La Playa v. Seven Gables v. Monterey Plaza

Question

Hi all,

My husband and I are planning a special week-long anniversary trip to the Monterey Peninsula and are trying to choose between three hotels:

La Playa Hotel in Carmel

Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa on Cannery Row

I grew up in the area and used to work in Carmel (San Carlos between 5th & 6th) and Pacific Grove (Spruce Ave), but I’ve never stayed in local hotels. It’s been about 20 years, so I’m familiar with the neighborhoods but not the accommodations.

We’ll be spending one week in the Bay Area and one in Monterey, and would love a relaxing, walkable, and scenic place to stay that feels special for an anniversary. My husband isn’t too picky—I’m the one doing all the overthinking 😅

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Walkable location (easy access to the beach, town, cafes)

Good breakfast (included or easy nearby options)

Comfortable beds and peaceful vibe

Close to the ocean (bonus points if we can hear it!)

Comfortable enough for a 7-night stay

All three are priced similarly, so this comes down to comfort and overall experience, not cost.

🪻 La Playa Hotel – Carmel

Pros: Beautiful historic hotel with charming gardens, Champagne breakfast buffet, excellent walkability to the beach and Ocean Ave.

Cons: Bathrooms are reportedly cramped, and several reviews mention poor water pressure. Some rooms are older and may feel a bit dated.

Vibe: Romantic, classic Carmel—ideal for relaxing with a glass of wine in the garden.

🌊 Seven Gables Inn – Pacific Grove

Pros: Incredible ocean views, peaceful setting, breakfast included (brought to your room), and located along the stunning PG coastline.

Cons: No daily housekeeping for longer stays (which might be tough over 7 days).

Vibe: Cozy, intimate, like staying in a lovely Victorian with unbeatable scenery.

🛎️ Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Cannery Row

Pros: Oceanfront rooms with balcony views, rooftop spa, full-service hotel amenities, and very walkable to the aquarium, restaurants, and shops.

Cons: Very touristy area, no breakfast included, and high daily parking fees ($35–$45/day).

Vibe: Upscale resort feel, but maybe less intimate or serene for an anniversary trip.

If you’ve stayed at any of these recently—especially for longer visits or special occasions—I’d love to hear your experiences. We’re hoping for something peaceful and memorable that still feels easy and comfortable for a full week.

Thanks so much for your insights!

—Alicia

Answer

All three of the hotels you’re considering offer distinct experiences, and your choice will depend largely on what type of anniversary vibe you want—romantic and classic, intimate and scenic, or full-service resort with amenities. Here’s a breakdown based on your priorities:

Walkable Location & Beach Access:

La Playa Hotel, Carmel: Excellent walkability. You can stroll to the beach and along Ocean Avenue with its charming cafes, galleries, and shops. Very convenient for a week-long stay without needing your car.
Seven Gables Inn, Pacific Grove: Scenic coastal walks are right outside your door, with views along the ocean. The town center is small but walkable, though fewer cafes and shops compared to Carmel.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: Oceanfront with balcony views. Walking access to Cannery Row, the aquarium, and restaurants is great, but Cannery Row is more commercial and touristy than Carmel or Pacific Grove.

Breakfast & Dining:

La Playa: Champagne breakfast buffet included. Great start to the day, and nearby restaurants provide plenty of options.
Seven Gables: Breakfast brought to your room daily, which is very charming and intimate. Cozy for a longer stay but note that no housekeeping is included during a 7-night visit.
Monterey Plaza: Breakfast not included. There are many nearby restaurants, but you’ll need to plan or pay out-of-pocket for every meal, which could feel less relaxed for a week-long stay.

Comfort & Vibe:

La Playa: Romantic, classic Carmel feel with historic charm and garden spaces. Some rooms may feel dated, and bathrooms/water pressure can be issues in older rooms.
Seven Gables: Cozy, intimate Victorian style with stunning ocean views. Feels secluded and special, perfect for a romantic getaway, though the lack of daily housekeeping might require some planning.
Monterey Plaza: Upscale resort experience with full amenities including spa and rooftop deck. Rooms are modern and comfortable, but the busy touristy vibe can detract from a peaceful anniversary ambiance.

Other Considerations:

If you want to fall asleep to the sound of waves and have a more intimate, serene setting, Seven Gables is probably the best fit.
If you want historic charm, central Carmel location, and included breakfast, La Playa hits the mark.
If you prefer a full-service hotel with a spa, oceanfront balcony, and easy access to Cannery Row’s attractions, Monterey Plaza is ideal, but it’s less private and quiet for a week-long anniversary stay.
For a 7-night stay focused on relaxation, comfort, and romance, Seven Gables or La Playa are likely the best choices. Monterey Plaza is better suited for shorter stays or if you want easy access to city amenities.

In summary, for a week-long anniversary trip emphasizing peace, romance, and scenery: Seven Gables offers unmatched views and intimacy, while La Playa provides historic charm with Carmel’s town conveniences. Monterey Plaza is luxurious but more touristy and less secluded.

La Playa v. Seven Gables v. Monterey Plaza

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