Despite weathering a challenging year, particularly for meetings and conventions, several Monterey County hotel properties have completed renovations, or will in the coming weeks. The hospitality community knew that new looks, enhanced technology, increased safety practices and more would add to the appeal of a stay in Monterey County for meeting attendees when the time is right.
In addition to extensive renovations, multiple Monterey County properties have secured the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation, which recognizes facilities that have the work practices, procedures and protocols in place to prepare, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. These accredited facilities must meet 20 GBAC STAR Program Elements, ranging from comprehensive cleaning and disinfection protocols to infection disease prevention measures. In Monterey County to date, Monterey Conference Center, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Carmel Valley Ranch have earned this industry gold standard. Additionally, one of Monterey Conference Center’s sales professionals is now certified as a Pandemic Compliance Advisor (PCA) for Meeting & Event Professionals – further enhancing the site’s pandemic preparedness and expertise.
Some of the exciting facility updates and health and cleanliness efforts in Monterey County include:
A multi-million-dollar renovation at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, which includes redesigns of the lobby, guest rooms, suites and exterior landscaping, as well as the addition of two new spaces set to open in the spring: Central Coast Provisions, a market-style shop, and Sea Root Restaurant, an onsite eatery. The overall renovation helps to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a relaxing and luxurious experience for guests. Considered Monterey County’s largest meetings hotel with 40,000 square feet of event space and 560 rooms, Hyatt Regency received GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation and appointed a Hygiene and Wellbeing Champion to oversee health and sanitation efforts.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Monterey Marriott, located in the heart of historic downtown Monterey and connected to the Monterey Conference Center, recently completed a multi-million-dollar guest room renovation. All 341 guest rooms and suites offer guests a modern coastal California experience with a new design that incorporates a cool and calming palette of ocean blues and grays along with contemporary finishes, sophisticated artwork and unique architectural touches that reflect Marriott’s modern aesthetic. Marriott has a 90-year-long tradition of service excellence and commitment to cleanliness. The Monterey Marriott honors that tradition by providing guests with a safe environment and has implemented expert and government approved protocols as part of Marriott International’s global Commitment to Clean program.
Monterey Marriott
Portola Hotel & Spa, just minutes away from historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf and connected to the Monterey Conference Center, recently completed a multi-million-dollar room renovation featuring coastal inspired accommodations with modern, timeless interiors and upgraded amenities. The guest room design, created by RoseBernard Studio, recalls the Hispanic roots of Monterey by incorporating the palettes and patterns of the region's earliest settlers. The design honors the coastal city's history, simultaneously elevating the property to meet the needs of today’s travelers. The hotel has instituted a Health and Sanitation Program following recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Monterey County Department of Public Health.
Portola Hotel & Spa, Presidential Suite
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, L’Auberge Carmel – known for its European-style, boutique luxury accommodations and site of the central coast’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Aubergine – is updating its onsite kitchen with new walk-in and wine refrigerators, revived undercounter refrigerators, a new oven and modernized flooring. The hotel has added additional wellbeing efforts in accordance with the CDC and additional governmental authority guidelines.
Executive Chef Justin Cogley prepares delectable dish
Set to reopen in early 2021, the boutique Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts, known as a “resort-within-a-resort,” offers luxurious Mediterranean-inspired design sensibility. Tucked below the first and second holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Casa Palmero is an elegant and intimate estate with 24 private rooms. Pebble Beach Resorts also has launched a new in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing actions like temperature testing and health screenings of all employees at shift starts; reducing touch points for guests and staff, and frequent disinfection of unavoidable touch points; and requiring staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Additionally, Pebble Beach Company is slated to open a in spring 2021 including nine par-3 holes; a 20,000-square-foot putting course; and a 5,000-square-foot food and beverage venue with indoor and outdoor seating and the resort’s largest patio, overlooking the new course, Carmel Bay and Point Lobos.
Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts
We hope you’ll consider Monterey County for your future transformative meeting in 2021 and beyond.
