Originally built in 1899 as a palatial home on the Pacific Grove cliffs overlooking the rocky Monterey Bay coastline, the Martine Inn had been a private estate for seven decades when purchased by the Martine family in 1972. It was another 12 years before this grand manor finally opened its doors as a resplendent hostlery for discerning travelers, but hundreds of satisfied Martine Inn sojourners in the years since would agree that this ethereal stopover in northern California was well worth the wait.
Fully renovated in 1984, this Victorian home was brought into the modern era with new mechanical and building systems—in addition to ongoing improvements and refinements through the present—while retaining the charm and elegance of a former era. Each room at Martine Inn is reflective of a particular period in American history, replete with priceless American antiques—hand-collected by Don over the years—and wallpaper, furnishings and other pieces redolent of a past epoch. Distinct and uniquely configured, some of the themed rooms include: an Art Deco room with Art Deco and Art Nouveau accoutrements from the early 20th century, an Eastlake room with 1870’s Eastlake furnishings and an Early American room with an 1800s rope bed, Birdseye maple-lined American walnut armoire and 1860 Windsor rocker, among other heirlooms. This exquisite collection of priceless antiques engenders a palpable “living museum” aura throughout Martine Inn, as Don aptly puts it.
The cuisine is fresh daily, served on fine china, crystal and lace and carefully prepared by a head chef with 23 years tenure. Breakfast includes hot entrees such as the inn’s signature dish, Monterey Eggs, a delightful fusion of cheddar and cottage cheese with eggs and spices served with salsa and sour cream. Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres are served with wine every evening in the ocean-view dining room.
Martine Inn’s compelling environment is second to none. The inn is just a few steps from the water, with coastal mountain range just 50 miles beyond. Guests can look out the parlor window at breakfast and watch waves crash against the rocks as well as the daily voyages of native pelicans, swimming otters and seals sunbathing on the rocks. After breakfast they can enjoy the 17-mile walking and bicycling path that runs along the coastline directly in front of the inn.
Though situated in a quiet residential area, the inn is mere blocks away from vibrant local attractions. Popular nearby tourist stops include the Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, world-class golf courses and more than 40 area wineries, among other enticing destinations. However, many Martine inn guests fail to leave the engaging splendor of the inn itself.
In addition to its extraordinary natural surroundings, Martine Inn is home to a classic game room, hot tub, 1,000-book library and Don’s impeccable vintage car collection. A race car driver for more than 30 years, Don has a one-of-a-kind collection of MG race cars—of which he proudly exhibits six or more in on-site garages—that includes a 1929 M.G. 18/80 Mk 1 Speed Model sports car—one of only 25 ever made and six currently in existence.
A unique experience filled with daily pleasant surprises in a sublime setting, a stay at Martine Inn is truly one for the ages.