California - Hyatt Monterrey Debate

I am currently trying to decide whether to 1) pay 12,000 points for a room at the Hyatt Monterrey or 2) points for a room at the Hyatt Highlands Inn Carmel. Can those knowledgeable visitors help me decide if it is worth it? We're staying only 1 night, want to see some of the towns of Carmel/Monterrey as well, and are not particularly golfers ourselves.

So, the ultimate question is should I pay twice the points to get into the Highlands?

Thanks!

GBT

I think it is a matter of personal choice as to what you want from your hotel stay. The Highlands Inn is a unique place with a spectacular setting and two outstanding restaurants - a casual one and a formal one - both with excellent food.

The rooms vary considerably, but the ones with balconies overlooking the ocean are unique.

The Monterey Hyatt is a low rise hotel (3 stories) spread out among 12 or more buildings. The rooms themselves are quite reasonable and the ones facing the golf course are the nicest. About half the rooms face the parking lot and the freeway.

The Highlands Inn is about 10 minutes south of Carmel whereas the Hyatt Monterey is 1 minute from the freeway, 5 minutes from downtown Monterey and Cannery row, and less than 10 minutes from Carmel.

If you are planning on spending a considerable amount of time in the hotel and are looking for a unique hotel experience, then I think the extra points are worth it. But if you are just looking for a nice place as a base for the rest of your tourist activities, I would say stay at the Monterey Hyatt.

I agree with JerryFF.

It is a matter of what experience you desire for your stay. If you want to get the Carmel/Big Sur feel, the Highlands Inn is the way to go. If you want to do the Monterey sights, i.e. Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc. go with the Hyatt in Monterey.

CCC