My dad is super picky with hotels and it looks like either a nice hotel in carmel or monterey is $400 plus or a okay hotel is at least $200-$300.. any recs for a nice, clean , smell free, classy hotel which wont be over $300 in either of those places.. nice view?

You may be setting yourself up for failure. Have you considered letting your father pick the hotel so that in case it doesn't meet his high standards he won't blame you?

HTtY

What is it about Hotel Abrego that you don't like?

Yes - it is my experience that letting picky people do the picking is the best way.

Anyway, we just stayed at the Portola Hotel - I think it was our 4th stay there and it seems to meet your needs. It is a nice hotel, very clean, never noticed any smells, upper floors have bay views, and it should be in your price range. Rates for last weekend were $170/night for a standard room.

I would suggest the Bernadus Lodge in Carmel Valley, but I don't know if you can afford it.