Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 920-6710, montereyplazahotel.com
With all the tourists in Monterey County, the hotel winner is presidentially important. It’s hard to beat the Plaza, with its prime location right on the ocean in the heart of Cannery Row in Monterey. The dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Schooners, wins in its own right (see p. 44), or you could soak in the views from the spa’s balcony whirlpool tubs. Whether you’re out exploring nearby or staying in to relax, it’s a win.