Central Coast
Where to Stay in Monterey and Carmel: Inns, B&Bs and Resorts
Where to stay in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Cannery Row hotels, Pacific Grove B&Bs, Carmel village inns and Carmel Valley resorts compared.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
The Monterey Peninsula includes Monterey’s aquarium and Cannery Row, Pacific Grove’s Victorian inns, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s village, Pebble Beach golf and Carmel Valley vineyards.
This guide compares the areas and their inns, B&Bs and resorts.
In This Guide
- Monterey vs. Carmel: Which Area to Stay In
- Hotels on Cannery Row and in Downtown Monterey
- Pacific Grove B&Bs, Asilomar and Kimpton Mirador
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Inns and Boutique Hotels
- Carmel Valley Resorts
- Pebble Beach and Carmel Highlands Hotels
- When to Book Monterey and Carmel Hotels
- More Places to Stay on the Coast
- FAQ
Monterey vs. Carmel: Which Area to Stay In
Everything is 15 to 25 minutes apart.
- Monterey: aquarium, Cannery Row, families
- Pacific Grove: B&Bs, quiet, coastal walks
- Carmel: village, beach, dining
- Carmel Valley: sun, wine, resorts
- Pebble Beach: golf, luxury
Hotels on Cannery Row and in Downtown Monterey
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa sits over the water on Cannery Row. InterContinental The Clement is next to the aquarium, and Spindrift Inn is a small beachfront hotel with fireplaces.
Old Monterey Inn is a Tudor-style B&B near downtown. Portola Hotel & Spa is by Fisherman’s Wharf and the coastal trail.
Pacific Grove B&Bs, Asilomar and Kimpton Mirador
Green Gables Inn, Seven Gables Inn and Martine Inn face the water.
Asilomar Conference Grounds has Julia Morgan buildings among dunes and pines and is good value. Kimpton Mirador, a 99-room hotel, opened in early 2026; pets stay free.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Inns and Boutique Hotels
Carmel has no chain restaurants and 41 passageways and courtyards. Village hotels are walkable to the beach.
Village Classics
La Playa Carmel is a historic hotel with gardens near the beach. Cypress Inn is dog-friendly, and L’Auberge Carmel is a small luxury inn with a restaurant.
Newer Boutique Stays
Stilwell Hotel opened in 2024, a sister to Tradewinds Carmel. Villa Mara Carmel is a 16-room adults-only hotel about 100 yards from Carmel Beach.
Mission Ranch and Hofsas House
Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood, has pastures facing Point Lobos. Hofsas House is one of the cheapest beds in the village.
Carmel Valley Resorts
Carmel Valley Ranch, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, has golf, vineyards, a spa and pools. Bernardus Lodge & Spa and The Quail are the other resorts.
The valley is often sunny when the coast is foggy, and the village has dozens of tasting rooms.
Pebble Beach and Carmel Highlands Hotels
The Lodge at Pebble Beach overlooks the 18th hole. The Inn at Spanish Bay has a bagpiper at sunset.
Tickle Pink Inn and Hyatt Carmel Highlands sit on cliffs near Point Lobos; see my Big Sur driving guide.
When to Book Monterey and Carmel Hotels
Monterey Car Week in mid-August and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February book out early, often with multi-night minimums. Book six months ahead.
September and October have the best weather; winter midweek is cheapest. Small inns often require two weekend nights.
More Places to Stay on the Coast
For rooms on the water, see my oceanfront hotels on the Central Coast. Heading south? See where to stay in Big Sur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Monterey or Carmel?
Monterey for families and the aquarium. Carmel for a walkable village and beach.
How far is Carmel from Monterey?
About 10 to 15 minutes by car.
When is the best time to visit Monterey and Carmel?
September and October.
Where should I stay near Point Lobos?
Tickle Pink Inn and Hyatt Carmel Highlands are minutes from the entrance. Mission Ranch in Carmel is also close.
Do you have to pay to drive 17-Mile Drive?
Yes, per car, refunded with a qualifying Pebble Beach Resorts meal.
Destination guide
My Monterey hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
