My husband, our 7 month old and I are thinking about going to Carmel or Monterey over Labor Day. Which one is the better area? What about hotels? We would like to spend no more than $150/night.

Check out the Beach Resort in Monterey, it is right on the beach and in your price range. Some places may have a 3 night minimum on this weekend, Carmel is especially strict on this. Have fun! ***kim***

Two of the older hotels in Carmel that are nicely kept are the Village Inn and the Dolphin. Upper floors at the Dolphin have ocean view. Both are mid town walking distance to everything in Carmel.

For Labor Day weekend your budget may be a challenge. Check out: Best Western Bay View and Best Western Townhouse motels in Carmel and Padre Oaks in Monterey. These two maybe higher but worth a check: http://www.carmelgardencourtinn.com/

asilomar is rustic, but easy access to walking trail to the beach. you have several choices of lodging. it is reasonable.

We just spent a week in Monterey at the Monterey Bay Lodge. Great place to stay. Across the street from ocean and El Estero park. Like an motel instead of hotel. No charge for parking. Swimming pool, hot tub, lots of kids using them. Our room had a partial ocean view plus overlooked the pool on other side with 2 queen beds. Price was very affordable but higher on week-end.
It had to be nice if we stayed a week!!! We will stay there again.

Carmel: Green Lantern or Colonial Terrace

Monterey: Any of the inns around Cannery Row

Pacific Grove: I'd choose Best Western Lighthouse Lodge & Suites

Asilomar is a good recommendation.

Check out www.pacificgrove.org for hotels.B&Bs in this area. Pacific Grove has the most coastline of any city on the Monterey Peninsula.

Is it the Spanish Inn or something like that with the pipers?

the inn at spanish bay has the bagpiper - pretty expensive and hard to get into at last minute or that's been our expeirence. we like the best western in seaside and can sometimes get some good rates there

Spanish Bay has no problem with visitors enjoying the bagpiper...you do not have to be staying there.

One tip: The golf pro shop at Spanish Bay has a great little restaurant called STICKS. It is more burgers, BBQ, etc. The bagpiper starts there. They also have outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. You may want to try that.

The main facility is an easy walk and the outdoor area there has the fire pits. Another great spot to enjoy the bagpiper.

I wasn't thinking about the hotel. I just want to see the piper. My dear father passed away last week, and he was a piper. It's kind of a last Amazing Grace for me.