Review: St. Regis Monarch Beach

Ben -

It was so much fun to read this post. I had my wedding at the St. Regis MB last year and it was a blast! The hotel took such great care of us and our entire family. They are known in the area to do great weddings (hence why it's sold out all summer long) and really exceeded our expectations.

Email me if you want to hear more about the upgrades you get when you host an event there!
Steven

Did you make it down to the hotel's beach? One of it's best attributes.

Lucky, looks like a golf course in the background? Seems like a nice addition to your TRs would be reference to any golf courses attached to the hotel property, and perhaps the green fees.

One of my fave St Regis's! Robert, you can take a cart down to the golf course or beach. We always seem to end up there during the June gloom 🙁

Why wouldn't it be good for a relaxing stay but the pool. Too much noise?

@ Beachfan -- Sorry, I wasn't clear. I'm saying it is a great place to relax by the pool, but there are more reasonably priced properties with bigger/more extravagant pools if that's all you're after.

Hubby and I stayed here in December as a sort of staycation. We had a nice time here, although we were a little underwhelmed by the level of service overall for this level of property. We had a nice time at the spa, the holiday buffet (more extravagant than the usual one), and the Monarch Beach club. I definitely agree that the monarch beach club is one of the best features- it's completely private! They set up chairs, umbrellas, and towels and you can get food and drinks at the club. We didn't get a chance to try the golf course but it's gorgeous. They had a beautiful sand art piece in the lobby that was a statue of Santa. It was decorated very nicely for Christmas!

The locals refer to the weather you experienced as "June gloom".

You said the room looked "fresh", but that carpet looks filthy in those pictures!!

They spelled your name wrong on the welcome card :O

And just an FYI for people who didn't catch it in comment #4. There is no "attached" beach. You have to golf cart it down there or walk. 5 - 10 minutes.

Across Coast Hwy is the Ritz-Carlton. That place sits right above the beach (nice surf too)

Is that a flashlight on the tray at the foot of the bed?

@ ddrabk -- It is, I found that interesting as well.

I've stayed here many times. For kids, they have a cool fireworks and smores thingy on the beach each night...

...Ben, if you had a free night at any category 5 starwood, could you give me your favorite three for great value/location etc?

I typically enjoy your reviews and agree with you when I'm familiar with the hotel, flight, etc. This time, I'm sorry to say I really don't think your review did this property justice. As others mentioned, you didn't mention some of the nicest things the beach or golf. The golf cart ride down to the beach and the restaurant/club down there is well worth the trip. I understand the weather wasn't great for those amenities but it might be when others visit. I also think the hotel is so lovely and serene. It is really a first class property and experience. That didn't come through at all in your lackluster review. Boy, Starwood really didn't get its money's worth on your visit and review!!

Wow, Ben you get invited to so many of these! Though your write-ups are awesome, so it's quite worth it to hear and see all these places that we should consider visiting (or not).

You had to go and link the trip you took, with your Mom, to Bali. I'm at work, and you put a sizeable dent in my productivity this afternoon, I just reread the entire thing. Pretty sure I need to add this destination to my bucket list.