Driving along the Californian coastline, you’re bound to stumble into the beautiful county of Monterey, and with its unique shops, pretty buildings, and relaxing beach, you’ll definitely want to stay for a few days. The gorgeous seaside destination comes with a balanced mix of urban and outdoor attractions. Cannery Row, a waterfront street memorialized by John Steinbeck in his novel published in 1945, is one of the main attractions in the city. The alley features high-end boutiques, eateries, and luxurious waterfront accommodations. Other places of interest include the beaches at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Monterey Bay Aquarium with numerous marine plants and animals. If you wish to sleep to the sound of waves during your stay, scroll down to find the top hotels in Monterey with ocean views!
Travel advisory:
- It's best to observe beach safety when you're in the county. The County of Monterey Health Department advises travelers and locals not to come in contact with storm drains or enter the water after rainstorms. This is due to the increased bacterial levels in the water after such phenomena. People are also warned not to eat sport-harvested shellfish from Monterey. Moreover, since Monterey beaches do not usually have lifeguards posted, it's best to be aware of your safety and keep children under supervision.
What to expect in Monterey besides the beach vibe:
- Vibrant annual events: Monterey keeps travelers engaged with many events throughout the year. Attend the Monterey County Fair in summer to soak in the local culture, groove to jazz music at the Monterey Jazz Festival in fall, or celebrate Christmas on the Wharf!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 03, 2024.
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1. Spindrift Inn (from USD 344)
Delicious breakfast delivered to the room, wine & cheese hour, and nearby dining options.
Reasonable valet parking, complimentary breakfast, and ocean view upgrades available.
Perfectly situated on Cannery Row, walking distance to attractions, restaurants, and the beach.
Fireplace, sauna, spacious rooms, oceanfront views, and convenient valet parking.
This 20th-century property would make you stay longer Monterey, from its tastefully furnished units to the location. The beachfront hotel, nestled in the city’s center, is within walking distance of upscale restaurants, galleries, shops, the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and more. The charming rooms, boasting hardwood floors, are equipped with canopy beds, minibars, and free WiFi. Some add extra features such as fireplaces and balconies. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily too. Kick back on the rooftop garden overlooking the ocean after a hard day and enjoy the complimentary wine and snacks served. If you want to engage in water-based activities, San Carlos State Beach is only 600 m (1968 ft) away.
Spindrift Inn
Address: 652 Cannery Row
371 meters (0.3 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
2. Monterey Tides (from USD 339)
Wake up to mesmerizing bay or garden vistas from one of the chic rooms of this modern beachfront hotel. It’s nestled on Monterey Bay’s shores, less than seven minutes’ drive from Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Regional Airport. The spacious rooms come with coffeemakers, WiFi, smart TVs, iPod docking stations, and more for your pleasure. For your dining needs, breakfast is offered for an extra charge, and you can enjoy tasty Californian foods from the on-site eatery with bay panorama. For some recreation, hit the gym, loosen up in the hot tub, swim in the outdoor heated pool, or play at Houghton M. Roberts Beach which is just 40 m (131 ft) away.
Monterey Tides This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2600 Sand Dunes Dr
3.94 km (2.5 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
3. Hotel Pacific (from USD 267)
Decent free breakfast, good dining options within walking distance, and pet-friendly dining experiences.
Reasonably priced with free parking and pet-friendly options.
Well-located for downtown and waterfront attractions, within walking distance to amenities and restaurants.
Spacious rooms, gas fireplace, helpful staff, pet-friendly, free breakfast, and parking.
This boutique hotel is located in downtown Monterey. Get back after a busy day of exploring California’s Central Coast to a cozy suite done in warm colors and furnished with contemporary décor.
Should you decide to have a lazy day indoors, you can curl up on the sofa and watch your favorite show on the TV. Guests can lounge on the furnished patio while relishing a complimentary breakfast and taking in the stunning sights of the ocean.
If work brings you here, you will have at your disposal a work corner and free WiFi for a smooth day of meetings and calls. Guests can relax with a deep soak in the hot tub with a drink. This pet-friendly property welcomes up to two pets of any size for a fee. Covered car parking facilities are available. Guests can buy tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium from the front desk.
Hotel Pacific
Address: 300 Pacific Street
1.89 km (1.2 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
4. Monterey Bay Lodge (from USD 180)
While the hotel does not offer breakfast, there are great dining options nearby, and some rooms feature in-room coffee makers and fridges.
Great value for the location and amenities offered, with convenient parking and friendly staff.
Conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and other attractions, with easy access to dining options.
Comfortable rooms with a heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor seating area, though some rooms may be smaller and lack air conditioning.
This beach-themed property is situated minutes away from the stunning Lake El Estero, Monterey State Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The guestrooms come equipped with free WiFi that can be used for both work and leisure. Guests can watch a movie on the cable TV that streams HBO.
Some of the suites feature a full kitchen where guests can prepare hearty meals if they are craving homemade fare. You can book a room with a patio that overlooks the stunning waterscape. Kick back on the sofa with a drink or enjoy a therapeutic soak in the whirlpool tub. The family room has a Sony PlayStation for the children to have a good time while they are indoors. Spend a romantic evening with a loved one in front of the fireplace.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium and The Presidio of Monterey Museum are nearby and can be kept in your itinerary of sightseeing.
Monterey Bay Lodge
Address: 55 Camino Aguajito
2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
5. Monterey Bay Inn (from USD 441)
Delightful in-room continental breakfast, though some guests desired more variety.
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-appointed rooms with stunning bay views.
Perfect location on Cannery Row, walking distance to shops, restaurants, beach, and aquarium.
Convenient parking, in-room breakfast, spa, fire pit, and binoculars provided.
Enjoy excellent hospitality with homey touches at this four-star hotel facing San Carlos Beach Park. It’s within walking distance of Cannery Row’s eateries and shops, as well as a few minutes’ drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Bay Inn’s rooms highlight appealing furnishing, DVD players and smart TVs for your entertainment, and balconies with ocean views. Daily continental breakfast is offered for free, and you can pamper yourself with an in-room massage for a surcharge. On cold nights, you can relax by one of the terrace’s fire pits or soak in the rooftop deck’s hot tub. If you want to have fun in the sun, the nearest beach is about 50 m (164 ft) away.
Monterey Bay Inn
Address: 242 Cannery Row
914 meters (0.6 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
6. The Stevenson Monterey (from USD 147)
A bit further afield, but still in a fantastic location close to the waves, is the Stevenson Monterey, at a 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. As an added bonus, it is also within walking distance to Fishermans Wharf, which is a fantastic day out. The bedrooms are fairly spacious and although basic, are comfortable.
The Stevenson Monterey
Address: 675 Munras Avenue
2.64 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
7. Best Western Plus Victorian Inn (from USD 226)
Delicious breakfast, wine & cheese, but limited seating and basic options
Reasonable rates with parking fee, complimentary breakfast, and wine & cheese
Ideal location near Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium, and restaurants
Spacious rooms, cozy fireplace, underground parking, happy hour, and pet-friendly
Three minutes from the beach, the Best Western Plus Victorian Inn features cozy rooms, wooden features, a comfortable bed and a fantastic price for its location. Each room has a fireplace so that you can stay cozy during the winter months and have the windows open in summer to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and listen to the waves. It is worth noting that there are only partial views of the beach available here.
Victorian Inn
Address: 487 Foam Street
630 meters (0.4 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
8. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (from USD 372)
This five-star hotel promises guests a luxurious experience, from its full-service spa to evening entertainment. It’s located on Monterey Bay’s banks, a block away from Cannery Row and less than five minutes’ drive from Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. You will be awed by the charming rooms, equipped with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Some units have balconies with water views. The elegant suites come with extra living areas, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs for extra comfort. The on-site spa, European Vista Blue Spa, highlights a rooftop sundeck and a gym to use, aside from the treatment rooms. On-site dining options include a lounge bar with live music, a seafood restaurant, and more. For some outdoor fun, head to Aeneas Beach which is only 50 m (164 ft) away.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Address: 400 Cannery Row
775 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
9. Hampton Inn Monterey (from USD 297)
This newly renovated hotel is in a fantastic location, just two minutes’ walk from the beach. The rooms are spacious and bright, with plenty of space to relax in and a small seated area, from where you can gaze out the window and watch the world pass by. We particularly love the kitchen in this property, which is huge!
Hampton Inn Monterey
Address: 2401 Del Monte Avenue
3.99 km (2.5 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
10. Monterey Marriott (from USD 271)
On the main street, just six minutes from the beach, this classic Marriott hotel has two on-site restaurants and an outdoor pool. The walk to the beach is so short that you’ll be falling asleep to the sound of the waves in no time if you choose to stay here. You can expect the usual standard from this Marriott hotel and be sure to enjoy breakfast at the In + Field Restaurant and Bar, which specializes in Californian coastal cuisine.
Monterey Marriott
Address: 350 Calle Principal
2.06 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
11. Portola Hotel & Spa (from USD 250)
At five minutes from the beach, the Portola Hotel & Spa offers everything you could expect and need, from an outdoor pool, three restaurants and even a microbrewery! We love this hotel for the fact that not only is it near the beach, so you’re guaranteed a fantastic holiday, it is also eco-conscious.
Portola Hotel & Spa
Address: Two Portola Plaza
1.98 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
12. InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel (from USD 347)
Delicious dining options with great views, though some minor issues with pricing and offerings.
Reasonable pricing for upscale location and amenities.
Prime location on Cannery Row, walking distance to attractions and dining.
Spacious rooms, ocean views, on-site restaurant and bar, and attentive staff.
Vacation in style while staying at this four-star property that features three accommodation options. You can reside in waterfront suites offering seating areas, upgraded rooms with sea-view balconies, or standard rooms with WiFi, coffeemakers, smart TVs, and more. All your dining needs are catered to at the on-site eatery with a terrace and bar. Relax in the spa, work out in the gym, soak in the hot tub, and take a dip in the heated pool as the kids have fun in the children’s club—all within the premises. The property is located in Cannery Row, just within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf and other attractions. If you want to engage in a variety of watersports, San Carlos State Beach is only 800 m (2624 ft) away.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 750 Cannery Row
195 meters (0.2 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Marvelous Monterey
Monterey is amazing to visit for a few days, with an aquarium to spend the day with family, beaches to sunbathe with your lover, and seafood eateries to relish some varieties. You’ll have a fantastic time, wherever you choose to stay. But, if you want to be near the beach and hear the waves, we recommend booking one of our suggestions above.
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