Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa: Renewed and Ready for 21st Century Families  By Kathy Chin Leong Anyone who has kids and trots with them into a fancy hotel knows the feeling of having to reign in Little Junior when he gets a wee rambunctious.  However, the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa welcomes children and pets so parents can feel a sense of relief minus any embarrassment.  Set on the Del Monte Golf Course on 22 acres, Hyatt’s 560 modern rooms and suites offer a simple and clean aesthetic with white bed linens and white headboards.  Hyatt didn’t skimp on the in-room coffee makers and that all-important mini fridge to store beverages and snacks.   Design mavens will be keen to spy the revitalized spaces that feature a light palette compared to previous darker tones.  Furnishings are of blonde woods; walls are either gray or cream, and carpets come in a graphic mélange of grays and rust.   Activities run the gamut. And yes, if Junior absolutely needs to go online for games, there is lightening-speed Wi fi. Swimming, bicycling, a 2,300-square-foot gym, ping-pong, tennis, bean bag toss, bocce ball, giant Jenga, darts, and more await.  You and the kids can remain on the premises with tons to do. Of course, you will probably want to drive to the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf, Dennis the Menace Park, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the beach for a day of sandy fun.  At night you can return to roast marshmallows and make s’mores on the gazebo fire pit.  ROOMS In our third-floor room, Suite 324, dubbed the Monterey suite, our one-bedroom, 654-square-foot abode featured a living room area and two bathrooms: a powder room by the door and other full bathroom in the king. Views of the green golf course and cypress trees posed as idyllic postcard scenes.    In the living room that could have entertained about two other children, we were charmed to find a writing desk with side chairs, a flat-screen TV on the sideboard with mini refrigerator, a coffee maker, and water. The hotel offers plastic signature refillable water bottles free to the guests.  Filtered water stations are located throughout.  Photos and prints peppered around the resort echo the natural elements of the Monterey coastline.  THINGS TO DO Prefer activity? Jump on a coastal bike path using one of the rental bikes found near the front lobby. At night the epic, gazebo fire pit is the perfect place to make s’mores. Outside the lobby, wicker swinging egg chairs tempt passersby.  Outside, the family zone is the ideal place for a hangout for kids to make new friends. On site is the main pool, whirlpool, mini ping pong tables, and games such as darts, beanbags, and bocce ball.  In the rear of the property you'll find a spate of tennis courts and a few pickleball courts.   FOOD When you are seeking a mom and older daughter getaway, this locale checks off many of the essentials. Sea Root restaurant with Mediterranean coastal-inspired entrees is ideal for the foodie.  You can select delectable farm-to-table dishes such as locally-sourced deep fried calamari, homemade focaccia bread, and fresh Pacific sea bass and salmon. Portions are substantial, not overwhelming, and fairly priced. Sauces are used to gently highlight entrees, so you taste ingredients at their peak.    The atmosphere with wood tables and small modern candlestick lights is casual and endearing. Sea Root features glass windows throughout, and is located steps from the open concept lobby and fireplace lounge and bar.   The Bar at Sea Root, meanwhile, entices visitors with Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wines, beers, and a signature drink is only $6. Sit and hang out with friends even if it is for a few minutes.  The golf course and trees serve as your backdrop as you gab in the new outdoor conversation areas with fire pits and cushioned chairs.  Do check the schedule to find out when local musicians come to entertain. SPA At the base of the resort is the new Spa Adeline, a privately-owned boutique spa with a small, but well-appointed gift shop. Earth-tone and pumpkin furnishings ring true on the sensory notes:  soft couches with fluffy pillows and blankets, a side table festooned with power bars, fruit, hot and cold beverages. The lounge features a gas fireplace, lit candles, and a trickling fountain.  Locker rooms including restroom, shower and steam rooms are downstairs, sharing facilities with the hotel gym. The treatment rooms and co-ed lounge are located upstairs where you seem to enter another world.  If you get a chance to book a soak, do it. A 30-minute immersion of bliss in a white soaking tub comes with delicate music wafting in the background, mountains of bubbles in the tub, and a bathtub tray of chocolate adjacent to a flute of champagne.  As I was told by the owner Kimberly Carley, a veteran in this industry, each aesthetician and masseuse arrives with years of expertise and experience. Hence, a 90-minute facial delivered by Vanessa and a one-hour massage from the hands of Chloe were absolutely divine.     BOTTOM LINE Seeking a fall or winter getaway with the clan? Hyatt fits the bill. Outside, the family zone is the ideal place for a hangout for kids to make new friends. If you need, the hotel also offers pet-friendly rooms and suites so you can bring little Rover forgoing the need for a kennel or dog-sitter.  We found many families with their kiddos and pets on vacation during our recent stay. I spied a lineup of families at the Central Coast Provisions coffee bar in the morning that offers basic to-go items and pastries.  As a side note, a microwave is also available here to warm up last night’s leftovers or milk in baby bottles! When you want a resort that meets the needs of active adults, spa lovers, pet people, families, lounge lizards, and romantic couples, the new and improved Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa should definitely be on your to-go list next time you visit this historic town.  **** WHEN YOU GO: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course 1 Old Golf Course Rd., Monterey 888.735.2954 www.hyatt.com Room rates start at $326.