We left bright and early (actually, it wasn’t all that bright out yet) to get up to Monterey in time for our scheduled events. Traffic was with us, and we ended up meandering through some back roads, taking in the rolling acres filled with vines and the occasional sheep doing some advanced weeding in between them. In fact, we left so early that we arrived a couple of hours before check-in at the Hyatt Regency Monterey and decided to enjoy what looked like an incredibly cozy, and popular restaurant near hotel registration. Where did we end up? We settled ourselves into some comfy couches in the Monterey Fireplace Lounge.
This would be our first of several visits to this hotel restaurant during our stay in Monterey. We started by indulging in their Margherita pizza. Okay, I know that the word “indulge” doesn’t often go with vegetarian pizza, but I can’t help but recommend it. The fresh basil and roasted tomatoes completely sold me on it. Yes, there is fancier and truly decadent menu items (and also gluten free options), but don’t pass this one up.
While we were relaxing, I took the time to look around the room. More than just guests of the hotel, it seemed like there were a number of regulars from Monterey itself who stop in before (or after) heading to the adjacent Del Monte Golf Course. And given that it had just started raining, they may have been people, like us, who just wanted to spend some time by a nice fire playing board games (the hotel seems to have an endless supply that entertain kids and adults alike).
Andy and I can both attest to the fact that it is also a great place to work during the day. Pick a small table in the corner, order your favorite drink or nosh, and settle in with your laptop. The atmosphere itself is inspiring, and it is comfortable enough to make some serious headway before your next meeting.
At night, the comfort of the hotel restaurant gives way to a slightly more romantic vibe. The lights are lower. The voices are hushed, and I can see this being a great date spot. This is especially true on Friday and Saturday nights when live Jazz sends cool tunes out over the room. While the talent is always worth seeing, the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Monterey gave us an inside tip: be sure to come visit when the Monterey Jazz Festival is in town. Why? Because with world-class talent in town for the festival every September, you never know who might stop by to jam.
Overall, the prices were reasonable, the food and drink delightful, and the atmosphere was comfortable enough to make you want to settle in with your thoughts (or a date). Definitely keep this place in mind for a Friday date night, or a place to relax when you are guest at the Hyatt Regency Monterey.
[Note: Our time at the Hyatt Regency Monterey was part of a sponsored visit. All opinions are mine or of the site.]
