Mariposa Inn & Suites

It was quiet, which I appreciated, and the jacuzzi was great. Breakfast was included each day and very good. I had a room next to barking dogs, but the front desk had no issue moving me. The elevator felt outdated and a bit janky, though the property was still a great value. I stayed three nights at the Mariposa and would come back if I’m in Monterey again.

I paid $550 for one night at peak pricing and regret it deeply. I should have read at least five reviews before booking. People are right to call this a catfish motel: the online photos use flattering angles and don’t show the grime in parts of the room. It felt dumpy, although the floors seemed new. The walls are poorly insulated, and with our window near the street we heard all the outside noise. The front office looked like a dreary pool room. The continental breakfast was disappointing, just Walgreens mini muffins in wrappers, bread, coffee, and bananas. It didn’t resemble the photos of pastries and baked goods, so I left without taking anything. The bathroom fixtures were in poor shape, though usable, and the TV was tiny. The bed was firm and the pillows didn’t collapse after an hour. Staff were nice, but we barely interacted. Across the street there’s a large shopping complex with groceries, quick food, stores, and a theater. Maybe another room would be different, but my single king room felt like leftover space turned into a room. I wouldn’t return. I think I’d have enjoyed a Motel 6 more.

It wasn’t as bad as some reviews made it sound, though the hotel is dated and the room needs a lot of work. The couch was dirty underneath and the bed had a few stains, but there were no bed bugs. I appreciated the two white robes and slippers, which you don’t find at many hotels anymore. Breakfast was okay for kids, but had limited choices for adults. The pool water wasn’t very warm.

The room was clean and the spa was nice, and breakfast was good. I’d have given five stars if the check-in had gone differently. We arrived at 5:05 PM on December 30th and waited in the lobby until 5:30 without anyone acknowledging us. The concierge spent the whole time arguing on the phone, never greeted us or said he’d be with us soon. When he finally hung up, he wouldn’t make eye contact or address us professionally. That lack of basic courtesy made us feel unwelcome, and our disappointment was obvious. I’d suggest adding more protein options at breakfast, such as hard-boiled eggs.