Zmudowski State Beach

Our 5-day stay at the Kimpton Mirador was...fine. The biggest upside was that it allows for dogs of any size, so we weren't restricted by our 70lb dog. Overall, the building is very nice - well kept, lovely staff, nice room, etc. It's in a great location - close to the water as well as to the main street, and a 20ish minute walk from downtown Monterey. Where it lacked was the finer details. You're supposed to get champagne upon arrival, which the people in front of me were offered upon checking in but not me. The restaurant is expensive, but upon 2 visits, one for breakfast and one for dinner, was not worth it. At dinner we were seated immediately but then not brought water or asked after for 10-15 minutes, despite it not being a busy night. The waiter did acknowledge the wait, took orders, etc. I was served a salmon that, despite a very tasty base, was very undercooked, and by the time the waiter came back to check on us, it was too late to ask for it to be redone. We shared the tombo albacore tuna which at $52 was fine but not exceptional. You pay a daily amenity fee for valet service, as well as gym, beach bags, live music in the courtyard etc. The valet service was always prompt, but I asked for beach bags 3x in the mornings before leaving for the day, and was told there weren't any left. One thing that would have made this hotel a nicer experience is a hot tub. I do appreciate they do not advertise that they have one, but I feel that would be a better amenity