Monterey Bay Lodge

The Monterey Bay Lodge is a charming property made up of motel-style buildings that have gray siding and white trim. Buildings surround the hotel’s pool, and the grounds feature lovely areas with green grass, trees, and flowers. The lobby has a homey vibe with a soft blue color scheme that includes blue couches and plush chairs providing seating near a wooden fireplace. Boat-themed art pieces hang on the yellow walls and behind the wooden reception desk. Guests are mostly couples, though families stay here too and can be seen congregating at the pool area or exploring the nearby beach or park across the street.  

The hotel is a three-minute walk from the beach and the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. Across the road from the hotel is El Estero Lake and Park Complex and Dennis the Maniac Park. There aren’t a lot of dining or shopping options on surrounding streets, however Fisherman’s Wharf, a pier with shops and restaurants, is a six-minute drive or a 17-minute walk. Downtown Monterey takes 14 minutes to reach on foot. It's a seven-minute drive to Cannery Row, an area with local shops, nightlife, restaurants, beach activities, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Regional Airport is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. 

Much like the lobby, rooms feature homey blue decor that includes blue bedding, floral pillow cases, striped curtains, and blue carpet that's paired with pale yellow walls and dark wooden furniture. A few boat-themed prints hang on the walls. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and free bottles of water. Family Suites are available and have small, separate rooms with bunk beds, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and PlayStation2s. Some King Rooms include fireplaces, while others also have large whirlpools next to the beds. Some rooms also include patios furnished with chairs and a table. In most rooms, bathroom sinks are separate from the shower/tub combos, providing guests with ample room and counter space, plus hairdryers and magnifying mirrors. However, King Room bathrooms differ in that sinks are in the bathrooms, but there’s less counter space, and there's only showers (no tubs). Complaints have been made about the lack of air-conditioning and smells, while some guests traveling with pets also remark that they receive dated and less clean rooms.

An outdoor heated pool with a fountain and a hot tub are the highlights of the Monterey Bay Lodge. Loungers and tables and chairs and tables under sun umbrellas give spots to relax. Guests can make use of a business center in the lobby that has a laptop and printer. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel are free. Though there are no dining options on-site, the next door Bay Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the front desk often offers vouchers.