11 Memorable Hotels & Venues – Carmel & Monterey, California

The last time I was in California I finally got myself to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s always been on the list, so this time I made a point of getting there (it’s a 4-5 hour or 200 mile drive from my cousins, so not exactly convenient). They are both beautiful small communities and make me want to go back; so now I finally get why people love this part of the California coastline. I would happily live in Carmel, and you can check out my recent adventures here!

So with this inspiration I thought I’d give you some beautiful hotels and venues in and around Carmel and Monterey, I’ve combined them because they are only 4 miles apart so they share a lot of the same venues!

If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.

*Disclaimer – venue rentals are just a guideline.

La Playa Carmel-by-the-Sea
Camino Real &, 8th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Style:  Hotel/Resort |Historical | Park/Garden

Once a luxurious mansion built in 1905 by an artist as a gift to his wife, a member of the Ghirardelli family, for over 100 years La Playa Carmel has been known as the “Grande Dame of Carmel.” Newly restored, this 75-room historic hotel is located just steps from the sands of Carmel Beach.

Accommodations:  Starting at $529 USD p/night peak season

Event Guest capacity: 
Pacific Room: Reception 200 | Banquet 150
Garden Room: Reception 50 | Banquet 36
Fireside Room: Reception 20 | Banquet 16
Pacific Terrace: Reception 75 | Banquet 50
Courtyard: Reception 150 | Banquet 75
La Playa Patio: Reception 50 | Banquet 36

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

The Mission Ranch Resort
26270 Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Style:  Hotel/Resort/Lodge |Historical | Farm/Ranch

The historic Mission Ranch sits on 22 acres with spectacular views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Once one of the first dairies in California, the rich history of this 1800’s ranch was preserved and restored by former Carmel Mayor, Clint Eastwood. A longtime Carmel resident, Clint Eastwood rescued this landmark resort from condo developers, and renovated the entire property to provide a unique resort experience. The Inn now consists of 31 hotel rooms located within ten buildings on the property. And only 8 blocks from the beach.

Accommodations:  Starting from $145 to $345 USD p/night peak season

Event Guest capacity: 
Patio Barn: Reception 120 | Banquet 100 | Dinner with Dance floor 80
Patio Barn & Large Barn: Dinner 184
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Quail Lodge & Golf Club
8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Style:  Hotel/Resort/Lodge | Golf Course

Nestled in the Carmel Valley, Quail Lodge & Golf Club offers it all in one place, and the entire family will something to they love. 93 spacious California-ranch designed guestrooms and suites. Delicious farm-to-fork dining options. An award-winning 18 hole championship golf course. Acclaimed Golf Academy. Sand bocce ball pits. Tennis and pickleball courts. Year-round outdoor heated swimming pool. Dedicated wellness areas for fitness and relaxation massages. Self-guided motoring rallies.

Accommodations:  Starting from $145 to $345 USD p/night peak season

Event Guest capacity: 
Quail Meadows: 1,000 guests
Peninsula Ballroom: Reception 350 | Banquet dance floor 180
Peninsula Terrace: Reception 100
Peninsula Foyer: Reception 80
Garden Room: Reception 80 | Banquet 60
Oak Room: Reception 50 | Banquet 40
Poolside Patio: Reception 125 | Banquet 50
Valley Room: Reception 180 | Banquet 80
Glass House: Reception 25 | Banquet 20
Covey Bar: Reception 100 | Banquet 86
Covey Deck: Reception 125 | Banquet 84
Private Dining: Reception 25 | Banquet 20
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Folktale Winery
8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA  93923

Style:  Winery

Nestled into the valley just 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Folktale is conveniently accessible from the Monterey Airport and the Monterey Peninsula. Folktale is a one-of-a-kind winery destination, with a variety of venue locations each with their own unique feel and narrative. This is an idyllic setting with the award winning wines!

This venue offers stunning scenery and a creative environment suitable to both corporate, group events and weddings. They have been awarded California Winery of the year and have James Beard Award winning chefs.

Accommodations:  There are no accommodations, however, it’s only 15 minutes to the heart of Carmel.

Group Events: Please contact venue for details (events brochure here)
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 9394

Style:  Hotel | Resort | Cannery Row

The Monterey Plaza is a beautiful location right in the heart of Cannery Row. Perched on historic beachfront property. From our chef-driven oceanfront restaurant, award-winning rooftop luxury spa, fabulous little coffee shop in the square and prime location, I feel like this location couldn’t be more convenient if you the heart of Monterey is you goal.

Accommodations:  Starting from $589 to $1,500 USD p/night peak season

Event Guest capacity: 
Dolphins Room: Banquet 240
Monterey Bay: 160
Ocean Club: 40
Carmel I & II: Banquet 80 each | Combined 150
Fairway Hosp: Banquet 42
Cypress Ballroom I | II |III | IV: Banquet 50 each | Combined 350
Cypress I & II: Banquet 120
Cypress & Foyer I & II: 160
Point Lobos I: Banquet 40 | Point Lobos II: 60 | Combined 110
Big Sur I: Banquet 16 | Big Sur II: Banquet 20 | Big Sur III: Banquet 20
Big Sur Combined: Banquet 70
Stevenson 1 & 2: Banquet 20 each | Combined 50
Plaza: Banquet 400
Promenade: Banquet 110

Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Monterey Aquarium
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Style: Aquarium

The Monterey Aquarium is not only an amazing experience (I absolutely loved it) even if you’re only just going to see the exhibits. However, if you want to have an event there, it could be magical. They have mastered transforming the space into an intimate setting for unique event experiences. Whether it’s a black-tie gala, your wedding or corporate evening affairs and everything in between.

Accommodations:  There are lots of hotels along Cannery Row

Event Guest Capacity: Check with venue for round table capacities
The Open Sea Wing: Reception 300 | Seated 126
The Ocean’s Edge Wing: Reception 500
Kelp Forest: 70 seated
Marine Mammal Gallery: Seated 200
Auditorium: 220
Restaurant and Café: Reception 75 | Seated 45
Bing Boardroom: Seated 15 – 100
Planners looking to host 400 – 2,500 attendees can opt to buy out the entire aquarium to experience all the exhibits.

Group Events: Regardless of your event, their prices vary by day of the week and season.
** “The money spent on the event supports their worldwide education, research and conservation efforts – which means an event at the Aquarium is itself a CSR.”

To book this venue: If you are interested in booking this venue, please let me know, I’m here to help!

The Perry House
201 Van Buren St, Monterey, CA 93940

Style:  Event Venue | Historic | Ocean Views

The Perry House built in 1860 is a historical Queen Anne vernacular-style Victorian home, surrounded by lush gardens, offering charm and refinement. The Perry House is a stunning venue for elegant corporate events, milestone family celebrations, sophisticated social affairs and unforgettable wedding ceremonies and receptions. With views of the Monterey Bay, this property offers an enchanting atmosphere that will delight.

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach
1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Golf Course | Luxury 5* | Spa | Beach

Since 1919, The Lodge at Pebble Beach has been a landmark destination, the spectacular intersection of luxury and breathtaking beauty. As a golfer, the tradition of staying at The Lodge while overlooking the most famous finishing hole in the game is a proud rite of passage. The striking scenery at The Lodge is only rivaled by their dedication to service and commitment to creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Accommodations:  Starting from $940 to $7,280 USD per night

Group Guest Capacity:
Card Room: Reception 50
Center Room | Pacific Room |Stanton Room: Reception 40 each
Club Room: Reception 80 | Banquet 50
Committee Room: Reception 120
Council Room: Reception 250
Dining Room: Reception 300 | Banquet 240
Library: Reception 180
Stevenson Room: Reception 80
Pebble Beach Room: Reception 250
18th Lawn | 3rd Fairway Lawn: Wedding Ceremony 200

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

The Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA

Style:  Historic | Restaurant | Venue

Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, and The Sardine Factory has made dining in historic Cannery Row a tradition for more than 50 years. With award-winning chefs, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef. The Sardine Factory has received Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s “Best Wine List in America” award among so many other culinary, wine list and service awards.

Accommodations:  There are no accommodations, however they are located in the heart of Monterey so there are lot’s of hotel options.

Group Guest Capacity:
The Captains Room: Dinner 50
The Conservatory: Reception 120 | Dinner 100
The Steinbeck Room: Dinner 15
The Wine Cellar: Dinner 28
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Stonepine Estate
150 E Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Style:  Estate with Accommodations | Luxury | Event Venue

Stonepine Estate is nestled amid 330 pristine acres in the gently rolling hills of Carmel Valley on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula of Central California. The privacy of this unique setting has welcomed clientele from throughout the world for intimate hideaways to society celebrations. Five houses and cottages throughout the estate grounds are available for rental or for special events, corporate meetings and weddings.

Accommodations:  Starting from $350 – $7,000 USD per night

Group Guest Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa
415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 93924

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Lodge | Spa

The Bernardus Lodge & Spa resort redefines luxury with a warm sophisticated style, ranch-chic accommodations, and a relaxed mindset that puts guests at ease. You’ll find artisanal cuisine, award-winning wines, and holistic wellness treatments all in a charming setting with the pace of a traditional small town and the service of a luxurious ranch estate, old world meets new world in signature Bernardus style.

Accommodations:  Starting from $430 – $585 USD

Group Guest Capacity: Meritage Ballroom: Reception 150 | Wedding Garden | 3 wedding packages
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

I hope you have enjoyed all these options in the beautiful Carmel & Monterey region; and that you’ve found inspiration to book a vacation in the area. You’ll find a lot more inspiration on Instagram & Pinterest.

Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.

Because each share truly helps me out, please consider sharing and pinning!
Thanks – Maria

And if you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message maria @ theeventfultraveller.com and I’ll get to it asap.