Review: Intercontinental Hotel Monterey, CA (The Clement)

The Intercontinental hotel is located in Monterey's most 'touristy' neighborhood called Cannery Row. It's right next to the Monterey aquarium and lot's of below average restaurants. However make no mistake the hotel is certainly well above average.

If you have been to one of the newer Intercontinental you will recognize the color scheme and stone floors. This is one of my favorite hotel designs - elegant and understated and certain to last for a long time.

Check-in was very friendly and quick. No suites were available for IHG Rewards Club Platinums (I have no Intercontinental status) - however I was upgraded to a room with a fireplace.

The room was large and again I really liked the color scheme. The fire place delivered lot's of heat for those chilly Monterey nights by the sea (though it was a 70 degrees days).

The bathroom looked fantastic with a separate shower and bath tub. It was also really large.

The gym and spa are in the 2nd floor and while the gym is well equipped the hot tub wasn't really hot and the regular swimming pool is really small.

The public areas open up to the ocean with a hotel pier that allows views onto the ocean. There are numerous fireplaces and heaters to enjoy some outdoor air.

Bar and Restaurant seemed not to get a lot of foot traffic but the food certainly looked appetizing. There are many restaurants within walking distance making it harder for the hotel food & beverages services to compete.

Room rates hover around $200 during the week and $300 for the weekends.

Overall I really liked this hotel - it's modern elegance and very friendly and knowledgeable staff made my stay a real enjoyment. I consider it one of the best and most modern lodging options in the area. It provides a good 'entry level' luxury product.