Looking for Monterey Hotel/Itinerary Advice
 

I'm heading to Monterey at the end of March for a work conference. However, before the conference starts, I've got Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday to myself.

I'm looking for hotel suggestions for Saturday night that are within a safe walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf - as I'll be by myself and plan to stay out a bit on Saturday night. The only catch is that I'm on a budget and can only afford up to $125 or so for a room. I'd prefer a place that has free parking and continental breakfast. Free wi-fi would be a plus. Really, I just need a place to sleep. After that I'll be checking into the Portola for the conference.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for things to do during my short weekend trip that would be great. I'm planning to go straight from the airport to the aquarium on Saturday (do they have free parking?) After that I was thinking about doing the Ghost Tour in downtown. Then I'd like to drive down to Big Sur on Sunday morning for the Pt. Sur lighthouse tour. After that I was thinking about wandering around the area for a bit then heading back up to Monterey to really check out the area. I also have Tuesday evening after the conference to myself for dinner.

It sounds like the 17 Mile Drive isn't a must-see if you're already driving down the coast to Big Sur. If anyone has suggestions for additional things to see/do/eat in the area, or comments on the things I mentioned, I more than welcome them! I'm more interested in seeing the sights/learning history than spending money, so fancy restaurants, shopping and the like are out. But if I've got time I'm not opposed to a hike or a bike ride - so long as they're safe to do on my own!

Thanks!

I am visiting the same area a little later than you. A person on a travel forum recommended I call Resort2Me which handles bookings in Monterey and Carmel. They got me a rate below what was published on the hotel's website. I will be staying in Carmel so my specific choice isn't useful to you. However there is no fee for the service and you can always decline their suggestions.
Resort 2 Me Lodging Reservations
Monterey Peninsula
831.383.5481 Fax 831.642.6641

The Portola is $139 that night if you can swing it, might be the easiest thing. At the top of their booking page select "Travelzoo" as the rate plan. Colton Inn is fine and around $110 including parking, *(not sure about breakfast and wifi) .

www.seemonterey.com

I would suggest Point Lobos in addition to the things you're already planning, for easy hiking and spectacular scenery, otters, whales, hummingbirds and so on; you could swing through Carmel on the way there or back, not so much for the shopping and restaurants, but to see the village, which is kind of unique, and the beautiful beach at the end of town. The Carmel Mission and the historic area in downtown Monterey might also interest you, although the Ghost Tour might cover the latter.

Sea Harvest in Monterey (there's another in Carmel Highlands) is an inexpensive place to get seafood fresh from the Bay, prepared simply, no frills (not much atmosphere, either). There are fancier places, but none with fresher seafood!

My son recently stayed at Hotel Abrego in Monterey for $99/night and enjoyed his stay there. The places on Old Fisherman's Wharf are fairly inexpensive, we like Isabella's and Cafe Fina there. Both places have pretty views. This is a great place to try the Monterey Bay sand dabs. ***kim*** ((#))

I stayed at the HI Hostel Monterey on Hawthorne with my wife.
We had a private room for about $65/night. The dorm rooms are about $28 including the 10% room tax.
We enjoyed the kitchen, dining room and commons.
We did walk down to the aquarium from there.

I agree with Clark's recommendation of the Portola. It is walking distance to the the Wharf, downtown Monterey, and many good restaurants. Ask what discounts you are eligible for.

Wow, thanks everyone! I'm going to look into everyone's suggestions for hotel and food. I've seen Point Lobos a couple times while looking into the area and it seems like a good stop too. I can't wait!

Cheers, have fun!