Winter 2024

Street Brewing and Other Brother Beer Co. “It’s California fare made with fantastic, simple ingredients,” says Hanner. “We’re getting much of the lettuce and vegetables from Salinas. We can go to the farmers market and grab straw- berries that are in season for desserts. The mushrooms in the omelet come from Big Sur. There’s such a story behind each dish, and those stories really come alive.” The Lobby Lounge serves both lighter plates and upscale pub fare, along with cocktails, beer and wine. Guests can also order sample sizes or full pours of local reds and whites at the inter- active wine wall. Large windows frame the bar, table and fireplace seating areas, providing panoramic views at all points of the day. Outside, Tidewater brings beverages and small bites, including charcuterie boards from The Meatery in Seaside, to a beachfront court- yard with fire pits and cozy sofa seating. “We have oversized wool blankets out there, and a specialty hot cocktail list for chilly Monterey nights,” Hanner says. The Monterey Beach Hotel’s on-site market sells grab-and-go food and beverages by many of the same local providers showcased in the culinary program. In addition to bottled beer and wine, Captain + Stoker coffee and Zum Zum Tea, the shop stocks a variety of other items produced in the region, including snacks, sweets, mugs, hoodies, art and more. “It’s like walking into the farmers market on Alvarado Street. It’s a lot of those vendors,” Hanner says. Guests can visit that downtown Monterey farmers market—along with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other area attractions—by checking out e-bikes and following the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail that runs right past the hotel. The property has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and daily yoga classes. And this winter, a Scandinavian- style outdoor spa will introduce a contrast ther- apy experience with barrel saunas and ice baths. “Wellness has come to be important with guests, both in the global market and especially locally in California, so we’ve doubled down on that. We’re really excited to offer this to guests and locals,” Hanner says. He and his hotel team are also pleased to host nightly beach bonfires. Flames dance in four 178 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 The heated pool is perfect for a relaxing afternoon dip or a brisk swim to start your day. For those just looking to relax, the jacuzzi is the spot to enjoy a cold foggy morning or a clear starry night. Stretching along 600 feet of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary shoreline, the freshly renovated Monterey Beach Hotel offers a front-row seat to the grandeur.