The Salinas center point is about the area of Steinbeck Museum and the area of Salinas Amtrak Station.
Given its location in sunny California, Salinas makes a great getaway destination all year round. It averages more than 250 sunny days per year, with zero inches of snow and about 15 inches of rain total. The high temperature in July is just over 70 degrees, while the low in January is just above 40 degrees.
If you plan to visit the beach (and you'd be crazy not to), you may want to visit during the warmest months. Summer also brings more festivals, concerts, and special events to Salinas and nearby cities. Keep in mind, however, that the peak tourism season in this area runs from July through September for these very reasons, so you will face larger crowds and likely steeper room rates.
Those looking to save a little money should consider visiting during the shoulder season of late spring or early fall. The weather will still be pleasant, but crowds will be thinner and prices lower. Also, though lower temperatures and an increased chance of rain make November through March a less popular season, the weather in Salinas will still be a welcome break from the winters that many parts of the country experience.
No matter what kind of hotel you're looking for, there are some great discounts to be had in Salinas. Start your search with chain hotels for the best chance of finding a deal. Many chains have loyalty programs, allowing you to earn points when you stay at their hotels and redeem them for free or discounted stays later. AAA/CAA members and seniors are also offered discounts at many hotels. Some even have special military and government rates. Often, you can save money by booking in advance online or by booking multiple rooms at a group rate.
Although the Residence Inn by Marriott Salinas Monterey starts off as one of the pricier options in the area, it also offers some great deals. You can earn or redeem Marriott Rewards points for your stay, or take advantage of the hotel's AAA/CAA, senior, government, and military discounts. Depending on your travel plans, booking an Air, Car, and Vacation package might also save you some money.
Meanwhile, the Super 8 Salinas offers a 15 percent discount for military members, both current and retired, as well as their spouses. The Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas participates in the Hilton HHonors program and offers Weekend Getaway and Romance packages. Discounts are offered for AAA and AARP members, seniors, military families, and government/military employees.
With or without discounts, some familiar chains offer the best value options in Salinas. On the upper end of the spectrum is Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas. This hotel boasts an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a location near Oldtown Salinas. The business center and on-site convenience store are open 24 hours a day, and every stay includes free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas is another great option. Guests love the deluxe continental breakfast and describe both the rooms and facilities as clean. Relax at the indoor pool, keep connected with free Wi-Fi, or make use of the hotel's meeting rooms and business space. Room service, laundry facilities, a video library, and free parking are also available. Rooms feature DVD players, premium TV channels, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Upgrade to a one king or two queen suite for a sofa bed or an executive suite for a separate bedroom and living area.
Among the most affordable value hotels is the Comfort Inn & Suites of Salinas. It offers lower rates than the other two, but still receives good reviews from guests, who appreciate the hotel's location, friendly staff, and indoor pool. Hit the fitness center for a morning workout, then enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and cable programming.
We already mentioned a few events and attractions near Salinas, but it's worth discussing a few more. After all, during your stay you'll want to experience everything the city has to offer. It would be a shame to find out after the fact that you missed something spectacular.
Let's start with music. Jazz fans can visit in March to catch the Jazz Bash by the Bay, which features not only jazz but also swing, blues, ragtime, and more. If you can't make it to that, April brings the Next Generation Jazz Festival and September the Monterey Jazz Festival. The California Roots Music & Arts Festival and the Carmel Bach Festival are also music-centric, but there are a variety of other events focused on certain cultures, topics, or foods that feature live music.
Foodies won't lack for options either, from the Relais & Châteaux GourmetFest in February to the Artichoke Festival and the Monterey BaconFest in June. Pebble Beach Food & Wine brings dozens of chefs and hundreds of wineries together for an unforgettable culinary experience. Other festivals throughout the year provide a taste of Scottish, Celtic, Greek, and Italian cuisine and culture.
Motorsport races, golf tournaments, county fairs, marathons, and even a rodeo or two round out the event calendar. If you're looking for something truly unique, there are a few celebrations that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Visit during January to witness the annual gray whale migration or come in October to welcome back the monarch butterflies after their yearly trek.
When traveling in California, this is abundantly true especially when one is making their journey to the enigmatic town of Salinas. This city is in the municipal area of Monterey which has always been a favored spot amongst travelers and free minded hippies. But what has left an indelible mark on the place is its heritage as a hub of agriculture. Even many of the hotels in Salinas have decor that reflects this close relationship with nature and an almost cowboy like work ethic. And as to Steinbeck the writer was so inspired by the city that he based many of his novels there.
With all the travel through Salinas, not to mention the tourism there is no shortage of cheap hotels in and around the city for people to enjoy on a budget. One of the more noteworthy is the 8 Salinas. The is hotel has a prime location for travelers right near the National Steinbeck Center, which a historical establish dedicated to the writers legacy additionally it is only a mile and a half from the popular California Rodeo Salinas. This hotel features and mini-fridges microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. Another one of the cheap hotels in the city is the Good Nite Inn, a very basic but pleasant place for those looking for somewhere to lay their head. It is conveniently located near the Salinas Amtrak station and the Marina State Beach.
If you can spend a bit more and enjoy your time relaxing in Salinas more thorough, there are many luxury hotels in Salinas that will fit the bill. Among them is the Residence Inn by Marriott. This hotel offers guests over 100 rooms in a comfortable and polished environment that reflect the heritage of the town. Its amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, an Indoor pool, air conditioning, laundry service and a front desk safe.
The Courtyard by Marriott is another example of Salinas hotels that exudes luxury and as the name implies it has a similar sensibility to the previous establishment. This hotel features a bar & lounge, an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center and much more.
While there are plenty of high-end hotels in Salinas there are few that can compare to the innate beauty and grandeur of the Laurel Inn Motel. This establishment has a very simple yet clever name that belies its luxury and the sense of detail put into every inch of the building and its accommodations as a whole. People how have made the journey to the area and stayed at other Salinas hotels prior to visiting the Laurel Inn Motel have often commented on the difference in terms of quality and comfort. There is a complimentary breakfast included in the stay and the portions are not limited and the variations far from meager.
Below are reviews of the city of Salinas, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Everything
Salinas was a great place to visit, and the people were so friendly!
Salinas has great areas to relax and meet up with friends and family
I actually live here in Salinas. I was just needing a place to stay until my new house was ready for me to move in. I've lived here for 77 years and have loved it. Centrally located to all the places that you would want to visit. Monterey, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe or Big Sur. No other place I would want to be. Weather is perfect and the people are so friendly.
Center of most activities.
Close to Monterey and Carmel
Soccer tournament first time there.
the Rodeo
The hotel was near the highway with places to eat nearby.
The hotel was near the highway with places to eat nearby.
Good food and nice parks
I like Salinas. Nice little downtown. Enjoy the history of John Steinbeck.
Quiet hotel, not much street noise.
Hotel had easy access from highway and easy to find.
Salinas is a good town to live in.
Good resturants
Gino's restaurant was amazing as was Pubs Restaurant. Love eating at both places.
Did not have tine to use much of the city, Amtrak was on time.
Beautiful flowers everywhere; they do love their roses!
Walking distance to work