11 Best Cheap Hotels in Monterey CA

Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco aren’t the only cities that can offer you an unforgettable California vacation. Spending your days in the city of Monterey will certainly not disappoint. It’s where you can view, explore, and immerse yourself in some of the state’s most exquisite natural wonders. Known for Cannery Row, it’s a beloved stop along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway. While this city can get pricey easily, searching for a cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, isn’t that hard if you look closely. Though affordable, many of them allow you to enjoy luxurious amenities without sacrificing anything! So, which cheap hotel in Monterey, California is for you? Let’s find out!

Victorian Inn

11

Only a five-minute walk from Cannery Row, the Victorian Inn is the first cheap hotel in Monterey, California, that you should consider. This early 1900s Victorian hotel allows you to easily access the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other top attractions. Set in the heart of Monterey, it offers serenity from the main tourist hubs. We also love how it offers many complimentary amenities, like free continental breakfast and afternoon wine receptions, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile, the plush bedding and rich oak furniture in each bedroom will make retiring much more appealing at the end of the day. The classic rooms are all fitted with a marble fireplace, flat-screen TV, work desk, mini-bar, and coffee maker. If you’re okay with spending a little bit more, consider staying in the suite, which offers a separate living area and mini-fridge.

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

10

Considering everything Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa has to offer, you’ll be surprised by how affordable the rooms at this hotel are! Set in a charming building dating from 1824, this cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, is only a mile from the nearest beach and Fisherman’s Wharf. Want to take pictures of the animals in Monterey Bay Aquarium? Sure, as it’s only two miles away from the hotel. If you don’t travel by car, you can rent a bike from the hotel to explore the surrounding area!

Some notable amenities of this boutique hotel in Monterey include the Mediterranean restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gym, and business center. However, our favorite is none other than the spa center! What better way to spend your day than rejuvenating yourself in the posh spa? Additionally, each warm guestroom comes with free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, plush bedding, and a flat-screen TV. Upgrade your room, and you’ll be able to enjoy the soaking tub, fireplace, and Keurig coffee maker.

Pelican Inn

9

The lovely Pelican Inn is another cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, worth your attention. This hotel is also an excellent choice for those who are here only for a day or two, only a seven-minute drive away from the airport. Plus, with express check-in/out, you can unload your luggage and get out to explore the sights and sounds of the city at a record speed! Some must-visit places in the vicinity include the Monterey Museum of Art, Colton Hall Museum, San Carlos Cathedral, and many more.

In addition to that, continental breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are all free at this cheap hotel in Monterey, California. Apart from that, there’s also a patio where you can unwind after a long day of walking. Accessed via exterior entrances, the comfy guestrooms on the property come with a flat-screen TV and a long double bed. Some rooms also boast a microwave, mini-fridge, and fireplace.

Wave Street Inn

8

The down-to-earth Wave Street Inn is set only a block away from Cannery Row. This means this three-star hotel is also only a short walk away from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Coastal Recreation Trail, Presidio of Monterey Museum, Monterey Museum of Art, and Aeneas Beach, and many other attractions. With helpful staff members, affordable rates, and a bike hire service, no wonder this hotel is a favorite among travelers.

Apart from that, the outdoor fireplaces at this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, make socializing a piece of cake. Meanwhile, the comfortable bedding in each room guarantees a good night’s sleep. You can also expect free in-room coffee, tea, snacks, and other standard amenities in each room. Even better, complimentary champagne is offered to honeymooning couples! Speaking of free stuff, there are also free morning coffee and pastry baskets.

Hampton Inn Monterey

7

Conveniently set near Roberts Lake, the Hampton Inn Monterey puts you near some of the city’s highlights! Places like Del Monte Beach, Seaside Beach, Dennis the Menace Park, and many more are walkably close. At the same time, you’ll be able to have a tranquil vacation as it keeps a distance from the bustling city center, giving you the best of both worlds! In addition, it’s also a nice option for those who need to catch an early flight as the airport is only a five-minute drive away.

The atmosphere of this cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, is very homey, and the guestrooms are even more so! As the perfect place to retire after a long day of traveling, each room comes with a custom-designed bed, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. Meanwhile, upgraded rooms offer lake views, a mini-fridge, and/or a seating area. Of course, complimentary amenities, like free parking and free hot breakfast.

Stage Coach Lodge

6

At Stage Coach Lodge, you’ll never spend a day not knowing what to do! That’s because as the best cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, it comes with plenty of amazing facilities for you to enjoy! For instance, you can make a splash in the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy the breeze in the calming outdoor garden, and test your skills in the on-site mini-golf course! Located off Highway 1, this hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking tranquility and who want to be away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Better yet, this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, also offers plenty of freebies, including free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast. Meanwhile, each warmly decorated guestroom has free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV to keep you entertained when you can’t sleep. Thanks to the mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, you can also satiate your hunger easily! If you’re in a group, consider booking the suite instead, as it has a seating area, a pull-out sofa that doubles as a bed, and a fireplace.

Holiday Inn Express Monterey – Cannery Row

5

As the name suggests, this cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, can be found on the famous street on the waterfront, Cannery Row. The Holiday Inn Express Monterey – Cannery Row is an excellent option for reaching ocean-side activity hubs. With some of the best beaches in California and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the vicinity, we’re sure you’ll rarely leave the neighborhood during your stay. But apart from the location, this hotel also boasts many amenities that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face.

Guests staying at this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, can enjoy many freebies, including a hot breakfast, evening wine and cheese receptions, free parking, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Pretty great, right? Apart from that, the modern rooms are all well-equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and safe. If you’re here with your family, you can upgrade your room to have an extra pull-out sofa.

Lone Oak Lodge

4

The amazing Lone Oak Lodge isn’t just any old motor lodge. This cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, provides all the conveniences you’d expect from one of the most popular hotels in the city. With its wide-ranging amenities, this property is an ideal vacation spot for travelers on a budget. During your spare time, feel free to clear your pores and relax in the sauna, take a refreshing dip in the hot tub, and keep your body healthy and fit in the workout area. With a nice atmosphere provided by the knowledgeable staff, this hotel is also an excellent base for those visiting Monterey with children.

Every room, even the smallest one, is fitted with all the essential amenities you’ll need for an enjoyable stay. Think free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, Blu-Ray DVD player, microwave, coffee machine, and refrigerator. Aside from that, there’s also a seating area and a spotless bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Better yet, each room is soundproofed, promising you a good night’s sleep. When it’s time to venture out, you can visit Monterey State Beach or Laguna Grande Regional Park, which are only around a mile away. Oh, have we told you that parking is free?

Monterey Tides

3

Many hotels in Monterey offer you beach access, but the Monterey Tides is the only cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, that features a private beachfront for guests! Better yet, you can also hold a wedding at this hotel with a ceremony at the private beach! With catering and an event coordinator on-site, this amazing hotel can confidently handle all the logistics for your big day. If you’re in Monterey with your special one, staying at this pet-friendly Monterey hotel is a good call.

Apart from that, your resort fee already includes access to the beach and other exciting activities. You can choose from beach yoga on Saturdays, beach bonfires, lawn games, and bicycle rentals. When you’re hungry, fill your stomach in the on-site restaurant that offers amazing ocean views. Or, you can chillax at the lounge that serves light bites and margarita specials. Meanwhile, the rooms at this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, are simple but modern. With ocean-inspired accents, many of them feature ocean views.

Hotel Abrego

2

Located slightly outside downtown Monterey, Hotel Abrego is another cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, that offers plenty of amazing amenities. Here, guests can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to stay connected and park their vehicles for free in the designated parking area. Apart from that, guests can also access the heated outdoor pool and fitness center for free! Meanwhile, business travelers will appreciate the meetings and events facilities. Apart from that, there’s also a nice on-site restaurant that serves classic California cuisine and fresh seafood! Don’t forget to stop by the bar if you’re down for a drink. Better yet, you can grab hot coffee in the lobby whenever you want.

From this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, there are many places that you can visit on foot. They include Dennis the Menace Park, Wine Trolley Tours, Stevenson House, San Carlos Cathedral, Monterey Museum of Art, and many more. After a fun-filled day, head back to your room and have a much-needed rest! Each room on-site is beautifully appointed with Italian linen, a Keurig coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. Some even have extra amenities like a fireplace and patio, though those rooms are more expensive.

Monterey Bay Inn

1

The three-star Monterey Bay Inn is set right on the beachfront and is a nice option if you want to spend your time on San Carlos Beach. Spoiling travelers without breaking their bank, the highlight of this cheap hotel in Monterey, CA, is none other than its rooftop whirlpool. Take a dip and forget about everything else! Apart from that, it also commands unbeatable views over Cannery Row and the Bay, making it our favorite spot at the hotel. After that, feel free to grab an in-room massage before heading for a quick stroll along the coast. Even better, some of the city’s popular restaurants are within easy reach of the hotel.

When it comes to the guestrooms, this cheap hotel in Monterey, California, doesn’t disappoint either. All of them don’t lack space and are equipped with standard amenities. You can expect a mini-bar, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, DVD player, in-room safe, and many more. The private bathroom in each room is spotless, and it comes with complimentary toiletries as well. Some rooms even boast a balcony with views of Cannery Row or the Monterey Bay. Meanwhile, freebies include free Wi-Fi and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.

Top Affordable Bars in Monterey, CA

• My Attic 1937 – This bar provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests looking to treat themselves to fantastic, cheap cocktails. There are plenty of seats, and house favorites include My Attic Manhattan and the Alvarado St. Sour.
• Turn 12 Bar and Grill – Set in the heart of Monterey; this sports bar offers a wide array of American alcoholic beverages. Apart from that, the pizzas are great too.
• Savino Wine Bar – Visit this place for a tasting session! Here, you can join the local wine club or education classes on what to pair your wine with.

Top Affordable Restaurants in Monterey, CA

• Dametra – When looking for budget-friendly food, this is the place to be. Offering Mediterranean cuisine, everything here is affordable. Some of our favorites include its falafel and chicken shawarma.
• Chopstix – Those who want to try Vietnamese cuisine should visit this affordable restaurant. Everything on the menu is less than 7.99 USD!
• Gianni’s – THis is a well-known pizza joint that also offers sandwiches, calzones, and pasta. Some of our favorites, like the meatball sandwich, are less than 10 USD.

Free Things To Do in Monterey, CA

• Cannery Row – This shopping and entertainment district is a must-visit! If you’re on a budget, window shopping can be fun and help you save money. Aside from that, you can also check out the galleries and walk down to the shore.
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Another free attraction worth visiting is the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can stroll around and check out the different shops here. Also, feel free to sample some of the tasty treats for sale, though you might spend a bit.
• Del Monte Beach – This is one of the city’s many beaches. Compared to others, it’s not as crowded and is a great spot for families.