Monterey Beach Hotel reopened as a different property. A full renovation took the former Monterey Tides down to the studs and brought it back as a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel — oceanfront rooms, new F&B, and a coastal-boutique identity that had no existing image library behind it.

J. Wade Public Relations found my work through another boutique hotel campaign and brought me on to shoot the launch. They supplied the shot list and creative references; I brought them to life across the property and the surrounding coast in a single day, starting before sunrise.

Guest holding a film camera and tripod at the water's edge in morning light
Guest with a glass of white wine in an Adirondack chair overlooking the Monterey shoreline
Coffee on a nightstand beside a made bed in a Monterey Beach Hotel guest room

Launch campaign photography for Monterey Beach Hotel's debut in the Marriott Tribute Portfolio
— shot in one day on California's Central Coast.

Monterey Beach Hotel — Boutique Hospitality Launch Campaign

Production Scope:

Creative direction · Wardrobe styling · Lifestyle, interior, and F&B photography · Post-production and delivery

I worked as photographer, director, and stylist — styling wardrobe and props, and running the day with an assistant alongside the hotel's culinary and operations team, and a member of the PR Agency's team.

Couple sharing wine on a beach blanket at sunset in MontereyOceanfront balconies at sunrise with a bird over the water, Monterey Beach HotelGuest holding a blush cocktail beneath a woven chair back in soft coastal lightPlated pasta with greens and a glass of white wine, boutique hotel food photographyGuest in pajamas with morning coffee beside a bed in an oceanfront guest roomPicnic basket, wine, and a charcuterie board set out on the sand
Overhead of a martini with skewered olives on a sunlit tableBartender shaking a cocktail behind the back bar at Monterey Beach HotelOverhead of a shared table with salads, lettuce wraps, and toasts on a live-edge wood surfaceGuest walking the shoreline with a straw hat, footprints in the wet sandSunset over breaking surf on the Monterey coastlinePlate of oysters and a glass of white wine set on driftwood in the sandHands holding a latte with rosetta art over a live-edge wood tableIced pistachio buns and pastries at a Monterey bakery counterLoaves lining the shelves of a Monterey bread bakery, a customer at the counter

One day, sunrise to golden hour:
Oceanfront guest rooms, lobby and wine wall, beach and fire pit decks — plus destination frames shot off-property in Old Monterey. Talent cast and styled to the rebrand: creamy neutrals, natural texture, quiet coastal polish. Working around a property that was in its final stages of the renovation.

Guest looking through binoculars from an oceanfront deck across Monterey Bay
Couple sharing wine and small bites on a blanket above the surfGuest in pajamas with morning coffee beside a bed in an oceanfront guest roomCouple in Adirondack chairs beside a beach firepit at sunset in MontereyMartini resting on a linen menu beside an open fireWicker picnic basket with bread, fruit, wine, and charcuterie set on the sand at sunsetMonterey Beach Hotel's oceanfront exterior above the shoreline at duskBoxer resting on the bed in a pet-friendly guest room at Monterey Beach HotelGuest holding a glass of white wine beside the outdoor fire feature

USAGE:
Launch and press, website, social, booking and OTA listings, and editorial features.

Martini resting on a linen menu beside an open fireTwo guests holding raspberry and cinnamon-garnished cocktails in daylightSmoked cocktail revealed under a glass cloche at the barOrnate Monterey street clock on a downtown corner in morning lightClean wave breaking on the shore below Monterey Beach HotelBurrata with strawberries, beets, and grilled bread in a blue ceramic bowl

Launching a property, or repositioning one under a new flag?

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Couple toasting with white wine on a beach blanket, ocean behind them

Client: Monterey Beach Hotel — Marriott Tribute Portfolio
Public Relations: J. Wade Public Relations
Photography, Creative Direction: Chelsea Loren
Location: Monterey, California

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Hands reaching for cookies and pastries on a white plate, overhead food photography by Chelsea LorenLifestyle brand photography of a woman at a café styled for a commercial campaign, photographed by California commercial lifestyle photographer Chelsea LorenSan Diego commercial lifestyle photographer Chelsea Loren on set with a film cameraLifestyle product photography of a home fragrance reed diffuser styled for a brand campaign, photographed by San Diego commercial photographer Chelsea LorenCommercial lifestyle fashion photography of a model in a white tee against a pink wall for a brand campaign, photographed by California commercial photographer Chelsea Loren

Chelsea Loren Photography

Chelsea Loren is a commercial photographer, creative director, and producer based in San Diego, working with premium hospitality, fashion, food, wellness, and family brands worldwide.

© Chelsea loren photography