Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey (877) 636-1618, montereyplazahotel.com
Monterey Plaza Hotel is more than a lovely, 290-room oceanside hotel. If you’re headed for a long journey, you need some luxury before take-off. With 24-hour room service, it’s no worry if pre-flight jitters or the ocean waves awaken you at 3am. Relax in the rooftop spa. Take a 10-minute walk to the Aquarium. Or visit Schooners (which offers a sprawling outdoor patio) for some oceanfront drinking or dining, relax with a Bloody Mary and seafood salad. The fiber-optic internet speeds will have you questioning why you signed up to be one of the first on the Mars launch.