Naval Postgraduate School / Hotel Del Monte, Monterey, CA

When a cousin can get you access to a military base and allow you to stay on base for the night, you don't ask questions, you get the reservation in. In this case, this "base" is on the old grounds of what was, at the time, a west-coast first. It was the first golf resort available on the west coast and really the precursor to the Pebble Beach type locations up and down the coast today. I'm no expert though, feel free to Google the history of the Hotel Del Monte.

If I have some of my history correct though, this place began in the late 1800's, hosting all manner of celebs, dignitaries, and presidents (4 at last count). In the 19050's, the US Navy decided to move their Naval Post Graduate School from the east coast to the west coast (the Pacific was becoming a much bigger field of operations and the Navy didn't want to be caught off guard). They purchased this property and moved out to it soon after. It is still a working military college/university and also uses the hotel for both military guests as well as their students.

The best part is the whole place basically has an old Hollywood feel to it, but without knowing the right people, you won't get in off the street. In fact, you have to go through a main security gate to get in anyways, so it's not easy to do for Joe Schmoe.

It is an amazing campus and hotel, with simple rooms (no A/C, but you're basically next to the ocean) and amenities, but so much history none of the rest really matters, IMO.

I am told this used to be a full-on swanky pool area, but is now only about a foot deep and considered a "reflecting pond" - lame...

Inside was just as impressive and regal as the grounds...

That's a ceiling, Folks!!!

Stairs to hidden balconies...

And hidden stairs back down to other floors...

Guests have access to their "Trident" bar on base. Great little spot in the basement of the main hall (Hermann Hall)...

And who doesn't love a "mug club"?! They had hundreds of them on the ceiling...

I think you can tell I would go back in a second. Of course, I can't say this to everyone, as you do need to be in the military or have family in the military, but if you get the chance, most certainly go.