Monterey, CA: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Monterey, CA

The Monterey area enjoys a Mediterranean climate that's moderated by the nearby Pacific Ocean. As a result, temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, and highs typically reach the mid- to upper 60s. The spring and summer are very dry in Monterey, and late fall through late winter mark the rainy season. While spring and summer are often the priciest times to visit Monterey, you can typically lower your costs by booking in advance or seeking out deals.

You won't want to miss Monterey's myriad summer festivals, starting with the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in late May. This three-day event includes everything from great food to live music to groundbreaking artwork. In June, the annual Monterey Wine Festival welcomes wine and food lovers to sample new vintages, learn about wine pairings, and even join a cocktail camp. In early September, the Monterey Jazz Festival features the biggest names in jazz for three days of music and fun.

Best Hotel Discounts in Monterey, CA

Make your visit to Monterey more affordable with the area's best group discounts. For instance, AARP members and seniors get discounts at the Spindrift Inn and Hotel Abrego. If you're a member of the military or a AAA member, ask about group discounts at other hotels in the area.

Best Value Options in Monterey, CA

At the best mid-range hotels in Monterey, you can live it up without breaking the bank.

If you're searching for an affordable resort option in the Monterey area, look no further than the Arbor Inn Monterey. This small resort is ideally located near Monterey Bay, the Monterey Museum of Art, and the Monterey Conference Center. It offers easy access to the city's best attractions. Once you settle into your comfortable room equipped with free Wi-Fi and a workspace, however, you might not want to leave the property. Fortunately, the Arbor Inn offers complimentary breakfast, so you can enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort.

Just seconds from downtown Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Maritime Museum, Merritt House Inn couldn't be more ideally located. This highly rated mid-range hotel has just 22 rooms, but they all have cozy fireplaces and private patios that are perfect for catching the sunset. Enjoy an outdoor meal in the picnic area, and don't miss the complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning. The inn's free on-site parking will help you keep your vacation budget on track.

Whether you're looking for the perfect place to get away from it all or you want to plan a corporate retreat at one of the area's most desirable hotels, set your sights on the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. In addition to a range of room and suite types, this property also offers a long list of amenities. Reserve a tee time and spend the afternoon on the golf course, or head to the spa for a relaxing body treatment or massage. Plan your wedding, conference, or corporate function in the Hyatt Regency's 40,000-square-foot event space.

No matter if you're traveling for work or fun, the Hotel Abrego is a comfortable place to rest your head. Guest rooms include upgraded amenities like iPod docking stations, LCD TVs with cable programming, and designer toiletries. Stay in shape in the hotel's fitness center, and relax by the outdoor pool. Sit down to a nice meal at the hotel restaurant, and have a drink at the lounge to top off a great stay.

Can’t-Miss Attractions in Monterey, CA

Get to know this beautiful area by exploring some of Monterey's most popular neighborhoods. Head to Old Fisherman's Wharf for great dining and shopping, as well as stunning views of the bay. Next, make your way to Cannery Row, where you'll find some of Monterey's best shopping, fine dining, and even antiquing at the Cannery Row Antique Mall.

Don't miss your chance to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a highlight in the heart of Cannery Row. Here you'll see everything from sea turtles to sharks to jellyfish, and you can even take part in dozens of interactive exhibits. For an extra special trip to the aquarium, book a tour and feed some of the maritime mammals.

Golfers won't want to miss their chance to play a round at Pebble Beach Golf Club, one of the most stunning courses in the world. Since tee times tend to book far in advance, do your best to plan ahead. Be sure to enjoy the famously scenic 17-Mile Drive as you make your way from Monterey to the course.

Get out and explore the Monterey area with a visit to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of the city. You'll be amazed by the rock formations, the plentiful sea life, and the beautiful dive sites.

From outdoor adventures to quaint shopping streets to can't-miss neighborhoods, this Central Coast gem has it all. Start planning your visit to Monterey today.

Travel overview of Monterey, CA

Centuries proceeding after 1602, Monterey went from a Spanish administrative and military center into a sleepy Mexican town of the nineteenth century. The city later became the birthplace of the state constitution, and eventually became California's first capital, albeit short-lived. The city still features some of the past's best Spanish and Mexican vernacular buildings, almost all of which are found sitting within a few blocks from the waterfront. Join a 45-minute walking tour to see the loosely organized path of history, which connects Monterey State Historic Park's numerous sites. Visit the old Monterey at the Larkin House, Jefferson, and Pacific Streets and the Monterey Art Museum for a break in history. For a night in town, tourists should avail of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Family Seashore Sleepover. For an otherworldly slumber, you can set up camp in front of the jellyfish exhibit. You don't have to dream about the spectacular display of sealife, huge Kelp Forest tank, and a large evocative tank filled with bluefin tuna and hammerhead sharks; this one's for real. Literally sleeping with the fishes, you'll have this usually crowded attraction almost to yourself.

'Rock n' Roll has been good here. I love the vibe here “ people are nice and food, just brilliant!

Jimi Hendrix, often considered to be the best guitarist that has ever lived, was a frequenter of Monterey, CA. Even though most of his visits to the city were on account of his appearances in various music shows and festivals, he is known to have taken a special liking to the city, as indicated by his many casual trips to the city, just for relaxation from the busy life of a rock-star.

Just like Hendrix, many notable people have fancied Monterey as their adopted home and tour destination. The biggest influential factor in this regard is the amazing geographical location that the city has been blessed with. Located right in the middle of Central Californian Monterey Bay Area, it is a city that has most things that tourists who are looking for a good time expect “ good sights, relaxation spots, good beaches, decent and cheap hotels, many outdoor activities, delectable local food joints and a vibrant music and party scene! 

So, if you have started fancying Monterey as your next holiday destination, we would love to encourage you further. Hence, we are more than glad to present to quick and no-nonsense guide to various hotels in Monterey! 

Cheap and Budget Hotels in Monterey

Monterey, as we have mentioned briefly earlier, is a city where many tourists come down to so as to have a quiet and fun weekend filled with outdoor activities and socialising. Since the whole spirit of the city is all about having fun, it's rather expected that Monterey does not feature too many cheap hotels that one can look forward to staying at. 

But that said, it shouldn't be that big an issue, especially because a number of alternative options to cheap lodges exist. B&B Inns, for example, provide all the basic amenities one could ask for, and that too at dirt cheap tariffs! 

Classic American motels can also be chosen as alternative affordable lodging options while visiting Monterey. Red Roof Inn & Suites, a chain of affordable budget resorts found all over the United States, has a decent property in operation, not too far from downtown Monterey. 

Hotel Ramada Monterey also presents itself as a viable and cheap hotel option, as long as you are ready to pay a touch higher than what you will be required to pay at motels or inns. 

Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Monterey 

Being a popular tourist destination that is filled to the brim with attributes that usually entice tourists not just to come over and visit, but to stay for long periods of time, Monterey certainly houses its fair share of luxury resorts. 

What attracts tourists even more is the fact that unlike various nearby beach towns, Monterey is not too crowded. This is a place where you can actually think about letting yourself go and have fun in the company of nature, without getting disturbed and bothered by incessant tourist activity and chaos that totally ruins the very purpose of your visit. 

But just as the peace and quiet of Monterey helps you make your trip more rewarding, luxury hotels in Monterey try their best to turn your otherwise non-happening stay into a royal and lavish affair. 

The best known among these is Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. It is a landmark hotel that is renowned throughout the state for its extravagant brand of unabashed hospitality, where opulence is just another word for normalcy! 

InterContinental, one of the leading hospitality chains in the world, operates a five star hotel in Monterey “ the InterContinental Clement. It is a magnificent hotel that seems to be referred to in high-praise by almost all of its guests. 

Among other Monterey hotels of luxury kind, we must mention the usual suspects like Hyatt and Marriott, as well.

Independent and Boutique Hotels in Monterey 

The very reason that makes Monterey so famous among tourists applies for the fact the highest-grossing mode of lodging in Monterey, for past few years, has been the rental and independent hotel business. 

Unlike world-circling chains of resorts, these small and locally operated holiday rentals make sure that their guests are accorded the best hospitality that they deserve. Plus, their nightly room tariffs are quite low in comparison with luxury resorts. Hence, choosing an independent hotel can be a good idea in order to strike a balance between style and comfort, and affordability and convenience. 

What to Remember While Sightseeing in Monterey 

Monterey is a fairly safe place to travel to, even if you are an all-alone woman traveler chasing dreams of luxury or just travelling for work. 

Low crime rates, however, do not mean “ in any way whatsoever “ that Monterey can be trusted with your money, all the time! So, it's important to deposit your valuables at the reception of your hotel (provided that you are staying at a decent, trustworthy hotel). Also, make sure that you get a proper receipt describing all the items you have deposited. 

Most Suitable Time to Visit Monterey 

The best time to visit Monterey, in the opinion of most tourists, is during the months of March and July. Visiting a lovely place like Monterey during the heights of summer will give you an instant headache, as even finding a good enough hotel room becomes such a tough ask! 

Even though Monterey has typical Californian weather that just does not know how to get colder, it's always a better idea to visit in relatively cooler periods (noted above). This will allow you to escape intense temperatures and humidity, while never giving up on all the fun that Monterey has to offer! 

Another rather indirect advantage of visiting Monterey in an off season is that during such seasons, most Monterey hotels try to slash down their tariffs in order to attract tourists and travelers. 

Various music festivals, however, are often held during summer months, meaning that you might miss out on those if you don't visit Monterey in summer!