Where the crashing surf greets the monarch butterflies, we are crafting something extraordinary.

Appellation Pacific Grove

On the border of two townscapes, Appellation touches upon the duality of the historically industrial Cannery Row and the artistically-inclined Pacific Grove community. Appellation Pacific Grove embraces the rich history of craft and nature with just a slight industrial bent - balancing an outward aesthetic that feels at home on the peninsula with a warmer residential interior reminiscent of the creative and open-minded personality of the Arts and Crafts era.

Just steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Appellation Pacific Grove sits gently on a sloping bluff overlooking the Bay- providing for unparalleled views. Generous in both appointments and finishes, the hotel has numerous defining features. But the crowning jewel (quite literally) is the rooftop gardens. Suspended 50 feet above the water’s edge is a feature beyond compare. Native vegetation borders a peaceful sanctuary that gracefully hosts guests wanting a perspective on the sea that doesn’t exist anywhere else. Perfect for an inspiring stroll, iconic photographs and incomparable events.

By The Numbers

  • 225 generous guestrooms and suites housed within two terraced structures overlooking the water.

    Spacious patios welcome the sea air and provide a tranquil space for tracking the sun as it traverses the picturesque Monterey Bay.

  • Signature Charlie Palmer cuisine is featured in our three-meal restaurant with stunning vistas of the bay, lobby bar and rooftop bar. Each outlet is a celebration of place offering fresh takes on local seafood, Salinas Valley produce and Monterey County wines.

    Appellation focuses on culinary integration efficiently leveraging all outlets as profit centers with high ancillary spend and a strong local following.

  • Our extensive indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces are dynamic and flexible allowing for hosting several private events simultaneously.

    Maker Spaces, Private Dining Rooms, A Junior Ballroom and a Grand Ballroom all graciously host events on the bluffs of the bay.

    Each event space connects to outdoor entertaining venues to make the most of the incredible Pacific Grove climates.

  • A state-of-the-art fitness center offers local memberships and promotes health and wellbeing for guests.

    A relaxing seaside spa boasts an inspiring oasis courtyard along with tranquil treatment rooms and relaxation lounges.

    A pool overlooking the Bayaccommodates guests and locals with exclusive day-use cabanas, poolside food and beverage and an oversized spa.

    Our Rooftop Gardens are the centerpiece of the hotel providing a sanctuary of vistas floating 50 feet above the waterline.

    Across the street bikers and walkers can access the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail that stretches for 18 miles along the pristine coastline.

  • A curated collection of retail and food and beverage offerings complement the hotel and are a favorite stop for gusts and locals.

The Soul of Pacific Grove

The Monterey peninsula is historically symbolic of a area colored with the tales of workers and roughnecks whose stories capture an enduring determination and get-things-done attitude.

While modern travelers to the area today aren’t necessarily getting their hands dirty fishing, they continue to embody that ‘can do’ approach that characterized the area; innovating, solving, and moving forward with purpose.

A lasting symbol of natural beauty, Pacific Grove remains a place of inspired tranquility on the picturesque California coast.

Immortalized in poems, stories, and memories - the area is steeped in a history spurred by the dramatic yet peaceful landscape.

Piney forests, striking shorelines, wildflowers, and the annual migration of monarch butterflies gifted this town its reputation as a place for both relaxation and artistic inspiration. Attracting travelers, en pleine-aire artists, famous writers, and all around dreamers, it has long been a destination for creatives and those seeking inspiration.

The Place

Pacific Grove is home to one of the most scenic drives in the country, and quite possibly the world. Whether travelling by car or bike, the famous 17-Mile Drive is a visually stunning stretch of roadway which hugs the pacific coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach featuring awe-inspiring sights along the way. The crashing surf is a dramatic contrast to the calm waters of Monterey Bay where sea life is on full displays. The landscape gets even more diverse as you explore the redwood groves that also call this place home.

The People

There are three important things to know about the people of the Monterey Peninsula.

They are hard working. The first industries here were hard work over long days and it shaped the culture of these communities.

They appreciate and protect the inspiring beauty of this place.

They like to share where they call home and are some of the most gracious hosts you will ever encounter.

The Food

Driving the rolling coastal hills and oceanfront valleys of the Central Coast is like driving through a visual guide to California produce—lettuce, snap peas, strawberries, and other crops flourish in the rich soils and cool temperatures of the region. One of the region’s most distinctive crops is the artichoke, particularly around the rural town of Castroville, 20 miles northeast of Pacific Grove. Our Appellation kitchens are in the heart of a region of the widest varieties of produce anywhere in the world.

Preserving the Coastal Life

“The coastal life” in Monterey County means several things and they’re all true.  It refers to the abundant sea creatures that call the area home (or just pass through seasonally).  It refers to the many species of local trees and endemic vegetation that rise from the fertile soil.  It also refers to the laid-back lifestyle in the region where sharing stories while enjoying some of the world’s freshest produce and seafood is common but never taken for granted.

Appellation Pacific Grove both preserves and provides responsible access to all that makes this place so special.  It’s a 4 ½ star lifestyle boutique hotel that folds into the hillside across the street from Monterey Bay.  With 225 rooms and suites, Signature Charlie Palmer restaurants and bars, event spaces for up to 300 people and a stunning rooftop garden that has to be seen to be believed, it’s a place that guests and locals will want to come back and enjoy again and again.

Places to Gather

From ballrooms with walls of glass framing bay views to our incomparable rooftop gardens, Appellation Pacific Grove was designed for entertaining.

We believe that events should reflect the indoor/outdoor culture of this seaside paradise. Intimate private dining rooms flank interior courtyards while our meeting rooms, junior ballroom and grand ballroom all have access to the outdoors and the fresh sea air.

Unlimited views and connection to Monterey Bay are part of our event experiences.

Places to Learn

Exemplified as the original ‘maker colony’ Pacific Grove was home to the Chautauquas that first popularized the area with their educational focus, cultural teachings, and diverse performances.

They supported and celebrated a life dedicated to learning and performance - a philosophy still embodied by the Pacific Grove community and embraced throughout Appellation’s programming and learning experiences at the hotel.

Places to Delight

A wash of brilliant oranges, yellows and reds as the sun gracefully sets over Monterey Bay is the backdrop to Charlie Palmer’s signature restaurant in Appellation Pacific Grove.

Perched at the highest point in the property, the scenery plays a supporting role to the culinary artistry that is a celebration of all things Monterey. Within miles we harvest some of the worlds finest produce and seafood and prepare them with modern interpretations of classic recipes. As always, each dish is perfectly paired with the very best California vintages.

We’re Counting The Days Until We Can Celebrate Ocean Life Together…

Until then, sign-up for our insider updates. You will get first looks at the property and features, recipes and tips from Charlie Palmer and first-in-line access for reservations for our restaurant, spa and spacious rooms.