For a first visit, stay near Cannery Row or Fisherman's Wharf. The City of Monterey says visitor accommodation operators pay a 12% transient occupancy tax on rent, and a Monterey County Tourism Improvement District assessment of $7.90 per paid occupied room per night applies to luxury lodging. The calculator below includes only the 12% tax, so add the assessment if your hotel charges it, and ask your hotel for its all-in total. This page does not rate individual hotels. Some booking links are affiliate links (see our disclosure).
Where to stay in Monterey
Compare areas, see the hotel taxes and fees and calculate your total. Booking links come after the advice.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Which area to choose
| Area | Best for | Trade-off | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannery Row | The Aquarium and waterfront | High ticket prices and crowds | Cannery Row guide |
| Old Fisherman's Wharf | Boat tours and seafood | December weekend crowds | Fisherman's Wharf guide |
| Monterey State Historic Park | Historic adobes downtown | Closed Mondays | State Historic Park guide |
| Pacific Grove | A small-town coast | Separate city; a car or bus is likely needed | Pacific Grove guide |
Our assessment from official descriptions. We have not inspected hotels and publish no nightly rates.
Monterey room tax calculator (hotel tax only)
This calculator applies only Monterey's 12% transient occupancy tax (City of Monterey Finance Department, as read October 16, 2026). It does not include any other charges such as the $7.90 per room per night district assessment for luxury lodging, resort fees or parking, so your actual total may be higher. Ask your hotel for its all-in rate.
Booking notes
- Transport: see the transportation guide.
- Events: Christmas on the Wharf runs December 4–20, 2026 and Christmas in the Adobes is December 11–12; book early for those weekends.
- Affiliate links: banners and "Compare" buttons may be affiliate links; they are labeled and never change our area advice.
Choose by style and budget
Match your stay to how you like to travel.
Partner offer
SponsoredMore ways to stay
For families, quick airport access or a specific neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
Which area should I stay in Monterey?
Near Cannery Row or Fisherman's Wharf for most first visits; see the neighborhoods guide for trade-offs.
How much is the hotel tax in Monterey?
12% of the rent per the City, plus a $7.90 per room per night assessment at luxury lodging.
When should I book a hotel?
Book early around holiday weekends; we have no verified price-by-month data.
Are the hotel links affiliate links?
Some are, and they are labeled. See the affiliate disclosure.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 16, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Visitor Accommodation Facilities Remittance — City of Monterey Finance Department
- 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf — Fisherman's Wharf Monterey
- Events — Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- FTC Endorsement Guides: What people are asking — U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Get the free Monterey planning guide
A neighborhood comparison, a season-by-season planner and a two-day itinerary — as a free PDF.
By submitting you agree to the privacy policy.