One of the finest hotels in town, the Mediterranean-style Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a pleasure to behold, with public areas elegantly decorated with marble, Brazilian teak, and attractive artwork, while the guestroom décor is reminiscent of 19th-century Biedermeier, with Italian marble bathrooms and balconies overlooking the water (sea otters included in the view). But it’s the hotel’s 11,000-square-foot Vista Blue Spa with its outdoor sun deck, bay-view whirlpool tubs, customized spa packages, and gorgeous views of Monterey Bay that makes the stay here worth every penny. On the quiet end of Cannery Row, but close to everything, the upscale hotel offers 290 recently renovated rooms and suites. For a special occasion, splurge on one of the hotel’s spacious luxury suites, like the 700 square-foot Spa Terrace Suite, which features a fireplace, wet bar, state-of-the-art entertainment system and a whirlpool tub on the private outdoor deck or go all out on the 2,100 square-foot Presidential Suite, which includes an expansive sun deck with a whirlpool tub and 180-degree views of Monterey Bay. Dine at the new fine-dining Coastal Kitchen or the lively Schooners Monterey on the patio overlooking the bay.