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Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

Why We Like This Place

There’s something about being next to the ocean that most of us find irresistible. Maybe it’s the bracing aroma of sea air, or the way the light glints off the waves. Whatever it is, you experience that special “something” here at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Built right at the water’s edge, the Plaza takes advantage of a spectacular bayside setting that’s just a heartbeat away from the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.

The plaza’s 17,000 square feet of event space encompasses an array of sophisticated banquet rooms enhanced by Mediterranean-inspired furnishings. A recent $3 million renovation has brought fresh polish to the décor, and ensured that all the amenities are state-of-the-art—including advanced audiovisual and wireless capabilities. Aesthetic upgrades, like decorative crown moldings and Villeroy & Boch plateware and silver, add extra elegance to your affair.

Ceremonies at the resort are held on either of two sun-splashed terraces, both embracing panoramic vistas of the Pacific. On the Lower Terrace, the bride captures every eye as she descends the main staircase to a broad, tiled deck; on the sprawling Upper Plaza, the wedding processional walks beneath a white trellis, set off by terracotta planters brimming with flowers. Then vows are exchanged under a simple arch with the ocean and sky as a blue-on-blue backdrop.

Afterwards, most receptions take place in the Monterey Bay Room or the Dolphins Room. The latter is so close to the water you can see otters floating by and hear the gentle lapping of the waves. Both rooms mirror the earthy palette of the coastal milieu—deep marine blues and greens, terracotta reds, and warm, sun-kissed golds. Scenic artwork adorns the walls, complementing the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling bay view. For a more formal gala, the Cypress Ballroom has teakwood paneling, new custom chandeliers and its own terrace overlooking the seascape.

Rich with history and diverse activities, Monterey is a sightseer’s paradise; and with the plaza’s exceptional hospitality, your guests will appreciate the fact that you’ve chosen it as their home base—especially when they experience the hotel’s rooftop spa! This is the place to relax before the big celebration (or unwind after), by indulging in a massage, facial, or one of the spa’s signature treatments. The spa even boasts an outdoor sundeck complete with fireplace and whirlpool tubs, where you can enjoy a light lunch along with the invigorating salt-laced breezes.

Newlyweds often opt to stay in a spacious luxury suite, featuring a fireplace and oceanview deck. The accommodating staff can even transform your suite into a celebratory setting for a cocktail party or a post-wedding brunch. However, we highly recommend a romantic candlelight dinner for two on your private deck, where you can raise your glasses to the glorious sunset coloring the horizon, the boundless sea, and each other.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 300	Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 300 Max. Standing Indoors: 425 Max. Standing Outdoors: 300	Max. Seated: 250
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Lower Terrace accommodates 120 guests seated in rows and a few more standing guests; the Upper Plaza holds 250 guests seated in rows. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: Various rooms seat 30–250 with dancing. MEETING CAPACITY: There are 11 conference rooms (17,000 square feet of meeting space), which accommodate up to 250 guests.

Fees & Deposits

The rental fee for a 5-hour event ranges $850–2,500, depending on the banquet room reserved. It is payable, along with the $2,000–2,500 ceremony site fee (if applicable), when reservations are confirmed. The event balance (based on the estimated food and beverage total) is due 10 working days prior to the function. Meals start at $65/person. Additional evening hours may be purchased at $500/hour. Wedding cake, alcohol, tax and a 19% service charge are additional. Note that overnight accommodations for the bride and groom can be arranged at a special rate for up to two nights.

Availability

Year-round, daily, until 10pm.

Catering Provided Alcohol Provided Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: provided, no BYO Kitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Areas: CBA Meeting Equipment: some provided, other CBA extra fee Parking: valet, extra fee Accommodations: 290 guest rooms Telephone: emergency use only Outdoor Night Lighting: additional CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: CBA Cleanup: provided View: Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Coastline Ocean/Bay Panoramic Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Hotel Resort/Spa Waterfront/Beach Location Restrictions Alcohol: provided, no BYO Smoking: outside only Music: amplified OK with volume restrictions Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: required for outside vendors only Other: no glitter, birdseed or rice

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