Patti Valletta is the seasoned innkeeper behind Old Monterey Inn, a BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection member, in Monterey, CA. This historic Tudor-style home was built as a house for Monterey's first mayor in 1929 and was converted to a luxurious B&B 30 years ago. The area is surrounded by gardens and beautiful trees, along with plentiful outdoor activities. The inn features many fireplaces and is decorated with stained glass windows and skylights, period furniture, and family antiques. Patti took the time to answer some questions for us about what makes her inn and The Monterey Peninsula so special, and why travelers should stay at B&Bs.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper?
Creating the atmosphere that people love to experience.
2. How long have you been an innkeeper?
This is my fourth bed and breakfast. I purchased my first one in 1986.
3. Did you have a certain vision for your inn?
I think a bed and breakfast should be an experience that most people don’t have at home but still says, “Get comfortable, put your feet up!”
4. Why did you choose this inn and this city?
First, you look for which B&Bs are for sale. In my case, I wanted to stay in California. Then you think about where you’d like to live and how interested people are in visiting the area. Then you determine whether or not the bed & breakfast can be improved upon. The Old Monterey Inn was a win, win for me!
5. What sets your B&B apart from others?
There aren’t a lot of three-story Scottish Tudors on an acre of gardens in the state of California. On top of that, we provide the very best service and continue to improve every day.
6. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
Bed and breakfasts have personality; hotels are cookie-cutter in their rooms and their service. If you really want to experience the area you are visiting, stay at a bed and breakfast and let the staff tell you about how wonderful the area is and pamper you while they are doing it!
7. Does your B&B have any special history?
Yes, it was built for the very first mayor of Monterey, Carmel Martin Sr., the grandson of the early pioneers of the area. The grand three-story manor was completed in 1929 with the help of the area's finest artisans, featuring hand carved newel posts, window frames and balustrades, hand plastered Gothic archways and bull nose corners, and hand painted ceiling panels in two designs. The home sits in the middle of over an acre of beautifully landscaped gardens boasting some 100 trees, which includes Monterey Pines, California Oaks and tall Redwoods. Much of the original stonework still remains.
8. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
The Monterey Peninsula is touched by God! The beauty of nature makes you awestruck. Our aquarium is probably the most interesting and fun in all of the U.S. The shops are a delight and galleries abound. Go kayaking and see seals and sea otters up close. Or go whale watching and enjoy the thrill. Go hiking and cycling on our recreation trail or at one of the many parks in the area. Even really good wine tasting can be experienced.
9. Do you have any food specialties (for breakfast or otherwise)?
We serve a full gourmet two-course breakfast and a two-hour wine and appetizer hour. We are always sensitive to dietary restrictions for our guests and have many standby options to fit their needs.
10. Do you have any special offers coming up?
We always offer automatic upgrades when rooms are available! Beginning on November 1 and running thru April 30, we have our winter weekday rates which are $30 less per night than on weekend and holidays. So, combine a $30 price reduction with an upgrade and you get quite a deal!