I remember many things about my childhood family vacations - playing “Slug Bug” with my sister on long road-trips, racking up hours for my learner’s permit while driving the Arizona highway, digging a big hole at the beach and then having my dad fall in it, and of course, staying at the “big hotel” (Embassy Suites) where we got to have what we considered “our own room.”
When the opportunity presented itself for my family to stay at the Embassy Suites in Monterey Bay/Seaside, I remembered that childhood excitement of having a suite and I couldn’t wait to share that with my boys. It also meant we had the opportunity to visit one of my favorites...the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is only minutes from the hotel.
Since we live in Southern California, Monterey is just a few hours’ drive, so we loaded the kids in the car and headed out for our first adventure of the summer. It’s a beautiful drive up the coast with several lookout points along the way.
I could see the thrill in the eyes of my kids as we checked into the newly-renovated Embassy Suites Monterey Bay/Seaside, which is just two blocks from the ocean. We quickly realized there were a lot of reasons we were going to love staying here.
Reason #1: The suite life. More room for the kids; more room for the parents.
The hotel has 225 suites. It didn’t take long for us to get comfortable and feel at home here. The room had a mini fridge and microwave, great for heating up leftovers and keeping snacks, a convertible couch bed and TVs in each room. One cool feature we figured out quickly was that we could stream Netflix from your compatible device to the TV. Being just minutes from the water, they also offer ocean view rooms.
Reason #2: There’s a Starbucks in the lobby gift shop.
Whoever planned that was genius. It’s Starbucks - what more can I say?
Reason #3: There is so much to do in and around the hotel.
Rich with history, Monterey is home to the state’s oldest public building and the state’s first designated California Historical Landmark, the Custom House. Much to the delight of my youngest son, it is also home to the most candy stores I’ve ever seen in a 2-mile radius.
Of course, while you’re in town, you have visit to the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium. Here you can view sea otters at play, visit with penguins, admire jellyfish, and count suckers on the arms of an octopus.
After watching the fish swim all day, be sure to allow some time for the kids to splash around a bit at the hotel’s indoor heated pool.
To entertain the family nearby there is also Dennis the Menace Playground and the Monterey County Youth Museum. You can take in the beautiful coastal views and mansions along the famous 17-mile drive and shop and eat at Cannery Row and Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf. While you are traveling around town, you can take a break from driving and hop on board for a free trolley shuttle ride.
Reason #4: They host a complimentary reception every night.
Settle in for the night back at the hotel in time for their complimentary evening reception where the kids can enjoy unlimited goldfish and Shirley Temples while mom and dad order something a little stronger, on the house. (Another genius idea.)
Reason #5: The hotel restaurant is top-notch and offers complimentary breakfast.
My oldest was excited to see an In-N-Out Burger in very close proximity to the hotel, however we opted to check out the dining at the Silver Tide Bar & Grill inside the Embassy Suites. The selection on the kids’ menu was great (pizza and grilled cheese were the favorite choices), and I enjoyed some yummy tacos while my husband decided on the flatbread and a greek salad - we took dinner back to our room so the kids could settle in and watch a movie.
We made sure to head out of the room early enough in the morning to enjoy a complimentary made-to-order breakfast (at this point the kids didn’t even want to leave the hotel - they felt like they were at a resort).
So what are you waiting for? Here are the details to book your own stay.
Embassy Suites in Monterey Bay/Seaside
1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 393-1115
*Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary stay at the hotel for the purpose of this review. The thoughts and opinions in this article are my own.
