Sanctuary Beach Resort

The location was lovely, but the stay didn’t come close to matching the cost or reputation. I’d saved this hotel for ages after reading all the glowing reviews about its pet-friendly luxury, and paid around $1,000 for one night. I arrived excited and expecting something special, then left sad and disappointed. Several dog-friendly touches I’d expected weren’t there at check-in: no personalized welcome setup or dog package, and my dog’s name wasn’t on the welcome sign until I called later. I’d also asked for a simple welcome card for my mother-in-law’s first California trip. Staff said they’d gladly do it, but it never happened. There were room problems too: the TV didn’t work, the buttons on the phone for the front desk didn’t work, there was no extra pillow for the fold-out bed, and we found a leftover dog chew from a previous guest in the bed. The maintenance employee was kind and helpful, and we appreciated the complimentary bottle of wine. But for that price, the poor attention to detail and service were really disappointing. At checkout I politely explained how let down I felt and thought they might at least waive the pet fee. Nothing was done to make it right; they only emailed the receipt.

The room was cozy and relaxing, and the staff were fantastic. They really go above and beyond to welcome dogs. The spa was basic and just okay, but the massage was awesome. We loved the nightly beach bonfires and the amazing sunsets, both from the beach and our room. Worth every penny, and we’ll definitely be back.

Waking to the sound of the ocean and having such a peaceful atmosphere made our stay unforgettable. Sanctuary Beach Resort is right by the beach, with breathtaking ocean views and outstanding service from the moment we arrived. Everyone was welcoming and attentive, and the hotel was beautifully maintained and very clean, which made us comfortable throughout. The location, views, and service all felt perfect. I’d absolutely recommend it for a relaxing beachfront getaway. A five-star stay for sure.

Our oceanfront deluxe suite opened straight onto the sand, with Adirondack chairs set up for sunset watching. The room had warm colors, a cozy fireplace, and a lovely arrival treat from the front desk, macarons and sparkling wine. Falling asleep to the waves and waking with the ocean just steps away was unforgettable. The resort is peaceful and private, very dog-friendly, and has plenty of parking. A shuttle takes guests to their rooms, and every ride came promptly, with no wait longer than five minutes. Breakfast we’d ordered ahead arrived hot, fresh, and on time. It’s only about a 15-minute drive to the heart of Monterey, and the whole place has friendly service and an easy Carmel charm. A great spot to unwind and enjoy the California coast.