Hampton Inn Monterey Review: Price, Rooms & Honest Guest Experience

Alyssa
Apr 10, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Looking for an honest Hampton Inn Monterey review before you book? On our recent trip to Monterey Bay, we wanted a hotel that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered easy access to beaches and hiking. We stayed one night at the Hampton Inn Monterey, paying $221.25 for a king room with a sofa bed and fridge. The property sits right along the Monterey Coastal Trail and is less than a mile from the nearest beach, perfect if you want to walk, bike, or simply enjoy quieter parts of the city. Unfortunately, this was a surprise getaway, so you’ll have to take our word for it, no interior photos this time (we promise we actually stayed here!).

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Monterey Bay Harbor, Monterey California: A sea lion standing tall and proud on top of a buoy — Seals at Old Fisherman's Grotto

Getting to the Hampton Inn Monterey

The Hampton Inn Monterey is located just off Del Monte Avenue, right beside the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail and less than a mile from the beach. It’s also only a five-minute drive from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), making it an easy choice for both fly-in visitors and road trippers alike.

If you’re driving from the San Francisco Bay Area, expect the trip to take roughly two hours via Highway 101 or closer to three hours along the scenic Highway 1 coastal route — a drive we highly recommend for the views alone. Rideshares from San Francisco or San Jose are technically possible but can cost $250–$350 one way, so driving yourself or renting a car is much more practical. For those relying on public transportation, the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus system stops less than a five-minute walk from the hotel. Buses connect to Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and downtown Monterey in under 15 minutes, making it possible to explore without needing your own vehicle.

Parking at the Hampton Inn Monterey

The hotel offers free on-site parking, which is a big advantage in a city where many hotels charge $20–$40 per night. Spaces are available around the building, and we found it easy to park close to the main entrance even when arriving later in the evening.

Quick takeaway: The Hampton Inn Monterey is easy to reach by car or bus, with free parking and nearby transit that make it convenient for exploring Monterey without added costs.

Cost Breakdown: What We Paid at the Hampton Inn Monterey

Our one-night stay at the Hampton Inn Monterey cost $221.25 total for a King Room with a sofa bed and mini-fridge. That price included all taxes and fees, which came out to about $198 before tax and $23 in local lodging fees.

Prices fluctuate depending on the season and weekend demand. On average, expect to pay:

Weeknights: $180–$230 per night
Weekends or holidays: $230–$280 per night
Summer and event weeks (like Car Week): Rates can climb above $300

If you’re a Hilton Honors member, you can often save 10% or more by booking directly through Hilton, plus earn points toward free nights and late checkout eligibility. Members also receive free Wi-Fi and the option to choose rooms in advance through the Hilton app.

We booked through Hilton directly and checked in using the digital key feature, which let us skip the front desk, a nice touch after a long drive down the coast.

Check-In Experience at the Hampton Inn Monterey

Check-in at the Hampton Inn Monterey begins at 3:00 PM, which is slightly earlier than most chain hotels in the area, great if you’re arriving before dinner or after a long drive down Highway 1.

When we arrived, the front-desk staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Despite the lobby being busy with a large school group checking in, the woman at the desk remained calm and genuinely apologetic about the noise. She explained that our assigned room was close to the group but, since it was the last available room, she offered complimentary bottled waters from the lobby fridge as an apology for the inconvenience. It’s small gestures like that that really stand out. Even with a chaotic check-in scene, the staff made us feel looked after, something that’s not always guaranteed in mid-range hotels.

Room Details & Amenities at the Hampton Inn Monterey

We stayed in a King Room with a sofa bed and mini-fridge, and it was exactly as described when booking. The total came to $221.25 for one night, including free parking and complimentary breakfast, a solid value for Monterey. The room was spacious, with a cozy sofa area for watching TV and a small workstation with a desk and chair for catching up on emails or trip planning.

Monterey California: A man windsurfing at Old FIsherman's Wharf — Water sports a few minutes down the road

The cleanliness really stood out, especially in the bathroom. Everything, from the showerhead to the sink fixtures, was spotless and looked newly cleaned. After a long, sunny day exploring the coast, a hot shower in such a clean space was a huge relief. The hotel provides toiletries in large refillable wall dispensers, which worked fine, though we wish they were tamper-proof bottles for added peace of mind. The bed was comfortable, but the pillows were too soft for our liking, two of them combined equaled the firmness of one standard pillow. Still, the A/C cooled the room quickly, creating a perfect sleep environment after a long day outdoors.

Property & On-Site Amenities

The Hampton Inn Monterey offers a few basic amenities for guests who want convenience without the resort price tag. The property includes a small fitness room with a few cardio machines and a short rack of dumbbells. It’s perfectly fine for a quick morning workout, but it can feel cramped with more than two people inside, best for solo sessions or light cardio before exploring the coast.

Parking is complimentary for all guests, though you’ll need to register your vehicle with the front desk during check-in. We appreciated having free parking included, especially since many nearby hotels charge extra for it. The free breakfast in the morning is another nice perk, with a rotating selection of hot and cold items like eggs, waffles, cereal, and coffee. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done if you’re eager to head out early for sightseeing or hiking.

Nearby Things to Do & Eat Around the Hampton Inn Monterey

One of the best parts about staying at the Hampton Inn Monterey is its location. You’re close enough to reach all of Monterey’s major attractions without dealing with downtown traffic or higher resort prices.

Local Attractions:

The hotel sits right along the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, which makes it easy to walk or bike to scenic spots like Del Monte Beach (less than a mile away) or Lovers Point Park in nearby Pacific Grove. We spent the afternoon exploring the coast before heading to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is just a 5–10 minute drive from the hotel.

Inside the Monterey California Aquarium and their large fish tank — Large Tank Inside Monterey Aquarium

If you have a car, it’s also worth taking a day to drive the 17-Mile Drive, known for its ocean views, cypress trees, and coastal mansions. It’s one of California’s most scenic routes, and we’ve included a few of our favorite photos below to give you a preview.

white sandy beach with a mix of small and large rocks on the waterline — The Type of Locations on the 17-Mile Drive!

Where to Eat:

Within a five-minute drive, you’ll find plenty of local dining options. Monterey’s Fish House is a local favorite for seafood, while Hula’s Island Grill offers fun tiki vibes and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. For something more casual, Pizza My Heart and Trailside Café are both great for quick bites after a walk or beach day. If you’re staying for multiple nights, the hotel’s location also makes it easy to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Pacific Grove for dinner, both less than 20 minutes away.

If you are lookin for a more in depth guide for Monterey California, we have a full travel guide you can use to help with your planning!

Check-Out at the Hampton Inn Monterey

Check-out at the Hampton Inn Monterey was quick and effortless. The official check-out time is 11:00 AM, which is standard across most Hampton and Hilton properties. We simply left our room keys in the room, and the process was completely contactless. No need to stop by the front desk or sign any additional paperwork, our final receipt arrived by email within minutes of leaving. For anyone in a hurry to get back on the road or catch a flight from Monterey Regional Airport, it’s a stress-free departure.

Final Verdict: Is the Hampton Inn Monterey Worth It?

Overall, we’d say yes, the Hampton Inn Monterey is worth it, especially if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable stay close to the beach without paying downtown Monterey prices. Our total came to $221.25 for one night, which included free parking, breakfast, and Wi-Fi, making it one of the better mid-range values in the area. The location strikes a great balance: you’re near beaches, hiking trails, and local dining but just a few minutes’ drive from Cannery Row and the Aquarium. Our room was spotless, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, even during a hectic school-group check-in. It’s not a luxury hotel, and the gym is tiny, but for travelers who value cleanliness, comfort, and a fair price, this Hampton Inn delivers exactly what it promises.