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The Jabberwock

4.5 star rating
based on 21 reviews

Category: Bed & Breakfast

598 Laine St
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-4777
Special Offer Nearby

The Cobblestone Inn

Category:
Bed & Breakfast
Location:
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Weeday Specials Starting at $100

Sunday-Thursday Special Rates Starting at $100 per night Breakfast, wine and hor d'oeuvres with nightly turn down service!

21 reviews for The Jabberwock

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Dave U.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/12/2009

I have nothing negative to say about this magnificent Bed and Breakfast!! Dawn and John exceeded my every expectation from the moment I walked through the door til I checked out.

My girlfriend and I took a little weekend get away, but didn't have the foresight to make hotel reservations. I phoned a few other b&b's before getting to the Jabberwock. Everyone was booked. And when I did finally come across the ad for the Jabberwock I immediately knew this was the spot for us!!

It is a 100 year old beautiful home decorated with nothing but pure love. The Alice in Wonderland theme is really sweet. As soon as we arrived we were offered coffee, tea, and fresh baked cookies. There is also a dry erase board with the names of everyone staying that night. Dawn and John really create a warm, welcoming, and social environment. So when we were told that wine and hors d'oeuvres would be served at 5:00 we were sure to be back.

Heather and I grabbed a glass of wine and settled into a game of chess on a beautiful antique Alice in Wonderland set. Before we knew it the living room filled with the other guests, wine glasses in hand. We sat and chatted and laughed for a few hours!! It felt like we all had known each other for a long time.

The other couples started to peel off for dinner. But Heather, Dawn, John, and I were having so much fun talking that we forgot to have dinner!! Instead we opened a bottle of champagne and lit the fireplace!!

The other couples started to return from dinner, and wouldn't you know it we all ended hanging out together again!! Before I knew it we pulled out the Scattergories game and the 12 of us played and laughed for hours.

The next morning we had an amazing breakfast of raspberry crepes, hot coffee, and that oh so amazing Jabberjuice.

It just goes to show when you truley love the thing that you do, and you pour everything you have into it, you will be surprised how many things fall into place.

Thank you Dawn and John!!!!!!

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Marybelle B.

Spring Lake, NC

5 star rating
9/21/2009

My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon in July.  It was without a doubt the best b and b I have ever stayed in.

We got there late, so we called a few hours head to let the owners know that we would be coming in in the evening.  They left a letter for us and a key to get into the inn, and told us to make ourselves comfortable.  We finally met them the next morning at breakfast, where Dawn greeted me with a hug.  Dawn and Jon are so welcoming, and they really make the Jabberwock what it is.  They are always ready to help you with restaurant recommendations and directions to local attractions.  Jon also taught us how to play bocce ball in the court out back, which is surrounded by a whimsical and charming garden.

In the evenings, they have a wine and snacks reception on the sun porch.  This was definitely the most enjoyable part of our trip, as we sat around for hours chatting with the other guests.

I recommend booking in advance.  My husband and I booked about seven months out just because we wanted to get the honeymoon planning out of the way.  We found out when we were there that the rooms get booked up to a year in advance!  Many guests we met were only staying for one night because that was all the space the inn had.

We stayed in the Mimsy suite, which was on the lower end of the price range and very small, but not uncomfortably so.  It had a lovely view of the ocean and the bed was a sleep number.

Basically, this b and b is amazing.  We loved the whimsical atmosphere and the hospitality.  I would highly recommend it to anyone!

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Genevieve R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/11/2009

Good 'ol Yelp steered me here after a few desperate calls to hotels in Carmel and at our Pacific Grove standby, the Anton Inn. It was the best thing that ever happened because The Jabberwock experience was in the words of my homie Julie, "epic." Some highlights:

* Proprietress Dawn was so wonderful on the phone and easily navigated us toward a late check-in
* Cookies and milk, red licorice, nuts and dried fruit slices in jars awaited us on the sun porch, as she promised
* Brandy in our rooms, with glasses and jelly beans in a jar
* Beds by sleep number--firm beds, great sheets and pillows
* An elegant sit-down breakfast with Dawn and her hubby Jon who greeted me with a hug and an ask of coffee or tea
* The most delicious pastry to start and quiche with a fruit salad of kiwi and watermelon--all served by Dawn and Jon
* The juice they serve! Orange juice, apple juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk or juice I think?
* After telling Dawn I wanted to grab a cookie-to-go, she goes into the kitchen for a Ziploc and proceeds to put almost all the cookies (chocolate chip with peacans and oatmeal raising) into the bag "for the rest of your road trip" says Dawn

The sitting areas, the tucked in coves in the garden, the books, the magazines--all decorated with Alice in Wonderland flourishes of course--were just cozy and inviting, and not over-the-deep-end at all. Tasteful and just quirky enough. And it's the kind of hospitality that's truly heartfelt and genuine.

We loved it so much! We WILL be back! Thank you Dawn and Jon!

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C L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/25/2009

ROOM: Stayed in the Mimsey on the third floor which was small, but SUPER cute and sweet. I wish I had grown up in a bedroom like the Mimsey when I was a little girl :) The low ceiling and small wooden door add to the whimsy of the Jabberwock.

ALCOHOL: everywhere! Sherry out all day, red and white wine out from 5 pm onward, and brandy in the room. I was surprised we didn't have mimosas for breakfast... If I were 18 I would have been drunk all weekend.

FOOD:
tea and fresh-baked cookies out all day
cookies + milk at 7 pm
wine and hors d'oeuvres from 5 pm onward
jelly beans and brandy by the bed
fridge full of water and juice and soda in the staircase labeled 'Tum Tum Tree"
SOOO EFFIN CUTE!

BREAKFAST:
we were served jabberwock juice (orange, pineapple, coconut cream, and more) which was waaaaay too sweet and tasted like a pina colada. we also had cheese crepes covered with a thick blueberry sauce, also waaaay to sweet. I would have been perfectly happy with toast, yogurt, and eggs!

Location, parking, attention, and inn-keepers are EXCELLENT.

I would take off .5 for the lack of mints on my bed and the none-too-gourmet hors d'oeuvres and breakfast but i'm rounding up because it was such an excellent B&B otherwise.

I loved just wandering around the house, chilling on the sunporch, and playing chess with the alice in wonderland themed chess pieces. LOVED my stay and would definitely recommend to everyone :)

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Elite '09

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219

Mandy L.

Santa Rosa, CA

4 star rating
4/20/2009

We stayed here for our 1st anniversary to celebrate in romance. This was the perfect place for us. I am a total Alice fan so this place has all the quirks and whimsy the stories offer. The room we had was decorated in arts and crafts theme with William Morris wallpaper (swoon) and a beautiful view of the ocean. My only complaint is that I am not a sleep number fan and that is the type of bed they have in all the rooms, at least when we stayed.

There is an afternoon tea with sherry and goodies to nibble on each day. Each night are home baked cookies and cold milk, yummm!

The breakfasts are still something that I dream about now, almost 5 years later. They make something called the jabberwock juice, I know it has fresh squeezed OJ and coconut milk, other than that not a clue. I know it is fabulously delicious and creamy.
One of our breakfast' there we had home made sticky buns! Oh I am getting hungry just thinking about it all.

You can't go wrong here, the hosts are delightful, the grounds are beautiful and it is walking distance to the main drag of Monterey and Cannery Row.

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Sophie H.

Spring Valley, CA

5 star rating
4/13/2009

My brother and I were looking for a cool place for our grandma and happened upon this gem. He shopped around so it's comparable to other places in the area price wise but better with regards to breakfast (awesome) and personal touches. My grandma's room could not have been more amazing, fabulous views.  Brandy in a decanter in each room. Her room had a couch facing huge windows that faced the ocean view, wonderful place to hang out. Dawn and John were very accommodating and lovely.

We were a little worried about there being a curfew because I was staying there Friday night and would be going out and it's a community type place. Not a problem at all.  
They make everyone feel welcome and comfy...We'll be back!

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Margot P.

Pasadena, CA

5 star rating
7/6/2009

Best B&B experience to date! We were looking for a place to spend our 4th anniversary at a B&B that was alittle out of the ordinary, and this was it. Great location, 4-5 blocks from Cannery Row. Great hosts, Dawn and Jon were amazing and every restaurant/entertainment  recommendation they made was great. The wine and hors d'oeuvres in the sunroom with an ocean view was my favorite. Playing bocce ball with other guests was fun too! I didnt want to leave.

Photo of Doanh N.

 

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Doanh N.

Fremont, CA

5 star rating
5/31/2009

This is our first B&B and I must say that they set a high standard. We stayed there for 3 nights and it was not enough. I like the Inn very much. It's cute, warm, cozy, fun and great service. Like home away from home.

Every day we would play Bocce Ball and every night we play card games and the puzzle games that they had there. Every little thing they add to the place makes me feel like they care about their guests and cater to them greatly. Dawn and John are so great! It was a pleasure talking to them. We miss them dearly.

Oh and the food....ah...mazing! Love love love the orange mix juice in the morning for breakfast. The breakfast food and hors d'oeuvres are delicious. Milk and cookies yum.

We stayed in The Brillig, and it was cozy and cute with a nice touch. We like everything about Jabberwock Inn so we do as much as we can there and enjoy the gardens and hanging out in the Inn before we go to bed. What a lovely place to stay. I strongly recommend this place to anyone who enjoy great presence and amazing service.

Doanh & Zvi

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Latriece L.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
3/31/2009

Love Love Love this place. I recently stayed here as a 30th birthday gift/babymoon with my fiance. We had a blast the owners Dawn and Jon so sweet and informative. The beds were comfy and the food was good. I highly recommend this place for its quirky charm and character and wonderful owners. We were only able to say one night due to budget restrictions but we can't wait to come back after baby and spend some quality time. They have parlor games to play and also beautiful gardens to enjoy. One of the other guest complained about not having television. They have wifi and you can always bring a portable dvd player if you feel you need it. Parking was easy and we loved the cookies and teas and all the cute little touches that made this feel like a home away from home with the addition of extra pampering thrown in.

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231

Chris K.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
2/20/2008

One word sums up your stay at the Jabberwock: hospitality. From the moment we walked in, my girlfriend and I were shown a great time by friendly people. John and Dawn own the B and B and are pretty enthusiastic about it. They bought it in August and have done a great job with keeping their guests happy, full of wine and food and given full nights of rest.

The house is filled with Alice in Wonderland memorabilia. It's the main theme running through your stay here. It's not like you won't get it if you don't know the story too well; the owners don't expect you to know. It's just how the house has been since 1981 and they've decided to keep the theme.

When my girlfriend and I walked in for our first night, we were greeted at the door with hugs, handshakes and smiles. There were a bunch of other guests there already and we quickly were introduced to them. We were shown around the house, which sits on a hill overlooking Monterey Bay, and then our room. Our room was a bit small but it's also the cheapest. Our private bathroom and shower was down the hall. The rooms don't have TVs or phones.

Every evening starting at 5, John and Dawn invite their guests to join them for happy hour in the living room. They serve red and white wines and tasty hors devours. It gives you a chance to get to know everyone. They will also give you all the restaurant recommendations you want with their accompanying menus.

The house sits on a quiet residential street only a few blocks away from the wharf, the aquarium and other restaurants and shops. You could walk to anything from the house. But it's nice to return to a quiet house and street after a day of sightseeing.

The breakfasts are good. Their chef has been cooking there for 9 years. They're a little heavy on the carbs and sugar but still made with love. Our first morning's breakfast was a spiffed-up omelet with potatoes and a tasty sauce and two stalks of asparagus. They also served fresh apple croissants and endless Jabberjuice, which is a mix of orange, banana and pineapple juices and cream of coconut. It's fantastic. Our second morning's breakfast was raspberry crepes with two pieces of bacon and a plain croissant. Not the healthiest but still good.

The owners always have brownies and cookies out along with coffee, tea and milk to have at anytime. You don't always have to go somewhere to enjoy your vacation. It's nice to stay at the house sometimes and read and enjoy the view. Be sure to sit on the sundeck.

Ask John and Dawn about the house's history. It's almost 100 years old and used to be a convent.

One small drawback: the numerous clocks in the house make some sort of sound every now and then. So if you're a light sleeper, you may want to stay on the third floor or bring earplugs. But the beds are Sleep Number beds so you can adjust the firmness and softness to your desire.

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Elite '09

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Maureen W.

South Pasadena, CA

4 star rating
7/31/2007

A wonderful little oasis, not far off Cannery Row.  Hubby and I stayed here on our first anniversary.  We wanted ambiance and got it in droves. We loved that the breakfast room looked out over the garden and that at night we opened our windows and heard the crash of the sea three blocks down the hill.  

We walked and rode our bike everywhere, including to the 17 mile drive.  Also, there is a cute little English pub two blocks away.  Or was in Irish?  Aw, I don't remember, I had one too many Guiness.  Point is, you can stumble back to your room.

The interesting part is that there are no phones or TVs in the rooms.  We didn't realize that until we got there.  WE stayed in the Brillig room.  It had a nice little fire place and a sleep number bed.  Right in the hall was a little fridge with sodas and juices to take.  Breakfast was unique...I think it was stuffed french toast.   Delicious but heavy.  Nice little wine and cheese hour where we mingled with the other guests.  

I personally like B&Bs and this one rates well.  It has great ambiance and a friendly owner.  Comfy beds, good breakfast, lovely grounds (it's a huge Craftsman house).  Definitely recommend for a weekend away.

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Monika A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/7/2008

Our visit to the Jabberwock was fabulous from beginning to end.  Driving down during the worst storm of the year, we weren't sure if we were going to even make it !  John (one of the owners) waited up to make sure we arrived, set us up in our fabulous room (the Toves) and had hot tea, cookies and snacks on hand for us when we got there.

The B&B is delightful, clean and comfy.  There are no TV's or phones  as someone else said, but they do have free wireless service. Bring your laptop and watch some movies in your room with the fireplace going!  It is walking distance to the Wharf and the aquarium.  It is located on a pretty steep hill so wear solid shoes when going anywhere. Easy parking (free too!)

Breakfast is a little carb heavy, but you can specify if you are vegetarian or need something a little less decadent. It is also served around 8:30 so expect to be up a little earlier than you might want on a vacation. There is late afternoon snacks offered as well.  Sherry in the rooms, free sodas, water and juice in a fridge upstairs.  Munchies all day long.

The jacuzzi tub alone is worth the stay.  Fills quickly and the water stays hot to the TOP!

Mention if you have a AAA card: I believe they give you 10% off.

We will definitely go back in spring/summer and take our bikes with us.

This is NOT the B&B for kids or pets.  Lots of small antique nicnacs all around and I don't think you would want to be responsible for their replacement.

Go have fun, and be wisked away to another time.

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Heidi T.

Antioch, CA

5 star rating
3/17/2007

What a fantastic place to stay!  Prices are a bit higher than I wanted to pay but the breakfast was OUTSTANDING!  "Imperial Fiddlesticks" is what she called the dish.  We stayed in the "Borogrove" room and loved it!  

Cocktails @ 5pm with the owner and other guests.... wine and cheese served.  A complimentary decanter of brandy in your room.  Jacuzzi tub in the living room.  Sleep number bed.  Walking distance from Cannery Row.  VERY NICE!

http://www.jabberwocki...

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Mitch L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/17/2008

Fantastic place to stay for a weekend. The inn is staffed by people who attend to your every need. The rooms are clean, and comfy. The breakfast was enjoyable the following morning. The cookies at high tea were great as well as the conversation from the owner and fellow guests. I wonderful friendly place to go for weekend, the next time you plan to go to Monterey.

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Jill M.

Irvine, CA

5 star rating
7/1/2009

we really enjoyed this place.  the owners, dawn and john, are two of the nicest people you could meet.  they helped us to find great places to eat, and gave us many suggestions for things to do and see in the area.  

the accommodations were great.  the bed was comfy (select comfort), and the room was spacious.  we had the downstairs room which had its own private patio.  on our second morning there, they set up breakfast for us on the patio.  our other two mornings we had breakfast in the main dining room (although there is an option to eat in the sun room as well).    all three mornings the food and the jabberwok juice was delicious.

in the evenings we had happy hour where wine and appetizers were served, and usually a game of boccie ball followed.  it was a great way to meet the other guests and unwind.  later in the evening milk and cookies were served.  we sat up two of the three evenings talking with other guests and relaxing.

all in all this was a great place to stay and relax.  it is a very centrally located bed and breakfast, we were able to park the car and walk most places.  i felt like i was at home, and enjoyed getting to know dawn and john and the other guests.   i would highly recommend this place to anyone.

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Audrey W.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
5/3/2009 2 photos

I stumbled upon the Jabberwock Inn while looking for a place to stay for my mini vacation to Monterey and Carmel. This was my first time staying at a bed and breakfast, Thanks to the wonderful hospitality of John and Dawn,  I had a wonderful time. I loved the Alice and Wonderland Decor. There are 7 guestrooms, I stayed in the smallest but charming room called The Wabe. My room included a small carafe of brandy and jelly beans. The atmosphere is so communal, all the other guests were friendly, and we swapped suggestions on where to go and what to do in Monterey. Their breakfast is wonderful, especially the Jabber Juice which is made with orange juice, pineapple juice, and creme of coconut. In the afternoon they have wine, hors d'oeurves and homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Lastly, the Jabberwock Inn is centrally located five blocks from Cannery Row. In conclusion, I love love this place and would recommend it to anyone traveling to Monterey.

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Keika L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/20/2007

This "Alice In Wonderland" themed B&B was so cozy and cute, I would definitely be visiting again.  Who doesn't like milk and cookies after 9pm?!?!

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ESSEX C.

Martinez, CA

4 star rating
10/31/2007

This is the place where I professed my love to my girlfriend -- now my  wife.  It was definitely a memorable place, especially because of the theme and location.  We loved how it was secluded and away from the business of other parts of Monterey.  Our room was cozy.  We did not get the room that we wanted, but we were happy with what we had, and enjoyed breakfast and getting to meet other patrons.

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Kimmy S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/6/2008

Loved staying here! Definitely a great time and the owners are so nice. We stayed in a room with a tub which was lovely and it is walking distance from the wharf. Very romantic!

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Alex H.

Stanford, CA

4 star rating
12/3/2006

this is a very, very nice place, but i have no idea how it compares to other B&Bs. me and my girlfriend were very pleased (although breakfast is a little on the heavy side).

we got them on an off season half off rate, which was a steal. i'm not sure how it stacks up at the regular rate.

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Sarah C.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
6/21/2006

My husband and I stayed here on our vacation, and celebrated our one year anniversary. This place is too cute! They have an Alice In Wonderland theme, and all of their rooms are named after things in the book by Lewis Caroll. We stayed in The Mimsy our first night, and then moved rooms to The Toves. If you have the chance- choose to stay in The Toves!!!! It is the most beautiful place I've ever stayed. There is a fireplace, Sleep Number bed, a huge jacuzzi for two and a private outside garden. It is a bi-level room, with a dressing area and WC on the bottom, and the jacuzzi/shower, bed and fireplace on the top. The staff at the Jabberwock are totally sweet! A yummy breakfast is served every morning- and plan your day around Cocktail hour, which is on the patio from 5-6pm. Wine, sherry and appetizers are served. The gardens are beautiful, and the view of Monterey Bay is great! The room prices are OK for a B&B in Monterey, they do have a website that is really good. Plus, the inn is located just a few blocks from Cannery Row, which is convenient for those who like to drink! There is a pub called The Bulldog (I think) that is REALLY close to walk to. I would recommend staying here to EVERYONE! Especially if you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, etc...

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