"My husband and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay by IHG over the Christmas holidays, and we had a wonderful experience.
The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Everyone was lovely, and a special mention goes to the sweetest daughter of one of the receptionists, who truly added a warm and personal touch to our stay.
Breakfast each morning was delicious and well organized, with plenty of options to choose from. There were eggs, sausages, yogurt, biscuits, pancakes, muffins, bagels, and three different juices—something for everyone, and a great way to start the day.
Our room was extremely comfortable. We had a king-size bed, which was absolutely fabulous—large, cozy, and perfect for relaxing. The room also had a nice TV. While it wasn’t a smart TV, we brought our laptop and connected it, so we were still able to watch Netflix and Disney Plus without any issues.
The hotel’s location is another big plus. It sits right on the border of Seaside and Monterey, very close to the beach and water, as well as several delicious restaurants. Monterey is easily walkable, though it can be a bit of a long walk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. We also appreciated that our room faced the back of the property rather than the highway, which made it feel quieter and more peaceful.
The ONLY downside worth noting is that the hotel is not one large indoor building. The rooms are accessed from the outside, meaning you do have to walk outdoors to get to your room. "