Accommodations in the region range considerably. The favorites mentioned here will be appreciated by most travelers for their value, location, or, in the case of the Big Sur tent cabin, for an experience in itself. Room rates fluctuate according to expected occupancy. During the most popular car and racing events, room rates become exorbitant, so plan the timing of your visit accordingly.
*Hotel Pacific – 300 Pacific Street at Del Monte Ave
(831) 373-5700 $120-$300
This beautiful and luxurious Spanish style property is easily the best value in downtown Monterey. Steps away from custom house plaza, the wharf, Recreation Trail and Alvarado Street. Every room is a 474 square foot suite with a fireplace, patio, down bedding and high quality yet casual décor. Some have ocean views. The grounds are landscaped with a mind-blowing array of flowering drought resistant plants and courtyards that boast fountains and somewhat private hot tubs.
Casa Munras – 700 Munras Ave
(831) 375-2411 $150-$300
A clean and cozily appointed hotel at the entrance to Old Monterey. The hotel has a free business center and wifi, free parking and DVD library. They also have a tapas restaurant, spa, fitness center, pool and same day dry cleaning. Trader Joe’s is a block away for your in-room wine and cheese.
The Monterey Hotel – 406 Alvarado St
(831) 375-3184 $80 – $200
This 1904 hotel boasts an ideal location for those who want to explore Old Monterey on foot. Room rates are cheap but the historic structure does little to buffer noise from the local nightlife. In the heart of downtown, many restaurant, cafe and pub options await nearby. It’s an easy walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and the coastal Recreation Trail. They offer packages with whale watching tours, or dinner at an upscale restaurant across the street called Montrio’s Bistro.
The Portola Monterey Hotel & Spa – Two Portola Plaza
(831) 649-4511 $180+
The Portola is a very well located, large hotel that often hosts large conferences. Rooms are recently renovated and the hotel is home of Peter B’s brewpub popular with the locals. It’s ideally situated on historic Custom House Plaza, right between the downtown strip Alvarado and the touristic Fisherman’s Wharf. The Recreation Trail passes right through the plaza, beginning a scenic 1.2 mile walk to Cannery Row.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – 400 Cannery Row
(831) 646-1700 $180+
Montereyplazahotel.com
This 4 star hotel sits right on the Cannery Row waterfront, giving some rooms sweeping bay views. Schooners, the hotel’s casual eatery, sits just above water level and features a dining patio perched over a rocky beach. The property is at the less chaotic end of Cannery Row, adjacent to the smallish San Carlos Beach and the seal-friendly Coast Guard pier.
InterContinental the Clement Monterey – 750 Cannery Row
(831) 375-4500 $180+
This four diamond property is the newest hotel on Cannery row and sits on the waterfront adjacent to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The service is friendly and efficient, and the hotel has a number of premium ocean front rooms and most rooms have fireplaces. The hotel offers room service, an excellent restaurant overlooking the bay, and has a spa on premises.
Monterey Hostel – Hostelling International 778 Hawthorne Street,
(831) 649-0375 $30
The hostel is located four blocks uphill from Cannery Row and offers a bunk for $30 per person. There is a seven bed men’s dorm, an eight bed women’s dorm and two 16 bed coed dorms.
nick's guide 