Victorian Inn

We had a good continental breakfast, and the free wine and cheese were good too. The property was very clean, the staff friendly, and I felt safe there. Cannery Row was an easy walk away, and there was plenty of parking. When I return to Monterey, the Victorian Inn will be at the top of my list.

We’ve stayed at both The Victorian Inn and its sister property, The Wave Street Inn, on our long weekends in Monterey, and our experiences with the front desk have always been pleasant. The location is excellent, close to attractions but set back enough from the main strip to avoid too much noise. There are good nearby takeout options if you’d rather eat in your room, including Sea Harvest, Pelican Pizza, Crystal Fish, and Cannery Row Deli. Our rooms have always been clean. I like that dogs are limited to first-floor rooms, so we can book upstairs without worrying about barking or dog smells. Breakfast is basic but enough to get the morning started. The garage is clean and well lit, though a bit pricey. We’d love thicker blankets, since the sheet and a couple of thin ones aren’t warm enough in winter. We drive and bring extra blankets, but it would be nice if the rooms had better ones already. The courtyard could use some improvements too, maybe better furniture and a couple of fire pits. We’re always happy to stay here.

We spent four nights at the Victorian Inn and would happily return. It’s an easy walk to the pier, and we could explore the area without driving. The location is just right. Our room was adorable, very clean, and well cared for, and the electric fireplace made it cozy. The complimentary wine and cheese hour was a lovely way to relax in the evenings. The staff were warm and hospitable from the moment we arrived, and they shared great local tips. They even let us check in a little early and had treats waiting for our dog, a thoughtful touch that made traveling with him extra special. We loved the stay and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Monterey.

We had a pleasant two-night stay at the Victorian Inn during a coast road trip, though it fell short of what we hoped for on a longer visit. It’s an older, dated, open-air property, so keep that in mind if you expect modern, pristine comfort. If you’re traveling with a pet or don’t mind some character, it could work well. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful, the location was fantastic for walking to lots of attractions, and the breakfast was delicious with good variety. The evening wine and cheese hour was quaint and relaxing. Our room was very large, with handy double sinks inside and outside the bathroom. Paying $17 a day for the secure garage felt worthwhile. The rooms could use maintenance and updates: we saw chipping wood on the mantle, scrapes on the floor and door frames, and rust spots. First-floor rooms welcome pets, which is useful for pet owners but not ideal for anyone with dander allergies. The room looked clean on the surface, but a closer look left things to be desired. There were cobwebs on the ceiling and a thick layer of pet hair and dust under the beds, which bothered my husband’s allergies. The tub was very shallow, and a standing shower might use the space better. These are fixable issues that could improve the stay. If we came back, I think we’d request a non-pet-friendly room on an upper floor. This place could be five stars with some updates.