Where to Stay in Monterey
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Monterey strings its hotels along the bay like pearls on a necklace, from the working wharves of Old Fisherman's Wharf to the fairways of Pebble Beach. Cannery Row packs the densest cluster of accommodations beside the aquarium, with waves slapping against the brick warehouses below your window. Downtown Monterey gives you walkable access to the Custom House and adobe buildings, while Pacific Grove trades noise for quiet residential streets five minutes from the coast. Marina's newer hotels sit beside outlet malls, and Carmel-by-the-Sea delivers storybook cottages just ten minutes south.
A comfortable mid-range room runs budget-friendly in winter but turns into a splurge during car week in August. Beachfront properties command premium rates year-round, while inland options drop to mid-range pricing outside summer.
Budget
Budget-friendly motels and hostels starting around $80-120 per night
Mid-Range
Mid-range hotels running $150-300 per night for 3-4 star properties
Luxury
Luxury resorts and boutique properties commanding $400-800+ per night
Where to Stay in Monterey
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for every visitor.
Our Top Picks
The highest-rated hotel in each price range, selected from all neighborhoods.
Top Pick — Cannery Row
Budget
Padre Oaks
"Charming and comfortable stay in Monterey Really enjoyed our stay here! Padre O…"
Private parking
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
Golf course
Cannery Row
Check prices on Trip.com →
Top Pick — Cannery Row
Mid Range
Best Western Plus Monterey Inn
"Good location and friendly staff with warm service. Very impressed on check in b…"
Public parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
Cannery Row
Check prices on Trip.com →
Top Pick — Cannery Row
"The hotel is very nicely decorated with antiques by the owners. The rooms are ve…"
Golf course
Sunbathing area
Diving
Horse riding
Cannery Row
Check prices on Trip.com →
Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Hotel recommendations verified
Cannery Row
Mid-range to luxury
The former sardine-packing district morphed into Monterey's hotel heart, where brick warehouses now shelter boutique properties steps from the aquarium. Salt air carries the smell of kettle corn and diesel from passing boats, while sea lions bark from the rocks below.
- ✓ 5-minute walk to Monterey Bay Aquarium
- ✓ Oceanfront hotels with waves below your balcony
- ✓ Dense restaurant concentration along the row
- ✓ Easy bike rental access to 17-Mile Drive
- ✓ Historic industrial architecture
- ✗ Higher prices than other Monterey areas
- ✗ Crowded sidewalks during aquarium hours
- ✗ Limited free parking
Recommended places to stay in Cannery Row
Budget
Padre Oaks
"Charming and comfortable stay in Monterey Really enjoyed our stay here! Padre O…"
Private parking
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
Golf course
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Best Western Plus Monterey Inn
"Good location and friendly staff with warm service. Very impressed on check in b…"
Public parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
"The hotel is very nicely decorated with antiques by the owners. The rooms are ve…"
Golf course
Sunbathing area
Diving
Horse riding
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Luxury
Spindrift Inn
"Breakfast to the room to eat, very rich! Parking for 30 knives a night, there is…"
Diving
Surfing
Hiking
Private parking
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Luxury
Portola Hotel & Spa
"It's Christmas, and the hotel has a great atmosphere, with two oversized Christm…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Downtown Monterey
Mid-range
California's original capital spreads adobe buildings and boutique hotels across gentle hills above the bay. Morning fog rolls through the historic district smelling of pine and ocean spray, while gulls circle above the Custom House.
- ✓ Walking distance to Monterey State Historic Park
- ✓ More affordable than waterfront
- ✓ Excellent restaurant scene on Alvarado Street
- ✓ Easy highway access north and south
- ✓ Historic adobe architecture
- ✗ 20-minute walk to the beach
- ✗ Hilly terrain between some hotels
- ✗ Street parking fills up evenings
Recommended places to stay in Downtown Monterey
Budget
Scottish Fairway Inn
"Hotel hygiene: clean Facilities: Complete Environment: Beauty Service: Good"
Private parking
Wi-Fi in public areas
Restaurant
Smoking area
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
"my room had a "wall view" right in front of the window… it was a bit embarrassin…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Luxury
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
"This should be the most satisfying hotel I stayed in during this trip. The facil…"
Golf course
Sunbathing area
Hiking
Sauna
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Hotel Abrego
"The room was large, spacious and very comfortable. It's just that the street I l…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Surfing
Massage room
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
"The hotel has a beautiful garden, a large parking lot, and a very nice pool. We…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Diving
Snorkeling
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Mid-range
Working wharves where fishing boats unload their catch beside hotels built on pilings above the harbor. The smell of grilled calamari mixes with diesel fuel, while sea lions fight for space on floating docks below your window.
- ✓ Fresh seafood restaurants on the pier
- ✓ Whale watching tours depart from the wharf
- ✓ Views of the working harbor
- ✓ 5-minute walk to downtown
- ✓ Historic schooners docked alongside
- ✗ Tourist restaurant prices
- ✗ Sea lion noise at night
- ✗ Limited parking
Recommended places to stay in Old Fisherman's Wharf
Budget
Pacific Inn Monterey
"Clean room and easy parking, conveniently located with foods and amenities nearb…"
Public parking
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
Golf course
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Best Western Park Crest Inn
"Within walking distance of Morro Rock. The room we booked on the 3rd floor was v…"
Parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Luxury
Monterey Bay Inn
"The overall price/performance ratio is relatively low, the rooms are relatively…"
Sauna
Private parking
EV charging station
Taxi booking service
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Victorian Inn
"The location is relatively good, within walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf, w…"
Surfing
Private parking
EV charging station
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Stage Coach Lodge
"Nothing to complain about the room, it's roomy and comfortable, nice bed, very c…"
Private parking
Wi-Fi in public areas
Golf course
Hiking
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Pacific Grove
Mid-range
Quiet Victorian neighborhoods where foghorns echo across still streets lined with historic homes and bed & breakfasts. The sound of crashing waves carries from Lover's Point, while the smell of eucalyptus drifts from nearby forests.
- ✓ Peaceful residential setting
- ✓ 15-minute walk to aquarium via coastal trail
- ✓ Victorian bed & breakfasts
- ✓ Lover's Point beach access
- ✓ Free street parking
- ✗ Limited restaurant options after 9pm
- ✗ Hilly walk back from Cannery Row
- ✗ Few chain hotels available
Recommended places to stay in Pacific Grove
"The free parking was fantastic, and it was convenient to get to Fisherman's Whar…"
Public parking
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
Fax/copying service
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Colton Inn
"Facilities: No heating A small electric heater is provided (the sound is relativ…"
Private parking
Wi-Fi in public areas
Golf course
Hiking
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Luxury
Monterey Marriott
"The hotel is in the center of the town, with many restaurants nearby and within…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Surfing
Horse riding
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Budget
Ramada by Wyndham Monterey
"Facilities: OK. But the bathroom has one switch for the exhaust fan + the light…"
Public parking
Gym
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Marina
Budget-friendly
Ten minutes north of Monterey where newer hotels cluster beside outlet malls and Marina State Beach. The air carries the crisp scent of pine from nearby Fort Ord, while hawks circle above the dunes.
- ✓ 40% cheaper than Monterey waterfront
- ✓ Easy Highway 1 access
- ✓ Marina State Beach across the street
- ✓ Free parking at all hotels
- ✓ Outlet shopping nearby
- ✗ 20-minute drive to aquarium
- ✗ Limited dining options
- ✗ Windy beach conditions
Recommended places to stay in Marina
Budget
Aura Inn Monterey
"Room was clean. Motel style that car park at front of room. However, when checki…"
Public parking
EV charging station
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
"Enjoyed every night here. Complimentary adult beverage at the bar first night st…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
"Love everything. But the shower door was a half open glass panel without a door…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Best Western de Anza Inn
"Super good hotel room is very large, very clean, parking lot seats are a lot, br…"
Parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Hotel Pacific
"Good location, walk 10 minutes to the old fisherman's wharf, there is a Chinese…"
Golf course
Surfing
Hiking
Spa
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Luxury
Fairytale cottages and luxury retreats tucked among cypress trees, where storybook architecture meets white-sand beaches. The scent of pine mixes with ocean fog, while deer wander quiet lanes between art galleries and wine bars.
- ✓ Excellent restaurants and galleries
- ✓ Dog-friendly beach
- ✓ No chain stores or restaurants
- ✓ 10 minutes to Pebble Beach
- ✓ Cottages with fireplaces
- ✗ Most expensive area in the region
- ✗ No street addresses make navigation tricky
- ✗ Limited parking
Recommended places to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea
"Great hotel. Nice rooms. Convenient location. Free coffee and juice available a…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
The Monterey Hotel
"Great location! I had a conference at the Monterey Conference which is less than…"
Gym
Luggage storage
Bar
Library
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
"Excellent very happy with our stay huge room for family of 4 and friendly greeti…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Mariposa Inn and Suites
"The breakfast is relatively simple, the hotel environment and the room are very…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Diving
Snorkeling
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Budget
Red Lion Hotel Monterey
"The room was spotless, as expected from Red Lion. A nice bonus was the complimen…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Public parking
Conference room
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Find Hotels in Monterey
Compare prices and book your perfect stay
Search HotelsPrices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Hotels
Budget-friendly to luxury pricing depending on location and season
Range from full-service resorts at Pebble Beach to boutique properties along Cannery Row. Most offer coastal views and easy beach access, with luxury tiers featuring spas and fine dining.
Best for: Travelers wanting full amenities, daily service, and prime locations
Compare prices onlinely with Monterey Plaza Hotel or Portola Hotel for best rates and room upgrades
Bed & Breakfasts
Mid-range to luxury pricing
Historic Victorian homes converted to intimate inns, primarily in Pacific Grove and Carmel. Most serve gourmet breakfast and offer afternoon wine receptions.
Best for: Couples seeking romantic getaways and personalized service
Pacific Grove B&Bs often include free parking and bike rentals
Vacation Rentals
Budget-friendly for longer stays, luxury for beachfront cottages
Beach cottages and condos available through local management companies, in Pacific Grove and Marina. Many feature full kitchens and outdoor spaces.
Best for: Families and groups wanting space and kitchen facilities
Pacific Grove vacation rentals require 30-day minimum stays during summer
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Car week drives August prices sky-high
Monterey hotels triple rates during August's car week. Book 6 months ahead or stay in Marina for 50% savings.
Winter brings fog and deals
December through February offers 40% lower rates and easier parking, though expect morning fog through early afternoon.
Parking costs add up fast
Cannery Row hotels charge $25-45 nightly for parking. Downtown and Marina properties include free parking worth considering.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
High Season
Reserve 3-6 months ahead for July-August and August car week
Shoulder Season
April-June and September-October offer perfect weather with 25% lower rates and 2-week advance booking sufficient
Low Season
December-February brings 40% discounts and walk-in availability except Christmas week
Two weeks covers most situations. Summer beachfront needs 3-6 months
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.
Check-in / Check-out
Standard 15:00 check-in, 11:00 check-out. Most Monterey hotels offer early luggage storage
Tipping
$3-5 per night for housekeeping, 18-20% for hotel restaurants, $1-2 per bag for bell staff
Payment
Cards accepted everywhere. Some Carmel inns prefer cash for incidentals
Safety
Very safe city. Use room safes for valuables and avoid leaving items visible in rental cars
After You Book: Activities in Monterey
Once your accommodation is sorted, explore these activities
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Monterey.
See All Monterey Tours on Viator