Monterey Inn:
The Mariposa Inn and Suites

For a Monterey Inn just off the Pacific Coast Highway in California, the Mariposa Inn and Suites is hard to beat, providing good accommodation close to PCH.

Our Room at the Mariposa Inn and Suites

Our Colorful Room at the Mariposa Inn and Suites
All Photos (c) Donna Dailey

Our arrival at this Monterey inn, the Mariposa Inn and Suites, shows that you really can’t judge a book by its cover.

It was close to the Pacific Coast Highway and easy to find, but on pulling in we weren’t so sure. It isn’t exactly immediately appealing, looking more like an old apartment block than a hotel, but inside it couldn’t have been more different. It proved to be a delightful place to stay.

Michelle in reception was immediately welcoming. We didn’t want to drive any more so asked about eating options we could walk to. We liked the way she said, ‘I don’t normally recommend restaurants in shopping malls but the Lalla Grill is an exception. It’s very very good.’

And it certainly was, and just a short walk away in the Del Monte Shopping Center. Michelle had already made us feel at home, and our room was lovely.

Monterey Inn: Accommodation

Our Bathroom at the Mariposa Inn and Suite

The room, number 210, was a real surprise, with a huge balcony which had a table and umbrella and four chairs. Inside was a small separate TV lounge, just inside the door, where there was a sofa and the coffee-making facilities.

A short corridor led past the bathroom to the bedroom where the décor was surprisingly modern. The walls were covered with striking colorful photos of sea creatures, and the whole suite had a marine theme - jellyfish, corals, starfish and unidentifiable creatures filled large photo frames. It was all very fitting as we’d partly come to see the new Jellyfish attraction at the Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Jellies Experience.

Best Guide to Carmel and Monterey

In one corner was an easy-to-light fire, which we used for a while as it was a chilly day. A flatscreen TV was set into the wall above the fireplace and on the mantelpiece next to it was a vase of flowers - all very tasteful and restful. The flowers were artificial but they were still pretty. The bedside tables were made of wood in a funky Z-shape, and the light fittings were stylishly and cleverly set into the wall. It was all a great and pleasant surprise after that first impression.

Our Room at the Mariposa Inn and Suites

Disappointing Breakfast

The one slight let-down was the breakfast. The breakfast room was small and very bright, like a cafeteria. The orange juice didn’t taste much like orange juice, and the usual suspects for a motel-style breakfast on the road (muffins, pastries, cereals, toast, coffee) were just a little ordinary. It was certainly decent enough, and as good as you get in many places on the road, but the rest of this lovely surprise of a hotel maybe made us expect something better.

It was a fairly small thing, and certainly wouldn't stop us from staying there again as it was otherwise perfect accommodation.

Monterey Inn near Pacific Coast Highway

For anyone driving the Pacific Coast Highway, the Mariposa Inn’s location couldn’t be better. Whether driving north or south, take the Soledad exit and the inn is close to the junction of Munras and Soledad. By following the simple directions on the hotel’s website, we went straight to it and there was plenty of parking all the time we were there in a covered private parking garage.

It’s about a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to Fisherman’s Wharf, so not in the middle of Monterey’s attractions, but perfect for the overnight PCH stop.

Contact Details

Mariposa Inn and Suites
1386 Munras Ave
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831/649-1414
Freephone: 800/824-2295

Other Monterey pages

Los Angeles Airport Hotels
Los Angeles Airport hotels include Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza and other top names, all of them within a mile or so of LAX.
John Steinbeck California Guide
This John Steinbeck California Guide, A Journey into Steinbeck's California, shows readers how towns like Monterey, Carmel and Salinas influenced the author.
La Jolla Luxury Hotel
The Grande Colonial La Jolla luxury hotel is downtown, close to restaurants and shopping, with historic charm, and a highly acclaimed restaurant.
Santa Monica Luxury Hotels
There are many Santa Monica luxury hotels and while Le Meridien Delfina is not right by the beach it has a great bar, pool, restaurant.
Laguna Beach Inn and Spa
The Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa in Laguna Beach is right on the Pacific Coast Highway and has luxury rooms, a swimming pool, and real gourmet breakfasts.
Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo
The Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo is a romantic, historic guesthouse on the Mendocino California coast, on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Franciscan Inn Santa Barbara
The historic Franciscan Inn in Santa Barbara, California, near the Pacific Coast Highway, is in a quiet location near the beach ideal for those driving PCH.
Madonna Inn, California
The Madonna Inn is a historic landmark resort hotel in San Luis Obispo, California, with 109 uniquely decorated rooms, steak house, and fitness centre.
Best Time to Visit Monterey
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends the best time to visit Monterey with month by month and season by season information on the city’s weather and climate.
The Jellies Experience jellyfish exhibition at Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Jellies Experience jellyfish exhibition is the latest arrival at Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the top sights along the Pacific Coast Highway in California.
The 17-Mile Drive between Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey
Pacific Coast Highway Travel takes the 17-Mile Drive from Carmel to Pacific Grove and Monterey, stopping to see the Lone Cypress and beautiful coastline views.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row is one of the top sights in Monterey and along the whole Pacific Coast Highway.
Moss Beach Hotel
For a Moss Beach hotel just off the Pacific Coast Highway, the Seal Cove Inn offers good accommodation north of Half Moon Bay, minutes from the ocean.
California Coast Hotels and Inns
The California Coast's hotels, inns, guesthouses, b&bs and other places to stay include 5-star luxury hotels and resorts, motel chains, RV parks and camping.
Eureka Inns
Of all Eureka inns, The Carter House Inns are the most romantic and historic, with one of the best restaurants in Northern California.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel's website recommendations on Where to Stay in San Diego include reviews of budget and luxury hotels in downtown San Diego.
Vagabond's House Inn
Historic and romantic Vagabond's House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Carmel is a great place to stay with free wine and cheese and generous breakfast.
Dana Point Hotel
For a Dana Point hotel next to the beach and near the harbor for whale watching cruises, the Doubletree Suites by Hilton with its ocean views is hard to beat.
Inn at Morro Bay
The Inn at Morro Bay offers accommodation in Morro Bay State Park, close to beach and wildlife, with outdoor pool, just off the Pacific Coast Highway.
Monterey, on the Pacific Coast Highway in California
Monterey in California is off the Pacific Coast Highway and home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Monterey State Historic Park.
Good Cheap Motels in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends good cheap motels in San Diego including Super-8, Motel 6, Travelodge and Days Inn.
Best Museums in Monterey
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best museums in Monterey including art and history museums, museums for families and the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Viceroy Santa Monica hotel is one of Los Angeles' best, a favorite of celebrities like Dustin Hoffman, Sting, Demi Moore, and Leonardo DiCaprio,
Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on the Central Coast of California
The Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on California's Central Coast has oceanfront views, swimming pool, gardens, and is right on the beach near Hearst Castle.
Monterey Boutique Hotel, the Hotel Pacific near Fisherman's Wharf
The Hotel Pacific is a Monterey boutique hotel in a good location close to Fisherman’s wharf and downtown restaurants and bars and with its own parking garage.