User Reviews for Portola Plaza Hotel at Monterey

Research User Reviews for Portola Plaza Hotel at Monterey (1-20 of 52)

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Nov 25, 2009 by Mark from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Very pleasant and courteous staff.
• The hotel is not on the water.

“The room was very clean and well decorated with very comfortable bed and chairs. Hotel & restaurant staff was very friendly and helpful. The bar & restaurant were very good. The main dining room is large and well-appointed. However, the dining room should have white table linen. The bare wood tables were less than classy. The food is very good for a large hotel.”

Nov 23, 2009 by Teresa from Napa,CA
Overall Rating: 7

• Valet parking prompt.
• Room next to street and across hall from housekeeping.

“For a 3-4 star hotel, I would have expected a few more amenities ie. extra blanket, wet bar in room, a heating system that was quiet, morning newspaper.”

Nov 22, 2009 by Stephanie from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• The best factor was the location. It was close to "old Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf, and Cannery Row.

“Excellent location, within walking distance to just about everything.”

Nov 19, 2009 by Alice from Campbell,CA
Overall Rating: 3

• If you wanted to participate in the half marathon race, it was centrally located.
• Called hotel ahead of time to share that it was anniversary get-away. No acknowledgment of that from the service provided or the location of room.

“It was clean, but nothing extra even when calls were made in advance on two occasions. Hilton Properties are much better in quality of bed and service.”

Nov 19, 2009 by Vanessa from Salt Lake City,UT
Overall Rating: 10

• The Proximity to everything in town.
• the parking.

“The hotel was clean and well kept. I got a great price through priceline but don't think that the rooms would have been worth the money they normally charge. It is in the perfect spot for everything! Walking distance to most major sites. The hotel staff was EXCELLENT. I really enjoyed my stay.”

Oct 28, 2009 by Karen from Cameron Park,CA
Overall Rating: 8

• The location was very close to all activities.
• Fee for parking and for internet and no refrigerator in room.

“The location was perfect, the rooms were very nice, the staff was nice. It is within walking distance of the fisherman's wharf, etc. The only complaints I have is the $17 daily fee for self parking and the 24$ daily fee for internet. Both of those charges on top of the price of the hotel, seemed to be excessive. We ate dinner and the Fresh Cream which is within walking distance and it was great food, awesome views and good service. Price was high, but I really enjoyed it.”

Oct 21, 2009 by Bill from Marietta,GA
Overall Rating: 10

• Great location.

“Nice place in great location by the waterfront. Easy walk to pier, etc.”

Oct 9, 2009 by Brad from Wichita,KS
Overall Rating: 7

• Nice location.
• Confusing layout of various hotel buildings and parking.

“Nice hotel, but not exactly as upscale as they would like to think. We noticed various repairs that needed to be done. The door to our room stuck and we nearly had to ram it to open and close each time.”

Oct 7, 2009 by Mike from Hatfield,PA
Overall Rating: 10

• Bright and airy rooms.
• Would like free lobby coffee service & in-room bottled water.

“Staff very personable and gave a great dinner recommendation overnight. Parking fee reasonable, pool very clean and towels readily available. Room furnishings attractive and adjustable louvered doors inside patio doors a great approach for natural room lighting with privacy excellent spa facilities.”

Oct 7, 2009 by Judy Aldrich from South Lyon,MI
Overall Rating: 1

“This entire experience is a nightmare. I reserved and paid for two rooms, the hotel only had one available for us and we all slept in one room.”

Oct 6, 2009 by Karlei from Shingle Springs,CA
Overall Rating: 7

• Wonderful location, great bell staff. Loved the cookies and free Aquafina!
• The power went out for over an hour the night we arrived. No directions from staff.

“We have stayed at the Portola plaza before and would say that it is in need of some updating. The pool is a little small for a hotel that size. The counter staff were
OK friendly -- when me and my children arrived after my husband checked in we asked for the complimentary cookies (he did not take them when he checked in so that they would be warm) and the woman replied we don't usually give these out after check-in rather rudely, even after I explained that my husband had checked in but declined the cookies so that we could get them. The power went out at the hotel for over an hour without any apology from the staff or instructions on what to do. We were really disappointed about that.”

Sep 23, 2009 by Karen from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• The atmosphere was airy and fresh, the amenities were luxurious, the design details in classic taste appropriate for Monterey, perfect location.
• The beds were small-2 doubles, rather than queens in our room.

“The hotel's atmosphere was airy and fresh. The lobby is a spacious atrium with full grown ficus trees stretching to the light. The amenities were luxurious, the design details in classic taste and appropriate for Monterey, and the location was perfectly central-right in town and right at the pier.”

Sep 17, 2009 by from Houston,TX
Overall Rating: 8

• Clean and affordable.

“Nicely decorated, garage parking for a reasonable price and clean.”

Sep 17, 2009 by lynda from Chico,CA
Overall Rating: 1

• Room decor was nice and clean.
• Location.

“On arrival we were placed in a room that was not a part of the hotel, it was across the plaza basically attached to the parking structure. It was loud, did not get a good night sleep at all. Complained to management ( I was there for a triathlon and needed my sleep) They moved us to the main hotel the next day, but not until after 3pm (my son needed a place to take his nap at 1pm).”

Sep 10, 2009 by Michelle from Palo Alto,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Service.
• Nothing.

“Loved it. They were great, they gave us a choice of rooms to choose from, and they had complimentary chocolate chip cookies for each person in the room.”

Sep 5, 2009 by Jo from Sugar Land,TX
Overall Rating: 8

• Location to activities and restaurants is excellent.
• Changed to a pets allowed facility after we booked and they put a dog next door.

“Couple of things not so great: 1)Doorman was rude because we parked our car (we were confused about the entry-area). When the pet policy was changed after we booked our stay and a couple with a barking dog was put in the room right next to ours. Thankfully that lasted only one long night! On the other hand we would take the "chance" again of snagging this hotel. The location was fantastic and the room (after we called to bring the missing ironing board) was kept well-equipped and clean.”

Sep 3, 2009 by Yen from Morris Plains,NJ
Overall Rating: 10

• Excellent location, large lobby is plus.

“This hotel is locate at the center of the town, it's very convenience for everything, including store, restaurant etc., I also like the large lobby which look nice.”

Sep 2, 2009 by Laura from San Luis Obispo,CA
Overall Rating: 5

• nice location
• terrible road noise. Very thin walls and windows letting in noise.

“The hotel is nicely located near the Monterey Wharf. They also have a shuttle (free) to and from Cannery Row.”

Aug 29, 2009 by amumory from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 8

• location
• parking fee

“very nice location and staff.”

Aug 28, 2009 by Denise Dupuis from Windsor,Canada
Overall Rating: 10

• beautiful hotel in the perfect location right next o the bay...beautiful town...room was awesome!
• honestly....nothing, everything was great!

“Staff at hotel desk to check in were super friendly. Beautiful rooms with french doors that open up to a patio or balcony. Great italian restaurant nearby Cifo!”

Aug 26, 2009 by Frank from Carlsbad,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Great location.
  Monterey Wharf on one end and Alverado Street on the other.
• Outside street/walkway can be a bit noisy on weekends.

“Best to stay on 2nd floor which is really the 3rd floor above shops. Excellent location. Nicely updated rooms.”

Aug 25, 2009 by Jacob from Los Angeles,CA
Overall Rating: 9

• Wonderfully located, dynamite staff, comfortable room.
• Television was choppy and limited, no refrigerator for small foodstuffs.

“The Portola was in the perfect location in Monterey. Walking distance to everything we could have wanted. The bed was comfortable, the room was cozy. A very, very nice stay.”

Aug 24, 2009 by Vince from Traverse City,MI
Overall Rating: 8

• location
• whirlpool was substandard

“Nice hotel, great location in Monterey CA, good deal for the priceline price paid.”

Aug 23, 2009 by James from Clearwater,FL
Overall Rating: 8

• Location.
• Parking charge 17- 20 a day.

“Parking is a problem!”

Aug 22, 2009 by Richard from Rosemead,CA
Overall Rating: 9

• Nice, friendly and easy access.

“Friendly and helpful staff.”

Aug 18, 2009 by Lloyd from Denver,CO
Overall Rating: 10

• Location walking distance to the warf.
• No refrigrator or microwave.

“The service was great, clean room very comfortable very friendy.”

Aug 15, 2009 by Sara from San Jose,CA
Overall Rating: 9

• The hotel offered cookies for each visitor and the personnels are friendly and pleasant.
• You need to pay $17 self parking fee daily.

“I have two family members with walking problems but the rooms were assigned to the farther side of the rooms and there is only one elevator. After I contacted the customer services, they were happy to re-assign two rooms that are adjacent to each other and very close to the parking lot. That really save the pains of the seniors for not walking the distances and climb stairs. The hotel rooms are very elegant and clean with superb comfortable pillows. The toilet may need to be upgraded as it got very loud when it flushes. It woke up anyone in the night. The hotel location is great as it is close to all the fun things and restaurants within walking distance. The overall experience of stay in this hotel is satisfactory and great! We can just walked down the floor and get the bicycle rental and took the ride to see the shoreline along the cannery row and back to the Fisherman's wharf.”

Aug 15, 2009 by Carla from Montreal,Canada
Overall Rating: 7

“I really liked the hotel and its location. The only issue I had was that the hotel was over the flight path of the local airport and at night, we heard airplanes when we went to sleep. Not enough sound insulation in the rooms/windows!”

Aug 15, 2009 by Nat from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 9

“We ate dinner in the Hotel restaurant the food was not good day all, But the staff was nice.”

Aug 14, 2009 by Kristi from Madison, WI
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Friendly, helpful staff!
• Not a 4 star hotel.

“This is definitely not a 4 star hotel. The location to the Wharf is great if that's what you're looking for. Lots and lots of tourists. It happened to be very hot and there is no air-conditioning. But, the desk happily and quickly sent up a floor fan. The rooms are average. This is a large convention style hotel-nothing charming or luxurious.”

Aug 12, 2009 by John from Yuba City,CA
Overall Rating: 9

• Very friendly and helpful staff.
• The pillows were terrible.

“Overall the hotel was very nice. My family and I were able to walk or take a free shuttle to most locations in the area. I plan to stay at this hotel again.”

Aug 3, 2009 by Julie from Cameron Park,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Staff efficient and friendly, great location clean room.

“This hotel exceeded my expectations. I have recommended it to two people already via Priceline for a really great deal.”

Jul 27, 2009 by Anshuman from Union City,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Location.

“Nice and efficient hotel.”

Jul 26, 2009 by Jaimie from Ridgecrest,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• It was clean, great location and the staff were friendly and very helpful.
• The pool was a little small, but very nice.

“Excellent hotel. Very happy with the price I paid and the quality of the hotel.”

Jul 26, 2009 by Dondra from Hughson,CA
Overall Rating: 8

• Rooms were very comfortable and well maintained. Good location.
• Very noisey with both outside noise and hall way noise.

“Attractive well maintained hotel with excellent restaurant. Very nice heated pool. Paid parking garage with easy access to the hotel. Only complaint is a lot of outside noise and hallway noise during the night.”

Jul 22, 2009 by Kelly Taylor from Somis,CA
Overall Rating: 5

• The hotel staff was friendly.
• It was loud, no
  AC and we were shoved in the back of the hotel. Pool was awful.

“The rooms were shoved in the back of the hotel, down a dark dingy hallway and the pool was smaller than a backyard pool. Parking was $17 a night.”

Jul 22, 2009 by Wanda Greenwood from Ceres,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• People were very nice and willing to work with you.

“This hotel was wonderful and would use them again.”

Jul 17, 2009 by Lynn from Manton,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Beautiful decor, friendly helpful staff that goes beyond.

“This hotel was absolutely gorgeous. The warm cookies given at check in are a wonderful touch. When I told the staff that my husband was recovering from a heart attack, they made sure (without me asking) that our room was close to the elevator and vending machine room on our floor. I had trouble getting on-line with my laptop, and the staff that arrived fixed it immediately and was very friendly.”

Jul 13, 2009 by Pamela from Merced,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Perfect location.
• Rooms were small.

“The hotel was right on the wharf. We had a beautiful view of the sensory garden courtyard from our balcony. We were within walking distance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.”

Jul 12, 2009 by from Atwater,CA
Overall Rating: 10

• Location convenient to everything.

“Great place to stay, friendly and in walking distance.”

Mar 2, 2009 by jan from Pullman,WA
Overall Rating: 10

“Very conveniently located to the attractions in Monterey - clean and well-appointed. We really enjoyed our stay there, and would go back.”

Oct 21, 2008 by
Overall Rating: 7

• Location, cleanliness and modern.
• No AC and inability to open windows, rooms at the back end of hotel.

“A nice place overall geared to the business traveler. It was close to the aquarium and some shops and restaurant. But no
AC and the front desk staff was not that friendly.”

Jul 31, 2008 by Sunny from Dublin, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[4] • Location:[10]

• The location was ideal.
• The parking garage entry way (attached to the hotel) was filthy!

“The additional $15 per day to park was unexpected. This was not worth the price considering the pool, spa and day spa were not available do to reconstruction. In addition, the workout room was moved to an empty hotel room, complete with bed frame, dresser, and bathtub. I never would have stayed there had I known this.”

Jul 10, 2008 by Angela from San Francisco, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• Room decor and location.
• Would prefer 1 king or queen bed, instead of two.

“Excellent location, 2 minute walk to ocean, waterfront walking path, pier, restaurants. Simple, relaxing yet elegant room decor. Airy, comfortable, pleasing lobby and indoor/outdoor bar/restaurant areas to relax, read a book, or wait for friends. Location to city activities, shopping, dining, sights was outstanding.”

Jul 9, 2008 by Brian from San Diego, CA
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[1] • Location:[10]

• Well located.
• Staff was poorly trained.

“Well located; comfortable, flat walking distance to coast, shops, restaurants and other attractions. Room came with a few minor amenities. Staff lacked significant training and follow up.”

Aug 17, 2007 by Rob from Irvine, CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Great location, nice lobby.
• Terrible mattress, no a/c, street level room.

“We were excited to check into the impressive looking Portola plaza, whose convention center I have attended several times. It has a beautiful brick terrace, lined by shops, which leads directly onto Montereys wharf. It probably would have been fine if we'd gotten a high floor, but the room we got was 10 ft. From a side street. Actually, when we checked in at night, it looked like the patio opened right onto the sidewalk. In the morning we realized there were actually a balcony and at least a 3 foot drop to the hedges below. Nevertheless, with no ventilation it was a necessity to keep the street-side sliding door open, secured only by a thin chain lock, or else we would be breathing the same uncalculated air all night. This invited unwelcome noise, light and concerns about safety. To top it off, the mattress felt like a square of foam rubber.”

Jul 6, 2007 by Shelby from Modesto, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Perfect location, great rooms, friendly staff.
• Service at the two restaurants within the hotel.

“We were unaware of the exact location of this hotel and were very pleased when we arrived. The location and ease to get to all attractions was perfect. We were traveling with two small children and it made for a pleasurable visit. Our only real disappointment was the service and lack of acknowledgement from the restaurant staff and management within the restaurants. They can contact us if they need any further details. Overall, we will be back, but may dine elsewhere.”

Apr 30, 2007 by David from Vancouver, BC CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Comfortable, clean, appealing, and friendly service.
• Room next to road, very noisy, and slept poorly.

“This is a very nice hotel that is clean, comfortable and appealing but the room I got was in a poor location right next to the street. The noise level when traffic went by was high so I didn't get a good night sleep. Also, getting to my parked car was a pain. The distance from my room to the parking lot was too far, especially when you're lugging your luggage around.”

Sep 20, 2006 by Betty J. from San Jose, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Gave us cookies upon check-in, rubber white seal (like a rubber ducky) for bath.
• Noise - room faced plaza - very noisy.

“Hotel was clean, staff was friendly. Stayed at Hotel Pacific just a block away previous week. Hotel Pacific is much more charming but also had noise problem.”

Sep 7, 2006 by Chacha from Los Angeles, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Cozy rooms but I think it needs wireless internet connections.
• No wireless internet connections

“Perfect hotel for families.”