My family and I are visiting Monterey again and need some opinions on lodging for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 4 and 8). We have stayed at the Monterey Bay Inn our last 3 or 4 visits, but thought the hotel looked a little tired on our visit March 2004. We would like to have a view of the bay with fairly close proximity to the Aquarium. We're currently considering the Best Western Beach Resort and the Portola Plaza, but have read quite a few unfavorable reviews on the BW and some on the Portola. We have quite a bit of time to plan, but if we're going to spend upwards of $200/night - it better be very good! Please advise.

Definitely the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. We stayed there for the first time last spring and now I'm hooked. It is a gorgeous property, located right on the bay with two very good restaurants and spa that is very nice.

You will have to pay about $15 extra to use the spa facilities, but it is very much worth it. It is very family-friendly.

I have also stayed at the BW Beach Resort almost every year for the past 20 years. One spring break we spent the entire week there. The great thing about this place is that it is directly on the beach. A nice stretch for beach of walking, sun-bathing, etc.

It is not as nice as the Plaza but less pricey and met our needs for many years when traveling with our three small children. You will have to drive a bit to get to Monterey/Carmel, tho.

If you can afford it, go with the Plaza. If it doesn't fit into your budget, then the BW is very nice. The lobby area is beautiful and each afternoon they set out snacks which is a nice touch. ***kim***

We live in this area. Go www.pacificgrove.org for a list of hotels in PACIFIC GROVE. Many people do not realize that the aquarium is on the border of Monterey and Pacific Grove. The outlet mall across the street from the aquarium is in Pacific Grove. PG has many great bed and breakfast places as well as hotels. Check these out.

The MONTEREY PLAZA is very nice. You would not go wrong staying there. Could be a few bucks though, but great location. We have had visitors find web specials on this hotel in the past.

The Monterey Plaza is a beautiful hotel, highly recommended, though pricey. Keep in mind that there are two buildings, one on the ocean side of the road and one on the other. If you desire an ocean view, be sure to specify when you make your reservation.

Have you considered the Hotel Pacific? They are an all-suites hotel, located near the wharf in Monterey. It's a beautiful hotel, with beautiful suites. Check out their website for specials, including aquarium packages.

Just wanted to emphasize something Kim mentioned--the BW Beach resort is a drive to anything in Monterey. You really can't walk anywhere from it. It has a nice location on a beach, but IMO it would be better to take advantage of strollable Monterey and stay in town, or in PG. Good luck!

You want view of the bay and close to the aquarium: Check out either the GREEN GABLE INN or the SEVEN GABLE INN, both in Pacific Grove, both with rooms that view Monterey Bay and both close to the aquarium. If you are not one that HAS to stay in a regular hotel, these places are great. They used the SEVEN GABLE INN in a VISA tv commercial a few years ago.