Best Hotels in Monterey

Monterey’s hotel market concentrates around Cannery Row (closest to the aquarium) and downtown (near Fisherman’s Wharf and Old Town). Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer quieter alternatives within a 5-10 minute drive.

Cannery Row Hotels

InterContinental The Clement Monterey (750 Cannery Row) is the most prominent hotel on the Row — a 208-room full-service property directly on the waterfront, with ocean views from a majority of rooms and a location steps from the aquarium entrance. Restaurant, bar, spa, and pool on site. From approximately $300-$550 per night as of 2026.

Spindrift Inn (652 Cannery Row) is a 45-room boutique hotel on the waterfront — the most intimate of the Cannery Row options. Wood-burning fireplaces in most rooms; continental breakfast included. The smaller scale and fireplace rooms make it the most atmospheric option for couples. From approximately $250-$420 per night.

Monterey Bay Inn (242 Cannery Row) — a 47-room hotel with balconies overlooking the bay; popular for whale watching season visits when the bay view becomes practically useful. From approximately $220-$380 per night.

Downtown Monterey

Portola Hotel & Spa (2 Portola Plaza) — a 379-room full-service hotel adjacent to the Monterey Conference Center and Fisherman’s Wharf. The largest hotel in downtown; a reliable choice for convention visitors and families who want space. From approximately $250-$450 per night.

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa (1 Old Golf Course Rd) — a 550-room conference resort with golf, tennis, and spa on Del Monte golf course, slightly inland from the waterfront. From approximately $200-$380 per night.

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove Inn (581 Pine Ave, Pacific Grove) — a 16-room inn in a converted 1905 craftsman house in the Victorian residential neighborhood. Full breakfast; within walking distance of the Monarch butterfly sanctuary and the Pacific Grove coastline. From approximately $130-$200 per night.

Asilomar Conference Grounds (800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove) — a state-owned property on the Pacific Grove shoreline designed by Julia Morgan (architect of Hearst Castle). Lodges and conference facilities on a beachfront natural reserve; rooms modest but the setting is exceptional. From approximately $120-$200 per night.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

L’Auberge Carmel (Monte Verde and 7th, Carmel) — a 20-room boutique hotel in the village center; wine country ambience and one of Carmel’s better restaurants on site. From approximately $300-$550 per night.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach (1700 17-Mile Dr) — the iconic Pebble Beach resort property; 215 rooms with direct access to the golf courses. From approximately $800-$2,000 per night.

Budget

HI Monterey Hostel (778 Hawthorne St, downtown Monterey) — the only hostel on the Monterey Peninsula; dorm beds from approximately $35-$50, private rooms from approximately $80-$120 per night. Within walking distance of the aquarium (1.5 miles).

Comfort Inn Monterey (1269 Munras Ave, inland from downtown) — from approximately $120-$180 per night; less atmospheric but a reasonable base with a car.

Choosing Where to Stay

Stay on Cannery Row for maximum aquarium convenience and ocean views. The premium is significant but justified for short stays focused on the aquarium.

Stay downtown Monterey for Fisherman’s Wharf access and a lower rate than Cannery Row properties of similar quality.

Stay in Pacific Grove for a quieter residential atmosphere and lower rates; the tidepool coast and Monarch butterfly sanctuary are walking distance.

Booking Notes

Summer (July-August) is peak season; the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (third weekend of August) fills all accommodation for 40 miles in every direction — avoid unless attending. The Monterey Jazz Festival (third weekend of September) is the other major demand event. October-November and March-May are the best windows for availability and rates.