Should a traveler to the Monterey Peninsula of California be so inspired, they could spend upwards of $5,000 on lodging for a given trip, easy. That wouldn’t be to finance a house for a week, but a single room, for one night. This list is the antidote to that sort of spending — without sacrificing the luxury. A helpful reminder therein: Value doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, it demonstrates the most quality for the fairest price.
One way each of the following spots delivers on that axiom is by maximizing access, visually and geographically, to the wonders of the Pacific Coast, buttressed by a range of creature comforts and superior service. So without further ado or breathless adjectives, here appear ourpicks for the best value hotels in Monterey, selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
Featured photo courtesy of Portola Hotel & Spa.
Portola Hotel & Spa
In the heart of Old Monterey, Portola Hotel & Spa is steps to the historic Custom House Plaza, the shops and restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, quaint adobes and intriguing museums. Its recently renovated 379 rooms and suites, some with harbor views, boast a bright and light coastal palette with modern, streamlined furnishings. Dining options are tasty and convenient: clubby Jacks Monterey, the acclaimed indoor-outdoor Peter B’s Brewpub and Peet’s Coffee. Larger parties, especially families, should also consider this hotel along with our choices for best hotels for group getaways.
HIGHLIGHTS: The number one highlight might be sitting in a puppy-soft robe by a wood-burning fireplace or on the private balcony — or slipping out of the robe and into an outdoor hot tub. But there are more highlights where that came from: fresh ground coffee in each room; deluxe continental breakfast with fresh-baked breads and pastries, eggs Florentine and more; and local red and white California wines paired with an cheeses at the nightly reception in the Terrace Lounge by the Cliffside Deck. Bonus things to take advantage of: proximity to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monastery Beach, and the one and only Carmel-by-the-Sea itself.
The Monterey Hotel
While the historic Monterey Hotel may not have the waterfront setting of many of the more luxurious hotels in the vicinity, its downtown location affords guests the opportunity to stay in a less touristy part of town and is still only 1.5 miles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and less than a 10-minute walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The affordably priced rooms here aren’t short on charm, either: All 69 rooms feature. Victorian-influenced accents, including hand-carved wood furnishings, ceiling fans and plantation shutters, and some even feature fireplaces and views of the bay.
HIGHLIGHTS: Adding to the value of this downtown gem, guests at the Monterey Hotel can take advantage of the onsite fitness room, indoor hot tub, business center and complimentary Boyd’s organic coffee.
Mariposa Inn and Suites
It may be located a 10-minute drive from the aquarium, but the Mariposa Inn and Suites makes up for it with clean, contemporary rooms that are priced right and include perks like pillow-top beds, ergonomic work chairs, fluffy robes and microwaves (plus gas fireplaces and in-room jetted spa tubs in some rooms). Enjoy the hotel’s complimentary continental breakfast indoors or outside on the pleasant patio and unwind at the end of the day on the pool deck, which features an outdoor heated pool, hot tub and fire pit.
HIGHLIGHTS: Ideal for families or business meetings, spacious two-story, two-bathroom townhouse suites accommodate four guests.
Hotel Abrego
With so many thoughtful amenities, Hotel Abrego gets high marks for adding value to its reasonable room rates. Located in downtown Monterey, the hotel’s 93 rooms feature. Bluetooth stereos, eco-friendly bath products and even microwaves upon request—and some include outdoor balconies and fireplaces, too. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s heated swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center and Bistro Abrego restaurant.
HIGHLIGHTS: A hearty breakfast buffet (think breakfast burritos, house-made granola and overnight oats) is included in the nightly amenity fee.
Victorian Inn
It’s easy to see why cost-conscious travelers love staying at the historic 70-room Victorian Inn: It’s located steps away from Cannery Row; the reasonably priced, Victorian-styled rooms include luxuries like private patios, balconies and window seats overlooking the ocean; it’s pet-friendly; and room rates include a generous breakfast buffet. Large family suites, which feature separate living and sleeping areas and sleep up to four, can even be connected to another guest room, providing an economical option for groups to stay together.
HIGHLIGHTS: Don’t miss the complimentary evening wine hour, when the hotel serves California wines and cheese and crackers.
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