The hype
Families love the space and free food; couples seeking romance hate the noise and crowds.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside
$180-350/ night
Book this if You're a family or group who needs separate sleeping areas, free breakfast, and doesn't mind trading 'on the sand' for 'across the highway.'
Why People Love It
- Free made-to-order omelets that actually taste good
- Two-room suites mean parents can stay up after kids crash
- 12-story atrium with glass elevators feels grand (if a bit 90s)
Quick Take: A spacious, reliable beast of a hotel that delivers on the Embassy Suites promise but suffers from atrium noise and a location that's technically Seaside, not Monterey.
Reviewed by @piyaaurora: I took my family to Monterey and this was the perfect home base. The suite was massive—we actually had space to breathe! The kids loved the aquarium nearby, but honestly, the free breakfast buffet was the real MVP of the trip. Highly recommend for a stress-free family getaway.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Ocean View' is often a 'Parking Lot & Highway View' with the bay in the distance.
- You have kids and need a separate living room
- You refuse to pay $30/person for hotel breakfast
- You want a base for the Aquarium without paying Cannery Row prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable, though 'light touch' is the default. Some reports of missed vacuuming in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are usually clean but dated; grout lines show age in some units.
- Maintenance: The building is aging. Elevators break often, and carpets in hallways can look tired.
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton quality—clean and crisp, but not luxury thread count.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; some older rooms have a faint 'musty seaside' or carpet cleaner smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing voices from the atrium/lobby
- Highway traffic on lower floors (Canyon Del Rey side)
- Elevator dings and mechanical noise in corner rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Daily Resort Charge is ~$20 and includes beach towels and internet
- Self-parking is ~$20/night; there is no valet
- Evening reception (5:30-7:30pm) has free drinks but snacks are basic (pretzels/veggies), not a dinner replacement
What to pack
- Earplugs or white noise machine (essential for atrium rooms)
- Warm layers (Seaside is often foggier/colder than you expect)
- Swim goggles for the kids (pool is heavily chlorinated)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High floors (10-12) for less atrium noise and better bay views
- Rooms ending in -13B to -20 (South facing) often have better light and views than North facing
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms ending in -00 to -03 and -11 to -14 (near elevators/corners) due to mechanical noise and foot traffic
- Floors 1-3 facing the street (traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor (10+), as far away from the elevators and atrium center as possible. South-facing preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really walking distance to the beach?
Yes, but it's a 5-10 minute walk crossing a major intersection and dunes. It's not a 'step out and swim' location.
Is the breakfast actually free?
Yes, it's included. The made-to-order omelet station is the highlight, but lines can get long at 9am.
Can I walk to the Monterey Aquarium?
No, it's about 3 miles away. You'll need to drive or Uber (approx. 10 mins).
Is the pool heated?
Technically yes, but many guests report it feels cold, and the indoor air can be chilly.
Do the rooms have balconies?
Most do not. They have large windows that open slightly for air, but don't expect a walk-out terrace unless you book specific premium suites.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a fee ($75 for 1-4 nights, $125 for 5+ nights). Max 2 pets.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the in-house dinner; walk or drive 5 mins to 'Maligne' for Bib Gourmand seafood that blows the hotel food away.
- ✨
The 'Evening Reception' free drinks line moves fast, but the snacks run out—get there at 5:30pm if you want the good trail mix.
- ✨
Use the side stairwells if you're on a lower floor to avoid the eternal elevator wait.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Ocean View' often includes a prominent view of the Kmart/parking lot across the street.
💡The glass elevators are cool to look at but turn into saunas in the afternoon sun.
💡Housekeeping is by request only or light touch unless you specifically ask for a full clean.
💡The wifi speed is capped unless you pay extra or have high-tier Hilton status.
💡You can hear the seals barking from the bay at night if you leave your window cracked (which is actually kind of nice).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside is located and what's nearby.