There’s something magical about the Old Monterey Inn. Resting in beautiful Monterey, California, this is a charming seaside destination where everything slows down a little. A relaxed, coastal atmosphere welcomes you to experience comfort like you’ve never experienced before. The Old Monterey Inn, with its beautiful estate-style grounds, lush English gardens, and antique furnishings truly transports you back in time.
In 1865, the Martin family traveled to Monterey Bay on their way to San Francisco during what was known as the California Gold Rush. During a stop here, they fell in love with the coastal location and the old adobe buildings that made up the town of Monterey. Instead of continuing on their journey to San Francisco, they stayed, purchasing land throughout the area. The Old Monterey Inn today now rests in the spot that had inspired them to stay. It was Carmel Martin Sr., the grandson of the original Martin family, who, along with his wife Lydia, created the inn as you see it today. With its English Tudor influences, the three-story manor built in 1929, was a homage to Mrs. Martin’s old world taste.
“If a B&B experience appeals, secure a reservation at the Old Monterey Inn,” says Krista Minard. “Located near downtown on a shady side street, the inn beckons with feather beds and down comforters, fireplaces, stained-glass windows and peaceful gardens, not to mention a glorious full breakfast.”
Today the inn rests on over an acre of private, well-manicured grounds that feature the inn’s famous gardens. The gardens are magical in and of themselves, with tall Monterey Pines, California Oaks and Redwoods all around. With a variety of pathways that wind around the property, you can discover something new each time you venture out. One area is designed to enchant you like a fairytale, while another takes after the inn’s Tudor-style as a formal English garden with roses. Relax by one of the water fountains or settle down with a good book under a tree and bask in the soothing natural surroundings.
“And every square inch in the one-acre garden of this 1929 neo-Tudor manor house is covered with jasmine, wisteria, hydrangea, rhododendrons, and dwarf canna lilies,” says David Tsay. 
“More than 100 trees, including California oaks, redwoods, and Monterey pines, shade the English-style hedges. Vintage birdhouses hide in gnarled tree limbs. Hanging plants echo the riot of blooms and climbing ivy that press against your window.”
If this doesn’t sound like paradise, we’re not sure what is. The Old Monterey Inn is not only a Four-Diamond AAA-rated destination, but has also been listed on Conde Naste Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Gold List, and #1 Monterey Inn by TripAdvisor. Let the inn take you back to a simpler time, where you can unwind amongst gardens, indulge in hearty breakfast every morning by the fountains, and soothe away your worries with a massage at the spa. Let the Old Monterey Inn enchant you on your California vacation today!
