[2023 PICKS] The Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey County, California

The best boutique hotels in Monterey County place you in some of the most idyllic locations in California.

Monterey County, located on the central coast of California, is a travel destination that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, there is something for everyone in this picturesque region.

Visitors can explore charming coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, taste delicious wine in the Salinas Valley, or go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

We hand-picked top-rated boutique hotels in Monterey County to consider for your next getaway!

The 10 Best Monterey County Boutique Hotels

1. Portola Hotel & Spa

8.1 Average Rating
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The Portola Hotel & Spa is a 5-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. This boutique hotel is 1.6 km away from the historic Cannery Row.

The guest rooms are well-equipped and comfortable. Each room features a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. The private bathroom comes with eco-friendly amenities and a make-up mirror. Some rooms offer stunning views of the harbor.

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2. Centrella Hotel, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel

8.7 Average Rating
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Centrella Hotel, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel, is a historic, Victorian-style inn located in Pacific Grove. It is 100% non-smoking and offers complimentary WiFi and on-site parking. Guests can enjoy a unique stay in one of the inn’s individually-styled rooms, each of which includes a private bathroom, telephone, hair dryer, and ironing facilities.

Coffee and tea are also provided each evening. Tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Whale Watching Tours can be purchased at the front desk. The inn is within walking distance of Lover’s Point Beach and Pacific Grove’s city center and is only a 3-minute drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Bike rentals are also available.

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3. Carmel Mission Inn

8.0 Average Rating
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This hotel is close to Point Lobos State Park and a short distance from Big Sur. It is an ideal location to explore the stunning California coastline. Guests can also take advantage of the numerous activities on offer and relax in the comfort of the hotel.

The boutique hotel features high-speed internet in all rooms and throughout the property. Other amenities include an outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness room.

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4. Carmel Bay View Inn

8.4 Average Rating
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Best Western Plus Carmel Bay View Inn is just 1.6 km from Pebble Beach and Carmel Mission. It is adjacent to exclusive shops and galleries and offers an on-site seasonal outdoor pool. Each room includes free WiFi, a TV with cable channels, a fireplace, and a coffee machine. A full breakfast is served daily.

Carmel River State Beach is 3.2 km away, and Point Lobos State Reserve is 9 minutes’ drive away.

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5. Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

8.4 Average Rating
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Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is a hotel in Old Town Monterey, 3.2 km from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It features a full-service spa and an on-site restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

The rooms have green and cream-colored walls. They have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a DVD player, electronic charging ports, a coffee machine, and a work desk. The bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries. Select rooms offer a fireplace.

Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, work out at the fitness center, and relax at the spa. The boutique hotel also has a DVD library available.

Estéban Restaurant and Lounge serves breakfast and dinner with Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired cuisine. Happy hour is also served at the Lounge.

Nearby attractions include Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Del Monte Golf Course, and Cannery Row, which are all within 1.6 km of Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa.

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6. Quail Lodge & Golf Club

8.8 Average Rating
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Quail Lodge & Golf Club is located in beautiful Carmel, California. Surrounded by fields, lakes, and a top-rated golf course, this resort offers a wide range of amenities. All of the air-conditioned guest rooms feature free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a work desk, a refrigerator, ironing facilities, and a hairdryer.

The resort has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Guests can also use a business center with fax and photocopying services.

Edgar’s restaurant in the clubhouse offers indoor or outdoor fireside dining with views of the golf course and the Santa Lucia Mountains. All menu items use fresh local organic ingredients. The Lobby Bar serves classic cocktails, California wines, micro-brews, and a light menu. The Deck to Breakfast at the Lodge offers a variety of breakfast options.

A 24-hour reception is available for guests.

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7. Carmel Valley Lodge

8.7 Average Rating
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Carmel Valley Lodge is a cozy accommodation surrounded by large flower gardens. Guests can take advantage of the seasonal outdoor pool from May to October. Located just 15 minutes drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The rooms in this lodge are warmly decorated with high ceilings and feature a private patio, cable TV, and a fireplace. A modern bathroom with either a bathtub or shower is also included.

A continental breakfast is provided and includes local pastries, yogurt, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and coffee and tea.

The quaint Carmel Valley Village is just a short walk away and offers 28 wine-tasting rooms, shops, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. Garland Regional Park is just 7 minutes away for outdoor enthusiasts and offers beautiful walking trails. Big Sur, a scenic wonderland, is 1 hour away by car.

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8. Bernardus Lodge & Spa

9.1 Average Rating
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Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a luxurious Carmel Valley resort. It features star-rated dining, a wellness spa, and an outdoor heated pool. Each guest room has a limestone fireplace, a 2-person soaking tub, and down feather bedding. Monterey Bay Aquarium is 19 km from the resort.

Upon arrival, guests are presented with a gourmet snack basket, fruit bowl, fresh roses, and a complimentary “wine grotto” mini-bar with Bernardus wines in their rooms. A flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station, and coffee machine are also provided.

Lucia Restaurant & Bar is a restaurant located onsite. It serves organic, local ingredients and has an extensive wine list. The bar and lounge area offers a more casual menu.

The Spa at Bernardus offers marine-inspired massage services and body treatments. It has locker rooms, sauna rooms, a fitness room, and a juice bar. Guests can also relax in the warming room with a fireplace, a meditation garden, a dipping pool, and a reflecting pool. A full-service beauty salon is also available.

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9. Victorian Inn

8.5 Average Rating
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This Victorian Inn is located in the heart of Cannery Row in Monterey Bay. It offers a unique combination of classic Victorian charm and modern amenities. Guests can benefit from free WiFi throughout the property.

Each guest room has a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a coffee machine, a refrigerator, a work desk, and a patio or balcony. The bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.

The boutique hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and a Wine and Cheese hour from 5 pm to 6 pm. Guests can easily access various attractions in the area, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Carlos Beach, which are within walking distance. Mineta San José International Airport is 120 km away.

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10. Hotel Abrego

8.5 Average Rating
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Hotel Abrego is the perfect place to stay when visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Located near Fisherman’s Wharf and a variety of other attractions, this hotel offers cozy accommodations and plenty of amenities. Guests can enjoy a meal or a drink at the on-site lounge, use free wireless internet access, and relax by the heated outdoor pool.

Furthermore, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach golf course, nightlife, and restaurants are all located nearby. With so much to see and do, Hotel Abrego is an ideal base for exploring the area.

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