November 28, 2003 -- Monterey County in California is one of the most surprisingly beautiful places I have visited in the American West. I knew in advance it would be beautiful, but I hadn't taken into account the wide variety of its terrain, its scale, even its weather. It's been named the "Birdiest County in North America" by the American Birding Association, after a May 2 (2003) bird-a-thon to count as many different bird species as possible within 24-hours. Volunteers here counted 248 species in that period alone! Winter is good for other kinds of wildlife viewing, with everything from California gray whales along the coastline to thousands of Monarch butterflies covering the Monterey pines in Pacific Grove.
To make you even more amenable to the idea of visiting here, the area has a series of offers on lodgings, local attractions, dining and more.
Rooms at the Inn
Some 25 hotels in the county are participating in a twofer offer from now through January 30, 2004.You pay for one night and get the second night free.
Best Value Stage Coach Lodge in Monterey is offering one bed in a room (for one or two persons) at $69, two beds in a room from $89, the visitors bureau says. Each room includes a microwave and a refrigerator, making it easier on the budget to prepare some of your meals in the room. There's a heated pool, and continental breakfast is included. Phone 877/899-6609 or see www.innsight.com or www.bestvalueinn.com.At the Clarion Hotel in Monterey, we found a standard room with two queen-sized beds from as little as $79 for a stay on December 21. Two night stays on weekends earns you a third consecutive night gratis. There's an indoor heated pool and spa, free deluxe breakfast bar, in-room microwave ovens and fridges. Contact the hotel at 800/821-0805 or at www.bestmontereylodging.com.At the Lighthouse Lodge & Suites in Pacific Grove a room with a queen-sized bed , normally $120, goes for just $79 Sundays-Thursdays, $99 on weekends. Each room has a 32-inch cable TV screen, refrigerator and microwave, an honor bar, and other amenities include a deluxe American breakfast. Contact: 831/655-2111 or www.lhls.com.Jumping up in price, there's the smoke-free Candle Light Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where all rooms boast a loveseat, and some have fireplaces and full kitchens. The rack rate for one king bed in a room is $189 to $209. They say they are the closest inn to the heart of Carmel Village. Free continental breakfast is brought to your room each morning with the daily newspaper. Contact them at 800/433-4732, www.innsbythesea.com.Note that most of these twofers are for Sunday through Thursday stays unless otherwise noted, and exclude holiday and special events. Most of these can be found on www.montereyinfo.org or www.holidaybounty.com. Be sure to inquire when booking.
Additional Savings
Other establishments, while not taking part in the twofer offers, are nonetheless advertising decent winter rates. An indication of other possibilities can be found at the Bay Park Hotel in Monterey. The Christmas Package includes a $69 room rate and your choice of a bag of biscotti or a split of champagne. Taxes not included. They'll also be announcing a Movie Tour package that will include your room, breakfast and two tickets on a guided tour to locations used in movies. Prices were not yet determined at the time we went to press. This hotel is midway between old Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, some rooms having bay views. There's an on-site restaurant, and a fitness room. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres are also included in the price. Contact them at 800/338-3564, www.bayparkhotel.com.
At the Big Sur River Inn, one of my favorites in Big Sur, you can get lodging, including dinner and breakfast for two, for just $115 per night on Sundays through Thursdays, or $150 per night on Fridays or Saturdays. There is an onsite restaurant, a general store that sells locally grown organic food and California wines, and live music is featured on a regular basis. The property has an outdoor pool and is nestled between the redwoods right on the Big Sur River. Contact the inn at 800/548-3610 or 831/667-2700, www.bigsurriverinn.com.
Attractions & Merchants' Offers
There are many special offers valid through January 30, 2004 (unless noted otherwise).
- The Chateau Julien Wine Estate, 15 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula, offers wine tasting and a picnicking opportunity. With a minimum purchase of $10, you get a free cork puller. Phone 831/624-2600 or visit www.chateaujulien.com.
- At Club Octane, which says it is "Monterey's Number One nightspot with DJs," they have dance bands and entertainment seven nights a week. You print out the coupon on their website and get free admission for two persons (excluding Saturdays and special events). Contact them at www.cluboctane.com, phone 831/646-9244.
- A special Holiday Bounty rate of $59, including green fee and shared cart, is available at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey. This is a Robert Trent Jones golf course, with full clubhouse amenities and a 14-acre practice facility. Print out the coupon on their website and call for tee time. Excludes special events and tournament or group reservations, and subject to availability. Contact them at www.lagunasecagolf.com or at 888/524-8629.
Mark Your Calendar
- December 5 to 7: the 4th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival (800/722-9652, www.montereycowboy.com)
- December 31: First Night Monterey (831/373-4778, www.firstnightmonterey.org)
- January 10-11: Whalefest 2004 (831/784-6464)
- January 15-19: Monterey Swingfest (805/937-1574, www.centralcoastswingdance.com)
For more information on Monterey County, go to www.montereyinfo.org, phone the Monterey Visitors Bureau at 888/221-1010, or read through our extensive coverage at www.frommers.com/destinations/montereypeninsulaandthebigsurcoast.
Do you have a question, comment or suggestion about traveling in the Monterey area? We love hearing from our readers on our Message Boards. Just click here to get started.