I have a couple of options, Bill, but have not booked. Seems several of the places I have identified as possibles don't have rates available yet. You have been a great help!!!!

Are you booking for April 2011? I'm sure you will find a decent place in your price range if you wait and book about 30 days before your trip.

If you are looking for a place with double rooms (ie. 2 double beds) try the Mission Ranch in Carmel. I'm not sure what the rates will be next April, but they do have rooms close to your amount. Lovely, quiet location at southern end of Carmel, views of Point Lobos and Carmel river area from the grounds (and the more expensive rooms/cottages). Good place if you have a car, because it is away from all the tourist areas. Walking distance to Carmel Mission and Carmel River beach (a very lovely area).
http://www.missionranchcarmel.com/accomodations.html

Thank you,SAB, for the suggestion of Mission Ranch. It does look quite charming.
elnap, yes our dates of travel will be April 2011 and we will be visiting on weekdays so I am very optimistic I will find a good choice which meets all our requirements.
imaq, at your suggestion I am making regular checks on sfgate and there have been some good ideas there.

Re Asilomar. We used to love to stay there, lovely grounds, ocean views from some rooms that managed to get most visits, close to a wonderful beach and great views. I realize that Asilomar is not everyone's cup of tea--not luxury by any means, and historic rooms are on the funky side--but the staff was always lovely, the rooms clean and if you got there as close to check-in time (or a little bit earlier) as possible you could get a view room if any were available. I liked the fact that we were closer to the bay/ocean than rooms at the much more expensive Inn at Spanish Beach, which is just down the coast from Asilomar. However, we have not been since there was new management and some of the more recent tripadvisor reviews have been disturbing. So if you are considering it, carefully check reviews and maybe post a thread here for recent stays closer to your travel dates.

The Mission Ranch Inn is a beautiful place in a very quiet location. We had nice dinner at the restaurant there and really enjoyed walking the grounds while waiting to be seated. The restaurant serves basic American fare that is reasonable and tasty. It is very popular and crowded, attracting an older crowd with a lively piano bar.

I second SAB's cautions regarding Asilomar. Keep an eye on the reviews.

I also think Mission Ranch is a wonderful spot. Eating outside on the deck on a pleasant evening is memorable. At least have a meal there, even if you don't end up staying there.

Thanks for the heads up! Frankly the phone conversation with them was pretty dismal and the fact that the same company ran my college cafeteria is not a good sign....but it does look quite lovely. I will book carefully and report on the experience whereever we end up.

I was referred to a service called Resort2Me which got me a very good rate at the Pine Inn and at Casa Munras. Has anyone used the service? Any comments on the properties?

cmc -- I haven't used that service. I used another service a few years back that refused to give me my money back when we had to cancel due to my husband being in an auto accident that nearly killed him. They said the fine print allowed for no cancellations, so all I can say is: if using a service, do read the fine print.

We had a dinner meeting at the Casa Munras in September, and I really liked the hotel and the location. In fact, I'm planning to book (directly with the hotel) for our annual February trek to Monterey -- it's a lovely, upgraded property, and much less expensive than the Portola, the Marriott, and the Hotel Pacific -- all properties in which we've stayed in the past.

Thanks, surfergirl. This service is free. My only payment was to the hotel to secure the reservation and it is refundable with two days cancellation.
Please do a trip report, my visit isn't until April and I would love an updated restaurant report and your review of the hotel.

You may be lucky on Priceline.com bidding or www.hotwire.com.

My son got the Portola for $80 in July.

check www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com to see recent results.

Looking for a real bargain? There are 2 HI hostels at lighthouses North of Monterey. There is also a very nice hostel on Hawthorne in Monterey. They have private rooms with 1 double and 1 twin. Also have co-ed dorms. You can bring your own food to cook in their kitchen. Shelf space is available in large refrigerators-label food with name and checkout date

lincasanova, I am reluctant to Priceline when I have a specific bed configuration I need. It is a great deal when I am traveling alone or with my husband. Thank you for the suggestion, tom.

We have stayed in Casa Munras when we overnight in Monterey and it's very nice and conveniently located. Don't think they have any kind of a view, though.

bookmarking for my May trip