Where to stay in Monterey? That was what we were wondering when planning our trip last month. We decided to give Asilomar Conference Grounds a try. The spot is less than a 10 minute drive from Canary road, where the aquarium is, but it’s not in the super-touristy area that we were trying to avoid.
Unlike a traditional hotel, Asilomar Conference Grounds is a collection of cabin-like buildings more suited for a retreat. The rooms are rustic and instead of a television, there’s a fireplace. Our room, even though it was just the two of us, had a queen bed, three twin-sized beds, and a rollaway bed all in one big room. The toilet had its own door. The bathtub had its own door. The double sinks were in another separate room with closet space. It was all set up to be easy to use for people not used to sharing living spaces — strange for us, but good to keep in mind.
What I really loved about where we stayed was that we were within walking distance to the beach. We just had to walk down a path past the dining hall, onto a boardwalk, cross a street, and we were on the coast. It was fantastic to wake up, put on a sweater and just take a walk on the beach.
Asilomar Conference Grounds isn’t the cheapest option in Monterey, but it’s a pretty good deal if you can split the room with a bunch of friends — there certainly are enough beds to go around. It’s rustic enough without having to rough it too much and it’s just a pleasant place to stay when in the area. (Unless you have loud, young kids that you can’t control. In that case, please go somewhere else or learn how to discipline your brats!)
I was at the Asilomar this past weekend- we loved the location…but I fell while walking one of the bark covered paths- ouchie!!
I booked online- was sent a snail mail offer and booked via the phone. Checked in, stayed night- was sent a message that I needed to check-out in person- and was then told I owed $30.00 more dollars. No explination why other than the charges weren’t correct upon booking.
LAME.
Nice place- won’t return.
That’s lame! No explanation of why they wanted $30 more? I would have argued with them.
FWIW, I booked with them over the phone (they required a deposit of the first night); no issues with payment once we were there.
I wish I would have argued too…but I had just fallen on one of the bark paths- walking to breakfast. My ankle and opposite knee were throbbing, and I felt it would get me nowhere. A staff member was driving a green cart by when I fell, never stopped to see if I was okay- in fact he followed us for a spell after I got up?? Went to breakfast and then checked out- I was livid, but thought to myself, just pay and move on- the lady behing the counter had no idea who booked me, or what had just happened- my husband and 6 yr old back in the car…easier to just swallow and go.