La Playa v. Seven Gables v. Monterey Plaza

Question

Hi all,

My husband and I are planning a special week-long anniversary trip to the Monterey Peninsula and are trying to choose between three hotels:

La Playa Hotel in Carmel

Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa on Cannery Row

I grew up in the area and used to work in Carmel (San Carlos between 5th & 6th) and Pacific Grove (Spruce Ave), but I’ve never stayed in local hotels. It’s been about 20 years, so I’m familiar with the neighborhoods but not the accommodations.

We’ll be spending one week in the Bay Area and one in Monterey, and would love a relaxing, walkable, and scenic place to stay that feels special for an anniversary. My husband isn’t too picky—I’m the one doing all the overthinking 😅

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Walkable location (easy access to the beach, town, cafes)

Good breakfast (included or easy nearby options)

Comfortable beds and peaceful vibe

Close to the ocean (bonus points if we can hear it!)

Comfortable enough for a 7-night stay

All three are priced similarly, so this comes down to comfort and overall experience, not cost.

🪻 La Playa Hotel – Carmel

Pros: Beautiful historic hotel with charming gardens, Champagne breakfast buffet, excellent walkability to the beach and Ocean Ave.

Cons: Bathrooms are reportedly cramped, and several reviews mention poor water pressure. Some rooms are older and may feel a bit dated.

Vibe: Romantic, classic Carmel—ideal for relaxing with a glass of wine in the garden.

🌊 Seven Gables Inn – Pacific Grove

Pros: Incredible ocean views, peaceful setting, breakfast included (brought to your room), and located along the stunning PG coastline.

Cons: No daily housekeeping for longer stays (which might be tough over 7 days).

Vibe: Cozy, intimate, like staying in a lovely Victorian with unbeatable scenery.

🛎️ Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Cannery Row

Pros: Oceanfront rooms with balcony views, rooftop spa, full-service hotel amenities, and very walkable to the aquarium, restaurants, and shops.

Cons: Very touristy area, no breakfast included, and high daily parking fees ($35–$45/day).

Vibe: Upscale resort feel, but maybe less intimate or serene for an anniversary trip.

If you’ve stayed at any of these recently—especially for longer visits or special occasions—I’d love to hear your experiences. We’re hoping for something peaceful and memorable that still feels easy and comfortable for a full week.

Thanks so much for your insights!

—Alicia

Answer

For a week-long anniversary stay in the Monterey Peninsula, each of your three options offers something unique, and your decision really comes down to the type of experience you want—romantic seclusion, scenic tranquility, or full-service oceanfront luxury. Here’s a detailed comparison based on your criteria:

La Playa Hotel – Carmel

Walkability: Excellent. Easy stroll to Ocean Ave, local cafes, shops, and Carmel Beach.
Breakfast: Champagne breakfast buffet included, which is convenient and special for an anniversary.
Comfort: Comfortable beds, but bathrooms are small and water pressure can be inconsistent; some rooms feel dated.
Ocean proximity: Short walk to the beach, though you won’t hear the waves from most rooms.
Vibe: Romantic, classic Carmel charm with lush gardens—perfect for enjoying wine and quiet moments.

Seven Gables Inn – Pacific Grove

Walkability: More limited; quiet neighborhood setting along the coastline, but scenic walks along the shore are exceptional.
Breakfast: Included and delivered to your room, very cozy and private.
Comfort: Rooms are intimate and charming, very relaxing, but lack daily housekeeping can be a minor inconvenience for a week-long stay.
Ocean proximity: Unbeatable views right along the Pacific, with many rooms overlooking the ocean and some offering the sound of waves.
Vibe: Peaceful, intimate, Victorian charm; ideal if your priority is serenity and oceanfront scenery.

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Cannery Row

Walkability: Very walkable to Cannery Row attractions, restaurants, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Breakfast: Not included; you’ll need to eat on-site or nearby.
Comfort: Upscale, modern rooms with balconies and ocean views; full-service amenities and rooftop spa provide a luxurious stay.
Ocean proximity: Directly on the waterfront, great views from many rooms.
Vibe: Resort-style, lively and touristy area; less intimate, may feel more bustling than a romantic anniversary retreat.
Other considerations: High daily parking fees, more commercialized area compared to Carmel or Pacific Grove.

Recommendation:

If your top priority is romantic, serene, and classic Carmel charm with easy access to the town and some beach walks, La Playa Hotel is ideal.
If ocean views, peaceful surroundings, and intimate room experience are most important—even if it means less town walkability and no daily housekeeping—Seven Gables Inn is unbeatable for the coastal scenery.
If you prefer a full-service hotel with spa, direct oceanfront rooms, and don’t mind the tourist buzz, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa delivers luxury and convenience, though at the cost of a quieter, romantic vibe.

For a week-long anniversary focused on relaxation, romance, and scenic walks, many couples lean toward La Playa or Seven Gables, depending on whether you prioritize Carmel’s town amenities or Pacific Grove’s serene oceanfront.

La Playa v. Seven Gables v. Monterey Plaza

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