Monterey hotels

Set right on the Pacific Ocean, The Inn at Spanish Bay Leg is one of the best hotels in Monterey if you’re after luxury. Part of the Pebble Beach Resort, the Inn gives you direct access to the famed golf course, tucked away in the Monterey pine forest and right on the iconic 27-kilometre drive.

Rooms and suites are oversized and have gorgeous views across the forest or ocean. I particularly love their Loft rooms, which have bay windows overlooking the ocean – the perfect place to get the fire going and curl up with a book.

In terms of amenities, the hotel has it all: three restaurants (the Italian option, Peppoli, is worth going to multiple times), a Forbes 5-star spa, a private beach club, private tennis club and private historic tours. Make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy them all.

Just a little way up the coast on Monterey Bay, this beachfront property is one of the best hotels in Monterey if you want right-on-the-beach seclusion. Here you’ll find a host of suites and rooms, all recently redone and refreshed. I loved stepping right onto the sand from my oceanfront suite.

There is a nightly bonfire, which is a great place to meet fellow travellers. That’s if you haven’t already made friends by taking part in the hotel’s robust programming, which offers everything from beach yoga to jazz nights.

The on-site restaurant, Salt Wood, serves interesting local seafood options, all with a little twist, and they take their cocktail game seriously. Try a Marina Reset Facial at The Spa at Sanctuary, which overlooks the bluffs, and feel your stresses melt away.

Right on Cannery Row and facing Monterey Bay, this is one of the best hotels in Monterey if you want to be right in the action. From here you can easily walk along the waterfront and stroll to dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.

The hotel has just over 200 rooms and 12 suites, all decorated in chic coastal minimalism. Many of the rooms have balconies opening up to the ocean – I loved sitting outside our King Oceanfront room watching the seals and seagulls for hours.

Of course, I also loved the room’s marble bathroom and gas fireplace, which added a cozy feel as the fog rolled in. In terms of dining, the C Restaurant and Bar is where to get your local seafood fix. The hotel also boasts a well-stocked gym, as well as a spa and a heated outdoor pool for getting a few laps in.

Right in the centre of the old town, this is a big hotel with newly revamped rooms (though the building itself is a little dated). If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during TED talks or other conferences here, this is one of the best hotels in Monterey.

You’ll find plenty of rooms to choose from, as well as some rather fabulous suites. I love that they’re all dog-friendly and that our suite (with a balcony) had views across beautiful Monterey Bay.

From the hotel, you can walk down to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or over to Captain Stoker for a coffee. At the hotel you’ll find a heated outdoor pool plus a 24-hour gym, where I enjoyed working up a sweat. Fin + Field is the on-site restaurant, offering fresh California farm-to-table fare made with some of the best local ingredients.

Located right where the waves crash onto the historic waterfront, this hotel has lots of charm. It’s also one of the best spa hotels in Monterey. The state-of-the-art rooftop Vista Blue Spa takes wellness seriously and has won many awards for its facilities and treatments. I loved getting a deep tissue massage and then sitting out on the deck to admire the bay views.

The hotel has various rooms and suites, all decorated with old-school charm. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, a spa suite with a whirlpool tub and private deck is the place to book.

There’s plenty of dining on-site, from Schooners Monterey to the upscale Coastal Kitchen – my personal favourite – where the tasting menus are focused on local fare. Don’t miss the complimentary BMW or cruiser bikes if you want to explore the area.

If you’re in town for a conference and want to be able to walk around Old Monterey with ease, this is one of the best hotels in Monterey to book. The hotel is in a prime location, just across the street from the Monterey State Historic Park and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

You’ll find almost 400 coastal-inspired rooms and suites, all with sterling views across the bay or over the nearby forests and mountains. Pro tip: go for a Harbor View Room with a balcony facing the coastline.

But what I think is most special about this hotel is that it’s an approved Blue Zones Project® for its focus on living a healthier, longer life. Their restaurant, Jacks Monterey, is the perfect showcase of that healthy Californian farm-to-table philosophy. If you’re travelling with kids, inquire about the hotel’s Pirate Program, which will keep them fully engaged.

Spindrift Inn is one of the best hotels in Monterey for a boutique waterfront experience. It’s a member of the fan-favourite “Inns of Monterey,” a collection of five uniquely designed properties. This particular one is located in the heart of Cannery Row, which means you can easily walk to the water and beaches.

The hotel offers plenty of extra touches to make your stay feel even more special, like complimentary breakfast in bed and wine hours down at the fireplace in the lounge.

With the waves lapping right up against the property from McAbee Beach, the rooms and suites are romantic, with a homier feel than most hotels. My top pick would be an Ocean View King with a daybed in the window overlooking the bay. Open the windows, let in some fresh air and enjoy the rhythmic sound of the ocean.

Set in a quaint Victorian-style house, this little hotel is utter perfection. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and charming, this is one of the best hotels in Monterey to go for. It’s located in the Pacific Grove area of Monterey and very close to the ocean, with an easy walk to beaches and views across the bay.

Although it's petite, you can choose from a range of beautifully designed rooms with either king or queen-sized beds. I love the Poppy Hill room, which has a private balcony where you can enjoy the ocean breeze.

The whole property is filled with antiques but decorated simply and in a modern style without feeling remotely stuffy. If you’re travelling with furry friends, call ahead and ask for a dog-friendly room. With a complimentary wine hour and free bikes, you’ll find plenty do to here.

This is one of the best hotels in Monterey to escape into old-world charm. The artfully rustic Old Monterey Inn is traditional in style but features all the modern amenities you might need. It’s a romantic spot, surrounded by tranquil English gardens and beautiful water features.

In terms of accommodation, the Garden Cottage is my favourite – it feels like an English manor house straight out of a novel, with a sweet window seat overlooking the gardens. They bring breakfast to your room – served on fine china with crystal and antique silverware – so you can sit by the fireplace and enjoy it in luxury.

If you’re looking for a little afternoon activity, the Inn offers wine and treats by candlelight at the main fireplace. This is hands down the most romantic and enchanting place to stay in town.

This small Victorian estate is located right on the water, just outside the old part of Monterey. This is one of the best hotels in Monterey for luxury lovers with stellar views across the bay.

My top pick is the Breakers Room, with views across the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. I stayed here to surprise a loved one once, and they were suitably delighted. You can order champagne, settle into the comfy chairs in the gable, and watch as the whales come out to play right outside your room.

If you’re not too fussed about having lots of modern amenities and just want a quiet spot for a weekend away, this is the place to book. But they do offer free parking and complimentary breakfast with every stay.