I am biased because I used to live in Monterey, but I think that would be a perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley. I tried escapes to San Francisco and found that place to be more stressful than home--horrible parking, expensive hotels and restaurants, homeless people everywhere, etc.

The Monterey Marriott is an underrated gem in the chain. The service there is wonderful, the location almost ideal, and the view from some of the rooms worth five times the price they charge...