The only beachfront hotel in Monterey Bay, California, has undergone a US$12 million renovation at the hands of Joie de Vivre Hotels and made its debut as the Monterey Tides.
As part of the refurbishment, the hotel added vivid colors and adobe textures to reflect the coastal aesthetic that includes sweeping seascape views. Gray and blue tones reminiscent of the ocean join pops of color in all public spaces, including the lobby, pool area and Bar Sebastian, and also the guestrooms.
Small seating vignettes in the lobby allow guests to enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Pacific Ocean. A fireplace anchors the space. At the other end is Bar Sebastian, inspired by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who found Monterey Bay in the early 1600s. The design reflects the California coastal feel, and the heritage and shipping culture of the area.
The culinary concept for Bar Sebastian was inspired by Executive Chef Jose Velasquez and his desire to infuse his Mexican roots with Spanish tapas, resulting in a menu that nods to ancestral recipes of the Mayas and Aztecs, fresh ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.
Nature’s “sleep machine” lulls guests to sleep at Monterey Tides, as the sound of waves crashing is evident in all rooms. Guestrooms feature deep blue walls and a wave-like carpet design, contemporary furniture with colorful accents and picture windows with either garden or ocean views.
The year-round pool at Monterey Tides features a new pool deck and contemporary wood siding. New lounge chairs and patio furniture reflect the coastal blue accents found throughout the property. Opposite the pool, on the beachfront side of the building, seating areas were added overlooking the ocean near a communal area with fire pits.
Café Beach, the hotel’s signature restaurant, also is getting refreshed with a new name and menu in late March 2017 but will remain open during the transition.
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