[2023 PICKS] The 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey

The best boutique hotels in Monterey place you in some of the most idyllic locations on this beautiful Californian coastline.

Monterey, California, is a perfect destination for travelers exploring the Californian coast’s beauty. From its stunning coastal views to its world-class attractions, Monterey offers plenty of activities and sights for visitors of all ages. It is renowned for being home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and abundant wildlife and marine life. Those who visit will be able to appreciate the city’s unique cultural history, breathtaking scenery, and lively atmosphere.

The areas we choose below are an ideal travel spot for families, couples, or solo travelers, and offers some of the best Monterey luxury hotels.

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

The 15 Best Monterey Boutique Hotels – Unique Places to Stay in Monterey CA

1. Portola Hotel & Spa

8.1 Average Rating
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The luxurious Portola Hotel & Spa is one of the best boutique hotels in Monterey, and is only a five-minute walk from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. This boutique hotel in Monterey is only 1.6 km from the historic Cannery Row and offers stunning views of the harbor to select guests.

All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities, and a make-up mirror.

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2. Victoria Inn

8.5 Average Rating
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Steps away from Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Carlos Beach, Victorian Inn offer an elegant and charming stay in Cannery Row. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Each room features a fireplace, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a seating area, a coffee machine, a refrigerator, a work desk, and a patio/balcony.

The bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast daily, plus a wine & cheese hour from 5-6 pm. Mineta San José International Airport is 120 km away.

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3. Hotel Abrego

8.5 Average Rating
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Hotel Abrego is one of the best Monterey County hotels, an ideal spot to explore all that Monterey Peninsula, California, has to offer. Located just a short distance from Fisherman’s Wharf, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, guests can easily enjoy beaches, shopping, golfing, nightlife, and delicious local restaurants.

Hotel Abrego offers cozy accommodations with free high-speed wireless internet access, a heated outdoor swimming pool, an on-site lounge with light fare dishes, and an extensive selection of beer and wine.

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4. Merritt House Hotel

8.5 Average Rating
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Merritt House Hotel offers a unique and comfortable stay for guests. All individually decorated rooms feature private fireplaces, bathrooms with bathrobes, and free WiFi with cable TV. Additionally, each room includes a refrigerator for convenience.

The hotel also offers a number of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Guests can enjoy the garden or relax in the common room. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast is served.

The hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf and is less than 2 miles from both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Del Monte Golf Course. The public beach at Fisherman’s Shoreline Park is also within walking distance.

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5. Monterey Bay Lodge

8.0 Average Rating
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Monterey Bay Lodge is a 3-star hotel located in the center of Monterey. It offers guests free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a garden. There is also a 24-hour front desk and room service.

The hotel’s units are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom. Some units have patios and pool views.

In addition to the outdoor pool, Monterey Bay Lodge also features a hot tub for guests to enjoy. There is a business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks available on-site.

The hotel is near some popular attractions, such as Window on the Bay Beach, Del Monte Beach and Presidio of Monterey Museum. The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport, 4km away.

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6. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

8.9 Average Rating
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The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is located in an ideal spot for visitors, only steps away from Cannery Row and a 10-minute walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Monterey Bay from the hotel’s guestrooms, which feature a seating area, air conditioning, a TV with cable channels, and an electronics charging station. The en suite bathroom includes free toiletries, bathrobes, a hairdryer, and ironing facilities. Guests can also take advantage of the nightly turndown service.

The hotel offers a range of dining experiences, from the elegant Coastal Kitchen restaurant to the lively Lobby Lounge. The Coastal Kitchen serves an ever-evolving tasting menu with wine pairings, while Schooners Monterey features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on sustainable seafood. The Lobby Lounge serves local beers, wine, craft cocktails, and light bites with live music in the evening. For a quick bite or coffee, guests can visit Tidal Coffee, which offers Golden Bean award-winning coffee blends and breakfast and lunch items.

Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center and spa. The spa offers a variety of treatments and services, while the fitness center is located on the hotel’s rooftop. 17 Mile Drive is located 4 km away from the hotel, and the Monterey Regional Airport is 7 km away.

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7. Colton Inn

8.3 Average Rating
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The Colton Inn Monterey is an inn located in the Monterey Bay area. Guests can enjoy a dry sauna and sun terrace, and all rooms feature free Wi-Fi. Pebble Beach is only 5 miles away. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each room includes a cable TV, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, an iron with ironing facilities, a hair dryer, and a small fridge. Fisherman’s Wharf is a 5-minute drive away from the inn, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey Municipal Airport are both within 10 minute’s drive.

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8. Wave Street Inn

8.8 Average Rating
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The Wave Street Inn offers non-smoking accommodation in Monterey, located less than 3 km from Del Monte Beach. Each room includes a refrigerator, coffee machine, TV with cable channels, and en suite bathroom. A 24-hour front desk is available.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is less than 1 km away.

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9. Munras Inn

8.3 Average Rating
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Munras Inn offers guest rooms with free WiFi, cable TV, a fireplace, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee machine. Hairdryers and ironing facilities are included. Fax and photocopying services are available. It is 3.2 km from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and 6.4 km from Pebble Beach Golf Course. Laguna Seca Raceway is 20 minutes drive away. Free parking is provided.

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10. Spindrift Inn

8.9 Average Rating
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The Spindrift Inn offers elegant accommodations right on the beach in the heart of Monterey. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and a complimentary continental breakfast is provided. Each room is equipped with a seating area with a view, a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, an in-room safe, and in-room massage services. The bathrooms include a hairdryer, bathrobes, an oversized tub, and a shower. Select rooms also offer a fireplace.

The continental breakfast can be delivered to the room on a silver tray. Next to the lobby is the Lalla Oceanside Grill, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking McAbee Beach and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. In the evening, guests can enjoy drinks and dishes such as lobster nachos and steak-prawn platters at Angel’s Share lounge.

The Spindrift Inn is located 4.8 km from the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links and 4 minutes walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Mineta San José International Airport is 120 km away.

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11. Martine Inn

8.6 Average Rating
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Martine Inn Bed and Breakfast is a waterfront Pacific Grove bed and breakfast overlooking Monterey Bay. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, a comfortable seating area with antique furnishings with generous wooden accents, an en suite bathroom, a small refrigerator, and a desk.

Located within a mile of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Martine Inn also offers a gourmet breakfast featuring fresh-baked pastries, juices, fruit, and a hot dish such as French toast, crepes, or egg specialties every morning. In the evening, wine and hors d’oeuvres are served.

Other amenities available at the bed and breakfast include a billiards room, a library, free parking, and indoor bike storage. Tickets to Monterey Bay Aquarium and whale-watching tours are also available. Carmel town center is 15 minutes drive away, and Big Sur is 30 miles away.

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12. Centrella Hotel, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel

8.7 Average Rating
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Centrella Hotel, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel, offers unique Victorian-style accommodation in Pacific Grove. This 100% non-smoking historic inn provides free WiFi and free on-site parking. Guests can enjoy a 6-minute walk to Lover’s Point Beach, as well as bike rentals for exploring the area.

Each guest room at the inn features a private bathroom, telephone, hair dryer, and ironing facilities. Coffee and tea are available each evening, and tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Whale Watching Tours can be bought at the front desk.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a 3-minute drive from the hotel, while Lover Point Beach is a 5-minute walk away. The property is also a 3-minute walk from Pacific Grove’s city center, providing easy access to many shops and restaurants.

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13. Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

9.2 Average Rating
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This historic oceanfront inn is nestled along the rocky shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula. It provides charming accommodations with personalized services and thoughtful amenities. Every guest room offers an ocean view, and the inn is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary WiFi and free on-street parking.

The inn is conveniently located close to popular area attractions. Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Carmel, all featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, are only a short distance away. Visitors can also explore the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course or the Monterey Bay Aquarium to view exciting California sea life.

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14. Pacific Grove Inn

8.0 Average Rating
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Pacific Grove Inn, a boutique hotel in Monterey, is a 100% non-smoking historic inn, just 5 minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and 17 Mile Drive.

Each room features free Wi-Fi and local calls, plus a private bathroom with a heated towel rack and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Nearby attractions include Pebble Beach (9.6 km) and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (26.5 km).

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15. Sunset Inn Pacific Grove

8.8 Average Rating
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Situated in the heart of the Monterey Bay Peninsula, Sunset Inn Pacific Grove is just a 7-minute walk away from the beach. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, an in-room coffee maker, a hair dryer, an in-room refrigerator, complimentary toiletries, and for select rooms, a fireplace.

The property also offers a complimentary continental breakfast, a business center, and an on-site fire pit. Additionally, guests can book the Pacific Grove Golf Course in advance at the property.

Within a short drive, guests can make the most of their stay by exploring the nearby attractions. Asilomar State Beach is just 4 minutes away, and the Country Club Gate Shopping Center is 7 minutes drive from the Sunset Inn Pacific Grove. The famous Pebble Beach Golf Course is 6 miles away.

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