drkathej

I am making progress making reservations for our California trip in June. We are at the Chancellor in S.F, the Inn at Sonoma, the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo and the Monticeto Inn
I am stumped, however, regarding whether we should get a hotel in Carmel, Monterey or even Pacific Grove. Where are the better restaurants? That may help my decision as it is preferable to not drive far after dinner!

StuDudley

I wouldn't stay in Monterey.

For a first timer - I would stay in Carmel. There are dozens of restaurants there, and most of the shops you'll probably spend time poking your nose into are located in Carmel. The beach there is excellent - along with a walk on the coat road fronting the beach. We enjoy walking west of Ocean Ave & admiring all the cute Hansel & Gretel cottages, and other interesting homes.
http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage...688075,00.html

Pacific Grove has several nice Victorian B&Bs and is also on a pretty stretch of coast. Actually, if you want a coast view from the B&B, Pacific Grove would be your best bet - but I really have no idea how many rooms there actually have coast views.

Monterey doesn't do much for me - especially Cannery Row.

Stu Dudley

trippinkpj

Old town Monterey is okay, although I agree with Stu that Carmel or PG would be best to be in walking distance to dining.

janisj

I personally really like staying in Monterey - but for a first-time visitor Carmel would be my recommendation.

happytrailstoyou

Carmel would be my choice--hands down.

Grassshopper

It depends on what you like to do. I think Carmel is a little snoozy for me and I'm not a big shopper. The beach is wonderful though. I like Monterey better because of the history. It's full of historical buildings and museums. I like the view of the bay and the boats more than the ocean. I really like the Hotel Pacific. It's quiet, elegant and easy walking distance to everything.

That said, the entire area is close to everything else and you can easily visit everywhere else from where ever you choose.

xkenx

If you stay in the heart of the village in Carmel, it is easy stroll to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, and close to the gorgeous town beach. And parking where you stay! Almost anywhere else means mush more driving. Carmel is so outrageously charming, it can be fogged in all day, and you scarcely notice. Check out a lovely B&B, www.vagabondshouseinn.com

november_moon

I feel the same way about Carmel and Grasshopper. Lots of people love Carmel though, so it really depends on what you want.

TTess

We live in Carmel - our kids find the entire peninsula to be a snoozer.

Have you thought about one of the hotels at Pebble Beach? Pebble Beach properties have some very nice restaurants. If you want to stay in one of their hotels and dine at another, their Lexus shuttle can take you back and forth.

Downtown Carmel is where you want to be if you don't want to stay at Pebble. We have many nice restaurants and you can walk with ease.