Top Hotels in Monterey County Resorts
Top Things to do in Monterey County
Monterey County Resorts | Places to Stay in Monterey County
Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.
Things to do in Monterey County
1. Tickle Pink Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1345 reviews
A Carmel oceanfront hotel dramatically situated above the rocky coastline that stands at the gateway to world-famous Big Sur. Let yourself be pampered with every amenity…from cozy European bedding and private decks with sweeping views to homemade breakfast pastries and an evening wine & cheese reception with soothing classical music.
Excellence in every category - calming comfort
Reviewed By Z4797FPmichelegThe amazing Ocean views from every balcony will bring you here, but the delicious breakfast, fantastic wine & cheese nightly hour, superb & friendly staff plus many room extras like motion sensor light in bathroom, extra lite make- up mirror on desk, daily paper, fantastic bedding, breakfast delivery when you specify to your balcony, afternoon cookies & check out not till noon are just some of the extras . You will keep coming back as have been many of the couples we met. Once you've stayed, you are hooked. Beyond 5 star comfort and calm welcoming!
2. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7773 reviews
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is located in California overlooking Monterey Bay and highest rated in Cannery Row.
Otters, whales, bikes
Reviewed By stepkneesStunning views from so many spots at this hotel, including our partial ocean-view room, from which we saw otters frolicking in the kelp beds (bring binoculars!) and humpback whales breaching and spouting in the bay. We were pleasantly surprised by the free bikes available. I'd expected either a fleet of beat-up cast-offs (which I've experienced at other hotels) or a one-hour time limit. Instead, they sent us across the street to pick up great-condition cruiser bikes with locks and handlebar bags, and we just had to get the bikes back by close of business (8pm). We rode north to Lovers Point and then south to the Dennis the Menace playground. Good meals Schooner's for dinner and breakfast, and a super easy walk to the aquarium.
3. Sunset Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1927 reviews
This 1939 historic landmark is located one half block from the Pacific and right next to Pacific Grove Golf course. Enjoy redesigned rooms with wood floors, plush beds and linens, and large flat screen televisions. Free wireless Internet access and continental breakfast is included.
Additional fee added upon checkin
Reviewed By 80vscIt's a lovely place and well appointed but upon arrival I was told there was an additional fee (resort fee? although there was no resort amenities...) There were empty cottages but I was given a room underneath an upstairs unit and it was noisy. The place is in a good location, just check the rates and the room first!
4. Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3998 reviews
Inspired by the Monterey Peninsula's natural beauty and nautical heritage, the Portola Hotel & Spa is a step outside the ordinary. If our hotel & spa is not ideal for you then you may want to try one of our other locations ( Jacks Monterey & Peter B's Brewpub ). At Jacks Monterey enjoy our: Monterey wharf restaurants & our delicious Monterey seafood restaurants. If that is not your style then try our second location Peter B's Brewpub. Here you will enjoy our Monterey Bars & Monterey Pubs. Find your favorite drink crafted by our Monterey Brewery .
Location, location, location
Reviewed By jiffyjoeyBest location to be central to all restaurants and the wharf in Monterey. The staff was excellent. The beds were very comfortable and the security person was unbelievable! The bar was beautiful and a great meeting spot for your group.
5. La Playa Carmel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1675 reviews
La Playa Carmel is a 75-room historic luxury boutique hotel, newly restored to preserve its turn-of-the-century charm while updating it to modern-day standards. Located two blocks from the beach and village shops, art galleries and restaurants, the hotel is situated in the heart of Carmel and anchors its most prestigious residential neighborhood. The grounds encompass meticulously tended gardens, intimate patios, secluded courtyards and a tranquil terrace swimming pool.
Beautiful Location & Excellent Service
Reviewed By nbrumfield852LaPlaya is a beautiful property near the Carmel Bay. The gardens are lovely and the hotel is very well maintained. It's a special place in easy walking distance to shops and restaurants in Carmel. The staff is friendly, helpful and professional. It was my second visit and I hope to return someday.
6. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1374 reviews
Nestled in the Monterey pines on 22 secluded acres, and minutes from the scenic wonders of the Central Coast, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course helps inspire wonder and discovery. Surrounded by rugged, natural beauty and fascinating history, guests discover unique experiences along the iconic Monterey Peninsula. Following a day of exploration, our Monterey hotel and spa offers an abundance of on-site experiences to keep everyone entertained. Dive into our two outdoor heated pools and spas, refresh at Spa Adeline, relax at the hammock garden, play a round of golf at Del Monte Golf Course, take a tennis lesson, or challenge your family and friends to a game of bocce. Our hotel is also pet friendly, so bring your fur babies along.
Dirty
Reviewed By eep339This room was not up to the brand name of this hotel. Mold on the shower curtain, run down, loud rooms that could use a little TLC. Windows we’re filthy with water spots, and everything looks like it receives just a quick wipe down during cleaning. I’ve been in hotels that charge way less that are cleaner.
7. La Playa Carmel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1675 reviews
La Playa Carmel is a 75-room historic luxury boutique hotel, newly restored to preserve its turn-of-the-century charm while updating it to modern-day standards. Located two blocks from the beach and village shops, art galleries and restaurants, the hotel is situated in the heart of Carmel and anchors its most prestigious residential neighborhood. The grounds encompass meticulously tended gardens, intimate patios, secluded courtyards and a tranquil terrace swimming pool.
Beautiful Location & Excellent Service
Reviewed By nbrumfield852LaPlaya is a beautiful property near the Carmel Bay. The gardens are lovely and the hotel is very well maintained. It's a special place in easy walking distance to shops and restaurants in Carmel. The staff is friendly, helpful and professional. It was my second visit and I hope to return someday.
8. Spindrift Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2194 reviews
In the heart of Cannery Row, directly on the beach, Spindrift Inn offers an atmosphere of romance, elegance and gracious hospitality. The Inn's distinctive two-story lobby, with its hand-tiled floors, Oriental carpets, charming antiques, original art, and wood-burning fireplace, invites quiet conversation or private reflection. The 45 comfortable, luxurious rooms-half with breathtaking ocean views-are uniquely decorated and include wood-burning fireplaces, down comforters, feather beds, honor bars, TVs, CD & DVD players, wireless internet connection, marble baths and window seats or private balconies. Complimentary silver-tray continental breakfast is served in-room, & an afternoon wine and cheese reception is held daily. Valet parking is available.
Difficult Travel Experience to share...
Reviewed By willb616Wanted to provide feedback on my reason to not stay eventually at Spindrift Inn. FYI - I’ve stayed at Spindrift on two other occasions. On each of those previous vacations I had no expectations and that could be part of the problem. My 2013 and 2014 my Spindrift stays were one of my top experiences as a traveler. On this stay, I was there with my girlfriend for her birthday. I called two weeks before to gather suggested restaurants and things to do around Monterey this time of year and had an engaging conversation with the front desk clerk. On the morning of our visit, I had a very early photography shoot at Yosemite. On our drive we received a welcome text from Spindrift, a nice touch. We called soon after at 11am to inform the hotel that we would be in town early, ~around 2pm and inquire about possible early check-in and did not receive a definitive answer from the hotel. As we arrived Spindrift, 2:30pm, we began check in and were informed the room was not ready. I informed the receptionist that we’d had a long drive and would appreciate being placed in a room sooner than later. We sat and watched 3 other guests go through intake and receive rooms. At 3:40 I asked to speak to a manager and told her I was disappointed in the customer service and asked if we could cancel our stay to which she said yes. As we were seated another receptionist unaware of the conversation handed me room keys without any of the engagement we witnessed for the other guests. I had expectations on this visit associated with my girlfriend’s birthday and the room selection. Needless to say our expectations were not met and we decided to stay at the Monterey Plaza where we were greeted with a glass of wine, bottle of wine to take with us and a complimentary upgrade to a room with an ocean view balcony. As a retired veteran and IT professional I am blessed with the opportunity to travel and even on this trip stayed in 4 hotels over 12 days, some more expensive, so less all while being unable to discern the quality of customer service extended compared to the cost of the hotel. Spindrift Inn fell short of any travel experience I’ve had in years.
9. Best Western Plus Monterey Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1252 reviews
At the Best Western Plus Monterey Inn you're sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Monterey Inn will stand out among other hotels in Monterey,CA. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don't miss a beat while you're away from the office. For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you're on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus Monterey Inn will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts.
Very nice hotel at a good price
Reviewed By Critter3This hotel is great. Clean, comfortable, friendly and welcoming staff, covered parking (under the hotel but open to environment), breakfast was good, 24 hour coffee and tea station, and the aesthetics of the hotel are modern and nice, etc. I booked well ahead of our trip and got a great price - $152 on a Tuesday. Probably one of the best stays we had on our west coast road trip. We drove, but Cannery Row could likely be walked in a decent time. We weren't able to use the pool while there due to time. The one negative I would have is that there is a power pole right across the street that had a very loud buzz. We couldn't hear it in our room, but you can hear it when outside.
10. Tickle Pink Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1345 reviews
A Carmel oceanfront hotel dramatically situated above the rocky coastline that stands at the gateway to world-famous Big Sur. Let yourself be pampered with every amenity…from cozy European bedding and private decks with sweeping views to homemade breakfast pastries and an evening wine & cheese reception with soothing classical music.
Excellence in every category - calming comfort
Reviewed By Z4797FPmichelegThe amazing Ocean views from every balcony will bring you here, but the delicious breakfast, fantastic wine & cheese nightly hour, superb & friendly staff plus many room extras like motion sensor light in bathroom, extra lite make- up mirror on desk, daily paper, fantastic bedding, breakfast delivery when you specify to your balcony, afternoon cookies & check out not till noon are just some of the extras . You will keep coming back as have been many of the couples we met. Once you've stayed, you are hooked. Beyond 5 star comfort and calm welcoming!
