13 Best Hotels in The Monterey Bay Area, California

The activity options at this luxury ranch are so varied that the resort provides a program director to guide you through them. Swing from a tree, hike in the woods, meditate on a hilltop yoga platform, or play a round of golf on the 18-hole Peter Dye golf course. Harvest honey at the on-site apiary and lavender field, or splurge on massages in the full-service Spa Aiyana. The main lodge is a slick, contemporary haven with Brazilian walnut floors, custom woodwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning valley views. Rooms have cathedral ceilings, travertine fireplaces, and large decks.

Secluded on 300 hilltop acres of redwood and eucalyptus forest laced with hiking trails, this Mission-style complex also features a lovely terrace restaurant with expansive views of Monterey Bay. Guest rooms are furnished in an eclectic, bohemian style that pays homage to the artsy local community and the city's industrial past. Antique refrigerators conceal modern minibars, drums reclaimed from the historic tannery serve as bed tables, and headboards are made of authentic oversize abacuses you can play with.

This basic but comfy motel, decorated in bold, retro, seaside style and across the street from the boardwalk, is ideal for travelers who want easy access to the sand and the amusement park rides without spending a fortune. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, microwaves, small refrigerators, private balconies or patios, and air-conditioning. Some rooms adjoin (great for families) and some have spa tubs and/or provide a peek at the ocean.

A cluster of Spanish-theme buildings in the heart of downtown, Casa Munras pays homage to Monterey's roots and the legacy of Spanish diplomat Don Estéban Munras, who built a residence on the site in 1824. All rooms have hardwood floors, custom-designed headboards, and granite bathrooms with oversize vanities; many have fireplaces.

This sparkling hotel, set in the heart of the tourist district and opened in fall 2022, is a warm, welcoming, haven filled with custom-designed furnishings and local art that reflects the beachy Santa Cruz vibe. Hang out on the sofas in the lobby, private booths in the café, outdoor patio with fire pits, or poolside. Rooms are unusually spacious, with ample amenities.

A 22-acre resort amid cypress forests on the Del Monte Golf Course, the Hyatt Regency Monterey is a good choice for business travelers and families (especially those with pets) seeking relatively affordable lodgings with numerous on-site services. Rooms and public spaces have a crisp, contemporary, seaside vibe and Monterey-themed art. The resort has two separate buildings next to an exclusive play zone for dogs and owners.

Spectacular bay views, upscale amenities, assiduous service, and a superb location next to the aquarium propelled this luxury hotel to immediate stardom. Its spacious rooms, in several Craftsman-style buildings on both sides of Cannery Row, have marble, natural wood, and glass elements that create a feeling of warmth and serenity. All rooms have baths with soaking tubs and walk-in showers, and many have fireplaces and balconies. Unusual artworks abound in the public spaces.

One of Monterey's largest hotels, and locally owned and operated for more than 40 years, the coastal-theme Portola anchors a prime city block between Custom House Plaza and the Monterey Conference Center. A lofty lobby atrium with live trees evokes the essence of Monterey Bay and welcomes you to its popular farm-to-table restaurant, Jacks Monterey, and adjacent Peter B's, a brewpub. The hotel's Spa on the Plaza is the largest day spa in Monterey County.

A sprawling collection of ranch-style buildings on 850 acres of meadows, fairways, and lakes, Quail Lodge offers luxury rooms and outdoor activities at surprisingly affordable rates. The resort is a casual, family-friendly enclave with swimming pools, a boccie court, a 9-hole putting green, 18-hole golf course, nature trails, and conference rooms for business presentations, movie nights, and special events. Rooms are decorated with natural fabrics, wooden furnishings, and Spanish accents. All rooms have decks or patios, smart TVs, and spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers. All suites and some guest rooms have fireplaces. Dine at Edgar's at the golf clubhouse around the corner or in the Covey Grill.

Walk to the sand from spacious, luxurious bungalows furnished in contemporary, ocean-theme style at this 19-acre, wellness-centered resort next to Marina Dunes Preserve and a secluded stretch of Marina State Beach. Each room has a private patio or deck, a fireplace, binoculars for spotting whales and other wildlife, and at least a partial ocean view; some have living rooms with sleeper sofas and panoramic ocean views. It’s about 10 miles north of Monterey, but the on-site Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette restaurant, where meals center on fresh local fare, and the many activities—from nightly bonfires and wine-and-cheese tastings to weekend beach yoga sessions—make it easy to just hang out and enjoy the resort.

Location is the main appeal of this motel atop a waterfront bluff, where all rooms have an ocean view and the boardwalk is just down the street. Standard rooms have a fireplace and a refrigerator, and there are three luxury king spa rooms with balconies and two family cottages with private hot tubs. Studios and suites have kitchenettes, and three rooms have whirlpool tubs.

Families and business travelers like this 6-acre property near Seacliff State Beach that's more resort than hotel. Six two-story lodge buildings encircle a large pool and lush gardens with a koi pond and waterfall—ask for a room in a building away from the busy restaurant and bar, which can get noisy at night. The decent-size rooms have a fresh contemporary look.

It's easy to unwind at this full-fledged resort on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. The spacious suites sleep from two to eight people. Each has a kitchenette and a fireplace, and many have ocean-view patios with barbecue grills. Treat yourself to an in-room manicure, facial, or massage, or a bonfire with s'mores on the beach.