We started our honeymoon at the Inn at 213 Seventeen Mile Drive with high expectations. We'd read the rave reviews and were excited to stay in the Pelican Cottage and relax after a hectic few months. We got married Saturday and flew into San Jose on Monday morning. The drive to Monterey is short and pretty, and we immediately loved the area when we arrived. We explored the shops and drove along the beach until we could check in at 3 p.m. When we arrived at the hotel, the innkeeper Diana welcomed us and said, "oh you're the newlyweds, congratulations!" She showed us to our cute cottage, which we instantly liked. Positives: it was private (no adjoining rooms) and the bed was comfortable. Negatives: the room was freezing when we got there and the heat and fireplace seemed to take forever to work, there was only a shower (no bathtub) and there was no ventilation so we woke up every day to condensation on every window. A very damp smell permeated the air the whole time. Overall, we thought the cottage was cute and nice for $160 a night.

Diana and Charlie were very friendly and gave us dinner recommendations in Monterey and Pacific Grove. They were taking a couple of nights off though, so substitute innkeepers (Bill and Pat) were taking over. We also thought Pat and especially Bill were very friendly and helpful and we really liked them too. The wine and snacks were a nice touch and we stopped by for a few minutes before heading out for dinner. The other guests were having animated chats, but we mostly kept to ourselves. We are in our late 20s and mid 30s, so we were admittedly a little younger than the average guest as well.

I was disappointed in a couple of things overall at the Inn. First of all, the breakfasts were just average. I'd read how gourmet a cook Charlie was, but we had an okay breakfast the first day (eggs, potatoes and sausage) and a plain breakfast the second day (plain pancakes and store bought ham). Also, I thought the inn would do something to recognize that we were honeymooners. We didn't expect a lot, but we hoped for something more than just "congratulations!" For example, the B&B we went after in Paso Robles had a chilled bottle of champagne and truffles waiting for us. That kind of small touch was appreciated, especially as Monterey was the first stop on our honeymoon and we were still all wound up from the wedding. I figure this is because Bill and Pat were not the usual innkeepers and probably were overwhelmed because the Inn was full.

All that said, the inn was in a wonderful location, not far from the beach. We liked it and appreciated its quirks (such as the hot tub not far from our back window) but we likely would try somewhere else next time we return to Monterey.

One sidenote, we loved the Mexican restaurant in Monterey called El Torito. The view is amazing and they had a good happy hour in the lounge. We also enjoyed Vivolo's chowder house. We would not recommend Latitudes at Lover's Point...even though the view was amazing, the food and service were not good.

My husband and I decided to take a trip to Monterey to see the Aquarium as it had been many years since we had been there. The Inn at 213 was a new experience as we had never stayed at a B&B. Our two-night stay at this charming inn was wonderful! Diana and Charlie, the innkeepers, made us feel instantly at home, our room was clean and sunny, and the bed was comfortable with lots of pillows. Happy hour with wine and hors d'ourves enabled us to meet other travelers from all over the world. A hot breakfast was offered by Charlie each morning. The only negative I can think of is that the towels could have been of better quality. We also enjoyed meeting Milo, the resident inkeeper dog, very much. Hugs were exchanged all around when we left, leaving us with a warm feeling about our stay.

I spent four days at the end of February/beginning of March at the Inn. It looked good online. It looks even better in person. Dianna and Charlie are delightful hosts whose advice was always on target. Several really good restaurants (The Red House, Passionfish) are within walking distance. But when I wanted something simple and not so fancy one evening, then sent me to Vivolo's Chowder House on Central street, which is a short drive. Gracious!

Other "good eats" tips on the Peninsula: Katy's for breakfast in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Go early, grab a paper, sit at the counter and make friends. Lou-lou's is a counter-only diner in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf (the commercial pier, not the tourist mecca) in Monterey. They know what they're doing with fish'n'chips.

Lest you think all I did was eat (btw, although I was out the door early most days, the one breakfast where I dined at the Inn was quite nice), there was work and a bit of exploring, too. Check out Book Haven, an unusually good used book store on Tyler street in Monterey. There's a toll section of 17 Mile Drive ($9.50) that follows the coast from Pacific Grove to Carmel. It's a reusable ticket, good all day. It's hard to argue with the beauty of the coast (although the wind can bite, so bring a sweatshirt and a hat or ear-muffs). Still, the whole Pebble Beach/golf courses everywhere/rich and richer enclave business is a bit of a turn off).

I didn't have time to whale watching...so next time!

btw, I stayed in The Sanderling room. Very cozy. Incredibly comfortable bed. And, oh, yes, the chocolates. Dianna has a weakness for them and pretty much thinks everyone else should, too!

Dianna & Charlie are amazing! I stayed here alone for a conference, and I couldn't have had a better time! They took care of me as if I was their own family member. The Inn was beautiful and Charlie's breakfasts are delicious! I would recommend the Inn to everyone! I enjoyed my stay so much, I plan to return as soon as I can. Thanks Dianna & Charlie! Hope to see you again soon!