For travellers embarking on a road trip in California, it can be tough to make a decision about which towns to spend the night in. Irrespective if you’re only doing a short trip from LA to San Francisco, enjoying a road trip to Big Sur, or whether you’re tackling a longer trip all the way up to Seattle or down to San Diego, staying in Monterey or Carmel is a must.
Both these towns are located close to the stunning Big Sur and also have a lot to offer themselves in terms of activities and great places to eat. Unsure about where to stay in Monterey or Carmel? Let us help you find the best hotels for any budget and determine which town makes the most sense for your trip to California!
Looking for a quick answer? Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. These are some top choices for places to stay:
Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental)
Carmel: Hofsas House Hotel (Mid-Range), Carriage House Inn (Luxury) & Peaceful Cottage (Private Rental)
Should You Stay in Monterey or Carmel?
Before we delve into where to stay in Monterey or Carmel, let’s look at the difference between the two cities to help you decide which is right for you.
With the towns only about 4 miles apart, both are easily accessible from each other, however, there are a couple of reasons why you might prefer one over the other.
Carmel boasts a huge selection of tasting rooms for local wineries, hip, and modern restaurants and boutique shops that will certainly make it more appealing for couples looking for a romantic weekend away.
On the other hand, Monterey is a more suitable destination if travelling as a family. There are a lot more things to do that will appeal to kids including the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Monterey is also a better choice if trying to reduce the amount of money you spend in California as not only is accommodation slightly cheaper but shops and restaurants cater more to a wider range of budgets.
Where to Stay in Monterey, CA
Best Budget Hotels in Monterey
Pacific Inn Monterey – A modern motel located a few minutes’ drive from the local airport, this is one of the best places to stay in Monterey if you’re after a private room and on a budget. All rooms have basic modern amenities including some kitchen facilities such as a refrigerator, coffee machine and microwave. Click here to check their availability
Lone Oak Lodge – Another budget motel in Monterey that is located a few minutes’ drive from the famous attractions in the city. All rooms here also have basic amenities with some having additional perks like an in-room hot tub and fireplace! There is also a spa, sauna and small gym that guests can use on site. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other budget rooms in Monterey!
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Monterey
The Stevenson Monterey – Located just off Highway 1, this is a great mid-range hotel if you’re wondering where to stay in Monterey. Rooms are modern, clean and comfortable and you are only located a few minutes drive from the coastline and Cannery Row. There is also a continental breakfast included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability
Wave Street Inn – A boutique and modern hotel located near the harbour, they offer a range of private rooms suitable for couples or larger families. This hotel is excellently located in the heart of Monterey close to many restaurants and shops. Click here to check their availability
Hotel Abrego – Located close to the centre of Monterey, this boutique hotel offers various private rooms that can accommodate both couples and families with children. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with some deluxe rooms having a fireplace and all guests having access to an outdoor swimming pool. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other mid-range rooms in Monterey!
Best Private Rentals in Monterey
There is no shortage of private places to rent in Monterey which is the perfect option if you’re looking for some extra privacy or want additional amenities during your stay such as access to a full kitchen and laundry facilities. Some of the top choices include this quaint private home or this beautiful house minutes from the beach.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse the best private rentals in Monterey!
Best Luxury Hotels in Monterey
InterContinental The Clement Monterey – One of the top-rated luxury hotels in Monterey, it is located on the coastline and only moments away from Monterey’s most famous attractions such as Cannery Row. All rooms are fitted with modern amenities including a bathtub and separate shower. Guests can enjoy access to a swimming pool and children’s club and there is the option to include breakfast in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Another one of the best luxury hotels in Monterey, guests here enjoy access to their own private beach, a rooftop gym and spa. There is an onsite restaurant and cafe as well as 24-hour room service. This is an ideal place to stay for couples looking to splurge on a getaway. Click here to check their availability
Old Monterey Inn – An elegant four-star hotel that has been around for close to 100 years, this is a great place to stay in Monterey for travellers that want to be transported back in time. All rooms have their own fireplace, comfortable beds and unique furniture and design. There is complimentary breakfast, wine, and nibbles for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other luxury rooms in Monterey!
Where to Stay in Carmel, CA
Unlike in Monterey, for travellers looking for where to stay in Carmel, there is an unfortunate lack of conventional budget options like hostels and motels. This means that if you’re after a budget place to stay, you’re better off staying in Monterey over Carmel.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Carmel
Hofsas House Hotel – A basic three-star hotel located in the centre of the town and surrounded by a range of great restaurants, cafes and shops. All rooms have basic amenities and there is a light continental breakfast included daily. Free parking is available. Click here to check their availability
Carmel Green Lantern Inn – Located a couple of minutes’ walk from Carmel Beach, this is a great bed and breakfast with a huge buffet breakfast served daily for guests. Rooms have their own private entrance and some rooms have their own balconies with sea views. There are a few different room options that are suitable for couples or families. Click here to check their availability
Carmel Bay View Inn – A boutique hotel that is located close to shops and restaurants and about 1 mile from the sea. Rooms are suitable for couples with each having its own fireplace making it one of the best places to stay in Carmel for a romantic getaway. A hearty buffet breakfast is included in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other mid-range hotels in Carmel.
Best Luxury Hotels in Carmel
Carriage House Inn – An elegant bed and breakfast located in the centre of Carmel, this is a perfect place to stay for couples looking for a romantic getaway and with some money to splurge! Rooms are wonderfully designed with their own fireplace and some rooms also having their own spa. Breakfast is served daily and there is also complimentary wine and nibbles in the evening. Click here to check their availability
The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio – A boutique hotel that goes above and beyond what they offer to guests. Guests here can enjoy wine and cheese every evening, sherry in their rooms, a hearty breakfast and access to an on-site spa with massages available. All rooms are large and spacious making this an excellent luxury hotel in Carmel. Click here to check their availability
Tradewinds Carmel – Another great boutique hotel option in Carmel for the luxury traveller. All the rooms here are comfortable and spacious with premium linens and decorations. Some rooms have sea views and their own fireplace with breakfast included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other luxury hotels in Carmel.
Best Private Rentals in Carmel
In-line with the rest of Carmel, there are limited options for private rooms in the town so if planning to stay in a private rental, you should be prepared to spend on an entire place to yourself.
Some great options include this quaint peaceful cottage, this cosy cabin in the woods and this stylish Carmel home perfect for a romantic getaway!
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other private rentals in Carmel!
Irrespective of whether you choose to stay in Monterey or Carmel, there are a number of great accommodation options and you’ll be sure to enjoy the magnificent beauty and vibrant towns of this area of California!
Are you wondering where to stay in Monterey or Carmel? Have you been recently? Let us know in the comments below!
