My husband and I are trying to decide between the marina dunes resort and the portola plaza hotel, any suggestions??

I stayed at the Worldmark Marina Dunes resort. Very nice although windy at the beach and 10-15 minute drive into Monterey. I'd prefer being at the Portola Plaza, walking distance to alot of dining and shopping, but it depends what you're into.

I'd suggest locating yourself in Monterey,

Despite its attractive name "Marina" the town does not live up to its name. You will find yourself miles away from the best that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer.

Better yet, stay in a B&B in Pacific Grove or some nice quiet small hotel in Carmel.

I would stay in Monterey as well.

Marina is basically a town that grew up around Fort Ord, was hit hard when Fort Ord closed and has been making its way back and has achieved some level of economic prosperity. It was never a particularly charming town, just a typical military town that happened to be in a nice location. The Marina Dunes resort is fine and has a nice location right on the beach, but you will end up driving into Monterey for everything you want to do anyway, so you might as well stay there.

Ditto on everyone's comments. The Portola Plaza was previously the Double Tree, and is located almost directly on Fisherman's Wharf. There's a free trolley directly outside the hotel, which will take you to all of the various attractions in and around Monterey (i.e. Cannery Row, the Aquarium, etc.) and you are right in the heart of the "downtown" area. Very pleasant.

We stayed three nights at the Marina Dunes in a second floor bungalow and found it to be wonderful... the property is steps from the Ocean and a state park and preservation area... the experience is very nature, with pounding ocean surf, walking along the beach, quiet and plush rooms... if you want that type of stay (we did) just a ten minute drive from Monterey pier, then Marina Dunes is perfect...

Marina Dunes is for Lovers on Vacation, Monterey is for Vacationers in Love...

Very simple. Do you want to stay right on the beach but have to drive 15 minutes and worry about parking every time you wish to see or do something in Monterey? Or would you rather stay a few blocks from the water, in the heart of downtown and walk almost everywhere you need to go? You pick.

Well said MoneyGirl. FYI, my money's on the downtown location.

Well, if you want to be that close to water and still be in Monterey, I'd suggest the Monterey Plaza Hotel, part of which is built OVER the water. If you stay in the very end unit, furthest away from land, you will certainly be right in the bay, not just near it! LOL!

Thank you all so much I will look into the MOnterey Plaza hotel as well. I have cancelled our reservations at the Marina Dunes Resort!

The Monterey Plaza is wonderful! You'll love it there! ***kim***

monterey plaza is usually quite a bit more expensive than portola plaza. Try montereyhotdeals.com and see what they're offering. I've used them a few times to get an idea of where I want to stay.Have a great trip. Eat at Cibo's if you end up downtown... they usually have live music and it's a fun place.

That's a cool website moneygirl. Thanks for sharing. You could be savemoneygirl.

tripp, I found that site a few years ago and now that we are a family of five, I alays need suites or big rooms and the prices are steep! I like that site because it provides links to each hotel and lists their specials for an easy comparison.

I book marked it moneygirl. In Carmel last summer when we were down there for my daughter's wedding, we stayed at a small inn called Carmel Garden Court. The unusal part was, they had a two bedroom suite with a living room and kitchenette. Pricing wan't bad for a Friday night in summer ($250.- I think). It would be cheaper at other times. Anyway it would be great for your "party of five".