Though it doesn’t have the glitz or fame of San Francisco to the north or Los Angeles to the south, there are lots of reasons why Monterey may be the best city to visit in California. Monterey is located along the rugged central coast of the state, where huge mountains cascade into the ocean. It is just a short drive from the stunning 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur, a place that is unparalleled in natural beauty. Monterey has charm and history right downtown, too. Cannery Row, once the center of the sardine canning industry, is now home to cute waterfront shops, kid-friendly restaurants, and other fun things to do. Fisherman’s Wharf is still an active place where fisherman bring in the day’s catch. You’ll also see the influence of the 19th-century Spanish settlers in old adobe buildings downtown. Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium to see tons of exhibits about ocean life, including a glass tank that presses right up against the Pacific. Whatever you choose to do in and around the city, you’ll need a great place to crash at night. We’ve rounded up the best hotels, resorts, and hostels in town for choices on where to stay in Monterey, California.
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 March 12, 2024.
Hotels
1. Spindrift Inn (from USD 227)
Another fine hotel choice along Cannery Row is Spindrift Inn. All the rooms at this 3.5-star accommodation boast a cozy seating area with a spectacular view of the bay. There’s also an indulgent continental breakfast that you may request to be served right in your room; a wine and cheese service is available on afternoons as well. The conveniences and amenities offered at the property are daily housekeeping, food and grocery delivery, and a highly efficient concierge service. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Old Fisherman’s Wharf are only a short walk from this stylish hotel.
Spindrift Inn
Address: 652 Cannery Row
373 meters (0.3 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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2. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 329)
Reasonable pricing for upscale location and amenities.
Spacious rooms, ocean views, on-site restaurant and bar, and attentive staff.
Prime location on Cannery Row, walking distance to attractions and dining.
Delicious dining options with great views, though some minor issues with pricing and offerings.
The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. It’s among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Whether you are looking over the water from your room balcony or the dining room, at sunrise or at sunset, it is a stunning sight to behold. The hotel sits right on the water and you can enjoy the sea breeze from the restaurant on the patio, with space heaters for chilly nights. Inside, the pristine rooms have all the luxuries you could need–everything from a bathrobe to a fireplace to a large soaking tub! The whole family will enjoy their stay, from the adults who can use the business center to the kids who can take part in the children’s club.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel
Address: 750 Cannery Row
195 meters (0.2 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
3. Monterey Marriott (from USD 269)
Reasonable pricing for downtown location, but additional charges for parking and Wi-Fi.
New facilities, spacious rooms, valet parking, on-site bar and dining area.
Great location downtown, walking distance to Main Street, restaurants, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Extremely nice breakfast with lots of options, but some guests did not like the muffins.
The Monterey Marriott is a large hotel with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. It is also home to a large conference center, and offers the utmost in convenience and hospitality for business travel. There are two restaurants on site, luxury beddings, and down comforters in each room, as well as cable TV with video game rentals if you need to wind down after a long day of working. The Monterey Marriott isn’t just for business travelers. It’s also great for families and is just a five-minute drive from the Monterey Aquarium!
Monterey Marriott
Address: 350 Calle Principal
2.06 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
4. Hotel Abrego (from USD 434)
Boasting exceptional services and cleanliness, Hotel Abrego is the place you want to stay at if you’re looking for a budget accommodation that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and style. This property is close to Monterey attractions like the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the quirky stores of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. There’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and the on-site restaurant Bistro Abrego serves an all-American buffet. A modest gym, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a garden are some of the facilities available at this lodging.
Hotel Abrego
Address: 755 Abrego Street
2.77 km (1.8 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
5. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 108)
Reasonable pricing for a historic hotel in downtown Monterey.
Antique decor, spacious rooms, and a cozy fireplace in some rooms.
Centrally located, within walking distance to restaurants, the Golden State Theatre, and attractions like Fisherman's Wharf.
Convenient access to nearby restaurants, cafes, and a complimentary coffee station in the lobby.
Monterey Hotel is a historic hotel dating back to 1904 that perfectly blends modern and historic touches. It has ornate details like carved wooden headboards, stone fireplaces, and marble bathrooms that create an elegant European air. You’ll feel like you’re on a grand tour as you check into the spacious lobby and later sink into the comfortable bed in your room. Enjoy perks like complimentary continental breakfast and valet parking. The hotel is located in the Old Monterey section so continue your trip back in time as you walk around this historic and charming part of town.
The Monterey Hotel
Address: 407 Calle Principal
2.17 km (1.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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6. Portola Hotel & Spa (from USD 249)
This boutique hotel has an earthy yet chic vibe that fits the atmosphere of Monterey perfectly. You’ll be greeted in the lobby by indoor trees reaching up the glass roof of the large atrium. Choose from one of several restaurants on site, like the Club Room with a European breakfast buffet, Jack’s Monterey serving up California cuisine, or the brewpub where you can sample a flight of beers from the microbrewery. You could spend the whole day relaxing at the spa or the pool, but this hotel is just a five-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, making it the perfect spot for sightseeing!
Portola Hotel & Spa
Address: Two Portola Plaza
1.98 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
7. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (from USD 314)
The stunning waterfront location of the Monterey Plaza makes this hotel feel more like a Mediterranean Villa than anything else! This hotel in Monterey has many rooms with balconies that overlook the water, as well as a waterfront patio with a restaurant where you can dine while listening to the waves. The Monterey Plaza also features a rooftop fitness center and the European Blue Vista Spa for ultimate pampering. The chic yet comfortable rooms are the perfect place to relax after a long day of seeing the sights like Cannery Row just steps away.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Address: 400 Cannery Row
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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8. Best Western Plus Victorian Inn (from USD 166)
Reasonable rates with parking fee, complimentary breakfast, and wine & cheese
Spacious rooms, cozy fireplace, underground parking, happy hour, and pet-friendly
Ideal location near Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium, and restaurants
Delicious breakfast, wine & cheese, but limited seating and basic options
Don’t let the chain hotel name dissuade you from this hotel–the Best Western Plus Victorian Inn will be unlike any Best Western you’ve ever stayed at before. The hotel looks from the outside like a large Victorian mansion, complete with peaked roofs and striped awnings over the windows. The rooms are anything but boring, with high ceilings, plush furniture, and even bay window seats in some rooms. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast to start your day, and wind down with free wine and cheese in the lobby after you’ve been out exploring.
Victorian Inn
Address: 487 Foam St
628 meters (0.4 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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9. Cannery Row Inn (from USD 119)
Cannery Row Inn is a cozy yet elegant hotel with beautiful views of the ocean. In fact, you can walk to San Carlos Beach in just a few minutes, as well as Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. The rooms are simple but luxurious, including a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker for your convenience. There is also complimentary parking with your stay, making this a great starting point for driving around and seeing nearby sights like Big Sur!
Cannery Row Inn
Address: 200 Foam Street
966 meters (0.7 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
10. Monterey Bay Inn (from USD 194)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-appointed rooms with stunning bay views.
Convenient parking, in-room breakfast, spa, fire pit, and binoculars provided.
Perfect location on Cannery Row, walking distance to shops, restaurants, beach, and aquarium.
Delightful in-room continental breakfast, though some guests desired more variety.
Nestled right along the historic Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Inn is a four-star hotel that has always been a top pick among travelers, especially couples, mainly because of its prime location. Staying here gets you an unobstructed view of the iconic waterfront street and, of course, Monterey Bay. Each room has a private balcony that overlooks these stunning vistas in the city. Breakfast is served inside the suites daily, and guests may even avail of rejuvenating in-room massage services should they fancy a wellness day.
Monterey Bay Inn
Address: 242 Cannery Row
912 meters (0.6 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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11. Carmel Bay View Inn (from USD 285)
One of the more budget-friendly hotels in Monterey is the 2.5-star Carmel Bay View Inn on Junipero Street. If you aren’t too keen on luxurious stays, this charming accommodation should make you feel comfortable enough on your vacation. There are free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi provided to all guests, as well as a nice outdoor pool. Some of the closest landmarks to this quirky property are The House of Hansel & Gretel, Philips Gallery of Fine Art, Gallerie Amsterdam, and the famous Cheese Shop.
Carmel Bay View Inn
Address: Junipero between 5th and 6th
7.05 km (4.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Resorts
12. Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row (from USD 284)
Reasonably priced for the area, with free parking
Convenient location within walking distance of Cannery Row and the aquarium, free parking, and water bottle refill station
Perfect location for exploring Monterey, within walking distance of attractions and restaurants
Good breakfast options with hot and cold choices, including a pancake machine, and all-day coffee/tea provided
Just a five-minute drive from Monterey’s city center is Holiday Inn Express Monterey. As a three-star rated resort, the accommodation provides modern rooms with amenities like flat-screen television with cable, a mini-fridge, and access to free Wi-Fi. A hearty continental breakfast is also served daily. If you’re interested in checking out the latest events in town, you are most welcome to approach the front desk. They may be able to sell admission tickets to some of the attractions and shows in Monterey.
Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel
Address: 443 Wave Street
669 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
13. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa (from USD 206)
This rustic yet sophisticated resort is the perfect place to stay to experience California’s natural beauty and laid-back attitude. The resort has an earthy atmosphere with rich wood and exposed brick being the main materials in its decor. However, you’ll have the top-of-the-line luxuries and amenities, making this a much better pick than camping! Eat at the bar or restaurant, soak in one of the two hot tubs, and exercise at the gym or by playing on the tennis courts. You can also enjoy free shuttle service to the airport or, if you’re driving, access to a Tesla charging station.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Address: 1 Old Golf Course Rd
3.68 km (2.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
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14. Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa (from USD 194)
Casa Munras hearkens to California’s Mexican roots with colorful decor and tiles in all of its rooms, as well as a restaurant with Spanish cuisine where you can dine on site. This resort will feel like your home away from home with room amenities like coffee machines and TV’s with DVD players–you can even borrow movies from the hotel’s DVD library! Though there are tons of activities right at the resort, you’ll also be just a short drive or walk from Cannery Row, the Del Monte Golf Course, and whale watching tours!
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Address: 700 Munras Avenue
2.65 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Hostel
15. HI Monterey Hostel (from USD 39)
What you save on accommodations when you stay at a hostel you’ll make back with a rich and rewarding travel experience! The options to sleep in dormitories as well as the shared lounge and kitchen spaces create opportunities to meet new travel buddies for outings to the aquarium, Presidio of Monterey Museum, and more! If you’d rather it be more like a hotel, they also offer private rooms for up to four people. The hostel looks like an old Spanish mission and has been made into an eco-friendly building, even with air conditioning!
HI Monterey Hostel
Address: 778 Hawthorne Street
390 meters (0.3 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Where the land meets the ocean and old meets new
Monterey is a city of balance: history meets current culture where its old buildings are home to new businesses. The surrounding area boasts mountains and forests alongside sandy beaches. Whether you’re in town for business or for fun, you’ll find balance too. Relax in a luxurious hotel after a business meeting. Stay in a resort that kids and adults will love equally. Show up to your hostel a solo traveler and leave having met new friends. Monterey is a great place to see the best California has to offer in a relaxing but exciting environment!
History
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