Portola Plaza Hotel, Monterey, Calif.
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
I can get them special treatment at different restaurants and a better rate, and I can normally get them last-minute reservations that they can’t make. I can also get groups better rates on group transportation.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
If they want to walk, I recommend Montrio, Stokes, Fresh Creme, and the Sardine factory, in addition to our own restaurant, Jack’s.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Monterey Live, Cibo or Lollapalooza, or our bar, Jack’s.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Our walking path in the back of the hotel. It’s along the water, it’s lit and it’s beautiful.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
The commercial pier, the Sandbar & Grill, and then there’s another little hole in the wall, Monterey’s Fish House, that’s great.
If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
Take a stroll around the back of the hotel and take a look at the sea otters, if there’s not enough time to do the aquarium.