The hype
Travelers love the fresh, modern feel and the free breakfast, but often wish the soundproofing was better.
Springhill Suites The Dunes On Monterey Bay
$180-260/ night
Book this if You want a sparkling new, spacious basecamp for a Monterey road trip without paying Cannery Row prices.
Why People Love It
- Free parking (a rarity in this region)
- Spacious all-suite layout with West Elm decor
- Indoor heated pool that's actually warm
Quick Take: It’s a glorified highway stop, but it’s the nicest, cleanest, most stylish highway stop you’ll ever stay at.
Reviewed by @travelswithbrandy: I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxing this spot was for a quick business trip. My room was super clean with a great desk, but the highlight was definitely grabbing a drink by the fire pits at sunset. It’s super convenient to the highway but feels like a nice little escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'ocean view' is distant and comes with a side of Highway 1 traffic noise.
- You are on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip
- You need a sofa bed and microwave for the kids
- You refuse to pay $50/night for parking in Monterey
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough; daily service is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Grout is white, glass is streak-free. Very new feel.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The building is only a few years old, so little wear and tear.
- Linens & towels: Fresh, crisp, and plentiful. No threadbare towels here.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh. No musty carpet smells.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway 1 traffic drone (West-facing rooms)
- Courtyard fire pit chatter (Inner-facing rooms)
- Footsteps from floor above
Before you book
Good to know
- Parking is completely free and plentiful
- Breakfast is included and better than average (hot items, toppings bar)
- There is a shopping center across the street with REI, Target, and a movie theater
What to pack
- Windbreaker/fleece (Marina is often foggier and windier than Monterey)
- Earplugs (for the highway drone)
- Swimsuit (indoor pool is heated)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (4th floor) East-facing rooms for maximum quiet (view is of hills/Home2 Suites)
- West-facing rooms on 4th floor for sunset views (if you don't mind the hum of traffic)
Rooms to avoid
- 1st floor courtyard rooms (noise from fire pits)
- Rooms near the elevator (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on the top floor (4th floor), away from the elevator. If possible, I prefer an East-facing room for a quieter stay, or a West-facing room only if it is on the highest floor.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel actually on the beach?
No. It is 'near' the beach. You have to cross a highway and hike over dunes (about 15-20 mins walk) or drive 3 mins to Marina State Beach.
Is there a resort fee?
No, there are no hidden resort or destination fees here.
How far is the aquarium?
It is about a 15-minute drive (9-10 miles) south to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the indoor pool is heated and generally well-maintained.
Do the rooms have balconies?
No, the windows do not open fully and there are no balconies.
Is breakfast free?
Yes, a full hot buffet breakfast is included in the rate.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Marina Dunes Preserve' trail starts nearby; it's a sandy hike but leads to a very empty, wild beach.
- ✨
Skip the hotel market for snacks; there is a Target and Trader Joe's literally across the street.
- ✨
The fire pits are lovely but turn off automatically at 10 PM.
5 things to know before you go
💡The fog here ('June Gloom') is often thicker than in Monterey proper.
💡The 'partial ocean view' is 80% sand dunes and highway, 20% water.
💡The bathroom barn doors don't lock and have gaps—privacy is 'ish'.
💡You share the parking lot with the Home2 Suites next door.
💡The wind can be ferocious in the afternoon; hold onto your car door.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Springhill Suites The Dunes On Monterey Bay is located and what's nearby.