Beachfront lodging near Monterey
 

We are planning to spend 3 or 4 days next Sept. in the Monterey area as part of a 20th Ann. vacation. We would love to find a hotel or inn that has cottages, bungalows, etc. that are on the beach. Would appreciate any info.

There are only two or at most three places right on the beach (others overlook the bay, but do not have a beach). Closest to Monterey is the Best Western Beach Resort on dunes road. Not quaint or cottagy, but with actual sand, plus swimming pool. Other threads on this have said to book a garden view room to save money, but this weekend I'm booked for OCEAN! P.S.: you are making a good choice coming in September. July and August are often foggy and cold, but September and October are hot and sunny and magnificent.Enjoy!

I have also booked to stay at the BW Beach Resort in Monterey...Incidentally if you are a member of AAA - they have a fantastic discount!! We got a garden view room (per the suggestions of some other posts here) there for $67/night which was WAY cheaper than anything else I found on the net!

Marina Dunes Resort might be what you are looking for. Here's the web site http://www.marinadunes.com/

With all due respect, and making certain assumptions about a 20th anniversary vacation, I think the Best Western Beach Resort isn't romantic enough. Yes, it's right on the beach, but it's a motel (nice rooms, but plain)with a very jovial family atmosphere--lots of kids.
humanone is right--there aren't many places RIGHT on the beach, but lots that overlook the beach, in Monterey and Pacific Grove, and many a very short walk from the beach in Carmel. Could you tell us your budget, and why being on the beach is important--is it privacy you're after? I think I could make some specific suggestions if I knew a bit more. Also, please do search this board, as there have been many discussions of MB area lodging.

BaileyH,

Where did you find the AAA rate of $67 per night?

We've stayed in an oceanfront room here. The room is a nice, average size room. Nothing fancy,but in good condition. Its location can't be beat, it was nice listening to the waves at night in bed. The rooms are accessed from the outside, with all rooms sharing an outside deck/walkway with a couple of chairs in front of each room.

Thanks for the response so far. I guess I might have explained things in a little more detail in my first post, but here is our goal:

We really aren't interested in a beach for the purpose of sunning ourselves. Coming from the dry farm fields of Ohio, we are always fascinated by the sound and sight of the surf and ocean -- the closer, the better. As for budget, I would prefer to be in the $250-300 per night range, but definitely would go up to $400 per for a couple of nights in the right place. We aren't interested in pinching pennies on this trip

Thanks again for the help.

I would recommend the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. My husband and I just returned from there ... our 2nd trip and we have decided that we will never stay anywhere else.

The hotel sits right on Monterey Bay and Cannery Row. Rooms are luxurious ... you can definitely get an ocean view within the budget you mentioned.

The rooftop spa is magnificent! My husband and I often daydream about our mornings there sitting in the outdoor hotubs overlooking Monterey Bay with a cup of coffee.

Check out some of the picures at

http://www.montereyplazahotel.com/

Right across the street is a little Wine Tasting place, fun to stop into before dinner. But be careful ... they are very generous with their portions!

While Cannery Row is a little touristy, it's fun to walk along at least once ... and you can easily walk along it from your hotel to go to the Aquarium which is quite impressive.

You'll also want to go to Carmel which is less than 10 minutes away if you take the highway, longer if you take the scenic 17-mile drive which is a must in my opinion.

Downtown Carmel is cute and quaint, feels like a little European village. I would also reccommend brunch at The Mission Ranch (just outside of Carmel) which is owned by Clint Eastwood. You can't beat the setting and scenery ... and the buffet brunch is incredible too!

ljbjeh: You might also enjoy staying at Mission Ranch in Carmel since it overlooks Carmel River Beach (it is not on the beach per se), it is in a fairly quiet area. The Monterey Plaza is directly over the bay and you can hear the sound of waves at night IF you get a room on the bay side. Another place that fronts the ocean with a magnificant view is the Inn at Spanish Bay (never stayed there however--a little too expensive for me).

The INN AT SPANISH BAY is a great place to stay and would be in your budget. They have the bagpiper play each evening at sunset walking along the golf course with ocean in the background. You can sit on their outdoor patio with the firepit going and enjoy the music. Rooms are large, service is 5 star. Plus, ROYS is a great restaurant at Spanish Bay.

If you want a bed and breakfast place instead of luxury resort you will want to check out either the SEVEN GABLE INN or GREEN GABLE INN. Both in Pacific Grove and both overlook the Monterey Bay. Go to www.pacificgrove.org to check out all hotels in this great town.

MONTEREY PLAZA is also very nice with good rooms and restaurants. None of the above has the bungalows, cabins you were looking for but they are on the ocean.

We are fortunate enough to live in this area so do not stay in the hotels.....just get to enjoy the great weather, the beach and the fabulous Monterey Peninsula year round. Enjoy your trip!

Hello,
I live in Monterey and would recommend Spanish Bay as well as the Monterey Plaza. The Plaza is in Cannery Row which is very busy and touristy if that is what you are looking for. The spa is very nice and the rooms great as well. As for Spanish Bay, it is a bit more sophisticated and more of a golf related resort. Even if you do not stay at Spanish Bay, have a drink on the outside patio where they have a bagpiper every night who plays for about 30 minutes...one of my favorite spots on a beautiful evening. Enjoy!