Monterey vs. Carmel
 

My husband and I are travelling to the Monterey Peninsula at the end of July for our 20th wedding anniversary. We are booked at the Monterey Bay Inn, but are wondering if we should stay there or switch to something else. We are wanting a oceanview room spending no more than $350 per night. Which is better - Monterey or Carmel? Thanks.

With that budget, you should be able to do very well! Monterey is more of a working town; larger and more spread out. Carmel is more of a village, with lots of tiny shops and restaurants. It's not very easy to get an ocean view in Carmel, unless you get out of the village. This can be accomplished at one of the fabulous places on the 17 mile drive; Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay, or further down the coast at the Tickle Pink Inn or Highlands Inn.

You can't go wrong. Have a great Anniversary!

You might try the Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove. It is between Monterey and Carmel.

I was also going to suggest the Green Gables in in Pacific Grove. There is also one next to it that I forgot the name of. I have heard good things about Tickle Pink, a 7 minute drive south of Carmel.

For an anniversary and with the budget you have I' stay in Carmel.

Jaconway-you are goingto have a great time! I went there last year and all i think about or long to do is live there.........gorgeous. My in-laws live near by and i thought Texas was the best, lol. That coastline is breathtaking compared to the beaches in Texas. We are a true mud pit here and THAT IS A BEACH! The shops are really fun to walk around in Carmel. Pacific Grove might be a good place to stay with less hectic movement and it's right there with the others. I love just absorbing the beauty of it all and can't wait to go back. Have a great time!

I think that Carmel is nicer than Monterey, however Pacific Grove is also nice.

We stayed at the Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove on our honeymoon in 1995. It was fabulous. We liked it so much that we ended up changing our reservations to other bed and breakfasts in San Francisco owned by the same company (I think it's the Seven Sisters Inns). They also have a place in Carmel that we stayed at in 1998, but the Green Gables was definitely our favorite.

I would agree--stay in Pacific Grove. It is smaller and less touristy then Monterey or Carmel. Very cute town. Their chamber of commerce has a listing of all the inns, B&B's, etc in the area.

i loved Carmel. Monterey is not really that great.

Just got back from a 10 day trip in CA. We were planning to spend a day in Monterey Bay, but due to the foggy weather ended up going to Point Lobo in Carmel. As they say, whatever happens is for the best. This proved true as were totally mesmerized by the natural beauty and how well it has been preserved at Point Lobo. I highly recommend spending half a day here. This is a remarkably peaceful place that had a a lot of serenity in its atmosphere.

oops, here is the link to the park
http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/

Highlight my name Bob1 and you will pick up many of my comments on this area. This is a new feature of Fodors and really handy.

We live part time in Pacific Grove and really favor this town as a place to stay. Both the GREEN GABLE INN and INN of SEVEN GABLES are in PG and have Monterey Bay views. Go to www.pacificgrove.org for list of all going on in the town and also list of hotels.

Just got back from a 11 day trip that included 2 nights in Monterey. I think if I went back and I had your budget -- I would definitely stay in Carmel! All 3 places (Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove_ were really VERY nice in their own way...all seemed very different to me. But like I say - I would pick Carmel to stay. We thought Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay seemed like a dream vacation to us! I would look into Grasshopper's suggestions! All sound good! You will have a fabulous time no matter where you pick!

Have you thought about Carmel Valley? 15 minute drive from the beach and all of the difference in the world as far as the weather is concerned! It is about a degree warmer for every mile you drive up the valley. I live and grew up in this area. Pacific Grove can be very foggy in the summer as can Monterey and Carmel. There are fantastic places to stay. Quail Lodge just reopened last week after a multi million dollar renovation. Bernadus Lodge (it might be more $) is just as wonderful. I would not stay at the Monterey Bay Inn.