Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Monterey as a budget traveler?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious travellers exploring Monterey, excellent options include Victorian Inn, Pacific Inn, and Wave Street Inn.

The 3-star Victorian Inn, with an impressive 9.4 rating, provides exceptional value with free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and a delicious free continental breakfast. Guests frequently praise the comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. Its great location is also a consistent highlight.

Pacific Inn, rated 9.2, offers spacious and clean rooms along with free Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking, including accessible and van parking options. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, and its central location is a popular feature.

Another fantastic choice is the Wave Street Inn, which holds a 9.2 rating. This hotel provides free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Monterey cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Monterey vary, but you can find a great deal from £54 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Monterey is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in Monterey, areas slightly outside the immediate tourist hotspots, such as the northern end of Cannery Row or the outskirts of Seaside, often provide more affordable options. These locations typically offer better value than properties directly on the waterfront or in the historic downtown.

The northern end of Cannery Row, while still close to the main attractions, tends to have slightly lower-priced accommodations. You'll find a mix of smaller motels and guesthouses here, often just a short walk or a quick public bus ride from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other popular spots. This area allows for easy exploration of the scenic coastal trail and offers proximity to a variety of dining choices, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, suiting different budgets.

Alternatively, consider the neighbouring town of Seaside, which borders Monterey. While not directly in Monterey, Seaside offers a range of motels and budget hotels that are generally cheaper. Public transport, such as local buses, connects Seaside directly to downtown Monterey and Cannery Row, making it a great option for solo travellers who don't mind a short commute.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking top-rated yet affordable accommodation in Monterey, excellent choices include the Best Western Park Crest Inn, Stage Coach Lodge, and Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport.

The Best Western Park Crest Inn, with an 8.6 rating, offers fantastic value with free wired and wireless internet, and complimentary self-parking. Families particularly appreciate the free breakfast, with customers often praising its delicious offerings. Reviews frequently highlight the clean rooms, comfortable beds, and the friendly staff.

Another highly-rated option is the Stage Coach Lodge, boasting a 9.0 rating. This hotel provides free self-parking and complimentary toiletries, along with free WiFi. Guests consistently comment on the beautiful, clean rooms and the convenient location. The friendly and helpful staff, especially at the front desk, receive frequent commendations.

The Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport, rated 8.6, is a great choice for families, offering free cribs, free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking. A standout feature is the free self-serve breakfast, which guests describe as excellent.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Monterey offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Monterey that include complimentary breakfast, you have several excellent choices, including Victorian Inn, Merritt House Hotel, Best Western Plus Monterey Inn, Colton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG.

The 3-star Victorian Inn, with a fantastic rating of 9.4, provides a free continental breakfast, ensuring a good start to your day. Guests frequently praise the comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff.

Merritt House Hotel, rated 9.0, offers a complimentary self-serve breakfast, which guests often describe as nice and great. Reviewers consistently highlight the great location and the beautiful, clean rooms.

Another solid option is the 3-star Best Western Plus Monterey Inn, with an 8.8 rating. They provide a free full breakfast, and customers appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and great staff. Free self-parking is another convenient amenity.

Colton Inn, also rated 8.8, includes a free breakfast, often available for takeaway, which is a practical feature. Guests mention the comfortable and clean rooms, along with the great location and excellent breakfast.

Finally, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG, with an 8.8 rating, offers a complimentary buffet breakfast. Reviewers often praise the good and amazing breakfast, the friendly staff, and the great location.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Monterey?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Monterey is typically during the off-season, specifically from late autumn through early spring, avoiding major holidays. During these months, between November and March, you'll find lower prices for accommodation and fewer crowds, making for a more relaxed and budget-friendly trip.

For solo travellers, visiting in January or February can yield the best deals on hotels and guesthouses. The weather is cooler but often still pleasant enough for coastal walks and exploring the town's attractions. Many local businesses offer special off-season rates, and you might even find discounts on activities like whale-watching tours.

Couples looking for a romantic yet affordable getaway will appreciate the quieter atmosphere during these months. You can enjoy strolls along Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium without the summer rush, and dine at local restaurants where reservations are easier to secure, often at slightly reduced prices.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Monterey with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Monterey with a pool, excellent choices include El Castell Motel, Stage Coach Lodge, and Best Western Plus Monterey Inn.

El Castell Motel, with a 9.0 rating, offers a fantastic heated indoor pool, great for a swim regardless of the weather. Guests frequently praise its clean rooms, convenient location, and excellent, friendly staff. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are also provided, adding to its great value.

The Stage Coach Lodge, also rated 9.0, features a lovely outdoor pool for relaxation. Reviewers often highlight its beautiful, clean rooms, convenient location, and friendly, helpful staff. Free self-parking and complimentary toiletries are also included.

Another great option is the 3-star Best Western Plus Monterey Inn, with an 8.8 rating. This hotel boasts an outdoor pool and offers a complimentary full breakfast, which guests consistently describe as good.

Question 8

Are there any cheap Monterey hotels near Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several excellent budget-friendly hotels in Monterey are conveniently located near Monterey Bay, offering great value for your stay.

The 3-star Victorian Inn, with an outstanding rating of 9.4, is a fantastic option. Guests consistently praise its comfortable and clean rooms, along with its friendly and helpful staff. A standout feature is the delicious free continental breakfast, ensuring a great start to your day. Free WiFi and complimentary toiletries are also included, adding to the value.

Another solid choice is the Wave Street Inn, which boasts a 9.2 rating. Its location is a major draw, with guests frequently highlighting its excellence and proximity to the historical district. The staff consistently receives praise for being friendly and helpful, and the rooms are described as nice and clean.

Question 9

Which cheap Monterey hotels are near Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels near Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) that offer great value, consider the Pacific Inn, Lone Oak Lodge, and Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport.

The Pacific Inn, with a solid 9.2 rating, is highly praised by guests for its spacious and clean rooms. It offers convenient amenities such as free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and free toiletries. Its central location also receives positive feedback, making it a great base for exploring.

Lone Oak Lodge, rated 8.8, provides guests with comfortable and spacious rooms. You'll find free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and free toiletries. Guests often comment on the ample parking available and the great location.

The 3-star Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport, with an 8.6 rating, offers excellent value, particularly with its free breakfast and complimentary self-parking.

Question 10

Is Monterey a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Monterey is generally considered more expensive than some other US destinations, travellers can absolutely experience its magic on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, consider looking for options slightly outside the immediate tourist hotspots, perhaps in areas like Pacific Grove or Seaside, which are just a short drive or bus ride from the main attractions. These spots often offer better value for couples and solo travellers, and are well-connected by local bus services.

Couples can save on food by taking advantage of the region's beautiful outdoor spaces for picnics. Grab fresh produce and local specialities from farmers' markets or supermarkets and enjoy a meal with stunning ocean views at places like Lovers Point Park. Many of Monterey's most captivating experiences are also free, such as walking along the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, exploring the historic Cannery Row, or simply enjoying the abundant marine wildlife from various viewpoints.

Question 11

What cheap hotels in Monterey offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Monterey offering cooking facilities, Monterey Bay Lodge and Super 8 by Wyndham Monterey both provide kitchenettes.

Monterey Bay Lodge, with an 8.6 rating, is a great option. Guests frequently praise its convenient location, nice and clean pool, and excellent, friendly staff. The availability of kitchenettes makes it easy to prepare your own meals, adding to the value.

Super 8 by Wyndham Monterey, rated 7.6, also features kitchenettes.

Question 12

Which cheap hotels in Monterey have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Monterey with great customer service, travellers often praise Victorian Inn, Pacific Inn, and Wave Street Inn.

The 3-star Victorian Inn, with an impressive 9.4 rating, consistently receives excellent feedback regarding its friendly and helpful staff. Guests particularly appreciate the complimentary WiFi and free continental breakfast, adding great value to their stay.

Pacific Inn, boasting a 9.2 rating, is another excellent choice where the staff is frequently described as friendly, helpful, and amazing. This hotel offers free WiFi and complimentary self-parking, which is a practical benefit for those travelling by car.

Wave Street Inn, also rated 9.2, stands out for its amazing and great service, with staff often highlighted as helpful and friendly.

Question 13

Are there any cheap hotels in Monterey that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several budget-friendly hotels in Monterey are excellent for handling non-standard arrival or departure times.

The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG, with an 8.8 rating, is a great option. Guests frequently praise its amazing staff and excellent location. They offer complimentary breakfast and free self-parking, and are well-equipped to assist with both early check-ins and late check-outs.

Another excellent choice is the El Castell Motel, boasting a 9.0 rating. Reviewers consistently highlight its convenient location, clean rooms, and comfortable beds. The staff are frequently described as excellent and friendly, and they are happy to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs.

The 3-star Best Western De Anza Inn, rated 8.4, provides free self-parking and a complimentary continental breakfast. Its staff are noted as friendly, and the rooms are spacious and clean, making it a good choice for those needing flexible check-in or check-out times.

The Colton Inn, with an 8.8 rating, also offers complimentary breakfast and free self-parking. Its comfortable, clean rooms and friendly staff are often mentioned in reviews, and they can assist with early check-ins.

Finally, the Aura Inn Monterey, rated 8.6, provides free self-parking and free WiFi. Customers often praise its clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, and they are able to facilitate early check-ins.

Question 14

How can I save on a budget hotel in Monterey with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Monterey. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 15

What free activities should we do in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

Monterey offers a delightful array of free activities, great for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience the beauty and culture of this Californian gem.

Solo travellers and couples will find the scenic beauty of the Monterey Peninsula incredibly accessible. A must-do is a leisurely stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a paved path that hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, marine wildlife, and historic landmarks. You can walk from Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove all the way to Castroville, passing through Cannery Row and the Old Fisherman's Wharf. For a truly immersive experience, pack a picnic and find a scenic spot along the trail to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Another fantastic free option is exploring the charming streets of Pacific Grove, often called "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." for its annual monarch butterfly migration (October to February). Wander through the quaint residential areas to admire the Victorian architecture, or head to Lovers Point Park for stunning ocean vistas and a chance to spot seals and sea otters.

Question 16

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Monterey as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 17

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Monterey for you.

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