Portola
Hotel & Spa - Family Hub for Sun & Fun
Located
a few steps from the Old Fisherman's Wharf, the Portola Hotel
& Spa is an ideal vacation spot for families to enjoy all
the attractions offered in the hub of the Monterey Peninsula,
near shopping and restaurants with a trolley to the Monterey Bay
Aquarium throughout the day.
Portola Hotel & Spa Evening Exterior
The
lobby of this thirty-year old property, which has been recently
renovated, has huge trees growing through an atrium, giving an
outdoor feel to their expansive lobby area leading to Jack's lounge,
where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and the attached
Peter B's Brewpub restaurant and bar.
The Lower Lobby
On
Friday the hotel offers an afternoon wine tasting that gives guests
an opportunity to sample some of the great wines from Monterey
vintners. This fun attraction brings guest together and seems
to be very popular. During my visit an area wine distributor was
pouring Hahn Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for hotel guests, which
had the approval of all.
The Outdoor Pool
The
heated pool and Jacuzzi area is ideal for family fun, and the
spa is steps away. Guests can enjoy food and beverage service
poolside in cabanas. The Portola staff is very helpful and gladly
offer answers to any questions guest have. Family activities in
the area can include everything from whale watching to standup
paddle boarding.
Inside a King Room with a harbor view.
Rooms
and suites are equipped with great amenities, including very comfortable
beds. A small refrigerator has enough room for snacks and beverages
during your stay. The views of the ocean are a pleasure from ocean
view rooms, and the concierge at the hotel is happy to help with
reservations and information on the surrounding attractions, which
include an art museum for adults and one for children, Dennis
the Menace Park, as well as Canary Row or the Wharf, which is
a very short walk from the hotel.
Peter
B's Brewpub is on the lobby level of the hotel, and houses the
Peter B's Brewpub, which gives guests a clear view of Master Brewer
Kevin Clark making ale in huge copper vats within a glass enclosed
brewery. Patrons appear to enjoy watching this process while savoring
items from the restaurant menu. "We thought our club members
and guests might enjoy watching the brew master at work and we
created the glass enclosure for that purpose, which has proven
to be a huge attraction," said restaurant manager Franco
Vasquez.
Peter B's Growler
Another
popular area in the bar at Peter B's is their club member's mug
wall, filled with mugs from floor to ceiling. TV screens showcasing
sporting events of the hour are placed throughout the venue for
their guest's enjoyment over a mug of brew with appetizers or
a meal. The staff at Peter B's does a superb job accommodating
couples and family parties with kids of all ages.
Brewer Kevin Clark Brewing
Beer
flights offer a great opportunity to sample brews like Stout Resistance,
Inclusion Amber Ale, Belly Up Blonde Ale or Legend of Laguna IPA
with a giant pretzel or warm artichoke dip, along with countless
other beer and ale selections. They also have a full bar, signature
cocktails and great local wines to pair with a versatile menu
of house specialties. The meatballs on mashed potatoes with fresh
vegetables, a variety of pizza favorites, sandwiches and burgers,
along with seafood, steak and salad plates will delight any hungry
visitor. They also feature some intriguing dessert specials as
well, if you still have room for a dessert!
Peter Bs Fire Pi
The
restaurant pool room offers guests pool cues to enjoy a quick
game before or after dinner and showcases a beautiful antique
pool table. On the patio guests enjoy small fire pits at their
tables, which create a romantic ambiance after dark. Couples and
families enjoy the warmth of a fire while dining, and pets are
welcome on the patio. The Portola hotel is a pet friendly property,
and also caters to the comfort of traveling pets.
Jack's
lounge next door is a slightly more elegant destination for live
entertainment in the evening, and guests seem to enjoy sampling
their wine bar and creative cocktails during happy hour. This
hotel property is a perfect place to see the sights of Monterey
and enjoy a memorable vacation with the people you love.
Portola
Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay
Two Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-4511
www.portolahotel.com
By Bonnie Carroll