Here are the 5 best hotels in Monterey, California, each offering distinct charm—from stunning bay views to lush golf-course retreats—perfectly blending location, luxury, and convenience.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Location
Perched on Cannery Row, this luxurious hotel juts out over Monterey Bay—kayakers drift beneath the balconies, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is just a short stroll away.
Rooms & Suites
290 rooms and suites, many recently renovated, come with seafront balconies and binoculars to spot otters and dolphins. Interiors mix contemporary comfort with nautical flair. About 70% include balconies or patios—ideal for bay-watching. Suites feature separate tubs and showers, fireplaces, and mahogany trim. The guests appreciate comfort, cleanliness, and the inclusion of binoculars for whale and dolphin spotting.
Food & Drinks at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Home to Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar for fresh seafood and cocktails with ocean views, a lobby lounge, coffee bar, and refined in-room dining. They specialize in fresh seafood, locally-sourced tasting menus (98% ingredients from within 100 mi), and curated wine pairings.
Amenities
Features a rooftop spa with outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, and concierge services. A sun-drenched terrace with lounge seating and soaking tubs completes the experience.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 5 mi (8 km) from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY); around 115 mi (185 km) from San Jose and San Francisco airports.
Portola Hotel & Spa
Location
Centrally located downtown, mere steps from Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay, and Conference Center—ideal for exploring on foot
Rooms & Suites
379 recently renovated rooms, many with harbor views and private patios. Standard rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, fireplaces (in suites), and seating areas. Guests praise comfort and cleanliness, and the romantic extras in suites—wine delivery, fireplaces, separate tub and shower.
Food & Drinks
Hosts two on-site restaurants—Jack’s for Californian-inspired dishes, and Peter B’s Brewpub offering house beers in a relaxed tavern ambiance.
Amenities at Portola Hotel & Spa
Includes 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor plunge pool with Jacuzzi and cabana seating, and the full‑service day spa. Family-friendly Pirate Program for children ages 3–12, bicycle rentals, spa, valet/self‑parking. Also pet-friendly (up to two pets, $50/night fee)
Distance to Airport
Just under 4 mi (6 km) from MRY; 75 mi (121 km) from San Jose, 105 mi (169 km) from SFO.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Location
Set on 22 acres of Monterey pine forest adjacent to the historic Del Monte Golf Course, giving a tranquil, green setting.
Rooms & Suites
Approximately 560 upscale, modern rooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with golf or forest views. Many bookings include a $50 daily food and beverage credit.
Food & Drinks at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Multiple dining venues and lounge areas; daily credit applies to on-site options featuring Californian fare and cocktails.
Amenities
Two outdoor pools, cabanas, spa, fitness centre, golf course access, meeting facilities, plus lush grounds and events spaces.
Distance to Airport
Roughly 5 mi (8 km) from Monterey Regional Airport.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Location
Prominently located on Cannery Row with direct views of Monterey Bay and easy access to the Aquarium and coastal views.
Rooms & Suites
208 light-filled, modern rooms with wood, glass, marble accents, plush queen/king beds, Frette linens, in-room espresso machines, mini-bars, charging stations.
Many rooms have soaking tubs and separate showers; some are pet-friendly with patios.
Food & Drinks
Dining includes on-site restaurant and lounge serving upscale regional cuisine, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or sunset cocktails.
Amenities at InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, The Spa with massages, wraps, facials; steam room and sauna.
Pet‑friendly options, EV chargers, daily housekeeping, laundry, business center, free bike rentals, and fire‑pit courtyard.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 5 mi (8 km) from MRY.
Spindrift Inn
Location
Located on Cannery Row’s edge overlooking McAbee Beach—an intimate, boutique alternative with prime ocean views.
Rooms & Suites
45 cozy, elegantly reimagined rooms with coastal décor, fireplaces (in some), hardwood floors, marble baths, balconies/patios, seating areas, and premium bedding.
Food & Drinks
Complimentary silver‑tray continental breakfast delivered in-room. Daily 4–6 pm wine, cheese, crackers & cookies reception.
Amenities at Spindrift Inn
Cozy lobby with wood-burning fireplaces, personalized concierge, romantic ambiance but without spa or pool—appeals to couples.
Distance to Airport
Roughly 5 mi from Monterey Regional Airport.
Final Recommendation
– For unmatched waterfront spectacle, choose Monterey Plaza.
– For central convenience and polished service, Portola is ideal.
– For resort-like fun with golf and spa, go with the Hyatt Regency.
– For stylish, modern elegance, the Clement Monterey delivers.
– For an intimate, romantic retreat, you can’t beat the Spindrift Inn.