Monterey Bay Inn

We’re back for our second stay, and the friendly staff and clean, spacious rooms are still a big part of why we like it here. The free bottled water and cookies at check-in are nice little extras. We’ve tried different discounted packages on different visits, one time getting 15% off and another time choosing the whale-watching package. Each morning, breakfast is delivered to the room, and it’s a tasty way to start the day. The bay and ocean views from the rooms with balconies are wonderful. You can walk to the shops, restaurants, and wharf, and Carmel is a quick drive away.

Michelle was incredibly nice and helpful, and I can’t wait to come back. The rooms are beautiful, even if the hallways aren’t the nicest, so don’t judge by the outside. The location is amazing, with the aquarium, wharf, and more within walking distance. There’s a beach right next door, and the rooftop hot tub is amazing. Love it here!

You can walk outside and see birds, otters, and sea lions right by the bay, which is the main reason this stay felt worth the money. The hotel is right on the water, close to nature and the bike trail. My room faced a parking lot, though, and the windows were dirty. The sheets were clean and the bed comfortable. I’d read that it could be loud, but it was quiet for me. The room stayed at 62 the whole time, with no heat, and I suspect the thermostat was broken. There’s a hot tub, but a few snacks or drinks in the fridge would have been nice at a three-star hotel; you get two bottles of water. The furniture was old, and the staff seemed kind of cold and weren’t often at the front desk. I was glad I hadn’t rented a car, since they don’t tell you about the $25-a-day parking fee until you arrive. It feels somewhat overpriced for what you get, though maybe that’s California. The location is doing most of the work; everything else is really bare bones.

The balcony view and the sound of the Pacific made me leave the sliding door open behind the screen the whole time. The hotel is also an easy walk to restaurants, the USCG pier, where I always find sea otters to photograph, and even a 7-11 up the street for late-night snacks. The otter photos and video were taken on that pier, about five minutes from the hotel. Everyone on staff was friendly, very polite, and eager to help. They offered me water whenever I was in the lobby. My only complaint is that the ceiling is thin. On my last night, someone walked around heavily for about an hour. I called the desk, the noise stopped within ten minutes, and I got to sleep. Maybe I’ll ask for a top-floor room next time.