What Montage is and who stays there

Montage Hotels is a chain of luxury resorts owned by Marriott International. Each property sits in a high-end destination — places like Laguna Beach, Kapalua, Healdsburg, and Los Cabos — and caters to guests willing to pay premium nightly rates for upscale amenities, spa services, and fine dining. You will not find a Montage in a business district or airport zone; the brand positions itself as a destination resort where the location and experience are the draw.

If you are considering a stay, you should know upfront that Montage properties are among the most expensive hotel options available. Nightly rates typically start in the high hundreds and often exceed $1,000 depending on the season, room type, and location. The properties attract affluent leisure travelers, families on special occasions, and guests using corporate or travel rewards programs to offset costs.

Montage is part of Marriott's luxury portfolio, which means stays can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and may be covered by elite status benefits if you hold a high-tier membership. However, the brand operates independently from other Marriott luxury chains like The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, each with its own design philosophy and service model.

Key Takeaways

  • Montage properties are destination resorts in premium locations, not city hotels, with nightly rates typically starting in the high hundreds of dollars.
  • Each property includes a spa, multiple restaurants, and activity programs designed to keep guests on-site rather than exploring nearby towns.
  • You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on stays and use elite status benefits, but rates are rarely discounted through standard Marriott channels.
  • Booking directly through Montage's website or calling the property often yields better information about current packages and seasonal pricing than third-party sites.
  • Cancellation policies vary by rate type, so confirm the terms when you book — non-refundable rates are common at luxury resorts.

What's included in a Montage stay

Montage resorts bundle amenities into the room rate rather than charging separately for most services. Your nightly cost typically covers access to the spa facilities, fitness center, beach or pool area, and Wi-Fi. Some properties include a daily resort credit — usually $100 to $150 — that you can explore to spa treatments, dining, activities, or retail purchases on the property.

Breakfast is not automatically included unless you book a specific package that adds it. À la carte dining at the restaurants and bars costs extra, though the resort credit can offset some of that expense. Many guests find that the credit, combined with the included amenities, justifies the high nightly rate because they spend most of their time and money within the resort.

Activities and classes — yoga, fitness sessions, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings — are often complimentary or heavily discounted for guests. The spa is the main revenue driver beyond the room, so expect spa services to be priced separately and prominently featured in your welcome materials.

How to book and what rates look like

You can book a Montage stay through the brand's official website, by calling the property directly, through Marriott.com using your Bonvoy account, or through third-party travel sites. The official Montage website and direct phone calls tend to show the most accurate pricing and package options, because third-party sites sometimes lag in updating availability or miss seasonal promotions.

Rates fluctuate significantly by season and day of the week. A beachfront property in Laguna Beach might cost $600 on a winter weekday and $1,200 or more on a summer weekend. Shoulder seasons — spring and fall — often offer better rates than peak summer or winter holidays. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, calling the property directly and asking about the lowest available rate for your preferred week can sometimes reveal options not shown online.

Montage occasionally offers packages that bundle the room with meals, spa credits, or activities. These packages are marketed through the brand's website and email list, so signing up for their newsletter before you book can alert you to limited-time offers. Corporate rates and group bookings are also available but require contacting the property's sales team directly.

Using Marriott Bonvoy points and elite benefits

Montage properties participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, so you earn points on paid stays at the standard earning rate — typically 10 points per dollar spent. If you hold elite status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or higher), you receive benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast or resort credits, depending on your tier and the property's policies.

You can also redeem Bonvoy points for a free night at a Montage property, though the point cost is high because these are luxury resorts. A free night award typically requires 50,000 to 100,000 points or more, depending on the property and season. Some elite members receive annual free night certificates that can be used at Montage properties, which is one of the most valuable ways to access these resorts without paying the full nightly rate.

The Marriott Bonvoy credit card offers an annual free night certificate as well, though the certificate has a cap on the nightly rate it covers — usually $300 to $500 depending on the card tier. This cap means you would still owe the difference at a Montage property, but the certificate reduces your out-of-pocket cost significantly.

Room types and what to expect in your space

Montage properties offer a range of room categories, from standard guest rooms to multi-bedroom suites and private villas. Standard rooms are typically 500 to 600 square feet and include a king or two queen beds, a marble bathroom, a sitting area, and a balcony or patio with views. Higher categories add separate living rooms, additional bathrooms, and premium views or beachfront access.

The design aesthetic at each Montage varies by location — Laguna Beach emphasizes coastal California style, while Kapalua reflects Hawaiian influences — but all properties prioritize high-end finishes, quality linens, and modern technology. Rooms include flat-screen televisions, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads, and high-end toiletries. Many rooms have a minibar, though items are charged separately unless you have a resort credit.

When you book, you can request a specific view or location (oceanfront, garden-view, high floor), but these requests are not may provide. Calling the property a few days before arrival and reiterating your preference sometimes helps, especially if you are staying during a slower period.

Dining, spa, and activities on the property

Each Montage property operates multiple restaurants and bars, typically including a fine-dining establishment, a casual all-day restaurant, a poolside café, and a bar. The menus emphasize local ingredients and seasonal offerings. Dinner entrées at the fine-dining restaurant usually range from $40 to $80, and wine pairings add significantly to the bill. Your daily resort credit can be applied to any of these venues.

The spa is a major component of the Montage experience. Treatments include massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness services, with prices typically starting at $150 for a 50-minute massage and rising to $300 or more for specialized or longer treatments. Spa packages — combining multiple treatments over several days — are available and sometimes offer modest savings compared to booking treatments individually.

Activities vary by property but often include guided hikes, cooking classes, wine tastings, fitness classes, and kids' programs. Many are complimentary for guests; others charge a fee. The concierge can provide a full schedule when you arrive or before your stay if you call ahead.

Cancellation policies and what happens if plans change

Montage cancellation policies depend on the rate type you book. Standard rates typically allow free cancellation up to 7 to 14 days before arrival, with full charges applied if you cancel later. Non-refundable rates, which are sometimes offered at a discount, cannot be cancelled for a refund under any circumstance — you forfeit the entire prepaid amount if you do not stay.

If you need to modify your reservation after booking, contact the property directly rather than using a third-party site. The property can often move your dates or adjust your room type more easily than an automated system can. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many luxury properties became more flexible with cancellations, but policies have since returned to standard terms — confirm the specific terms of your rate when you book.

Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation is worth considering if you are booking far in advance or if your plans are uncertain. Standard travel insurance policies cover cancellations due to illness, injury, or death in the family, but not cancellations due to a change of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for parking at a Montage?

Parking is typically complimentary for guests at Montage properties, though some urban or resort locations may charge a daily fee. Confirm parking details when you book, especially if you are driving. Valet parking is usually available for an additional charge if you prefer not to self-park.

Can I bring children to a Montage resort?

Yes, Montage properties welcome families and offer kids' clubs, family activities, and family suites at many locations. Some properties have age-specific programs during summer and holiday periods. Call the property directly to ask about family packages or kids' amenities if you are traveling with children.

What if I want to extend my stay after I arrive?

Contact the front desk or reservations team at the property as soon as possible. Availability and pricing for additional nights depend on what is booked after your current reservation. Extending during your stay sometimes yields better rates than booking the extra nights in advance, but availability is not may provide.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

The nightly rate covers most amenities, but spa treatments, à la carte dining, room service, minibar items, and activities with a fee are charged separately. Resort fees are not typically added on top of the nightly rate at Montage properties, unlike some other luxury chains, but confirm this when you book.

How far in advance should I book a Montage stay?

Booking 2 to 3 months ahead gives you the best selection of room types and rates. Peak seasons (summer, winter holidays, spring break) fill quickly, so booking earlier is wise if those periods matter to you. Off-season stays can sometimes be booked with less notice and may offer lower rates.