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The extremely well-managed and maintained modern Intercontinental Hotel "the Clement Monterey" in legendary Monterey, California, is the place to stay for a visit to this famous "Cannery Row" waterfront and surrounding areas. The rooms are lovely, most with breathtaking views of the Monterey coast and many with fireplaces and state-of-the-art technologies. It is a peaceful environment just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the town of Monterey.
The hotel is very new, just a few years old, so not only are the fixtures and furnishings spanking fresh but all the infrastructure is state of the art. The ambiance is clean and modern with a Scandinavian approach. The concierge is located right by the front entrance which itself is flooded with light, perhaps as a counter point to the often cloudy and grey days this seacoast spot enjoys at certain times of year. The main lounge is spacious, with seating grouped for privacy with a large fireplace at the end for a flicker of warmth.
The main building is in the shape of a "U" with the open part a lovely deck furnished with teak furniture, evening fire pits and a view of the ocean that does not stop. It provides a natural shelter from ocean breezes and is perfect for group events like weddings or business occasions. It has service directly from the hotels fine "C" restaurant. This same restaurant has a full ocean view from virtually every table and booth as well as an outdoor cafe to the side.
Part of the main hotel building stands on stilts set right into the beach so the rooms and suites that face the bay and the sea are entertained at high tide by the restful sound of the waves breaking underneath. On the sea side is a board walk and benches for ocean gazing and sail boat tracking. The other side of the building is right on "Cannery Row" with all its shops, restaurants, and the famous "Monterey Bay Aquarium" is just 100 yards down the street.
But the hotel also has what might be termed an "annex" on the other side of Cannery Row with many more rooms, the lap pool and jacuzzi, the exercise fitness center with advanced LifeFitness equipment and, of course, the spa. Running behind that is the old railway bed that has been converted into a walking and bike path. Although "path" is a bit of a misnomer since it is quite wide and accommodates pedestrians, parents with strollers, bike riders, roller skaters (most of which can be rented right there) as well as those cute 4 person biking "Surreys" that can also be rented. It makes a great way to traverse from Cannery Row to Fisherman's Wharf and on into Monterey without having to ride or walk on the street.
 The rooms are modern with large, attractive and fully equipped bathrooms decorated in earth tone marble tiles. If you can, definitely try to book a sea facing room. All rooms are lovely but there is nothing quite like that sea view, the sea air, the sound of the surf and most have a small balcony to sit and enjoy all of the above. Many rooms have enclosed fireplaces with gas burners so lighting is easy and it supplies a nice warmth on those cooler grey days. There is a large 37" LCD HD TV. Wifi is quick and easy to use and there is also ethernet in all rooms as well. In addition, you can plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite music through the iPod docking station and its sound system. There are, in addition, two telephones with voicemail, writing desk, mini bar, hairdryers, Nintendo, and complimentary coffee and tea brewer. So just in the privacy of your own room, you can relax in the spa-style marble bathroom with a soaking tub, separate walk-in shower and aromatherapy bath amenities. At the end of a fabulous day in Monterey, enjoy a peaceful sleep in luxurious beds with Frette linens and soft pillows.
Personally, after a happy hour or so of exploration up and down Cannery Row and a visit to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, I found a relaxing visit to the spa is an ideal way to unwind. There are fine European skincare products by "Livonia Botanica" besides the massage, body treatments and soothing therapies that calm and help you unwind. Also available are a small outdoor heated lap pool and jacuzzi. Spa opening hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM every day. Appointments call - 831.642.2075.
The "C" restaurant:
Happily, the "Clement Monterey" is actually a hotel where you are delighted to dine in-house at their own "C" Restaurant, in our opinion one of the best, if not the best, in Monterey. Chef Jerry Register, has created a simple but very pleasant menu that is extremely well prepared with well matched ingredients and tastes and a menu that should appeal to most preferences. (See Food Photo Album) He should since he has a great background amongst other things having worked at "Domaine Chandon" in Napa Valley as sous chef under well known Executive Chef Philip Jeanty. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a window wall providing endless sea and bay vistas as you enjoy your meal. There is also a cafe setting outside with tables on the board walk shaded by market umbrellas, weather permitting.
Peter relished his house smoked Alaskan salmon starter followed by a line caught Yellowfin broiled tuna. These delicacies from the sea were followed by a simple but pleasant plum tart. Linda's heirloom tomatoes with Parmesan and balsamic dressing served with olive bread were lovely and full of flavor. Sonoma Valley roasted chicken with Yukon fingerlings and broccoli tasted just right. My plum tart, like Peter's, was a trifle dry, another moist plum or two would have been nice, but it was enough to satisfy a sweet ending to an enjoyable dining experience.
Breakfast offers a la carte menu or a good buffet selection of hot and cold dishes to start the day. A full bar occupies the entrance to the restaurant with a long bar top and pedestal stools.
We can recommend "C" Restaurant to visitors to Monterey even if they are not staying at the hotel. With good food and reasonable prices and the view - yes that spectacular view - you can't go wrong.
InterContinental "The Clement Monterey Hotel" ****
750 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Phone : +1 831-375-4500
Fax : +1 831-375-4501
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