California - Comfortable hotel for one night stay in Monterey area

We were going to book Quail Lodge, but we'll be arriving early evening and leaving early in the morning and at $300 + per night, it does not seem worth it. Does anybody have any recommendations for somewhere comfortable, but a bit cheaper. We've no real intention of looking around the area, just breaking our journey from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and will be travelling up Highway 1 visiting Hearst Castle / Big Sur etc. Also this is in January, so we will be arriving in darkness. Any advice - have looked at Embassy Suites, Hyatt Regency which are both coming in around $200 which both look OK. Many thanks.

We are also looking for somewhere to stay when we drive Route 1 at Easter - I had thought of Carmel and again just want somewhere clean, comfortable and quiet. I had a quick look at Tripadvisor but nothing immediately jumps out as fitting the bill.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express last time. Not fancy but more than fine for one night. It's on Cannery Row, about midway between the pier and the aquarium. Quiet street.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express last time. Not fancy but more than fine for one night. It's on Cannery Row, about midway between the pier and the aquarium. Quiet street.
Thanks Canuck - I'll have a look at the Holiday Inn Express.

Quitecontrary - I saw your post on the BA forum and read with great interest. I'll let you know how we get on as we leave Dec 27th. Your initial post was very interesting, as we were last in San Francisco in the summer of 1980, which I think was when you were last there too. We're planning a visit to Alcatraz, as in 1980 we couldn't get a slot in the 3 days we stayed. This time, we'll book in advance! We're starting our trip in LA (thanks to a 2 for 1 Amex return in First), where we're seeing friends, we're then off to Mammoth Mountain for 4 days skiing, then driving down to San Diego to do a one week cruise to Mexico (to get over the first part of our trip). After this we're driving to Santa Barbara where we're staying at the Inn of the Spanish Garden for one night, then driving up Highway 1, hopefully stopping at Hearst Castle before overnighting at Monterey. We've only the one night in SF and fly home from there in BA First. It's obviously a hugely expensive trip (even with only paying the tax etc for the flights). I keep reading Trip advisor and can't make my mind up on the hotel for Monterey - hence my post.

I would suggest that you check the Asilomar Conference Center. They rent unused rooms that are not fully booked by their conferences and the setting is spectacular. Two other places in the same price range as the Holiday Inn Express but with much more "character" are the Spindrift Inn and the Rosedale Inn. These are all over in the Pacific Grove area of the Monterey Peninsula.

having spent a week at asilomar in june, i would not call it "comfortable." it's about as close as you can get to camping out, while being in a hotel. no tv, no internet, murphy beds, cafeteria dining on a fixed schedule.

actually, it would have been great, if i weren't trying to do work.

Sue -yes I have seen you post on the BA forum. Coincidence that we were both in SF in 1980 and haven't been back since. We were there in June and Mr qc did get over to Alcatraz with the then 18 month old Master qc whilst i went shopping!
I was digging around on this forum and was going to suggest Pacific Grove but I see that JerryFF has beaten me to it. It is only just along the coast from Monteray and I read somewhere that it is similar to Carmel was 20 years ago - i.e. 6 years after we were there last time :D
I will be interested in any tips you when you get back. We are also travelling on an Amex 2-4-1 but out in F and back in CW.

having spent a week at asilomar in june, i would not call it "comfortable." it's about as close as you can get to camping out, while being in a hotel. no tv, no internet, murphy beds, cafeteria dining on a fixed schedule.

actually, it would have been great, if i weren't trying to do work.

They asked for a place for one night when they are arriving late and leaving early. These amenities did not seem as if they would be a high priority under those circumstances.

We stayed at the Motel Six in Monterey a few months ago, mainly 'cause it is dog friendly. It is right next to the rustic County Fairgrounds, so the rooms towards the back are quiet. I'd stay there again (if I had a dog with me), although there are some very charming choises often available on Priceline. Weekends in Monterey can be tought, though.

...the Spindrift Inn and the Rosedale Inn....

Would absolutely agree. ^

And they're near The Fishwife, a very nice and not-expensive restaurant.