Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove Monterey by IHG

The place is brand new, rooms are large, location is ideal for Pacific Grove, and the restaurant food is excellent. Category Rating: Bathroom: 8 (Mirror beauty lighting poor; Large, but basic shower with low pressure (common in Monterey) Bed: 7.5 Medium firm, sheets above par. But for the high room rates, the bed should be pure heaven. Amenities: 8.5 Decent storage, excellent bath products, options for other free amenities. One strange thing: The body lotion is in a tiny squeeze bottle, and after a couple squeezes, it's impossible to get the majority of the product out of the bottle. TV: 7 On two separate stays, the remote for the TV was extremely sluggish to the point of giving up a couple times. Valet: 10 Fast and efficient system, and reasonable. Restaurant: 9 Very high chef's quality food. Breakfast is excellent. Check-in: 10 Efficient and courteous always

Basically, it's overpriced. For my last stay, there was a car show in town and the per night rate for the basic room averaged at least $725 before taxes. One night was over $800. I've stayed in five star luxury hotels for that, and have no problem paying that. But these rates are unreasonable considering this level of hotel. While the rooms are large and clean, it's far from a 5 star luxury category demanding those prices. I've booked an upcoming trip in September (might cancel), and the pre-tax rate is $665 per night for a notch up King room. It's frustrating, because I would enthusiastically recommend this hotel if its rates were in line with the category it's in: It's a good quality place, a couple notches above basic new hotel, convenient location if you're visiting Pacific Grove.

Ben at the front desk went out of his way to make us feel welcome for our stay in Pacific Grove, orienting us well with the facility and charming town. When we needed amenities such as extra luggage racks and towels they were delivered within minutes. Given that we had a red eye our request for a late check our was accommodated. The property is beautifully decorated, fresh, and clean. We were so pleased we chose to stay here versus in the busier neighboring towns which we enjoyed but were then able to retreat from.

Good location, a little walk to Monterey along a coastal paths/ Hotel was very clean, and had great facilities. Coffee / Tea available in the mornings which was nice. A few shops and restaurants in Pacific Grove, very laid back and relaxed feel about the area. Short drive to the '17 mile drive' and into Carmel by Sea etc

Valet parking charges were high, and car was just put on bit of land out of the back of the hotel. There is plenty of on street parking available for 3 hours during the day (and available all night) which I wish we had known about before we arrived

Brand new and beautifully decorated! The room is huge, and all the finishes are gorgeous. I love the style. The outside patio has ample seating, with a fire pit and large fireplace. There were a lot of dogs (and one cat) - everyone was welcome. The evening reception was also great, albeit short. The location within a few blocks to Lovers Point beach is amazing! Also: big shout out to Ben at the front desk, going above and beyond to make everyone comfortable over the busy July 4th weekend.

Most of the staff was a little stuck up (except Ben, as mentioned) - from reception to the valet. Requests are generally honored but take an extremely long time. The layout of the room is a little odd and inconvenient, with a large empty area in the middle and the couch and table pushed up against the window. Since this is a higher end hotel, it unfortunately attracts entitled clientele. Somehow their poorly behaved kids and pets are just "how they are". Screaming kids and aggressive dogs with uninvolved parents really make the environment unenjoyable.