun twirling the rake and moving the rocks around.

The room was decorated in natural colors and plush fabrics, and the walls had artwork that depicted scenes of nature. Because the weather on the coast was misty and cool I had no need to use the air conditioning, but was pleased to find that the vent was located in an unobtrusive place with the thermostat just below. It was great to be able to leave a window/door open to bring that salty sea air in the room. If it got too cold there was always the fireplace!

There were plenty of lights in the room, and the curtains were easy to close for the night. I was excited to see the view since I knew the ocean was just outside, but all I saw through the windows was an inky blackness so I decided it was time to get some sleep.

I found a card on the bed that said in addition to the usual attention paid to environmentally conscious practices, they’d also separate newspapers, cardboard and bottles for recycling. Thumbs up for that.

Elemis amenities were featured in both bathrooms. There was a bathroom just as you came in the door, and then one near the bedroom.

The main bathroom had a walk in shower, and since there was no wall towel rack one was directly on the back on the shower door along with towel hooks just outside.

The separate toilet room had towels as well.

The bathroom had double sinks, and a touch of luxury – tall, elegant, real orchids on either side.

The open closet near the bathroom had two oversized robes.

The bedside tables each had lamps, and the bed was refeshingly free from a separate throw at the foot of the bed (that I would have removed anyhow).

Nestled in between the bed pillows was a plush Sea Otter attached to a baby one. Even though it would have been an additional fee, if I wanted to bring something home this would have been a convenient momento.

The bedroom had a cutout window leading to the bathroom. The deep soaking tub was just on the other side, and I was delighted to find that I could sit in a bath filled with bubbles and watch the glowing fireplace right from there. It was a great way to end the evening.

The fireplace gave off just the right amount of warmth.

Here’s a shot of the fireplace up close (with the be in the background).

The next morning I hurried to open the windows and see the view. I was not disappointed!

Even though I had plans throughout the next few days, the views from the room were spectacular.

I didn’t even need the binoculars to see Sea Otters floating on their backs, seals and other wildlife.

Sunsets were phenomenal as well, and at times the water looked golden.

Someone else enjoyed the view from my balcony as well. The seagulls were the first ones up in the morning, watching the sun come up.

Even though there were other balconies, I didn’t often see anyone out on them so it was nice and quiet. In addition, the bed itself was set back from the room entrance so I didn’t hear any noise from any other rooms during our stay.

There was a boardwalk just outside the hotel which was great for walks closer to the water. There was also a courtyard with seating and some fire pits, which seemed to be a popular place for people to meet up in the early evenings.

The balcony was a great place to enjoy tea and coffee in the morning, while searching for Sea Otters and watching the slow roll of the waves.

Our seagull friend also enjoyed the morning, and looked forward to a treat.

Breakfast was in the hotel’s C Restaurant down on the main floor. There were large windows that offered beautiful views, and the menu was small and focused on seafood but offered something for everyone. Black Forest ham with eggs, quinoa pancakes with chantilly cream, etc.

The first morning I ordered the Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict, the second day I got the seafood Huevos Rancheros, and I thought both were delicious. Service was slow and it took a while to be seated even though the restaurant wasn’t packed. Here’s their full breakfast menu, although looking at it a few of the items were different while we were there. Seasonal availability perhaps.

Check-out was a snap, though we had to wait a while to get our car brought around. Thankfully I didn’t have need to take the car out while I was there since it seemed there were always people standing around waiting for their vehicles. Here’s a link to their parking page with more info on self park locations and information.

This was a relaxing low-key stay, and I would definitely come here again. The quiet room, romantic ocean views, fireplaces, and easy walking distance to everything made it an excellent choice.

InterContinental The Clement Monterey

50,000 IHG Rewards Club points needed for a free night.