I've been having a devil of a time locating a hotel on or within walking distance of the beach at or near Monterey for the middle of May that are not either booked already or beyond my $250 price range. Embassy Suites in Monterey appears to be my best bet. Any positive or negative feedback or alternative suggestions would be appreciated. Relaxing walks on the beach is a must for both the wife and grand daughter. Thanks

We very much liked the Colton Inn in Monterey....Coltoninn.com It is reasonably priced, very nice, spacious rooms, breakfast included. It's not on the beach, but is probably walking distance to Fisherman's wharf. Right down the street is the Monterey Art Museum and an historic building. If you wanted to stay on the beach, you might try Asilomar in Pacific Grove, which is quite beautiful and reasonable and not a far drive from Monterey.
http://www.visitasilomar.com

Do you mean the Embassy Suites in Seaside? That's almost half a mile from the water's edge, on the wrong side of the Pacific Coast Highway.

There aren't very many hotels in the Monterey area that are right on the water - and even fewer that are right on the beach. But there are plenty of great walking opportunities in the area. Just be ready for cold temperatures (averaging 60 degrees in the day) with some chance of rain. And make sure your reservation can be cancelled at no charge - I expect that you will see plenty more options and hopefully some lower prices in the ten months between now and your vacation.

Every time we go to Monterey we stay at the Best Western Beach Resort. This is one of the nicest Best Westerns we have seen. It is right on the beach, has beautiful gardens, and very comfortable beds. It is pretty expensive as Best Westerns go but well worth it because it is a very nice hotel.

There are any number of B&Bs and a few hotels in Carmel, well within your price range. Carmel's town beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches anywhere, is just down the hill a few blocks from the heart of the village.
If you have to go into Monterey, it's only about a 10 minute drive.

Booked for mid May already? If you are looking on a weekend, maybe there's a special event. Have you called the properties, or just checked on line? Some may not have there on line calendar set up that far out yet. I agree with the suggestion to check in Carmel, and also check Pacific Grove.

Try the Monterey Hotel. It's a early 1900 hotel, completly restored with all the comforts. Right in the middle of the old part of town, 4 blocks from the waterfront.

http://www.montereyhotel.com/

We like Pacific Grove better, too, and it is near Asilomar State Beach.

We also have had several great stays at the Best Western Beach Resort, it is right on the ocean and perfect for your walks. We love waking up to the sound of the waves and the sea gulls here, book an oceanview room at this property. There is also a nice swimming pool and a good restaurant here. Have fun! ***kim***

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll book the Embassy Suites, but will keep tying the Best Western Beach Resort to see if a vacancy opens up. I had a feeling it was going to be cool and most likely windy on the beach, but early or late walks on a lonely beach can be very soothing. The Asilomar State park does have openings and seems like a perfect location, but...we decided it might be asking a little too much for a 12 year old to be stuck with Grand parents in a hotel room for four nights without a TV or telephone, even if she is an angel....Thanks and we will keep checking closer to the beach.

Go to www.pacificgrove.org. It will list our hotels here in Pacific Grove.

The Anthon Inn on Lighthouse in PG has just completed a remodel. You can walk to the beach from there. It does not look fancy from outside, but we had friends stay there and they raved about it. Worth checking out.

Have you checked the Green Lantern Inn, here in Carmel? It's within walking distance to the beach and town.

Rosedale inn is across the street from Asilomar. Nice, comfortable rooms with an extra tv in the bathroom!