Are you looking for the best places to stay in Monterey? Luckily for you, this stunning coastal town has a lot of awesome places to choose from. There’s bed and breakfasts, resorts, cozy cottages, and more scattered throughout the city in great locations for easy access to the best most popular parts of the city.
Finding the right place to stay while you explore all of the great things to do in Monterey is crucial so that you can get the most out of your time spent in the city.
If you are looking for hotels in Monterey, there’s a lot of range for you to browse through. In terms of price, you can find hotels for under a hundred dollars as well as luxury stays is resorts on the beach. The variety here is one of the best things about Monterey, so you can rest assured that you can find a place that fits your travel needs and your budget.
So, let’s get started and learn about where to stay in Monterey!
25 Phenomenal Places To Stay In Monterey [beachfront, resorts, cabins!]
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is among the most romantic hotels in Monterey CA. Right on the water on Cannery Row, this hotel is a stunner. Here, you will have remarkable views of the Monterey Bay and receive world-class service from the staff.
You couldn’t ask for a better location than at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. You are just steps away from the beach and from all of the shops, restaurants, and activities on Cannery Row, and you are about a ten minute walk from the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
What really makes this one of the best places to stay in Monterey are the amenities. You are given a lovely bathrobe and nightly turndown service to make your stay more comfortable. And you have access to a rooftop fitness center, the European Vista Blue Spa, an elevated dinner restaurant, a causal oceanfront restaurant, as well as the lobby bar and cafe.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Mariposa Inn and Suites
One of the unfussy, three star hotels in Monterey, Mariposa Inn and Suites gives you the best of both world. While they are there, you have simple rooms a laid back atmosphere with a fantastic seating area, fire pit, and pool outside.
Like most of the places to stay in Monterey, Mariposa has a fitness area and breakfast included in your stay. The rooms here have basic appliance like a coffee machine, microwave, and refrigerator.
Mariposa Inn and Suites is back away from the busier areas in Monterey. This gives you a quieter stay than you could get if you were near the Old Fisherman’s Wharf or Cannery Row. However, this does mean you have to travel a bit to reach the top attractions in Monterey .
From Mariposa, you are 1.2 miles from Dennis The Menace Park, 1.5 miles from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and 2.3 miles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. So, this stay is better suited for those with a vehicle. If you want to be able to get around on foot, a stay closer to the coast between Cannery Row and the wharf is a better fit.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Cannery Row Inn
If you are looking for places to stay near the Monterey Bay, Cannery Row Inn may be perfect for you. Located on Foam Street, this hotel is just a five minutes walk from the heart of Cannery Row. And you can get to the Old Fisherman’s from on foot in about ten minutes, so a stay here is totally doable for those visiting Monterey without a car.
The Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row are two of the best free things to do in Monterey, so being so close to them when you stay at this hotel is a real treat! The places to stay in Monterey around the top attractions tend to fill up pretty quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, and busy times, so be sure to book in advanced if you are going to need a room during one of these times.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Hotel Abrego
While the Hotel Abrego isn’t one of the cheapest hotels in Monterey, you can usually find rooms for less than two hundred dollars a night here which is great for its location, making it one o the best places to stay in Monterey.
The Hotel Abrego is near the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Coast Guard Pier, beaches, and many of the other top places to visit in Monterey. From the hotel, you can easily reach the top attractions in town, plus the amazing shops and boutiques in Carmel-By-The-Sea as well.
When you stay here, you will have access to the fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, business center, and the on site lounge. There’s also a beautiful outdoor area with furniture and a fire place for you to relax around in the evenings.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Arguably the best hotel in Monterey, for those looking to relax, the Portola Hotel and Spa is among the most idyllic places to stay in Monterey. When you stay at the Portola, you will be just a short five minute walk from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and just a mile from the historic Cannery Row.
When you arrive at the hotel, you will be greeted by a welcoming lobby with a beautiful glass ceiling and stunning design. The rooms are light and airy, many of them giving you views of the water.
The spa here is the largest day spa in Monterey County. Monterey County Weekly has voted it the Best Spa more than five times and the Best in Skincare more than ten times. There are eleven treatment rooms here where you can receive spa services like massages, body wraps, and facials.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Monterey Tides
Monterey Tides is one of the amazing places to stay on the beach in Monterey CA. Guests at this dreamy hotel can enjoy the outdoor heated pool that is opened all year around. There’s also a great restaurant at the hotel called Tides Waterfront Kitchen which is one of the best places for breakfast in Monterey.
This hotel is away from the hustle and bustle of the busiest areas of Monterey and offers you views of the bay and gives you quick and easy access to the beach as well. Plus, when you stay at Monterey Tides, you are only a ten minutes drives from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. So, despite being away from busyness of town, you are still fairly close to the top attractions.
It would be a shame not to tell you a bit more about Tides Waterfront Kitchen as it is a huge part of what makes Monterey Tides one of the top places to stay in Monterey. There is a casual vibe at the restaurant and they serve up bold meals in a dining room with sweeping views of the Monterey. The food, drinks, and decor here are all inspired by the California coast!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Hotel 1110
Are you looking for cool places to stay in Monterey? If so, Hotel 1110 should be on your radar! The rooms here are unique and cozy. There’s a Tina Turner room, a Audrey Hepburn room, a Norma Jean Room, and more for you to choose from. There are wait lists for the rooms, so, be sure to join the list far enough in advance to ensure you get a room for your stay.
The rooms have a variety of amenities, including spa tubs, and you can order special experiences for your stay like having a bouquet of roses, champagne and a poem, or chocolate covered strawberries waiting for you in your room when you arrive.
Above the hotel, you will find one of the best bars in Monterey. Called LindaRose Bar & Grill, this dreamy bar has delicious small bites, fun cocktails, and views of Monterey. Even if you choose not to stay at Hotel 1110 during your time in town, you should still head to LindaRose for a bite to eat and an exciting drink!
You can check prices here.
Green Gables Inn
Green Gables Inn is among the top places to stay near Monterey. This lovely inn is in Pacific Grove, which is just a couple minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The building has a bed and breakfast feel to it and it gives guests seriously mind blowing views of the Monterey Bay.
With the uniqueness of this accommodation and the magnificent views the rooms, it is easy to see why this is one of the best places to stay in in Monterey CA. When you stay year, you are provided wit ha full breakfast as well as afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Other amenities include gas fireplaces in each guest room, ocean views and jet tubs in select rooms, water, coffee, and tea available to you all throughout the day, and turn down service with chocolates. For those looking for a unique stay, Green Gables Inn is a great option.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Hilton Garden Inn
One of the best places to stay in Monterey is at the Hilton Garden Inn on Aguajito Road. This hotel is in an exceptional location on highway 1, so if you are looking for a place to stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Hilton Garden Inn has you covered!
You will be just moments from gorgeous beaches and top attractions when you stay at this Monterey hotel. You will be close to Cannery Row, top-rated golf courses, great restaurants, and more while you are at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Some of the attractions within one mile of the hotel include the Larkin House, the Monterey Museum of Art, Jack’s Park, the Stevenson House, and Del Monte Beach. And if you are arriving in Monterey via the Monterey Regional Airport, you will have just a short 2.1 mile drive to the Hilton Garden Inn!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Monterey Bay Inn
Looking for rooms in Monterey with a view? The Monterey Bay Inn is one of the best places to stay in Monterey for those who are looking for a good location with amazing views that allows you to walk to the top attractions on Cannery Row, then the Monterey Bay Inn is where you want to be.
This hotel has a lovely whirlpool on the rooftop, direct access to the San Carlos Beach, plus each room has its own balcony. What I really love about this hotel is that the free continental breakfast is served to your room each morning on fine China.
From the Monterey Bay Inn, you can walk to the Monterey Bay Whale Watch and the other attractions and restaurants that are on the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, The Coast Guard Pier where you can see sea lions and seals hanging out, The Monterey Bay Aquarium and all of the other top attractions and restaurants on Cannery Row. All within a fifteen minute walk from your hotel!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Arbor Inn
Places to stay in Monterey CA that are a bit more low-key can be hard to come by as waterfront accommodation and historic inns are quite plentiful here. However, if budget is important to you, the Arbor Inn has you covered. Located more inland than most Monterey hotels, the Arbor Inn is just a few miles from top points of interest like the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The hotel is on Munras Avenue which is a great place to find budget accommodation that is not too far away from everything you will want to see while you are in town. They have all of the no fuss amenities you need and you can reach restaurants in the area via a short ten minute walk.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
This Monterey CA hotel knows relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has everything you need for a relaxing retreat while you are in the Monterey area. With all of the incredible amenities that the hotel has to offer, it is easy to see how the Hyatt Regency is among the top places to stay in Monterey.
It is a short two-mile drive from the Monterey Peninsula Airport for those who are flying into town, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service from the airport for guests. Now, once you arrive, you will be blown away by what this hotel has to offer!
The hotel has two hot tubs, a spa, gym, currency exchange services, a bar and restaurant, complimentary Tesla charging stations, and more. When you are here, you will be nearby to the Fisherman’s Wharf, Bargetto Winery, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Staying here is also an excellent jumping off point for a trip south to check out the best things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea or to drive the famous 17 Mile Drive.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
The Jabberwock Bed and Breakfast
Another unique accommodation option for those looking for romantic places to stay in Monterey, the Jabberwock Bed and Breakfast is among the most unusual stays here in the Monterey Bay area. This B and B definitely caters to a specific type of traveler. Budget and luxury travelers both will probably want to opt out of this one while travelers who love a good unusual stay will likely love The Jabberwock.
Antiques cover the shelves at this hotel, green carpet covers the floors, and history fills the halls. Unique wallpaper, a cozy sun room, and peaceful garden await you at the Jabberwock Bed and Breakfast. There are seven bedrooms, a yard with water features and a Bocce ball court, gourmet breakfast, and a wine and hors d’oeuvres offered each evening on the sun porch.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Old Monterey Inn
For travelers looking for a homier option when visiting the Monterey Peninsula, I think this bed and breakfast in Monterey will really seal the deal. To say this cozy little inn is idyllic is an understatement. Old Monterey Inn is known for its charm. The vines climbing the building outside, the romantic design on the insides, and all of the charming features of this inn make it one of the best places to stay in Monterey.
This Monterey B and B offers massages, a lovely outdoor dining area, and lush gardens for you to explore. You can have breakfast delivered to your room here and you can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres each day. The charm, attention to detail, and amenities won’t soon disappoint.
Old Monterey Inn is just a ten minute walk from the Monterey Museum of Art, Cotton Hall, the Monterey Moon Tree, and the Old Monterey Jail. Depending how much walking you want to do, this hotel may be best suited for those who will have a care while in town as it takes around twenty five minutes of walking to reach the Wharf and around forty minutes to reach Cannery Row.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Hotel Pacific
Hotel Pacific is in the best area to stay in Monterey CA. A five-minute walk from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, this hotel is close to an abundance of things to see, places to go, and restaurants to visit. You can walk to California’s First Theatre, Adventures By The Sea, and Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center with ease.
This hotel is a boutique option and is best suited to those who want places to stay in Monterey that aren’t basic, yet not over the top either. The Spanish style architecture and decor, luxurious bedding, and lush private garden make this one of the top hotels in Monterey.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Victoria Inn
If you are planning a honeymoon or a couples getaway, Victoria Inn is one of the top romantic places to stay in Monterey. This beautiful coastal inn has impeccable Victorian charm with all of the modern conveniences that you could ask for.
Also one of the best hotels in Monterey in terms of location, you will be staying in the heart of Cannery Row when you book a room at the Victoria Inn. A short walk will take you to the shore of the Monterey Bay and many of the cities top attractions.
Plus, When you stay here, you not only get complimentary continental breakfast, but there is also a cheese and wine hour from five to six that you can take advantage of. This property has excellent ratings and is perfect for those looking for hotels in Monterey for couples.
You can check price here: Booking.com
Merritt House Hotel
An incredible stay in Monterey, the Merritt House Hotel is what we all imagine when we hear enticing central coast cottage. If a stunning boutique hotel is on your bucket list of places to stay in Monterey, be sure to look into the Merritt House Hotel!
Each room here has its own fireplace and there is a relaxing garden and common room where you can enjoy the coastal atmosphere and carefully crafter designs at the hotel. Free breakfast is served here daily and you can read some of the most highly visited areas in town via a ten minute walk.
When you stay at the Merritt House Hotel, you get the best of both worlds. You can reach Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf easily, but you are also back from the main strip a bit so you have grocery stores, museums, coffee shops, and other locations close by as well.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Stage Coach Lodge
The Stage Coach Lodge should be on your radar if you are looking for budget hotels in Monterey. Located near the El Estero Park where you can go paddle boating or visit the Dennis The Menace Playground which is one of the best parks in the area.
Easily one of the top places to stay in Monterey for scuba divers, Stage Coach Lodge gas a divers’ quarters with full equipment, drying hooks, and more. There is also a fantastic garden, pool, and sun deck for you to enjoy during your stay. The amenities here are spectacular considering that rooms here can be booked for half the price of the hotels on the water.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Wave Street Inn
Accommodation in Monterey that is close to the aquarium and the beach? We’ve got you covered! Wave Street Inn is among the top places to stay in Monterey. Couples in particular are fans of this property, rating it very highly for the staff, comfort, and location.
Across the street from the hotel is. theMonterey Bay Coastal Trail which runs through Monterey near the water and will take you along beautiful landscapes and through fun areas of the city. You are also just a block away from McAbee Beach which is also known as the secret beach on Cannery Row.
Also across the street from the hotel is the Wave Street Cafe which is a nice places for breakfast in Monterey. Then, next door to the hotel is Sea Harvest Restaurant. One of the best restaurants in Monterey, Sea Harvest has a mind blowing seafood menu!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Munras Inn
Munras Inn is the answer to where to stay in Monterey for budget travelers. Located on Munras Avenue, you will have quick access to shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater. Plus, you are only three minutes by car from the Monterey County Youth Museum or fifteen minutes on foot. The museum is just down the street from one of the top bakeries in Monterey, Paris Bakery Cafe.
The location, beautiful dark interior, price, family rooms, and the “very good” rating from guests make this one of the best places to stay in Monterey for budget travelers and families. Plus, free parking and complimentary breakfast is provided. If you are going to be flying into Monterey, the Monterey Peninsula Airport is less than two miles from the Munras Inn!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
InterContinental The Clement
One of the top places to stay near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Clement is divine. If location is important to you, it does not get any better than this hotel! The accommodations are elegant, there are on-site dining and spa services, a children’s club, and more.
From the hotel, you can see the expansive bay, wildlife like seals, sea otters, and sea lions poking their heads out of the water, and exciting nightlife. There’s also many nice shops for you to browse near the hotel. Souvenirs, hand crafted goods, local honey, wine, and olive oil, chocolate, and more can be found at the shops near The Clement.
While pricier than other hotels in the area, with a 9.6 out of 10 rating, guests agree that this is an incredible hotel on the bay. I think it goes without saying, but this hotel is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Monterey on the beach. Just steps away from the water, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Clement.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Blu Pacific Hotel
If you are looking for hotels near Monterey State Beach, check out the Blu Pacific Hotel! Just four minutes by car, the Blu Pacific Hotel is a lovely choice of hotel near the state beach. You can also reach the Monterey Pines Golf Course in around three minutes, the shops and restaurants on the Fishermans Wharf in ten minutes, and Pebble Beach in about fifteen minutes from the hotel.
Another one of the budget friendly places to stay in Monterey, the Blu Pacific Hotel is just a three minute drive to the Monterey Peninsula Airport. While getting around town on foot from this hotel isn’t really possible, it is just a couple minutes walk to a bus stop to take you into town if you are flying in and don’t want to rent a car.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Sand Castle Inn
Watching your money while traveling is so important and when you stay at Sand Castle Inn, it helps you stick to your travel budget as it is one of the cheapest hotels in Monterey County. Located in nearby Seaside, California, this hotel is next door to Gusto Handcrafted Pasta and Pizza which is. a great place to stop in for a quick lunch or a late dinner if you are getting into your room late in the evening.
For budget travelers, Sand Castle Inn is among the top places to stay in Monterey. Despite being a little further away from the top attractions in Monterey, there is a bus stop that is just a couple minutes walk from the hotel so you can easily get into town to experience everything that Monterey has to offer.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Monterey Bay Lodge
When it comes to places to stay in Monterey Bay area, the Monterey Bay Lodge should be on your radar. This three-star hotel has an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and an ideal location. Resting on Camino Aguajito near El Estero Park, you can enjoy the lake, go paddle boating, visit the skate park, take advantage of the workout equipment, and visit the fun Dennis The Menace Playground right across the street from your hotel room.
You will also be near many historical sites in Monterey when you stay at the Monterey Bay Lodge. The Larkin house, Casa Serrano, and the Colton Hall Museum are within a mile of the hotel.You can see these sites along with many others when you follow the Path of History through town.
If you have plans to visit other towns around Monterey like Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Carmel, the Monterey Bay Lodge can act as an ideal central location to explore the area. If you are going to stay primarily in Monterey, the lodge still works for you too as it is just a five minute drive to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and whale watching tours both.
You can check prices here: Booking.com
The Monterey Hotel
The Monterey Hotel is one of the hotels in Monterey with a major wow factor. The exterior of this hotel is truly stunning and makes you feel like you are in a movie when you walk through the front doors! I love that when you stay at The Monterey Hotel, you have a lot of restaurants just steps from the front door. Plumes, Sur Burger, and Kuma Sushi are all within a hundred feet from the hotel!
For those looking for places to stay in Monterey that allow them to have a unique experience, The Monterey Hotel can give you just that. Built in 1904, this hotel can give you turn-of-the-century charm and all of the modern amenities that you expect from a hotel.
The area that The Monterey Hotel is in is called Old Monterey. This part of town has museums, historical sites, envy inducing bakeries and cafes, and shopping opportunities. Just down the street from the hotel is Old Capital Books which is a top used bookstore in Monterey. If you stay at the hotel, be sure to walk down to Revival Ice Cream as it is a remarkable place to get ice cream in Monterey!
You can check prices here: Booking.com
Whether you are looking for resorts, a bed and breakfast, a romantic getaway, or cheap places to stay in Monterey CA, you should have no problem at all finding a place that fits your needs as the options are vast in Monterey.
From Monterey Bay views and spa treatments to perfect locations and unfussy rooms, you can find it all! Which of these awesome places to stay will you be booking for your trip to Monterey?
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