re: Spin-off from Yosemite thread : best area to stay around Monterey / Carmel ?

Went to this area twice in the last handful of years...

Hotel Pacific is in Monterrey. We never got back before the sun went down and usually were up and at it bright and early so we didn't try and get something on the coast to try to watch a sunset or sunrise from our hotel... we did that on a hike etc.

Hotel Pacific was great as far as price/space/kitchen/fireplace was solid. Location was great too. Easy to get too and from Carmel/Monterrey/Big Sur.

2nd time around we stayed in Carmel. This was great as we were able to wonder on foot at night for dinner/going out for a drink/woke up the next morning and walked down to the beach etc.

You really can't go wrong with either, but Carmel def has more of a price tag to it due to how chill/relaxed the area is. Always felt safe and as if you are just walking around your neighborhood.... no matter what time the day/night.

Staying in Big Sur intrigues me, but I think that is all to itself.

Carmel FTW if you can get the right setup and ok with the price.

Vesuvio was our spot for Dinner in Carmel, great rooftop as well.