487 Foam Street, Monterey, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Ideally located three blocks from Cannery Row
Spacious rooms feature marble gas-burning fireplaces and flat-screen TVs
Free breakfast includes large assortment of hot and cold items, plus to-go bags
Free daily wine and cheese reception
Pretty garden courtyard area with tables under umbrellas
Pet- and eco-friendly
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Discounted Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets
Fee for self-parking
Dated bathrooms (but slated for renovations in 2017)
Complaints of noise, especially for street-facing rooms
This mid-range 70-room hotel is located in a prime area for exploring Monterey, as it's a short five-minute walk from Cannery Row. It's not your average Best Western: Rooms are outfitted in Victorian-inspired furnishings, and have gas-lit fireplaces, in addition to large flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Some rooms have balconies and vaulted wood ceilings. Amenities are few, but a daily wine and cheese reception and generous free breakfast add value. For a cozy option right on Cannery Row, consider the oceanside Spindrift Inn instead, though rates will be higher due to the location.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Victorian-inspired decor throughout the rooms and the few public spaces; primarily attracts tourists due to convenient location
The Best Western Plus Victorian Inn, housed in a Victorian home built in 1906, stays on theme by filling its few public spaces with traditional furnishings and decor, like the gilded-frame portraits along the staircase by the entrance and the rotund, marble-topped chest in the lobby where an ice-water dispenser and a three-tiered fruit tray are stored. Adjacent to the small lobby is the breakfast parlor filled with round marble cafe tables and illuminated by rather ornate brass chandeliers and wall sconces. At one end of the breakfast room is a cozy lounge area with a classic rolled-arm sofa, two armless high-back chairs, a gas fireplace, and a flat-screen TV. Another communal area is the hotel's pretty greenery-filled courtyard area with several metal patio tables under umbrellas. Guests are primarily tourists who want to be centrally located for exploring Monterey and surrounding areas.
Location
Ideally situated a five-minute walk to Cannery Row and the ocean
The hotel is off a main street primarily surrounded by houses and apartment buildings, but it's in a great location for exploring areas in Monterey. There are several dining and shopping options in the immediate area. Travelers with cars can park at the hotel for a fee. - Five-minute walk to Cannery Row
Rooms
Spacious traditional-style rooms with gas-lit fireplaces and large flat-screen TVs
All of the 70 rooms, including Family Suites, are outfitted in traditional wood furnishings and burgundy accent pieces, like bed runners, pillows, and damask-print armchairs. The marble gas-burning fireplaces in each room are a highlight. Mini-fridges, Cuisinart coffeemakers, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, work desks, and free Wi-Fi are provided in all rooms. Bathrooms are dated, but are slated for renovations in 2017. They feature shower/tub combos with additional hand-shower attachments, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers; shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and bar soap are provided. Standard and Deluxe Rooms are located on the three-story hotel's first and second floors and come with either one king or two double beds. Standard Rooms face the street and Deluxe Rooms face the courtyard and feature a patio or balcony. Premier Rooms are located on the top floor and also come with one king or two double beds. Premier rooms face either the city or the garden; street-facing Premiers have cushioned window seats, while courtyard-facing Premiers have balconies. All Premiers have impressive wood vaulted ceilings and honor bars in their mini-fridges. Family Suites can sleep up to four or six. Rollaways can be added to rooms with king beds for a fee; playpens are available on request. Note that rooms in the main Victorian house don't have elevator access and street-facing rooms experience the most noise.
Features
Ample breakfast and daily wine and cheese reception
Though there are few amenities on-site, the hotel does provide thoughtful extras. A copious breakfast (included in the rate) of homemade oatmeal, waffles, Greek yogurt, eggs, sausage, French toast, cereals, muffins, fruit, and more is served in the Breakfast Room. Grab-and-go bags are also available. If the breakfast room, which was renovated in 2016, gets full, guests can take their breakfast back to the room or to the open courtyard. The area has several patio tables and is surrounded by greenery. There's also a daily afternoon reception in the parlor, with Monterey wine, cheese, fruit, coffee, tea, and lemonade. Ice-water and fruit are generally available in the lobby throughout the day.A small conference room is available and two computers and a printer are set up beneath the lobby staircase. Here, guests can purchase two-for-one tickets for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Victorian Inn welcome pets with bowls and treats, and satisfies Green Seal's eco-friendly standards for its waste reduction and water- and energy-efficient practices.
