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4- and 5-star hotels in Monterey
This shortlist covers the 4- and 5-star hotels in Monterey, from grand Cannery Row addresses to quieter inns inland and the coastal retreats along Highway 1. It is for travellers who want a well-reviewed base for a Monterey stay and are choosing between them.
Staying in Monterey
Monterey sits on the California coast, and its most famous address is Cannery Row, the waterfront strip where two of these hotels stand. Other hotels are set along Highway 1 and 17 Mile Drive towards Big Sur, on Del Monte Avenue, on Pacific Street and Old Golf Course Road near the town centre, and out on Sand Dunes Drive by the beach. The result is a shortlist that spreads from the seafront to the hills and woods south of town.
Couples will find the most romantic options among the Big Sur retreats, Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur, while Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and InterContinental the Clement Monterey put couples and families right on Cannery Row. Families also have room to spread out at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Monterey Beach Hotel. Business travellers and short-break visitors are well served by Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay and Hotel Pacific, both central, and by the classic Old Monterey Inn for a quieter stay. The 5-star houses carry the highest guest ratings on the list.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Inn at Spanish Bay
2700 17 Mile Drive, Monterey, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereSet on 17 Mile Drive, this 5-star property suits guests who want a full resort day without leaving the grounds: a spa, a swimming pool and a gymnasium are all on site, and pets are welcome. Several bars and restaurants plus shops cover evenings, while a business centre and laundry service help longer stays. Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 2,492 reviews, it draws couples and travellers who plan their days around the coast road.
See Inn at Spanish BayVentana Big Sur an Alila Resort
48123 Highway One Big Sur California 93920, Monterey, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA Big Sur address on Highway One makes this 5-star resort a choice for guests who want both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, plus a Jacuzzi, sauna and massage for slower afternoons. A restaurant, bar and pool bar cover meals, and free car parking with a car rental service eases getting around. With 897 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, it fits couples and guests booking a longer, quieter coastal stay.
See Ventana Big Sur an Alila ResortPost Ranch Inn
47900 Highway 1, Monterey, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereThis 5-star retreat on Highway 1 pairs an outdoor pool and swimming pool with a spa, garden and library, so days can pass without a schedule. A restaurant and bars handle dining, breakfast is offered, and yoga is among the on-site options. Free car parking and free Wifi keep the practical side simple, and a gift shop, lounge and wedding services round it out. It suits guests marking an occasion or wanting a secluded stay.
See Post Ranch InnMonterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereOn Cannery Row, this 4-star hotel works for travellers who want the waterfront district on foot and a spa, Jacuzzi and massage waiting back at the hotel. Families are covered by family rooms and babysitting service, and a bar, breakfast and breakfast in room handle mornings and evenings. A golf course, garden and entertainment activities add options. Guests rate it 4.6 out of 5 from 3,338 reviews, which makes it a steady pick for couples and families alike.
See Monterey Plaza Hotel & SpaInterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
750 Cannery Row, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereAlso on Cannery Row, this 4-star InterContinental suits guests who want a beach nearby and an outdoor pool, with a fitness centre, massage and Jacuzzi on hand. Family rooms and babysitting service make it workable for parents, while a restaurant, bar and room service cover meals. A business centre and garage help those mixing work with the coast. It averages 4.5 out of 5 over 2,499 reviews, appealing to families and business travellers.
See InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHGPortola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereTwo Portola Plaza puts this 4-star hotel at the centre of things, with a beach nearby, an outdoor pool and swimming pool, plus a spa and Jacuzzi. Pets are allowed, and a restaurant, bar and breakfast serve through the day; divers and anglers get diving and fishing among the activity options. Valet parking and a garage are available. With 3,420 reviews at 4.3 out of 5, it fits guests who want to walk to what they came for.
See Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey BayHotel 1110 Adults Only
1110 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAn adults-only 4-star address on Del Monte Ave, this hotel keeps things small and quiet, with a garden, terrace and picnic area rather than a pool. A restaurant, bar and cafe cover eating, and sailing, surfing, diving and fishing are listed for guests building days on the water. Free car parking and free Wifi are included. From 518 reviews it holds 4.2 out of 5, which suits couples wanting a base without children around.
See Hotel 1110 Adults OnlyHyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereSpread across a garden setting on Old Golf Course Rd, this 4-star Hyatt pairs an outdoor pool with a spa, Jacuzzi and massage, and a golf course sits among the facilities. Pets are allowed, family rooms and cots are available, and a restaurant, bar and room service cover meals. Beach is nearby and parking is on site. It scores 4.1 out of 5 from 3,245 reviews, drawing families and golfers who want space around them.
See Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & SpaMonterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereOn Sand Dunes Dr with the sea and a beach nearby, this 4-star Tribute Portfolio hotel suits guests who want an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a Jacuzzi, with bike rental, canoeing and horse riding among the activities. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available, and a restaurant and bar with a lounge handle the evening. It holds 3.9 out of 5 across 4,800 reviews, a fit for active couples and families.
See Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio HotelHotel Pacific
300 Pacific Street, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereOn Pacific Street, this 4-star all-suite-style hotel gives guests a fireplace, patio or balcony and a Jacuzzi, with breakfast offered and a bar on site. Pets are allowed, family rooms and sofa beds help groups, and a business centre, garage and room service cover the practical side. Surfing and fishing are listed for days out. It averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1,738 reviews, working well for families and longer stays.
See Hotel PacificOld Monterey Inn
500 Martin St, Monterey, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereA garden setting on Martin St makes this 4-star inn the choice for guests who want breakfast in room, a fireplace and a spa, with a Jacuzzi and patio for quiet time. Free car parking and free Wifi are included, family rooms are available, and room service covers evenings. Toiletries, bathrobes and slippers are provided in the rooms. It suits couples and small groups looking for a residential-street base rather than a large hotel.
See Old Monterey Inn
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inn at Spanish Bay | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 2,492 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 897 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Post Ranch Inn | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,338 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,499 | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 3,420 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel 1110 Adults Only | ★★★★ | 4.2 | 518 | Yes | – | – | – |
| Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 3,245 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel | ★★★★ | 3.9 | 4,800 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel Pacific | ★★★★ | 3.9 | 1,738 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| Old Monterey Inn | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
Post Ranch Inn has an outdoor pool, spa, fireplace and garden, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort adds an indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna, and Inn at Spanish Bay is a 5-star address on 17 Mile Drive with a spa, pool and restaurant.
Post Ranch Inn · Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort · Inn at Spanish Bay
For families
Family rooms appear at InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The two Cannery Row hotels put the waterfront on the doorstep, the Hyatt Regency has a golf course and outdoor pool, and the Beach Hotel sits on Sand Dunes Drive with a pool and beach nearby.
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG · Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa · Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa · Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
For business and short breaks
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay has a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool and garage in a central location, Hotel Pacific on Pacific Street offers a business centre and breakfast, and Old Monterey Inn on Martin Street is a small 4-star house with free parking and free wifi.
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay · Hotel Pacific · Old Monterey Inn
Questions, answered
Which hotels in Monterey have the best guest ratings?
Inn at Spanish Bay leads with 4.7 out of 5 from 2,492 reviews, followed by Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort at 4.6 from 897 reviews, Post Ranch Inn, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at 4.6 from 3,338 reviews and InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG at 4.5 from 2,499 reviews.
Are there adults-only hotels in Monterey?
Yes. Hotel 1110 Adults Only on Del Monte Ave is a 4-star hotel open to adults only, with a garden, terrace, restaurant and bar, rated 4.2 out of 5.
Which Monterey hotels are on Cannery Row?
Two: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at 400 Cannery Row and InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG at 750 Cannery Row, both 4-star and both rated 4.5 or higher out of 5.
Which hotels suit families?
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel all list family rooms. The Hyatt Regency and the Beach Hotel also have outdoor pools.
Which hotels have a spa?
Inn at Spanish Bay, Post Ranch Inn, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Old Monterey Inn all list spa facilities.
Which hotels allow pets?
Inn at Spanish Bay, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort, Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey Beach Hotel A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Hotel Pacific all list pets allowed.
Which hotels have free parking?
Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort, Post Ranch Inn, Hotel 1110 Adults Only and Old Monterey Inn list free car parking. Other hotels list parking or a garage, sometimes at a charge.
Do the 5-star hotels have swimming pools?
Yes. Inn at Spanish Bay lists a swimming pool, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, and Post Ranch Inn lists an outdoor pool.