Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside

The indoor pool saved our rainy trip and kept the kids busy when the beach wasn’t an option. We also had great service from everyone, especially the breakfast crew, whose omelets are a must, and the evening reception staff. We upgraded to a “Pure” room with special air and water filters and hypoallergenic bedding, and it felt really fresh and clean. Great for families visiting Monterey.

The worst part was the cleanliness, and it made the whole property feel badly managed. The pool smelled like old pond water, and the windows were filthy again this year, just as they were last year. In the juice area, things looked dirty and poorly cared for, with what seemed to be mold. Even the breakfast has slipped. Bacon wasn’t set out, so I had to look for it near the omelet station, which felt odd given the room price and included meal. I’ve stayed at Embassy Suites Hilton Canyon Del Rey in Seaside many times over the last ten years, and previous visits were good. This last one was a major letdown. The rooms weren’t kept up: a refrigerator leaked, the shower was dirty, and there was visible mold around the edges. Hallways and elevators looked awful, with dirty lifts and food left on the floor. I saw the same piece by the first-floor elevator throughout my stay. The whole place looked shabby. We managed an okay stay, but the lack of cleanliness all around was deeply concerning. I’m usually easy to please, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless major improvements happen. Corporate management really needs to inspect this location. If you stay, pay attention to cleanliness and speak up, or leave a review like I did. If this helped you decide not to visit, please press the icon below.

We booked at the last minute with another family and ended up being very pleased. The kids loved swimming, and it was handy that the pool is next to the gym. Breakfast was delicious, especially the made-to-order omelets, and I was glad they kept the holiday hours going until 10 AM while we were there. The front desk team was friendly, attentive, and helpful. We got a $15 credit for each night, even though parking turned out to cost $20 a night. It was a great stay, and we’ll be back.

So far, things have been pleasant, and the complimentary cocktail hours were a real plus. At check-in, the staff noticed my daughter’s birthday and sent a box of chocolates up to us. I do wish breakfast had a non-pork protein choice. The carpets feel a bit grimy and could use a good cleaning, but otherwise so far so good. I’ll book again!