Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, California 93940-2490
(888) 222-5851 (toll-free), (831) 649-4511 (local)
www.portolaplazahotel.com

In the heart of Old Monterey, just steps from Fisherman's Wharf, there is a resort hotel with service that is as memorable as the view. Come and relax in one of the newly remodeled 370 deluxe guest rooms or 10 executive suites, many with spectacular bay vistas. Swim in the heated pool, workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center or lavish yourself with a variety of treatments at the day spa. The Monterey Convention Center lies minutes away from your room for quick and easy access to convention events. Please note the Portola Plaza Hotel was the DoubleTree Hotel until April 30, 2004.

Room Rates: Single / Double Occupancy Room - $165 / night for reservations made by July 24, 2004*

*Please note: The rate is subject to all prevailing taxes and assessments, currently 10.05%. There is a $20 charge for each additional person per night. Children staying in the same room under eighteen years of age are free. There is a $20 fee per night for rollaways.

To make reservations over the phone: Call the Portola Plaza Hotel at Monterey Bay directly at (831) 649-4511 or call toll free at (888) 222-5851. Be sure to refer to the "Structural Engineers Associaton of California" or "SEAOC" guest room block for the above rates.


The magnificent Monterey Peninsula has been called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky and is recognized as an ideal vacation and business destination. This beautiful seaside community combines all the charm of small town America with an endless variety of recreational and cultural activities. Monterey's rich history, the saga of California's Mission Trail, historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, 17 world-class golf courses, the world's best aquarium, a unique variety of shops and galleries and a spectacular assortment of parks and natural areas combine to provide a truly unrivaled place for your next getaway.


There are many ways to get to Monterey County. Air is the quickest. Three airlines (American Eagle, America West and United Express) offer direct service to the Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) via connecting routes in Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Also consider flying in to San Jose International Airport (SJC) and driving an hour and a half down to Monterey.

For the motorist, there are two main highways into Monterey County. Highway One runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The views of the Pacific coastline are magnificent from this marvel of human ingenuity. Highway 101 runs down the valley corridor and affords the motorist an opportunity to see the rich land that has made the Salinas Valley "the Salad Bowl of the Nation."


The weather in Monterey County varies significantly depending upon the time of year, the time of day and the area visited.

The coast is consistently mild, with an average temperature of 57 degrees F. year-round. Warm clear days and cool nights characterize the autumn months. Summer tends to bring fog, especially early and late in the day. Inland temperatures tend to be more extreme with higher temperatures in the summer. Early autumn is the coast's sunniest time of year, but inland areas are much sunnier throughout the year. Sunscreen is a wise precaution especially inland, but also throughout the county year-round.

Dressing in layers is advised since the variations in climate are so great. Light- to medium-weight clothing is appropriate.


Cannery Row
Bring your children to the Edgewater Packing Company to ride the antique carousel and do arts and crafts. There are also many unique specialty shops, and Restaurant Row offers temptations for every craving accompanied by the finest wines and ocean views.

Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is situated on the pristine Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, in the heart of downtown Monterey, only steps from the hotel. Find the freshest seafood at wharf restaurants, and Monterey treasures at the local shops.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Come explore the award winning exhibits about the many plants, animals, and natural habitats of the sea. The aquarium is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new sharks exhibit and a grand new atrium lobby. Bring the whole family!

Sport Fishing and Whale Watching Tours
Sport-fishing and on-the-water sightseeing is available year-round from Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf and Moss Landing harbors. Both areas offer whale-watching excursions to see humpbacks whales, blue whales, and dolphins. Reservations are highly recommended for the whale watching tours. Fresh water fishing is also available at Lake San Antonio in South Monterey County. Check www.gowhales.com, www.randyswhalewatchingtrips.com, or www.montereywhalewatching.com for details and reservations.

Bicycling & Kayak Rentals
Rent bikes, surreys, or kayaks at Adventures-by-the-Sea, which is right outside of the hotel. Ride your bike along the wharf on the bike trail, or explore the wonders of the Monterey Bay by kayak. Visit them on the web at www.adventuresbythesea.com.

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is a European style retreat away from all the headaches of everyday life. Carmel's rural setting and leisurely pace help you relax, and its small elegant inns, restaurants and shops make sure your stay is a memorable experience.

17-Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive winds along the Peninsula's dramatic coastline, through scenic Del Monte Forest, and past beautiful mansions and world-class golf courses (Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hills, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach).

Point Lobos State Reserve
On the central coast of California in Monterey County, Point Lobos has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System." Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding passive recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging.

Big Sur
The name "Big Sur" is derived from the original Spanish-language "El Sur Grande", which translates as "the Big South". The Big Sur region, about 90 miles in length along California's coastal Highway 1, with hiking, fishing, swimming, and great driving!

Hearst Castle
Right down the coast in San Simeon, the Hearst Castle is one of the largest historic house museums in the U.S., with one of the most sophisticated guided tour programs in the country. Reservations highly recommended. Visit them on the web at www.hearstcastle.com.