Hotels in Downtown Monterey
I have not stayed in downtown Monterey, but I spend a lot of time here. The downtown area ("Old Monterey") has just five hotels, all very close together, so location shouldn't be a factor if deciding between these accommodations. Furthermore, most of the cool things to see and do in Monterey are within walking distance from downtown (with the aquarium being farthest away at perhaps one mile).
The Hotel Pacific, on Pacific Street, is probably the best value of all downtown hotels. All rooms are suites, and the prices range from about $150 to $450 per night. This hotel is a little more secluded and quieter than the others, but just across the street from the Portolo Plaza Hotel. The Hotel pacific was built in 1985 and has just 105 rooms.
Portolo Plaza, formerly the Doubletree Hotel, has 369 rooms ranging in price from $230 to $400 per night. This hotel is located among the shops of Alvarado and within sight of Fisherman's Wharf. The Portolo Plaza boasts Monterey's only microbrewery: Peter B's. Built in 1975.
Monterey Marriott has 319 rooms on 10 floors from $220 to $375. It is located on Calle Principal, also just across the street from the Portolo Plaza, and has downtown's only true sports bar called Characters. On the same site once stood the San Carlos Hotel, built in the early 1920s, demolished in the 1980s, and the tallest building in town.
The Monterey Hotel is a historic building right along Alvarado Street, which is Monterey's main street. Constructed in 1904, it was renovated in the 1990s. Its 45 rooms range from $100 to less than $200 per night, an awesome deal for this prime location! In 2006 it was announced that the hotel would expand to the empty lot to the south, adding 25 rooms, new retail space, and other features to ensure the hotel lasts another 100 years!
Merritt House Inn has rooms ranging from $140 to $170 and is located right downtown across the street from the Marriott.
