Hi!

I've done a lot of research of hotels in my price range for a 2 night stay in Monterey with kids. Any feedback on the Monterey Bay Lodge vs. The Sand Dollar Inn vs. the Best Western Beach Resort? Thanks for your advice in choosing among these three places!

I'm a huge fan of the Monterey Beach Resort. We have stayed there at least once a year for the past twenty years with our family.

It is wonderful being right on the ocean, the lobby area is gorgeous with appetizers set out each afternoon.

The pool/jacuzzi area is great for relaxing and lounging and the on-site restaurant with gorgeous oceanviews is above average for all meals.

Even when we are staying at the Highland's Inn, we stop by the property and sit in the lobby and walk around just to remember all the wonderful memories we have made there throughout the years with our family.

We stayed there last spring and it is still wonderful. We were fortunate enough one Spring Break to stay the enitre week here, it was a wonderful treat.

You do have to drive a bit to get to Monterey/Carmel and I would suggest you book an oceanview room. The extra $$$$ is well worth it.

I cannot comment on the other two properties, just my favorite!! Enjoy Monterey!!!! ***kim*** Rooms are decorated very nicely, rather small, but very pretty and tastefully done.

My husband and I stayed at the Sand Dollar a week ago. The room was clean, no complaints. The hotel was definitely a drive to the aquarium, restaurants, etc., though so it could be a hassle for moving with the kids. Other locations might be a lot more central. Access to the Sand Dollar is through the Denny's parking lot.

Thanks for your both of your feedback! Every bit of input helps. I can't wait until July in Monterey! Any suggestions on where to take the kids to eat when we're there?

What are the ages of your kids? What type of cuisine do they like? The
Whaling Station is very nice fore steaks. (My son's favorite.)

Kids like the wharf and Dominico's has some great seafood. We also like Cafe Fina. Get a corner booth upstairs for a great view.

Another place my kids love is Schooner's at the Plaza. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the awesome views. The fish and chips are some of the best I have had, comparing to seafood in Astoria, OR. Very fresh tasting and perfectly prepared. They'll love Schooners!! Also very good desserts!! Have fun!! ***kim***

Is Bubba Gumps still there? I have to look up the name of the place where we stayed, but I sure loved the area and being right on the ocean.

Bubba Gumps is still there. My husband and I had a romantic dinner for two at Fresh Cream. A little tough to find, but worth it. Excellent food, great service, and a small, intimate, candlelit setting. The view was beautiful. Ask for a table by the window. Not kid friendly though. With the kids, make sure you go to the aquarium. About the best we've seen!

We have yet to try Bubba Gumps. Any opinions on this place? It doesn't get a lot of attention, IMO. Is the food good here?

For a wonderful romantic dinner in PG, try the White House. Excellent!! ***kim***

Don't miss First Awakenings for breakfast! We have some close friends who lived in Monterey until recently. They went to First Awakenings EVERY SATURDAY MORNING for the 4 years they were there. Fantastic, wholesome food.

Locals, is Rossine's still serving the world's best desserts?

By the way, adults enjoy Schooners, as well.

They sure do Jocelyn! When we were there last Spring, the dessert was so good, we ordered another one! LOL ***kim***

I have very fond memories of four Rossine's desserts, four people, four forks, and no rules.

You'll find kids in most places. As one said, on the wharf, Domenico's and Cafe Fina are good choices. The Sardine Factory is great for fancy dining with kids with many unique rooms including the large conservatory room. We took our son to the Rio Grill in Carmel a few weeks ago -- very kid friendly, good food (although even with reservations, you have to wait, but they apologize and give you free appetizers), but the wait staff, who like doctors get younger every year (Smile), are energetic, but don't know what they're doing, as a whole. The Monterey Fish House, which you have to drive to from downtown, on Del Monte, is in a little converted house -- great fresh fish, neat atmosphere, and kid friendly.

Bubba Gumps is there, but we've not been there. There's a good indian restaurant across the street from the Double Tree where they have menu items, but also a buffet meal -- I don't know if your kids are picky, but this is a good place to get them into indian food, since there's a lot of items that are not too spicy, but very flavorful.

If you rent a bike at the wharf, you can head down to Lover's Point, where the kids can go swimming and can eat hot dogs and hamburgers. The aquarium is a must. If they like really fast carousels, there's one on Cannery Row. If they are under 10, Dennis the Menace Playground is a must, over at the park on Lake El Estero. In summer you can even rent paddle boats to paddle along the lake. If they're good in water, you might also consider kayaking along the bay.

And don't forget the monkey grinder who stands outside of the Custom House by the pier! Great photo op!

Thanks for all the ideas. Everything will have to be kid friendly as we have five adults, five cousins ages 7-13 and one grandma traveling together! We are all looking forward to going to the aquarium. Bike riding and paddleboats sound fun. Thanks for the monkey tip!