My wife and i who work 7 days a week and are on call 24/7 took an 18hour hiatus from our busy schedule. We found this #1 rated hotel paid the extra so we did not have to look at the transients on the ave., and got a beachfront room on the 4th floor. We asked for an internet discount, the young man was gracious enough to work it out. $208 for the finest relaxing18 hours we have spent in a long time. Fireplace, ocean breeze, feather bed, CD's, market nite on tuesday nite, save $21 with a parking tip below!

My wife and I stayed at the Spin Drift while driving from Las Vegas to San Francisco via LA. We passed through the Big Sur area in all it's beauty before we got to Monterey and after a day of watching beautiful landscapes, we were not expecting Spin Drift to be as wonderful an experience as it was.

Right from the time we got the hotel it was fantastic. The valet/ bell desk folks were awesome - asked me right upfront if I wanted to valet or park myself (and the cost of each) - and did a tremendous job of getting the bags out and into the room.

The lobby is small but cozy, this is a boutique hotel so public spaces are small but well maintained and well set up. As we checked in the complimentary cheese/ wine hour was coming to an end, but the lady who was overseeing the setup was kind enough to ask us if we wanted a bite and then was sweet enough to pile up a couple of plates and 2 glasses and help us take them to our room (our hands were full since we still had hand-bags).

The room was marvelous... it's not huge, but really well setup. The gas-fired but wood-burning fireplace is amazing with a couple of comfortable chairs around it to sink into... heavenly.

We splurged on getting the ocean view room, and as dusk fell there was a wonderful view out over the Bay... a beautifully serene and romantic setting.

Breakfast is delivered to the room (I guess because the Inn doesnt really have space for a breakfast room), but it's quite appropriate... we woke up watching a sea gull on our ledge and think we saw some seals out in the water (there are binoculors on the seat by the window if you want)... so breakfast was an relaxing, intimate setting.

Overall this was a wonderful 1 night stay over a Saturday night. It was extremely cold this weekend across the West Coast and Monterey was freezeing too... but the warmth of the people at Spin Drift as well as the fireplace in the room made our stay memorable.

I really hate to call this place "average." It seemed so promising based on all the reviews. The rooms really are lovely, and the location is great. But, please call before you stay here and ask if there is still construction going on. I stayed here to rest and relax, and was awakened by loud hammering and construction men looking right into my room. They were across the street on scaffolds, putting them eye-level with my balcony. They also were using drills and staple guns. So, sitting on my balcony was a no-go. Not unless I wanted to watch men at work. And sleeping in, well forget that! Also, I asked for the quietest room possible. When I arrived, I was put in room 210. The second floor rooms open to the lobby, so all the lobby noise travels up and into the rooms. All the other floors are enclosed. So, not only was there noise coming from outside the hotel, but there was noise coming form inside the hotel! Very disappointing, especially since I took the time to make a request. I feel that they could have put me in a much quieter setting! Customer service: fail. This is the first time tripadvisor lead me astray. Unfortunately, I will not stay here again.

This is a must for every couple. The Spindrift in offers the Best service, and perfect for Romance. Their location is prime! Without reservation, it earns the highest recommendation possible. The fireplace in the room and front lobby is a warm welcoming. The wine, cheese and crackers are delicious and the people are some of the most hospitable.