Stayed here on 3/16 using FFN award. As Diamond, phoned 1-800-CHECKIN at 2:30 pm Sunday and was upgraded to "townhouse suite," a two-storey affair with jacuzzi downstairs, very nice. Upgrade possible only because I wouldn't be arriving until 5:00 pm, when the room would be vacated and cleaned. Enjoyed a fine view (Room 507; 501-508 seem the best, most spacious units with private balconies, great ocean view and away from busy Highway 1). Many units have no view, and some have balconies that anyone can access.

Service can be spotty, especially for a Park Hyatt: no one at reception when I arrived! Also, room service from the California Market Restaurant, the second-tier dining establishment at the hotel, was a disappointment. Had to remind them to deliver the Diamond amenity. For dinner, very expensive swordfish was thin and served in a sickly tomato-y paste. Breakfast the next morning, a frittata, was overcooked, and the waiter virtually demanded a tip. A good roadhouse on Highway 1 would have done better.

Two distintive items at this property are the free loaner binoculars in each room, and free loaner mountain bikes. I availed myself of both to visit nearby Point Lobos with its aboundant sea otters and seals.

Indeed, the big problem is getting around to checking out, after extending the checkout time until the maid forces her way into the room!

[This message has been edited by Explore (edited 03-21-2003).]