Where to Stay

The Monterey Bay area has a centuries-old history of hosting guests. Indeed, it is possible to stay in adobe colonial inns almost that old. Today, Monterey and the other communities of the Central Coast host visitors from around the world, drawn to the area by its beauty, seclusion, or the conferences that are an increasing stock in trade of Monterey hotels. Choices range from well-appointed chain hotels on the Monterey waterfront to cozy Victorian bed-and-breakfasts in Pacific Grove.

Downtown

Stay near the water or not? A quaint period hotel or something modern? Those are the two questions to ask when looking for lodging in Monterey proper. For those who can afford it, the increasing number of large, new, waterfront-area hotels is the obvious choice. Of these, the large-and-in-charge Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, flaunts what is arguably the best location in town, right on Cannery Row. The Spindrift Inn, a renovated hotel from the 1920s, features a more modest 42 rooms, but offers a romantic Cannery Row alternative. The Portola Hotel & Spa, near Fisherman's Wharf, is another popular hostelry of more recent vintage. The Merritt House Inn, an historic adobe building from the 1830s, sits back a bit from Cannery Row. It is an elegant reminder of the area's Spanish history.

Pacific Grove

Bed and Breakfasts are Pacific Grove's specialty. The historic Inn at 213 Seventeen Mile Drive, the prim Centrella Inn, and the elegant Martine are among the stateliest. In each, you will feel as if you've slipped back into some fanciful version of historic Monterey County. Which is, of course, exactly what their proprietors want. The Sunset Inn and the Deer Haven are both set within inspiring pine groves, as is the sprawling Asilomar Conference Grounds. Though designed for meetings and retreats, the facility also welcomes individuals and families, and while there are no phones or televisions in its rooms, there are plenty of nature hikes and other family-oriented fun, such as billiards, table tennis, and running along the boardwalks, to be enjoyed.