The hype
Guests love the location and the comfortable beds, but many feel nickle-and-dimed by the parking fees.
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
$300-500+/ night
Book this if You want luxury right in the thick of the Cannery Row action with a fireplace in your room and the aquarium next door.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location directly on Cannery Row next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Rooms are spacious and many feature gas fireplaces and balconies
- The jellyfish light installation on the grand staircase is a mesmerizing photo op
Quick Take: It's a polished, corporate luxury hotel that charges a premium for being 50 feet from the tourists, but the oceanfront fire pits almost make you forget the crowds.
Reviewed by @Jennyuinevibes: I had such an amazing dinner at The C restaurant here. The seafood was incredibly fresh, especially the ceviche, and the cocktails were perfect. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic evening right on the water. Definitely save room for dessert!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying for the address; don't expect a sprawling resort feel, it's a compact city hotel on the water.
- You want to walk to the Aquarium and then retreat to a luxury room
- You love falling asleep to a gas fireplace
- You are a couple looking for a romantic weekend with easy access to dining
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.3
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough, with nightly turndown service often available.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are typically sparkling; rare complaints about missed towels.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition; the property feels well-kept and modern.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Frette linens and plush, large bath sheets.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though rooms near the conference center may catch food smells.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Cannery Row tourists and street performers
- Seagulls (seriously, they are loud in the morning)
- Thin walls in some connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet and self-parking are nearly the same price (~$45); valet is worth the extra $5 for convenience.
- There is typically NO resort fee, which is a rare win, but double-check at booking.
- The hotel is split into two buildings connected by a bridge; the main building has the lobby and restaurant.
What to pack
- Layers (Monterey is foggy and cool, even in summer)
- Binoculars for spotting otters and whales from your balcony
- Earplugs if you are staying in a street-facing room on a weekend
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront King with Fireplace (Room 457 is a favorite suite)
- Top-floor Ocean View for better privacy and less street noise
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Rooms facing the parking garage or street level
- Rooms near the conference center on the 2nd floor (potential food smells/noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a higher floor facing the ocean, specifically away from the parking structure. If an Oceanfront upgrade is unavailable, a quiet side-view room with a fireplace is preferred over a direct Cannery Row view.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, but it's small and can get crowded. Think of it as a plunge pool rather than a lap pool.
Is it pet-friendly?
Yes, but only in specific rooms and with a steep $75/night cleaning fee.
Does the hotel have AC?
Yes, all rooms have air conditioning (not always a given in Monterey).
Is breakfast included?
No, and it's pricey at the C Restaurant ($30+ per person), but delicious.
Can I walk to the Aquarium?
Yes, it is literally next door. You can't get closer.
Is there a resort fee?
Usually no, but the parking fee acts as a de facto resort fee for drivers.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Library' private dining room has signed first editions of Steinbeck novels.
- ✨
Ask for a room with a 'Zen garden' feature for a unique touch.
- ✨
The public viewing deck between the buildings is a great free spot for sunset if you don't have an oceanfront room.
5 things to know before you go
💡The jellyfish light fixture on the grand staircase changes colors and has an 'underwater' soundscape.
💡You can sometimes hear the sea lions barking from your room at night.
💡The 'Classic' rooms often look at a wall or parking lot—upgrade is mandatory for the view.
💡Housekeeping is generally excellent, but missed spots (like a stray towel) happen occasionally.
💡The Nespresso machines in the room are a nice touch for early risers.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental The Clement Monterey is located and what's nearby.