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Best Western Beach Resort
Rating Details »
2600 Sand Dunes Dr
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 394-3321
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 394-3321
- Price Range:
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$$
34 reviews for Best Western Beach Resort
Great location & dog-friendly (for a fee, of course). My husband and I had a ocean-side room on the ground floor (I think pets are only allowed on the ground floor), with a spectacular ocean view.
I'd definitely recommend getting an ocean-side room, but if none were available or we wanted to save the cash, I think I'd consider a ground floor room on the street-side, which faced some nice landscaping (as opposed to a view of the parking lot that I imagine the upper floors have). One reason to stay here without an ocean-side room: you're still really close to the beach!
Also, we had a fantastic dinner from the restaurant. Because we didn't want to leave our dog in the room while we ate upstairs, we ending up doing takeout, which allowed us to order from the full restaurant menu (they have room service, but the menu is much more limited). I had the Pistachio crusted halibut, my husband had the Caribbean chicken, and both were delicious.
The flat-screen TV and automatic window shades (one is a privacy shade that allows you to see out while others can't see in; the other is a blackout shade) were very nice, even if I don't need a 32-inch TV in a 12-foot wide room...
The beach, as I said before, is very close, not at all crowded, and we were able to spot dolphins swimming very close on both mornings.
The two drawbacks: (1) the pet fee is $50 for an ocean-side room, but only $25 for a street-side room. I'm fine with paying a fee -- I realize that dog-friendly rooms require more clean-up. But I'm certain it doesn't take any additional effort to clean the rooms on the ocean side, so this just seemed like a way to yank some extra money out of us (2) The bathroom door, as someone already noted, is slated, which offers no audible or, um, olfactory privacy. Yet it has a lock. Weird.
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I had an enjoyable stay at this hotel. The ocean view rooms do have the great ocean view you are looking for. The room are quite "high tech" with a big flat-screen TV and I-pod doc. The pool and hot tub are fenced and secluded and you need a key card to get in. There is also a fitness room. And a lobby with a pinao player some nights.
The reasturant is pretty good. The entrees are around $20 per person for dinner, but they do have a 3 course early bird special from 5:30 to 6:30.
Why do I love this wonderous little spot off Hwy 1. First off they have a great dining room with a great view, next excellent staff. When you volunteer for a lot of things like me b/c you need a job but, don't have one you find the a great opportunity to add to volunteer for your resume.
Equally, I was lost no, really I got lost in Seaside, its true. I had no clue where I was except I knew Hwy 1 north and south. The front desk I was late for signups at the event and unfortunately too late for an early call Saturday morning but, the hotel front desk set me straight and got me on my way so it wasn't a total loss.
Did I mention the great view they have and rooms available for weary loss travelers looking for a respite? It would have been heavenly but, someother time maybe Thanksgiving??? who knows.
Great staff, great dining room, and excellent view can't wait to book my reservation.
We had our Rehearsal Dinner this past weekend for our wedding and I am still in awe with the service and food. The food was wonderful and the room looked so good set up. The sales and banquet staff were A+ and helped us out to make our rehearsal dinner special. The atmosphere was very intimate and the food was absolutley delicious and of course the view was amazing. What was nice was we met in the lobby downstairs and had cocktails and then went upstairs for our dinner. This is a perfect location and spot for any time of gathering/meeting.
I think 2.5 stars is a solid average rating for this place GIVEN that you, like us, get a 1/2 off deal on your room.
I think if places charge over a hundred dollars for a damn room that they need to provide a microwave and a mini-fridge. They do have a mini-fridge but no microwave. That pisses me off, especially considering there is a fucking safe that looks like a microwave, which I DO NOT need. Also, there is no microwave in the lobby. No, no, no, no, no like.
Also, why the hell would you stay in this hotel without the beach front view? Please, can I get the parking lot view instead of the ocean view? My sweetheart and I would rather watch all these drunk Friday-night assholes and just eff the ocean we drove here to see. Seriously, without the view, this place reeks of Motel 6, and of rich teens losing their virginity.
Also, my husband kept running into the bed. And this place reeks. The complimentary breakfast is ok. I'd rather get 5 dollars off the room and go to McDonalds. Puh-lease. And hey maids! LEAVE US THE FUCK ALONE!! Ten dollars off for each door knock would have won us a free night on the wrong side of the fucking hotel, facing the parking lot, and not the beach. Did I mention that we could not see the beach from our room at this "beach resort?"
Also, just to warn you, when you wake up here, you will think it is 1968. That is due to the severely outdated decor, aside from the track lighting update they must have installed circa 1998 when HGTV taught every idiot how to do so. Thanks for the fucking migraine, BW.
If the rate wasn't so reasonable (just over a hundred) and we had paid the usual 189.99-489.99 the "Best Western" usually charges for the room we stayed in (as posted on the back of the front door,) me and mine might have started a Best Western by-the-sea riot. No joke. Do not pay full price unless you want to be pissed off. Overall, we were dissatisfied.
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This is a solid choice if you need a dog-friendly hotel. We scored a great deal at $99 per night for a garden view room, INCLUDING the $50 dog fee.
The rooms on the first floor are designated dog rooms. If you're not a dog person, then you suck. =) Oh ya, and just make sure to request a spot on the upper, pet-free floors.
Our room was clean and odor free and appears to be recently updated. We let our dog loose in the room since he's well-behaved and potty trained. If you're not as confident with your pooch, you could confine him or her to the tiled bathroom/kitchen area. One downside with the room, however, is the wood slat door for the bathtub and toilet room, which gives you visual but not AUDIBLE privacy while you do your business. You can't be shy here, folks!
Once you're all fresh and clean, definitely check out the rest of the hotel and the beach. The first floor on the garden side is well-kept with lush landscaping and this is where the pool is located. The beach side of the hotel has teak chairs and loungers to chill and relax on. And the beach is just a few steps away. This is the only hotel on this section of beach, so it's not too crowded.
Used to be called the Monterey Beach Hotel. They have been going through a few updates and I thought about going through them to host my high school reunion. I wanted beach access and unfortunately the rooms were a bit too small and they were going through some major renovations.construction at the time. Bummer!
I love a party on a beach and a little midnight swim. I did like the little bar area, again little, but nice to have a drink or 2 with the views of the beach.
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I loved my stay here! I was surprised when I found out I'd get to stay in a beach front room on the first floor, which gave me the liberty to walk down to the beach anytime! The waves lulled me to sleep after a day of "OP" fun at its finest. The hotel is a short drive away from Cannery Row and other touristy sites like the wharf.
mMm, the room service was timely and delicioso! The pool and hot tub were clean, great to visit, and overall it made for a very "roMahNtique" experience lol ; )
I can't wait to stay here again once the renovations are complete, small construction work started fairly early in the a.m. If you ever stay here, pay close attention to your parking card (which you need to swipe), its the pits when you are ready to park and are locked out of the garage!
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This place has it's definite pluses and minuses. The pluses do outweigh the minuses however. We stayed in a 1st floor room ocean front room with our dog. Yes they take dogs. Yes they charge frigg'in $50.00 for the dog!!
The room was nice..came with a mini fridge and the usual amenities. Unfortunately being on the 1st floor you get to hear all the youngsters come home from the bars around 2ish and stumble drunkenly and loudly to their rooms where they proceed to continue with their loud antics. Could be because there was a wedding party staying there though...should have brought my earplugs since I was young once too and occasionally shut down a bar myself :)
Def stay in an oceanfront room. With AAA rates you will pay $170/night. Great view. Steps to the semi private beach and a short drive to the wharf and cannery area. Minuses: check in REALLY IS at 4pm. We got there at 3:45 and our room 'wasn't ready'. Also the bar and restaurant don't open until 4 pm so you can't even have a cocktail while you wait!!
Yes...as they are dog friendly and the location was fantastic, we will stay there again. The lobby is very nice too and breakfast in 4th floor restaurant had a killer view and not too shabby food.
Stayed here in three rooms on the non-ocean side with family. I read that the ocean view was the reason to stay here, but it was convenient and we could have breakfast with a view in the restaurant, and more importantly I have a pet and they take pets.
Tip: I got a way better deal reserving through the BW site, not the hotel's site. I reserved one pet room and two regular rooms, but when I arrived they didn't ask me about the pet. Which apparently saved me a $50 pet fee! I also noticed on the BW site that the hotel is currently waiving the parking fee (questionable in the first place), I guess because of the construction. Our rooms were fine and clean, but my shower backed up and stayed that way. Eww.
We had drinks in the upstairs bar that night (fine, nice fireplace) and breakfast in the morning, with a fantastic view over the ocean. Breakfast was fine, no big deal, decent service and food. I think if someone was dying to stay on the beach in Monterey (or has a pet) I'd recommend this but with caveats about the fees.
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One of my favorite spots to stay when we're down in the Monterey area. My bf always gets the beach side rooms and let me just tell you, nothing compares to waking up with the sound of the ocean. Their restaurant isn't bad either, we've also called in for room service a few times and the service and food isn't bad at all.
We will defintely be back to this location soon.
Have you ever had a vacation where you were lucky enough to sleep by the ocean, in the city by a bay, in the country in Napa, in an adobe bungalow in the desert and then in a cool penthouse in the Hollywood Hills?
This leg of our vacation found me next to the ocean lulled to sleep at a hotel that I never would have guessed could be so cool and accommodating but a Best Western by the sea in Monterrey.
First of all, let me preface the rest of this review by saying if you haven't been to Monterrey you are missing something!!! It's extremely beautiful in Northern California and completely different than Los Angeles. Even the climate is totally different which is a nice change. The weather is balmy.
The hotel is located directly on the beach. Need I say anything else? We booked online through Travelocity and got a good deal on the rooms. Our room was located on the corner which was super private and had a direct view of the ocean, power operated shades for privacy and glare, a big, skwishy comforter and flat screen T.V.
In the morning there was a free continental breakfast waiting for us downstairs since they were doing some remodeling on the hotel.
Yahoo!
I love traveling.
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One word, B E A U T I F U L !!! I'm engaged Yayh! So was checking out some locations on the Northern Bridal Guide Book and this is how I ran across this place.
And YES! This is the ONLY Beach Front Hotel in Monterey, like literally on the beach!
Checked out the website and guess what, it was a Best Western, holly shit! Yeah, could not believe it myself! Anyways, I already had a good feeling about the place once I saw the website. The convenient thing is that they had the wedding menu packages on line at which you can review everything, write down my questions and just email them.
I emailed them that same day and I think I got a response that same day or the next day. The gal I'm dealing with now, Emily is so awesome! I love her! She's very detailed oriented, knowledgeable in what she does, straight forward, honest & just a genuinely nice & an understandable person. I have all my faith on her to help me make my wedding day the most memorable day.
My fiance and I took a trip out there to check out the place, booked an ocean front suite and OMG it was just beautiful! We hung out in our room until the restaurant on the 4th floor opened up at 6pm I think and we couldn't wait to eat! The food was so delicious. We ordered prawns wrapped in bacon and mushroom stuffed with crab with a creamy sauce drizzled on top. My mouth just watered when I took a bite. Ash had the fillet Mignon and salmon and I had the crusted herb fish. I can't remember the type of fish, sorry, it's slipping my mind right now, but it was gooood :)
The best thing is that at night when you go to bed, you hear the ocean crashing on the shore and when you wake up in the morning it's still there. Nothing is more relaxing and soothing then the ocean sound :)
We ordered room service for breakfast, pulled up our blinds for the room and sat there on the little table that they provided in the room and just enjoyed the beautiful morning sun and the ocean view.
We meet with Emily the next day after checkout and she showed us around (even though we already ventured around hehehe) but after our stay there we knew that this is the place where we want to get married. We do plan to visit again before our actual wedding date in September and I can't wait to return.
Almost forgot to mention, they have a beautiful pool that's heated year round! I just went a couple of weeks ago and there was a family swimming in the pool... during November... In Monterey! How awesome is that! I guess only in California hahaha
Cheers!
I've stayed here several times over the past 3 or so years and find it the best affordable (ie $150/night including all of the fees mentioned below) in the area.
The hotel is right on a nice beach and accepts dogs in first floor rooms. This is a great combination for early morning walks along the water- in fact you can walk to the Monterey wharf if you are up for it. The rooms are good enough - not spectacular but nothing to really complain about. I generally hate 1st floor rooms but didnt have an issue with any of the ones I've stayed in here. So great location, good dog policy, rooms very passable.
Negatives? $10 parking fee + $7(?) "resort" fee + room + dog fee. While this still ends up being reasonable for the area, the extra costs add up quickly. The hotel is not in the middle of things in Monterey - keeps it quiet but you can end up with lots of parking fees if you head into town for dinner.
The restaurant has been hit or miss. Great views but you just do not know what the food will be like.
But still 4 stars - nice place, doggies welcome, on the beach at a reasonable rate.
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Loved it. Didn't mind the construction and sure as hell didn't have to pay the $10 a day for parking that everyone is talking about. Stayed in room 265. Not "technically" a beach front room but look out the window and there's the beach. Not going to pay an extra $40 a night for ocean view when all I need to do is step outside or sit at the table. I will definitely go back.
The rooms were cozy the bed was soft and the T.V was nice! The lounge was nice. Beautiful views! Saw some dolphins while I sat by the fire drinking my corona (it doesn't get better). The lounge offers veggies, chips, and salsa free of charge after 4. Went to the restaurant one night just to have apps and was very happy with the service and the food. Once again the view was spectacular.
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NAME: Best Western Beach Resort, Monterey
TYPE OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE: Beach-front full service hotel
ADDRESS: Best Western, Beach Resort Monterey, 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey, CA 93940
PHONE: 800-242-8627
GENERAL LOCATION: Just off Cabrillo Highway, southwest of the intersection of Cabrillo Highway and Canyon del Rey Boulevard in Monterey
HOURS: 24/7
DELIVERY SERVICE: n/a
WEBSITE: http://www.montereybea...
REVIEW: My wife and I had just finished a weekend in Stockton visiting family, and we wanted some time by ourselves. So we drove into Monterey and stayed that afternoon and night at the Best Western Beach Resort. What a great place! It's a long structure, built right flush with the beach, and balconies and dining rooms offer spectacular views of the ocean. Our room however, was homey and comfortable, the bed was soft, and the place was so quiet we couldn't hear the ocean -- somewhat of a surprise.
There's a great bar with evening piano entertainment, and the barkeep absolutely knows what he's doing. (There's a picture of me in the photo section called "Monterey Mai Tai," which was a total welcome after a long hot drive!)
Rather than list all the great features this place has, I'll just give you the pertinent page: http://www.montereybea... . Suffice it to say, the whole place is built for comfort, and the staff is very attentive to your needs.
We had a great dinner there, and in the morning, followed it with an equally great breakfast in their Cafe Beach Restaurant while watching the sun come up over the ocean! Here, take a look at the menus: http://www.montereybea... .
One reviewer on their website wasn't kidding when she said, "Cafe Beach is the pearl of the beach resort Monterey oyster." Absolutely! But let some of the guests speak for themselves (I included a dozen pix in the photo section): http://www.montereybea...
PAYMENT: Average of $200 per night, double occupancy
PARKING SITUATION: No problem: huge multi-tiered lots
RED FLAG: Sometimes you'd get a whiff of mildew, but that's to be expected with an old oceanfront property. However, they're doing a $3M renovation, so maybe even that will be taken care of. ;-)
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Absolutely fantastic.
The front desk staff was helpful, friendly and courteous. They made-small talk with us checking in and out, and they were just pleasant overall.
The room was immaculately clean and well-appointed. It was really convenient to have a mini-frige in-room, too.
We didn't have to pay for parking. The room was supposed to be a "partial ocean view room," but looking out the window I have to wonder what they mean by "partial" because I could see the friggin' water.
As a Wisconsin girl, I have to say that there's nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.
The massaging shower head in the tub was a nice bonus.
Th construction didn't bother me at all.
I would happily stay here again.
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I've stayed at the Best Western Monterey Beach Hotel four years in a row for our annual business conference - so I feel it's high time I reviewed the place! But first, here are some speed tips if you are considering staying here:
1) Ocean side rooms - rent one, its worth the added expense
2) Higher floor rooms - less noise, better view
3) Rooms on the North side of the place - less pool noise
4) Skip the restaurant - it's just ok
5) Spend an evening with friends in the lounge when Mr. Martinez plays the piano - this kid's excellent (and very cute)
6) Come in the summer, or be prepared for a chilly beach experience!
Of course my experience with this hotel has been based on being part of a large conference - and while there were other guests here during this time, mostly I was busy working. Still I was always quite impressed with the efficient and friendly staff. An example: I was walking down the staircase as a staff member was walking up. She hadn't seen me and was clearly lost in thought. But as soon as she saw me, her face brightened up and she greeted me with a big smile and hello. At each visit, my room was cleaned and prepared so quickly! During a break in the morning sessions I would head back to the room to find it spic and span! I am also impressed with the hotel's environmental stand, such as allowing it's guests to have the option of keeping towels for a few days instead of wasting water by cleaning them each time.
Being on the beach is so amazing. One year I saw dolphins playing off shore. But, one of the downfalls is that it can be quite chilly if you are here off season. Our conference is during March and, although there have been occasional warm days, it is quite cool and windy.
Another Con would be how isolated the hotel is - it isn't really near anything you'd like to visit as a tourist - but it is just "minutes" away by car.
But, still. how can you beat that view and the sunsets? The lounge is cozy and the bar quite good. My White Russian was yummy!
Overall, I have been very pleased with my stay here.
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My boyfriend and I, along with our pup, stayed here this past weekend. We went for a wedding that his friends were having at the hotel. Lucky for us, the hotel also accepted pets - so it was a win-win situation.
Sadly, we didn't get one of the ocean front rooms. We were banished to the ground floor (if you bring your pet, you must stay on the ground floor). Our room was complete with a beautiful view of the parking lot and the comforting sounds of stomping feet on the walkway above us and the parking lot behind us (/sarcasm).
I'm sure that if you get one of the rooms facing the ocean, all the other tackiness of the room is quickly forgotten. Since we were not lucky enough to face the ocean (yeah, bitter), the blaring ugliness of the room was quite pronounced. At close to $200 a night, it was almost insulting.
The wedding was interesting. They held the ceremony outdoors, on the side of the hotel. With fake green "carpet" and white plastic patio chairs - I found it to be quite tacky. Not to mention COLD and WINDY. It was overlooking the ocean, so that made it somewhat nice. The dinner that was served was also pretty crappy. I had ravioli and my boyfriend had the "meat." My dish was okay - lukewarm and the sauce was something out of a Prego jar. His "meat" was tough and piled on top of mashed potatoes. I think if I hadn't been buzzed off my rocker, it might have tasted worse.
The restaurant wait staff was also rude and unaccommodating. They were unwilling to seat a party of 10 people for breakfast the day after the wedding until the bride and groom begged that they accommodate us. The food was sub-par and overpriced. I had the french toast, which was virtually tasteless except for the fact that I drowned the sucker in maple syrup.
At any rate. Perhaps if I had stayed in a room on the ocean side, I would give this place 4 stars. But I didn't so, based on the ugly over priced room, poor service and crappy food, they're lucky they get 3 stars.
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If you stay here, you have to stay in one of the rooms facing the beach. If you do that, you will have a great experience as this place really is right on the beach. You can look right out of your room onto the bay and then let the sound of the ocean lull you to sleep.
If you do NOT get a room facing the beach, well, then you're staying in a regular ol' Best Western complete with mediocre bed and tacky furnishings. Not that the beach side rooms have better furniture or anything, it's just that you don't CARE on that side of the building.
If I could give 4.5 stars I would, because the lounge deserves an extra half a star. The bartender there made us some of the best long island iced teas that I'd had in a while.
The food at the restaurant is NOT recommended.
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The Pros: The best thing about this hotel is that it's right on the beach. It is so close to the water that at high tide, it seems like the rooms on the first floor would get lapped by the waves. The beach is a long stretch that's good for walking (during lower tide), but isn't unusually special or beautiful. If you're in the conference rooms (on the 4th floor) or have a room on the beach view side, you can hear the waves crashing all day.
The Cons: High price for what you actually get (unless you get a conference rate which is quite reasonable- $99). The rooms aren't anything special and mine had a super strong flowery smell (possibly from the cleaner they use) that turned my stomach a bit. If your room is on the side with the "city" view, you'll spend all night listening to Highway 1 traffic rushing by. You could try to convince yourself that the noise is the ocean but good luck with that. Stay away from room 319. It seems like the room is located directly under some service area and things are constantly being dragged, dropped, moved, vacuumed, etc. overhead. The noise goes on until 11:30pm and starts up again around 6 am. Also when carts or luggage are wheeled outside on the walkways, it sounds/feels like an earthquake.
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We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Now - it is not a high-end hotel, and the price reflects that (we paid $109 + taxes and a $50 pet fee). We were very fortunate to have not only an ocean view, 1st floor, but also to avoid the construction areas. Apparently there is work being done on the sea-wall, so beware!
We did not eat at the restaurant - we were in Monterey/Carmel!! Why eat at in a hotel with all of the fabulous options available (i.e. Roy's at Spanish Bay, Katy's in Carmel, etc).
The parking was free due to the construction, but we would have paid for the covered parking due to the rain.
The only negative for this trip was the ambient noise of other people distracting from our ocean sounds. But - we find this at many hotels (i.e. rude guest loudly conversing late at night while walking past rooms).
Overall - nice experience and we will return on a warmer day.
This used to be one of my favorite hotel stays, but when they added the $10 parking fee per night when it used to be free, that did it for me. If you like to use the hottub as I do, be lucky if you get to use it as the hotel is so big and there is only 1 small hottub and it is always being used. As another reviewer pointed out, the windows do not open so if you like to hear the ocean putting you to sleep, you have to prop your door open. I also have encountered unfriendly, unhelpful staff as well as some who are courteous. Internet access is not very strong in the rooms. I usually end up with my laptop in the lobby to get connected.
However, there are stunning views of the Monterey Bay from the lobby and dining room and the upper floors. During peak seasons I think they are really overpriced, however it is still a nice hotel and the lobby is gorgeous and very comfortable.
I found the staff at this hotel (which charges in excess of $250 a night for a bad room) to be so rude it was astounding. Like in order to work there a prerequisite was being nasty.
A little warning about the hotel... it may be directly on the ocean *but* the windows dont open and so in order to hear the gentle lull of the ocean in the evening hours most people either slept with their doors open or slept with the security bar across the door and the door then cracked open as much as the security bar would allow. I think for the price of the hotel you should be able to crack open a window in order to hear the ocean.
Anywho...
The rooftop restaurant is worth the price of the room where they dont just cook food and mix drinks but prepare them with care and expertise. They serve up local fresh seafood and gourmet meals that are to die from.
As far as location goes its great that the property is right on the beach but its not so easily accessible to other places in town and because of the whole non openable windows its not the best place to stay. You're basically paying for a view you're not likely to see much of because you'll be busy out on the town most of the time. I reccomend the Madonna Inn or that Pink something hotel.
For a less expensive room that's still got the generic hotel feel but wonderful front desk staff, restaurant, pool, and a great location try the Best Western Carmel Ranch Inn... its located right off the highway and right next to 'the Barnyard' shopping area. Its close to attractions both in Carmel, and in Monterey and is around $175+ a night for a well appointed room.
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we stayed here for the second time this week. we went for our first wedding anniversary because it was the cheapest hotel you can stay that's right on the beach. it is a short drive to monterey. it isn't a top of the line hotel, so you have to keep in mind that the linens are going to be scratchy and the bed will have springs that dig into your side as you sleep and there will be cosmetic issues. so keeping that in mind it is a fine place to stay for the price. we'll probably stay there again.
The amenities include "high speed internet." I get to my room and find a table floppy that says "most rooms" have high speed internet. Mine doesn't. POP! There went 1 star.
It's actually a very impressive property, right smack on the beach. Our second floor room had a perfect view. Sunsets were gorgeous. Gated garage parking, concierge, wonderful view lounge on the second floor (where I had to do my internet junk.)
The place seems to be somewhat underpriced, because in spite of all the trappings we were still surrounded by ding dongs - the deaf old lady who had to blast her TV all hours on one side (NOTE: interjoining rooms - be warned if you don't need them!), and the family who leaves their yapping rat dog behind to drive us crazy while they go to dinner for 3 hours (then they get home and it turns out the dog is the quietest member of the family!) 4 stars.
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I am a fan of the location. The rooms were as to be expected just barely above ordinary but the ocean views are great! Nice flat screen TV but lousy channel line up. My wireless worked fine but a weak signal. Service from the front desk was less than to be desired and the last minute notification that construction was underway all day long should have accompanied a courtesy discount but unless one makes an issue of it no discount or even apology was offered. Don't bother eating at the on premise restaurant, no one there is interested in professional service and the kitchen puts out sub mediocre food.....oh yeah but the view is nice.
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Nice location, but the service is very mediocre and the parking garage is just a PITA. Considering how many great hotels are available in Monterey, I'd pass on this place.
Stayed 2 nites - very adequate hotel services. Our german shepherd stayed with us - extra charge for pets. Still charge $10 per day for parking, similar to many hotels. We love the ongoing crashing waves - got used to it after a while. Since we were out and about, we didn't spend a lot of time at the hotel. The room has 2 window shades at the push of a button, shadow and blackout. nice feature. Bathroom remodeled within the last year or two - fresh tile work. We used the fridge for our 'doggy bag.' We could have used a microwave. Comfy beds. Our wireless internet worked fine. We'll be back!
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My wife and I had a pretty bad experience here during our honeymoon this last week. A lot of it can be attributed to unfortunate circumstances. We were on the third floor, directly next to the elevators on the non-ocean view side (room 323 I think). The walls are rather thin and the elevator is rather loud, which did not make for peaceful sleeping. To make matters worse, there was a Pacific Gas & Electric conference of sorts happening that week, which took place on the fourth floor. It wasn't bad during the day, but it meant that they were cleaning and resetting all the room late at night, so we heard them moving about and vacuuming quite a bit. They also vacuum the area outside the elevators late at night, which was quite disruptive. Finally, their internet connection was lousy. The signal was very weak and inconsistent... we ended up having to sit in the bathroom to get the only somewhat stable signal. Even the ethernet connection in their business center was abysmally slow.
One of the only positive things I could say is that it is in a very convenient location, only five minutes from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The beach the hotel sits on isn't too bad either and has a good view of the Monterey Bay.
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Oh yeah! This is a great place to have a conference.
The hotel staff was very friendly when I called. Not only do they have total beach access, but they have POOL and its heated and its new (the reservationist exclaimed!) AND they have a cardio workout facility etc. etc.
This place is great. Wireless throughout the hotel is a major plus. The rooms are clean. It is right on the beach and it is a great place to be on a Monday...instead of at the office.
Need I mention that the weather is perfect? That there are porpoises swimming right off the shore? And an otter playing not even a stones throw from the beach?
And for animal owners, the first floor is designed especially for you and your furry friend!
Went down to Monterey to visit some friends and get some R&R. One last weekend away before the baby is born, I guess people call these babymoons nowadays.
We actually stayed with some friends just down the beach one night and spent Saturday night here. We had our dog with us and sprung for the beach side room.
The room itself was adequate. It was pleasant, clean and plenty roomy. A huge window looking out toward the ocean with electrically controlled shade/privacy screen was a nice touch. The 1st floor "beach" view is however blocked by the patio wall. If you want to view the beach then get an upstairs room but be aware pets are only allowed on the 1st floor for a $50 fee. Still it is nice that they even allow them, especially being right on the beach. For a beachside hotel in Monterey, or anywhere for that matter, the price was fair for what you get.
All is not well here though... My first complaint is that they have bottled water in your room but if you open the water it is a $3 charge... for each bottle! In my opinion this is ridiculous! Needless to say we had our own water and didn't drink theirs. Second complaint is that there was no door on the shower, not a big issue since it was obviously intended this way with a 3/4 glass separator between the head and shower but this makes for a cold shower and a wet floor when exiting. Some people may prefer this type of shower so again... not really a big deal.
$9 or $10 daily parking fees are also somewhat excessive.
My final and main complaint is that we booked on line and when we checked out were over billed by $53 dollars + tax! I discovered this in the parking lot and when I went back inside to point it out the desk clerk glanced at it and said that was the price and that there was no error then quickly walked away. I called the customer service when I got home and explained the situation to a more considerate person and several days later got a return call with their apologies and a notification that our credit card had been credited the over charge. They made it right and I appreciate that but the hassle is just that. I also can't help but wonder how many people let this type of activity go un-checked.
So in summary the Best Western Monterey Beach Hotel is a nice hotel in a great location but the service and their business practices are somewhat in question. I'd recommend a stay, just pay close attention to what is charged for and closely review your bill when checking out.
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Fortunately, my roof and board were paid in full by my department, along with copious amounts of booze, so I can't make any comments on value.... H'm. I would say this is a nice place to take your honey. It sits directly on the beach with Monterey beautifully situated in the distance, with many lovely patios and lawn chairs placing you directly in the path of the cold and wet sea wind. For much of the day, the hotel is enveloped in fog, so stay in your room and cuddle to stay warm. If you are then starving upon coming out of hibernation, you will likely end up eating at their expensive-looking Cafe Beach "Window-on-the-Bay" restaurant, since the only nearby stores are Home Depot and McDonalds. The food is quite good. Don't forget, you can also request a "Romantic" or "Enchanting" escape, which includes a Beach Resort Kimono Robe, 2 sets of slippers, and a Mood Candle for your special someone.
This is the best hotel in Monterey. It's right on the beach and as one reviewer said, you need to get a beachview room, or forget it! The best floor would be the 2nd (especially with kids). You don't have to go down many stairs to get to the beach and you can walk out of your room and get a great view (the 1st floor would have a wall blocking your view). Nothing great in the room. It's a bit cheesy, but you pay for the beach access, which makes it worth it. I'm giving it 4 stars because of their restuarant (or maybe I should give 5 stars for the hotel and just write a bad review on the food..). It has a great view, but the food selection is pretty bad and the prices are pretty high. My husband was told by the waiter that he couldn't order a Cheeseburger. When I pointed out that the Room Service menu had a Cheeseburger and since it would be ordered from this restuarant, he should be able to get one, the waiter placed the order. It was a pretty good burger, but that and a few other dishes are the only non-seafood dishes (for a person that doesn't eat seafood, there isn't much of a selection, so a burger it is). The waiter wasn't too friendly, didn't check on us but once, towards the end when he gave us the bill before we could order dessert. All families with kids were sat at the corner of the restuarant (I guess we couldn't mingle with the folks without kids). The pool is nice, it's a 5 min. drive to Cannery Row and besides the restaurant, it comes highly recommended. Staff is friendly and the bar (and view at the bar) are great, too!
