When a boutique hotel undergoes a complete transformation, its brand story deserves to be told with clarity, style, and soul.

That was the mission when Monterey Beach Hotel (formerly Monterey Tides) reimagined its entire property—from the oceanfront rooms to the guest experience, food and beverage, and beyond. Nestled along California’s Central Coast, this newly renovated luxury boutique hotel needed elevated, editorial-style imagery to match the brand’s vision of understated elegance, natural textures, and immersive coastal experiences.

Part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio, this boutique hotel is designed for travelers who love the laid-back elegance of the California coast, with curated interiors that blend coastal charm with elevated modern finishes.

I was brought on as the lifestyle hotel photographer for this project, partnering with the team at J. Wade Public Relations and the hotel’s ownership group to artfully capture what it feels like to stay here—from golden hour glasses of wine on the balcony to pastries and coffee in sunlit suites.

Here’s a look at all the hospitality photography crafted for Monterey Beach Hotel, brimming with coastal California vibes. Let’s dive into imagery that feels like sunshine. 

Why Boutique Hotels Need Lifestyle Photography

Boutique hotels don’t sell beds—they sell an experience.

Today’s travelers, especially millennial couples and experience-seeking empty nesters, are booking based on vibe, aesthetic, and emotion.

They want to imagine themselves sipping cocktails in the lounge, enjoying a serene beach sunrise, or unwinding after a day of exploration with local wine in hand.

That’s where intentional lifestyle photography comes in.

As a lifestyle hospitality photographer with a background in editorial and brand storytelling, I help boutique hotels visually convey their personality, amenities, and story in a way that connects deeply with their audience—and turns casual browsers into booked guests.

Project Goals: Elevated Social & PR-Ready Imagery

Monterey Beach Hotel’s marketing team had a clear objective: create a gallery of 40 high-resolution images for social media, the hotel’s website, and public relations coverage.

Key deliverables included:

• Lifestyle imagery of oceanfront guest rooms
• Food and beverage photography at Tidewater and The Lantern Room
• Lobby and common spaces with human elements
• Golden hour and sunrise destination imagery
• Design and architectural detail shots
• “A day in the life” storytelling content

The desired look? Warm, editorial, aspirational—but still grounded in natural, California coastal light. Think Travel + Leisure meets real-life weekend escape.

Leaning into the Monterey Coastal Aesthetic: California Boutique Hotel Photographer

From the very beginning, I aligned my creative direction with the hotel’s new brand identity—embracing creamy whites, earthy textures, sun-drenched linens, and soft neutrals to reflect the Northern California landscape.

I brought props like a French market bag, beach blanket, and vintage film camera to add those nuanced lifestyle moments that make a scene feel lived in and emotionally resonant.

We kept styling intentional: coastal date-night attire for the lobby lounge, soft yoga wear for sunrise beach moments, and camera-ready natural nails for minimal distraction.

Every visual detail reinforced the brand’s tone: sophisticated, serene, and quietly luxurious.

Behind the Scenes: A Seamless, Strategic Shoot Day

With a full-day itinerary, we moved through multiple locations and lighting scenarios, from early-morning beach scenes to golden hour balcony shots.

The hotel staff prepped signature dishes and cocktails, while models posed with private-label wine and charcuterie boards, bringing warmth and approachability to each room.

Deliverables included:

• Oceanfront king suite interiors with lifestyle elements (books, throws, coffee)
• Editorial F&B shots of signature menu items and cocktails
• Lobby scenes including the wine wall, custom tile work, and fireplace moments
• Meeting space photography for business clientele
• Outdoor imagery of decks, firepits, and beach access during golden hour and sunrise

Every image was crafted with intention—designed to flow naturally across platforms, whether it’s an Instagram carousel, a homepage banner, or a feature in a luxury travel magazine.

Why They Hired Me

The team at Monterey Beach Hotel found my work through another luxury boutique hotel photoshoot I had led—and they specifically sought me out for my editorial eye and ability to capture sun-soaked California lifestyle imagery.

With a background in travel media and content strategy (including experience shooting for Travel + Leisure and a major travel influencer brand), I bring a unique mix of creative direction, hospitality expertise, and commercial know-how to every shoot.

They needed a California hotel photographer who could blend design, destination, and real emotion—and knew how to deliver on a tight PR timeline. That’s exactly what we achieved.

Looking for a Lifestyle Photographer for Your Boutique Hotel?

If you’re a marketing director, publicist, or creative lead at a luxury or boutique hotel, I’d love to help you bring your brand to life.

Whether you’re launching a new property, undergoing a renovation, or simply need fresh content for social, I specialize in full-service hospitality shoots—from creative planning to final delivery.

Specializing in lifestyle hotel photography, food & beverage, brand storytelling, and destination content, let’s create visuals your guests can feel.

Get in touch here!