Asilomar Conference Grounds

I am sad that I can no longer recommend Asilomar. The natural beauty is amazing, but the rooms are in disrepair. The heater did not work, and instead of fixing it, they brought in a space heater. The sliding door to the deck would not open, making the deck unusable. Every ice machine I could find was out of order. Wallpaper was peeling. Renovation is overdue. If they work on it, it could become great again, but until then, I will stay elsewhere.

I stayed at Asilomar Conference Grounds for a 2-day / 1-night retreat. A few main buildings are located at the center of campus (dining hall, lecture room, guest check-in) and the residential buildings are scattered on the outskirts. The location of this Hotel is great. It's walking distance to the beach and state park.

My room was kinda average and screamed "family beach retreat on a budget". This is not a luxury place. When I checked into my room, it was an oven and there was no AC. I left the screen door open all evening to cool it off and by 9 pm it was comfortable. The shower / toilet was part of a wet bathroom, and the sink area was separate. I thought the bed was too soft.

I ate 3 meals: two lunches and one breakfast. It was distinctly average food - tuna salad, noodles, cold-cut sandwiches - these kinds of things.

If I was going to visit Monterey on my own volition, I would do some research on other hotels nearby before committing to this one.

Ask about The Directors Cottage and a few other stand-alone units that aren't listed online but are sometimes available for group or family rental. Reserve 3 months ahead.