Am looking at expedia for flight & hotel. Do not want to rent a car; would prefer to walk the area. Interested in the ocean,dining, local shops, etc. Not into golf. Planning trip for second week in September M-Sat. Any thoughts on Spindrift or any thoughts appreciated. Would like nice view and quiet.

Any number of people will disagree with me for any number of reasons, but if you want to walk and be close to the action I recommend Monterey Marriott or Doubletree for both cost and location. Walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Aquarium. Yes, you can stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel and get the same thing, for about three times the cost.

Go to www.pacificgrove.org for great site on all the bed and breakfast places in that town. The GREEN GABLE and the SEVEN GABLES INN are facing Monterey Bay and easy walk to the aquarium.

We just returned from our first trip to Monterey and stayed at the Monterey Plaza. It's an exceptionally nice hotel within walking distance of the aquarium and lots of restaurants. We had a room overlooking the water and it was lovely. I'd also considered the Sprindrift and after walking past it was glad we'd opted for the Monterey Plaza.

I stayed at the Spindrift two seperate nights, two different room, two different floors and was most unhappy. The management sent a $75. discount off another $200+ reservation. I would not stay there again for free, unless they made a dramatic improvement. Their valet parking is off property at an undisclosed location.
Check Fodors Rants & Raves,
http://community.webshots.com/album/70525378hrCcfW

I agree, don't spend the money at the Spindrift Inn. Very pricey, bad service. We love the Seven Gables. Some of the rooms have windows you can open at night and hear the sound of the surf. Wonderful breakfast served, and great service. Want to go Back!

Do NOT stay at the Monterey Travelodge. Room above ours had toilet overflow and our bathroom ended up with an inch of water on the floor. For this disgusting mess, they took $10 off of our room rate. AWFUL PLACE.