I *so* love Monterey, but haven't been there in about 10 years, so whatever info I could offer would undoubtedly be ancient history. And I don't think I've stayed in a hotel in Monterey, either. Stayed in some Y or something further out on the coast (west/south) that was very nice, but probably not what you're looking for. I've been to several restaurants (can't remember their names after all this time, and they've probably all changed) - the food was to die for. And of course, the aquarium is magnificent.

-at