Spindrift Inn Monterey: Your Dreamy Monterey Getaway Awaits!
Spindrift Inn Monterey: My Dreamy Monterey Getaway… with a Few Quirks! (A Seriously Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Spindrift Inn in Monterey, and you know I have opinions. "Dreamy Monterey Getaway Awaits!" they say. Well, does it really? Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a rambling, slightly scattered, but hopefully helpful, review. I'm talking real talk here – the good, the maybe-not-so-good, and everything in between.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Spindrift Inn Monterey! From its oceanfront views to its quirky charm (and a few hiccups!), find out if this hotel really lives up to the hype. Accessibility, safety, dining, and all the details you need, with plenty of personal anecdotes and unfiltered opinions. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
The Arrival: That First Impression (And My Tiny Freak-Out)
Right off the bat, let's talk Accessibility. I'm not wheelchair bound, but I did scope it out. The elevator (Elevator) is a lifesaver, especially if you're on a higher floor. They have Facilities for disabled guests too, which is always a plus. The Exterior corridor access felt super convenient. I didn't see any glaring issues, but I'd absolutely call the front desk (and ask for specifics, because I'm a reviewer, not an access expert!) and check before you go.
Check-in/out – they offer Contactless check-in/out, which I appreciate, especially these days. It was also surprisingly Check-in/out [express] which was a bonus.
Now, the views. Oh. My. God. The views. (More on this later, but seriously, the view is kind of the whole point.) Seeing the ocean, felt kinda dreamy. And there's CCTV outside property and CCTV in common areas. I dunno, maybe it was the salty air, but it made me feel safe.
Okay, quick confession: I'm a total germaphobe. So, before I go into the good stuff, let's talk Cleanliness and safety. They REALLY seemed to be trying. Loads of Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, which is reassuring. And yes, they've got Anti-viral cleaning products. It's a thing. I saw someone using Professional-grade sanitizing services in the halls. I noticed "rooms sanitized between stays" which, again, important in my book. I even saw Sterilizing equipment. Okay. I stopped being a germaphobe and start being impressed.
They advertised that "Room sanitization opt-out available". I didn't opt-out, but kudos for offering! It's a big part of the modern hotel vibe. Also, the fact they have Daily disinfection in common areas. I mean, I kinda felt safe.
The Room: My Little Oceanfront Nest (Mostly)
My room! Okay, let's talk about the room specifically because it’s where you'll be spending a ton of time. You can't go wrong with Non-smoking rooms. Let’s start with the basics: Air conditioning was a godsend, especially when the sun was blazing. Blackout curtains saved my butt for morning sleep-in. Alarm clock was a little old school, but functioned. Bathrobes were plush, and they were a nice touch. Ah, the Bed – it offered a nice Extra long bed.
The View: So, the real star of the show. My room had a Window that opens to a balcony overlooking the ocean. I actually almost cried. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but there was something almost… spiritual about it. I definitely spent a lot of time with the Sofa as well.
The Tech: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I am a glutton for internet access, and I wanted it, and I got it. Internet access – wireless was easy to connect to. I didn’t expect the Internet access – LAN, but I guess if you need to get some work done, why not? Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies - I can't complain here. They have Desk, and Laptop workspace so you can get some work done if you want (I did, unfortunately).
The Bits and Bobs: They offer Bottled water which is a nice, small, but appreciated thing. The Coffee/tea maker came in handy, and Complimentary tea too! Refrigerator, Hair dryer, a Safe box. Mini bar that was stocked (although I didn't touch it - expensive!). I mean, they got a lot of things right here. Bathroom was fully stocked with Toiletries, Shower, and the Separate shower/bathtub. They offered Slippers, which is always cool. They offered Towels, and I love them.
The One Glitch: There was a tiny, TINY thing. Okay. The closet was a bit small. I had like, a week's worth of stuff (I ALWAYS overpack) and it quickly got a bit… messy. This is me being picky, though. Otherwise, the room was a solid win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Monterey Adventure
Okay, food! (Important, obviously.)
The Hotel Restaurant Scene: They have Restaurants, in the hotel. They offer a Coffee shop, and Poolside bar, for a quick bite. There's a Bar, for your quick booze needs. They offer Room service [24-hour], which I only used once (late-night pizza craving… don't judge).
Breakfast, the Most Important Meal: Western breakfast. Asian breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]. What's not to like? Breakfast service was pretty good. Coffee/tea in restaurant was definitely a win. Desserts in restaurant. Salad in restaurant. Soup in restaurant.
Beyond the Hotel: Monterey is a foodie paradise. So many places to eat! Unfortunately, I wasn’t super impressed with the dining options in the hotel, which gets me to my next point:
Amenities and Activities: Spa Days and Ocean Views (Plus, a Tiny Complaint)
Relaxation Station: If you want to relax: Sauna; Spa/sauna; Steamroom; Massage; Body scrub; Body wrap; Pool with view; Swimming pool [outdoor]. Yes, yes, and yes (mostly).
Fitness Fiends: They have a Fitness center. I actually used the Gym/fitness more than I thought I would. This place is not perfect, but I will say, I loved my time in the Foot bath
Things to Do: Okay, this is where the Spindrift really shines. It's close to everything. Things to do in Monterey are endless.
Quirks, Cranks, and the Really Real Stuff
Okay, the imperfections. Because no place is perfect.
Parking: The Car park [free of charge] was a huge plus. Monterey parking can be a nightmare. Car park [on-site]. This makes it so easy!
The "Pet-Friendly" Thing: They say no pets, but I saw a couple of small dogs. (The website is not clear on this).
The Tiny Annoyance. The elevator was slow, especially during peak times. I'm not a patient person. It became the subject of conversations.
The "Almost" Perfect Score: The Spindrift Inn is a delightful place. The views alone are worth the price of admission. It's not stuffy, it's got personality, and the staff (in general) is super friendly. The only downside is that the hotel restaurant wasn't as good as the other food.
Final Verdict: Book It! (With a Few Caveats)
Honestly? I'd go back. Absolutely. Safe to say, "Your Dreamy Monterey Getaway Awaits!". The location is perfect. Daily housekeeping kept the place spotless. The view is breathtaking. And the little quirks – well, they just added to the charm.
Would I recommend it? YES! Just be prepared to maybe look outside for some of your meals, and don't expect perfection. But if you want
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Monterey, and it's going to be less "perfect travel blogger" and more "slightly caffeinated, sleep-deprived human rambling about the ocean." This is the Spindrift Inn, and this is my attempt at a travel itinerary… well, more like a series of vaguely planned events punctuated by existential pondering and probably too much coffee.
Day 1: Arrival, Ocean Drunk, and Questionable Life Choices (aka "OMG, That View!")
- Morning (or What I Think is Morning): Land in Monterey Bay. My internal clock is already screaming, "Jet lag, you idiot!" Grab my rental car – praying it’s something other than that tiny, tin can. Drive to the Spindrift Inn. Website photos promised "charming," hoping it doesn't translate to "haunted." The initial view is glorious. Like, HOLY MOLY glorious. My breath actually hitched. Maybe I'm not a total disaster after all.
- 10:00 AM (Maybe? Time is a construct, man): Check into Spindrift Inn. Okay, the lobby is charming in that slightly sea-worn, “I-haven't-cleaned-the-brass-in-a-while” kind of way. My room? Well, it's got an ocean view. And a tiny balcony. And a bed. Sold! Immediately throw my bag on the floor. I’m NOT a luggage-unpacker.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Ocean Gets Me Drunk: Walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. The air is salty, the sun is… well, the sun is there. And the water! Deep, endless blue. It's like the ocean is whispering, "Forget your problems, you sad sack." This probably has something to do with the fact that I'm already halfway through a bottle of sunscreen, but still. Take a lot of pictures. So. Many. Pictures. Tripod? Nope, my phone is the tripod and I will be the star.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch (and a Realization): Lunch at a random seafood shack near Cannery Row. Ordered fish and chips. It was fine. Maybe slightly overpriced. More importantly, I realize I haven't eaten a vegetable in, like, a week. This is a problem. Vow to eat a salad tomorrow. (Yeah, right.)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Cannery Row – Tourist Trap or Charming Relic? Walk around Cannery Row. Okay, it's touristy. VERY touristy. But… there's a certain charm to the history. Steinbeck, all that. But let's be real, mostly overpriced souvenir shops and ice cream. Did try one of those. A lot of ice cream.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Inn. Breathe Deeply. Go back to the Spindrift Inn, crack open the balcony door, and just breathe. The ocean. The air. It’s… calming. Actually calming. This might be the first time in a while I've felt, like, good.
- Evening: Dinner, a Sunset, and Existential Dread Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the front desk. It's supposedly great. The sun sets over the ocean, painting the sky with fiery oranges and pinks. It's beautiful. Makes me think about my life choices. And what I should've done different and the things I should have done but didn't. Also, should I have ordered the steak? (Probably). Take a walk on the beach after dinner. Feel a mix of awe and utter insignificance. Go to sleep. That’s the plan.
Day 2: Aquarium, Kayaking (Maybe?), and a Deep Dive into the Sea of Thoughts
- Morning: Coffee. Lots of it. Maybe a pastry from somewhere. Then, to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is the main event. This is why I'm here. I spend hours watching the otters. Literally, hours. They are the cutest, silliest, most joy-inducing creatures on the planet. I start to fantasize about quitting my job and becoming a professional otter-watcher. (Maybe a tad dramatic, even for me.)
- Lunch: Grab a quick sandwich in the aquarium's cafe. Overpriced, but the view of the open ocean makes it worth it.
- Afternoon: Kayaking. The plan. The dream. Reality? Probably wind, cold water, and my inherent lack of coordination. Talk myself into it. Then talk myself out of it. Decide to take a walk instead. Enjoy the beach, the waves, and the pure beauty of the coastal areas.
- Late Afternoon: The Big Experiment - Art at the Inn." Spindrift Inn provides an art kit. "Embrace your inner artist." I end up with a splodge of colors and a vague representation of a sunset. It’s… abstract. It's me.
- Evening: Dinner & Ghosts? Dinner at a restaurant. The conversation, which is surprisingly good, makes me feel the need to explore my inner "ghosts". I'm going to drink a lot of wine.
- Evening: Sleep: The goal. Actually, I think I'm going to sleep. After all of the wine of course.
Day 3: Departure (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Part of Me Stays)
- Morning: A final breakfast at Spindrift Inn. Say goodbye to the ocean view. Pack up. A tiny part of me, the part that's been soothed by the sea and the otters, wants to stay.
- Departure: Drive away from Monterey. Head towards life again. Feel a pang of sadness. Promise myself I'll come back.
Imperfections and Ramblings:
- I mentioned I've been sleep-deprived… and I've had too much coffee. My observations are likely to be erratic. Don't expect a perfectly crafted itinerary. Expect a woman who needs a nap.
- I'm a very bad planner. Things will probably change. Spontaneity is key!
- I'm pretty sure I'll wander off and spend an entire day watching seals. No regrets.
- I’ll fall in love with something completely random. Maybe a seagull. Maybe a rock.
This is just a starting point. Life, and Monterey, are full of surprises. And hopefully, some good food, great views, and a whole lot of laughter (mostly at myself). Wish me luck.
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Spindrift Inn, Monterey: Your Dreamy, Sometimes Messy, Monterey Getaway - FAQs...Because Let's Be Real
Okay, spill the tea: Is the Spindrift Inn *really* as ridiculously romantic as it looks in those pictures?
Alright, let's be honest. The pictures? Yeah, they're gorgeous. Wind-swept hair, a bottle of bubbly, that iconic Bay view… It's like they hired the fairy godmother of Instagram filters. And YES, parts of it *are* ridiculously romantic. The fireplace in the room? Swoon-worthy. That little balcony overlooking the water? Perfect for a sunrise coffee... IF you actually manage to wake up before noon (which, let's be honest, is a struggle on vacation, especially when you factor in the delightful wine tasting they offer in the evenings). The REAL question, though, is: is it *consistently* romantic? Well…
I'll give you a real-world example. My husband, bless his heart, tried to be all chivalrous and open the balcony door for me. Proceeded to slam it shut on my hand. Romantic moment? Not quite. More like a panicked "Ow! You okay?!" followed by a slightly less-than-romantic "That was...unexpected." (He felt terrible, by the way. And my hand was fine. It just adds a touch of honest imperfection, you know?) So, yes, it's beautiful, but life (and clumsy husbands) happen. Expect a balance!
What's the deal with the breakfast? Continental, full-blown buffet, what? I'm a hangry person...
Okay, breakfast is... acceptable. Not a *reason* to book the inn, but not something to grumble about either. It's a continental breakfast, which means pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal, the usual suspects. Think quality over quantity, mostly. The pastries are actually pretty darn good, and that, to me, is a win. I'm a sucker for a good croissant.
But. Here's the thing. Once, I was *super* late. Like, scrambling out of the room late. And… they were *out* of the good croissants. Devastating. Okay, maybe dramatic, but when you're hungry, damn it, you NEED the perfect pastry! They did have some slightly sad-looking muffins left, but it wasn't the same. So, my advice? Get there early. Or, pack a backup snack. Just in case the pastry gods aren't smiling.
Is it REALLY oceanfront? Like, can I practically roll out of bed and into the waves? (Please say yes.)
Okay, let’s be real. You're not going to be *swimming* from your bed. Although, considering how much I needed a swim after that croissant-less morning, sometimes I wished I could! But yes, it really is oceanfront. I mean, you are *right there*. The water is practically lapping at the doorstep (okay, maybe not literally, but close). The views are *phenomenal*. You can hear the seals barking, smell the salty air… it's the whole Monterey experience, cranked up to eleven.
And seriously, that balcony? *Chef's kiss*. Coffee in the morning, wine in the evening. Just... be prepared for the wind. It can get a tad breezy. I had a moment where my scarf almost took flight, which led to a frantic chase across the balcony. Romantic? Maybe not, again. But, hey, good for a story later...
Tell me about the staff. Are they actually helpful, or just going through the motions?
The staff? Generally, they're lovely. I've found them to be genuinely friendly, helpful, and not at all stuffy. They definitely seem to care about making your stay enjoyable. The evening wine and cheese reception is a nice touch, adding to the overall relaxed atmosphere.
There was that one time, though... My friend was trying to find a decent restaurant, and the person at the desk seemed a little... overwhelmed. Kept suggesting the same busy spot. Okay, it was a good spot, but we knew it was a spot that would be over booked, she wanted something less packed!. Eventually, another staff member jumped in with some insider recommendations, and saved the day. So, yeah, generally good, but everyone has their off days, right?
Is it worth the price tag? I'm on a budget, ya know...
Alright, let's talk money. It's not a budget motel, that's for sure. It's a splurge. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a truly special experience -- something with views, charm, and a bit of pampering -- and are prepared to treat yourself. Then yes, it probably is. You're paying for the location, the ambiance, and the overall experience.
But let's also get practical. Consider the timing. Off-season rates can be significantly better and let me tell you... the moody weather of Monterey? Even more romantic! That is, if you're ok with the rain. You might have to adjust your expectations if you're on a serious budget, but if you can swing it, it's definitely a memorable experience.
Can I bring my little furry companion? (Or, you know, my slightly less furry, but still cuddly, partner?)
Regarding the furry companions: Check the hotel's pet policy *before* you pack Fido's favorite chew toy! Hotels, even awesome ones, have their rules. Call and ask, don't just assume. You want to have a pet-friendly vacation, not a "leave your pet behind" vacation.
Regarding the cuddly partner? Haha, unless this is a question about a pet. Bring that one, definitely.
Okay, let's say I'm IN. What's the one thing I absolutely *must* do while staying at Spindrift?
This is the *important* question. Okay, here's the *must-do* – and I’m going to double down on this one, because it’s the thing that made the whole trip for me.
Sunrise (or sunset, if you're a night owl) on your balcony, with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, completely uninterrupted. Seal the deal by just stopping and *breathing*.
Seriously, that view... It's transformative. Not just because of the ocean, but because it's a reminder to slow down. It’s a reminder to breathe in that perfect sea air. To appreciate theBook For Rest
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