Top 10 Hotels in Monterey, United States: Best Places to Stay

If you are comparing the top 10 hotels in Monterey, the best choice depends on whether you want waterfront views, Cannery Row access, resort-style amenities or a quieter historic stay. Monterey offers a strong mix of oceanfront hotels, downtown properties and character-filled inns close to the city’s main attractions.

This ranking focuses on location, character, convenience and traveler type rather than changing nightly prices. From waterfront luxury and Cannery Row favorites to downtown hotels and relaxed garden-style stays, these ten properties cover the strongest options for different Monterey trips.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not determine our hotel rankings or recommendations.

Monterey Hotels at a Glance

Use this quick comparison to match each Monterey hotel with the location, atmosphere and type of stay that best fits your trip.

Rank	Hotel	Best For	Area	Main Strength
#1	Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa	Best Overall	Cannery Row Waterfront	Oceanfront setting and polished luxury
#2	InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG	Cannery Row	Cannery Row	Prime attraction access
#3	Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay	Downtown Waterfront	Downtown / Fisherman’s Wharf	Central location and convenience
#4	Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa	Resort-Style Stay	Del Monte	Space and resort amenities
#5	Spindrift Inn	Romantic Stay	Cannery Row	Intimate waterfront atmosphere
#6	Monterey Bay Inn	Waterfront Boutique Stay	Cannery Row	Bay views and quieter atmosphere
#7	Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa	Relaxed Historic Stay	Downtown	Garden-style character
#8	Victorian Inn	Character Near Cannery Row	Near Cannery Row	Historic charm and walkability
#9	Hotel Pacific	Spacious Downtown Stay	Downtown	Room size and central location
#10	The Monterey Hotel	Historic Downtown Stay	Downtown	Old Monterey character

#1 Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa — Best Overall

BEST FOR: Couples, luxury travelers and oceanfront stays
AREA: Cannery Row waterfront
POSITIONING: Upscale waterfront hotel with direct Monterey Bay atmosphere
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Oceanfront location combined with polished service and spa appeal
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Travelers wanting a more casual or lower-key stay may prefer one of Monterey’s inns

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa takes our #1 position because it delivers one of the most complete Monterey experiences. Its waterfront setting gives the property a strong sense of place, while Cannery Row attractions, restaurants and coastal walks remain close enough for easy exploration.

Why We Recommend It

• Prime waterfront location near Cannery Row
• Strong choice for romantic and luxury-focused trips
• Combines coastal views, spa appeal and convenient sightseeing

WHO SHOULD SKIP IT? Travelers who prefer a traditional downtown setting or resort grounds away from the busiest visitor areas may be happier with Portola Hotel or Hyatt Regency Monterey.

---

#2 InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG — Best for Cannery Row

BEST FOR: First-time visitors, families and Cannery Row sightseeing
AREA: Cannery Row
POSITIONING: Upscale hotel in one of Monterey’s most visitor-friendly locations
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Excellent access to Cannery Row and nearby attractions
MAIN TRADE-OFF: The location is convenient but can feel busier than quieter parts of Monterey

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG is especially strong for travelers who want to step outside and immediately be in the middle of Cannery Row. It works well for first-time visitors who value walkability and easy access to Monterey’s best-known attractions.

---

#3 Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay — Best Downtown Waterfront Location

BEST FOR: First-time visitors, families and central sightseeing
AREA: Downtown near Fisherman’s Wharf
POSITIONING: Large upscale hotel between downtown Monterey and the waterfront
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Excellent access to both downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less intimate than Monterey’s smaller boutique inns

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay is one of the most practical choices for travelers who want to explore several parts of Monterey on foot. Its location near Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown makes it easy to combine waterfront walks, restaurants and central attractions without relying heavily on a car.

---

#4 Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa — Best Resort-Style Stay

BEST FOR: Families, longer stays and travelers who prefer resort amenities
AREA: Del Monte area
POSITIONING: Spacious resort-style property set away from the busiest waterfront streets
BIGGEST STRENGTH: More space and resort-style facilities than central boutique hotels
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less convenient for travelers who want to walk directly to Cannery Row

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is a strong alternative to the waterfront hotels for travelers who value room to spread out and a resort-style environment. It is particularly useful for families, road trips and longer stays where on-site amenities matter more than being directly on Cannery Row.

---

#5 Spindrift Inn — Best Romantic Inn

BEST FOR: Couples, romantic breaks and intimate waterfront stays
AREA: Cannery Row
POSITIONING: Small character-filled inn directly in Monterey’s most famous waterfront district
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Romantic atmosphere and excellent walkability
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Travelers wanting large-scale resort facilities should look elsewhere

Spindrift Inn is one of Monterey’s most appealing choices for couples who prefer intimacy over large-hotel amenities. Its Cannery Row location keeps dining and attractions close, while the smaller scale gives the stay a more personal and atmospheric feel.

---

#6 Monterey Bay Inn — Best Waterfront Boutique Stay

BEST FOR: Couples, quieter waterfront stays and bay views
AREA: Cannery Row waterfront
POSITIONING: Smaller waterfront hotel with a calmer feel than the busiest Cannery Row properties
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Bayfront atmosphere and convenient coastal location
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Fewer resort-style facilities than larger upscale hotels

Monterey Bay Inn is a good fit for travelers who want to stay close to Cannery Row while maintaining a slightly quieter atmosphere. Its waterfront position makes it especially attractive for couples and visitors who prioritize views and easy coastal walks.

---

#7 Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa — Best Relaxed Historic Stay

BEST FOR: Road trips, couples and travelers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere
AREA: Downtown Monterey
POSITIONING: Garden-style hotel with historic Monterey character
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Distinctive low-rise setting and convenient downtown access
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Not directly on the waterfront

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa offers a different experience from Monterey’s larger waterfront hotels. Its garden-style layout and historic character make it appealing for travelers who prefer a more relaxed setting while remaining close to downtown restaurants and attractions.

---

#8 Victorian Inn — Best Character Near Cannery Row

BEST FOR: Couples, families and travelers who want character near Cannery Row
AREA: Near Cannery Row
POSITIONING: Traditional inn-style stay within easy reach of Monterey’s waterfront attractions
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Character and walkable location
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less contemporary than Monterey’s newer upscale hotels

Victorian Inn works well for travelers who want something with more traditional character while remaining close to Cannery Row. It can be a particularly appealing middle ground between a modern full-service hotel and a smaller historic inn.

---

#9 Hotel Pacific — Best Spacious Downtown Stay

BEST FOR: Families, couples and travelers who value extra room
AREA: Downtown Monterey
POSITIONING: Character-focused downtown hotel close to Fisherman’s Wharf
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Spacious accommodation and convenient central location
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Travelers seeking direct bayfront views may prefer a Cannery Row hotel

Hotel Pacific is a practical downtown choice for travelers who prefer more space and easy access to central Monterey. Its location makes Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown dining convenient while keeping the stay slightly removed from the busiest parts of Cannery Row.

---

#10 The Monterey Hotel — Best Historic Downtown Stay

BEST FOR: Historic atmosphere, downtown access and shorter stays
AREA: Downtown Monterey
POSITIONING: Traditional historic hotel in the heart of downtown
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Central location with classic Monterey character
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less modern and less resort-oriented than the hotels higher in the ranking

The Monterey Hotel suits travelers who prefer historic character and a central downtown setting. It is particularly convenient for visitors who plan to spend much of their time exploring local restaurants, shops and nearby attractions on foot.

Where to Stay in Monterey

CANNERY ROW: This is one of the strongest areas for first-time visitors who want waterfront atmosphere and easy access to Monterey’s best-known attractions. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, Spindrift Inn and Monterey Bay Inn all place you close to the bay and Cannery Row.

DOWNTOWN MONTEREY: Downtown works well for travelers who want restaurants, shops and access to Fisherman’s Wharf without staying directly on Cannery Row. Portola Hotel, Casa Munras, Hotel Pacific and The Monterey Hotel are all useful options here.

NEAR FISHERMAN’S WHARF: This area is especially convenient for visitors who want to combine the waterfront with central Monterey. Portola Hotel & Spa is one of the strongest choices for this kind of trip.

DEL MONTE AREA: Travelers who prefer a more spacious resort-style environment can consider Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, which offers a different feel from the denser waterfront districts.

Which Monterey Hotel Should You Choose?

For the strongest overall combination of waterfront atmosphere, location and upscale comfort, start with Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. If your priority is being directly in Cannery Row, InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG is one of the most convenient choices.

Travelers who want a central base between downtown and the waterfront should consider Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, while Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is better suited to those who want a more resort-like stay. Couples looking for a smaller romantic property should compare Spindrift Inn and Monterey Bay Inn.

How We Chose the Top 10 Hotels in Monterey

Location matters heavily in Monterey because the experience differs between Cannery Row, downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf and the more spacious areas away from the waterfront. We considered how convenient each hotel is for sightseeing, walking, dining and reaching the city’s main attractions.

Our ranking of the top 10 hotels in Monterey also considers hotel character, traveler type, setting and how well each property fits a particular kind of trip. Waterfront luxury, historic atmosphere and resort-style space can all be valuable depending on what you want from your stay.

Nightly prices can vary substantially according to season, weekends, events and room category, so temporary rates do not determine our ranking. Always confirm current facilities, policies and details that matter to your trip before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hotel in Monterey overall?

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is our best overall choice because of its waterfront setting, strong Cannery Row location and combination of luxury, atmosphere and convenience.

What is the best area to stay in Monterey?

Cannery Row is excellent for first-time visitors who want waterfront attractions and walkability, while downtown Monterey is better for easy access to restaurants, Fisherman’s Wharf and a broader central-city atmosphere.

Which Monterey hotel is best for couples?

Spindrift Inn is especially appealing for couples who want an intimate romantic atmosphere. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a stronger choice for a more luxurious waterfront experience.

Which Monterey hotel is best for families?

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG is particularly convenient for families who want Cannery Row attractions nearby, while Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa suits families who prefer more space and resort-style facilities.

Which Monterey hotel is best for a waterfront stay?

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is our leading waterfront choice. Monterey Bay Inn is another strong option for travelers who want bay views in a smaller setting.