I booked a non-holiday room to celebrate a birthday. Shortly before our stay, I called to upgrade the room only to be told that my reservation had been canceled, leaving me scrambllng to find other accommodations. I called the hotel GM who tracked down the name of the person who canceled -- nobody I knew, and I was the only one outside the hotel who knew of the booking. He had no explanation. Offered apologies. Is there a ghost in the machine? I've stayed here numerous times and, while it's nowhere near a great hotel, it's decent enough and well located. But never again.

We stayed at the Portola Hotel over Memorial Day weekend and found it to be an "average" hotel, not worth the money. We were in town for a wedding and should have chosen the wedding's other hotel choice - a Best Western. For the money you pay for this hotel, you get a nice, clean room, but no extra amenities as other luxury hotels would give you. One example is an additional $10 charge if you want a refrigerator in your room. The first of our three night stay was in a room facing the street. Apparently there is a nightclub right across the street, so along with my 2 young children, we got to hear the music until 2 a.m. After moving to another room that was facing the courtyard, we thought the noise would be improved, but found that that the hotel was hosting a "grad night" for college students in their ballroom. So, again we were awoken this time to screaming college students in the hotel's own courtyard. Not to mention the noise in the hallways, slamming doors, and beer bottles seen the plants on the hallways the next morning. Overall, this hotel has nice accomodations, but the noise is a problem if you'd like to sleep at night. -

I think some of the reviews are a little harsh, it was a nice hotel. We had absolutely no problems with noise (except from the seagulls outside in the morning! But what is the hotel supposed to do about that? you are on the bay after all) and the staff was very friendly. The decor was nice and updated (not sure what one commenter meant about "tired" furnishings, it all seemed pretty new to me). The bathroom was so-so. Nothing great but was clean. Never wanted or had the need for internet while I was there, so I cannot comment on that. We also did not eat at the hotel so cannot comment on that either. The best part was the walk to the wharf. Very, very convenient. Pool was closed but it was too cold for the pool anyway, plus you have the ocean right outside your door, so that was not a big detractor. Our only complaint would be the undisclosed at booking cost to park and the hike from parking to your room. However, anyone that has ever stayed in any of California's bay towns (especially San Francisco) knows space is at a premium and $15 seemed pretty cheap compared to 40-50 a night in San Francisco. Overall it was a good experience.

We were looking for a hotel in the Monterey area that was a bit more modern. I agree that there are many properties in Carmel & Pacific Grove that would also be lovely, however we aren't big on the Victoria bed & breakfast concept. That being said, we didn't find too much in Monterey to amuse us so we definately needed the car to get to Carmel, Pacific Grove, do the 17 mile drive, etc. The room and bathroom were clean and nicely appointed. The cookie on check in was a nice touch. Would have liked to have complimentary internet, even at the computers in the lobby. Staff were attentive and helpful with directions and restaurant suggestions.

We didn't eat at the hotel so can't comment on that. We did get breakfast both days at a little coffee place across the sidewalk which was reasonable and good. Would recommend the Red House in Pacific Grove for a lovely meal.