Where To Stay In Monterey, California: 15 Great Accommodations - Updated 2024

Anne Marie
Anne Marie 
Updated
| 7 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?

Spindrift Inn

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 652 Cannery Row
373 meters (0.3 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Room service 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre Laundry

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

2. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 329)

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.

Stayed at this property?

InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 750 Cannery Row
195 meters (0.2 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

3. Monterey Marriott (from USD 269)

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!

Stayed at this property?

Monterey Marriott

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 350 Calle Principal
2.06 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

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.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Abrego

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 755 Abrego Street
2.77 km (1.8 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

5. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 108)

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.

Stayed at this property?

The Monterey Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 407 Calle Principal
2.17 km (1.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Internet services Lift Express check-in/check-out

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

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!

Stayed at this property?

Portola Hotel & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: Two Portola Plaza
1.98 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace

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.

Stayed at this property?

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 400 Cannery Row
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Garden

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

8. Best Western Plus Victorian Inn (from USD 166)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Victorian Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 487 Foam St
628 meters (0.4 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Business centre Dry cleaning

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

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!

Stayed at this property?

Cannery Row Inn

Address: 200 Foam Street
966 meters (0.7 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

10. Monterey Bay Inn (from USD 194)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Monterey Bay Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 242 Cannery Row
912 meters (0.6 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

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.

Stayed at this property?

Carmel Bay View Inn

Wheelchair accessible

Address: Junipero between 5th and 6th
7.05 km (4.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Business centre Free parking Internet services Lift Safety deposit box

Resorts

12. Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row (from USD 284)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 443 Wave Street
669 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Business centre Dry cleaning Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms

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.

Stayed at this property?

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 1 Old Golf Course Rd
3.68 km (2.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

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!

Stayed at this property?

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 700 Munras Avenue
2.65 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

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!

Stayed at this property?

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!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne-Marie, a publishing professional by day, harbors a fervent desire to explore the world whenever she can. Though she hasn't discovered the entire globe yet, her eagerness to learn and write...Read more

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