Hi, My husband and I are going to the Monterey area for a few nights in October and wondered if anyone can recommend either of those hotels over another. I'm torn. We wondered if the beaches are nice at both hotels and or if there are any nice hotels on the water with a pool as well? Any advice would be appreciated.

Dear CarriePE,
SPINDRIFT SPINDRIFT SPINDRIFT! Heres a post I left for someone else regarding this hotel:

I stayed at an awesome place right on cannery row called The Spindrift Inn. Ask for the corner room on the top floor (we were there in mid Oct and the wood burning fireplace was so romantic). When you look out the room's windows the ocean waves are literally right below you-its very cool. Of my time spent in CA my husband and I stayed in honeymoon suites at the Loews Santa Monica, the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, and the Spindrift Inn in Monterey. There was a completely different feel to each but the Spindrift was my favorite! I hope you get a chance to experience it-I cant wait to go back one day!! On a side note the 17 mile drive in Monterey was cool if youre looking for any activities. The crooked tree and the seals are unforgettable! I hope this post helps you! Have a fun and safe trip!
Sincerely, Carrie in PA

We ate at the restaurant at the Monterey Plaza and walked around the hotel. It's elegant, lovely. I can say that there is very little beach there. But being ON the ocean is great. The restaurant is also very good.

The Spindrift is right in the midst of Cannery Row. Out your door and there you are. H and I would walk to the beach in the early AM right behind Spindrift and notice the closeness to the ocean and the huge windows...We both thought it would be a great place to stay. The beach again isn't very large, and it's public. It's right next to a several restaurants and stores. Early in the AM there were "street people" sleeping/sitting under the overhang of the Spindrift that is next to the beach.

My guess is that the Monterey Inn might be quieter, esp. at night.

And do take the 17 mile drive thru Pebble Beach. Its great. (And that "crooked tree" is probably the Lone Cypress. )

I share naturegirl's enthusiam and second the recommendation for the spindrift. It is a beautiful old building rich in history (like all of cannery row). Be forewarned that there is no lobby per se but don't let that discourage you when you arrive because the rooms are gorgeous and very romantic. I do not have a single negative thing to say about the property (stayed there multiple times and never experienced the, uh, "street people"). I have not stayed at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, however, so I can't make a direct comparison. I can assure you that if you choose the spindrift inn it won't steer you wrong...

I have stayed at both places and prefer the Plaza. I love the property, being right on the water, service is outstanidng, rooms very nice and I love their rooftop spa there with the two bromine jacuzzis.

Spindrift was nice also, tho. We had a King corner room. They have canopy beds, hardwood floors, fireplaces, breakfast delivered to your room in the am. The property is much more exansive at the Plaza and we love the Duck Club and Schooner's Bistro there, also.

As far as having a nice beach, the Monterey Beach Resort is directly on the beach with a very large stretch of public beach there. We really like that about that property but we're true beach people! I'm on my way out the door right now to our beach here in Seaside, OR! Enjoy your trip and let us know you it goes! ***kim***

Kim--You may want to try a sister property of the Monterey Plaza, the Lafayette Park Hotel in Lafayette. Our family has enjoyed the Duck Club Restaurant there several times

Monterey Plaza is very nice and very upscale. Regardless of where you stay, go to SCHOONERS at the Plaza for lunch one day. Sit on the patio outside and watch the Monterey Bay and the otters. great spot!

Love the fish and chips at Schooner's. They are my 2nd favorite place for fish and chips. #1 goes to the Ship Inn in Astoria, OR. Schooner's also has great key lime pie! ***kim***

Spindrift Inn rocks! Wood burning Fireplace, feather down bedding, right in the heart of it, incredible!

You MUST do the aquarium. It is incredible and I will never go to another.

Take a wine trip! Carmel Valley is so close!

The 17 mile drive is beautiful!

Not sure if you need a beach, may be chilly!

Carmel Valley has some great wineries. We like the Bernardus wines. Make sure you stop at the Bernardus Lodge and have a nice lunch at Wickets out on the patio. www.bernardus.com Cheers! ***kim***