Name: Portola Hotel & Spa
Address: Two Portola Plaza, Downtown Monterey, Monterey, California, United States of America, Monterey, Monterey County, US
Price range: $272–$738 per night
Rating: 8.68

What guests think

Across many reviews of Portola Hotel & Spa, travelers praise its walkable, central location by Fisherman’s Wharf, generally clean, comfortable rooms, and friendly service, while noting recurring drawbacks like paid parking, occasional noise, dated rooms, and inconsistent housekeeping.

Travelers highlight dog friendly policies and convenient on site options like Jack’s restaurant, a pub and bakery, a spa, and a well equipped gym, though the pool and hot tub sit in a separate building and can feel small. Other practical snags include unreliable or limited EV charging and periodic event crowds that make the property feel busy. Overall, Portola Hotel & Spa suits travelers seeking a central, amenity rich base in Monterey more than those wanting a quiet, resort style escape.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On site restaurants and bar, a bakery, spa, and a well equipped gym draw praise. The pool and hot tub are across the street and can feel small; parking is paid, and EV charging can be limited or unreliable.

Related guest reviews

10

Eric

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent mother's day weekend stay. Easy to get downtown and to whale watching. Easy parking. Excellent staff and food service. Felt like a resort. Nice spa and gym. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay

4

Ekaterina

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We returned to this hotel because we had a great experience in the past. Sadly, this time was the opposite. The room was noticeably worse, old, poorly maintained, and facing a noisy road. We barely slept due to constant traffic noise. The jacuzzi and swimming pool were also disappointing. Both are outdated and require guests to go outside and cross the road to access them, which was inconvenient and not clearly stated in advance. To make matters worse, the hotel double charged us both times, despite the booking being made through Expedia. Thankfully, the staff was helpful in addressing the issue, but it was still frustrating to go through the same problem again. Overall, this stay was well below expectations. We would not stay again or recommend it.

8

Brian or Danielle

Feb 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful lobby. Staff friendly and helpful. Nice restaurant and bar. Pool is in a different building which is a little inconvenient. Hot tub good size and pool not to deep; good for kids. Did not utilize the spa. Room was good size, a couple markings on the wall. Shutters don’t kee the morning light out as well as drapes. Also felt like I could hear the other rooms easier than at other hotels. Went to bar around 950 but they said they close at 10 so went went out for drink. Came back at 1045 and people were still in the bar area. Hmmm. Great location and can walk everywhere.

10

Donna

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel and in walking distance of shops, restaurants. Lovely pool and hot tub too.

8

Sadaf

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Portola is a nice property within walking distance to the harbor and great restaurants. The only issue we had at this hotel was that the staff and service were very slow. We stayed there during the 4th of July holiday weekend. I understand it’s a busy time, but these are the times when you should prepare in advance to accommodate the guests. I called the reception a couple of times to order in-room breakfast. I never got a straight answer and couldn’t order in-room service. We also waited about an hour for their bell team to come to our room to pick up our luggage on the last day of our stay. The restaurant at the hotel, Jacks Monterey, has a great menu and great staff.

10

Susan

Jun 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The gym equipment are exceptional. The linens and towels are very comfortable. I also appreciated the firm pillow, which made for a good night's sleep.

10

Martha

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wished I had spent more time here! The place is absolutely beautiful. Restaurant inside was delicious and I loved the little bakery inside the hotel too! I was able to check in early, and valet parking staff were very quick and efficient. Fitness center was very nice and clean. I also loved that it was super close to alot of restaurants. Will definitely be coming back and even brining my dog since they’re very dog friendly so that’s a plus!

2

Glenn

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pool was not heated despite us calling the day before to confirm if it was. We booked and paid a premium rate for a heated pool that had been switched off for maintenance.

10

Amber

Jan 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was great, very clean. It was crowded for NYE but the elevator systems worked great, didn’t have to wait too long at all if ever. Parking was easy, a bit far, as the property is so huge. Overall great and would recommend. Only downside is no room service for food. Portola Hotel and Spa was very enjoyable.

10

Sheryl

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very large and open hotel with great fitness center in separate building next door. Room was clean and nice. Food was good too.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many guests report clean, well kept rooms and public spaces, but there are recurring complaints about missed housekeeping, dusty or dirty items, stains, and occasional ants.

Related guest reviews

2

Craig

Apr 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Didn’t clean the room. You must request room cleaning, as they claim this is to save the environment. Really it saves a lot in costs for the hotel, even after requesting our room to be cleaned it wasn’t. Not what you expect for a hotel of this price

4

Christian

Jun 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Way over priced. Stained sheets

10

Ellen

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was spotless and very comfortable. All staff were friendly and welcoming and helpful.

10

Matthew

Nov 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room, good location, pretty lobby

4

Taraneh

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is noisy, the bed sheets were dirty, the shower can be nicer and cleaner! Everything is dated. I saw ants in the room. Will never come back .

2

Michael

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Blood on carpet

6

Danielle

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property and location is nice. Rooms are small, outdated and unfortunately our room was dirty upon arrival. Crumbs and food all over the floor in the room.

10

gloria

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very clean, spacious and had a great harbor view. The staff at the Portola were friendly and professional. Jacks restaurant was a wonderful place to eat dinner and breakfast. We will be back again!

6

Irene

Jan 15, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We have stayed at Portola Hotel several times over the years. You can see how the property condition is slowly getting worse. This time our bathroom sink faucet wasn’t working so we had no hot water flow and they had to fix it while we were there. Day two of our stay we had an ants invasion (we had a room with a patio) but did ask to be moved because we didn’t have time to deal with that. Otherwise, this hotel is in a great location with the cutest lobby and friendly and helpful staff.

6

Cathy

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We read that this hotel was family friendly and were excited! We booked 2 rooms for the grandparents, us and the kids. I called a few days ahead to ask about parking earlier in the day before check-in, requesting a crib and connecting rooms. When we arrived, the hotel parking entrance was blocked due to a morning event. I tried calling the hotel but no one picked up and the cop directing traffic said there was no way in or out. It would have been nice to get a heads up from the staff when we called earlier in the week that there was a morning event and to provide alternative parking options. Luckily we saw a parking garage nearby that we paid for and later moved to Portola and paid for that. When we checked in, the staff said we had connecting rooms as requested but upon getting to our rooms, they were not connected. I called guest services and the manager picked up, reviewed and apologized that they don’t have any available. They should have just said that in the beginning. Not a big deal. At check in, they didn’t see a crib requested so they put in a request. When we got to our room, it was there. However someone came to our room later with another crib. For cleanliness, we noticed the glasses, mugs and Keurig machine were dusty. There were also two small flies in our room at the desk and one of the hand towels in the bathroom had a dead ant. We also had three bath towels when they knew we had two children. It’s nice but the communication and cleanliness needs work.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are often spacious and comfortable, with some harbor views and balconies, but multiple reviews mention noise bleed, dated or basic decor in places, uncomfortable pillows, temperature control or water pressure issues, and occasional Wi Fi instability.

Related guest reviews

6

Vanessa

Jul 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel is tired and many of the rooms need to be renovated. Partial harbor views are very limited.

8

Amanda

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean & new, but traveling with an toddler room location was not great. A heads up the room was over a bar that had karaoke till almost eleven would have been good to know. We did not sleep very well.

8

Latasha

Nov 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed my stay. Room was nice, bed was comfy (minus the pillows). Great location walking distance to everything. Only downfall were no charging stations for non tesla vehicles when i was told there were.

6

sypher

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Experienced lights flickering, really loud AC units, poor sound proof walls, loud door shutting sounds when closing, tv guide does not match channel, and lack of lights in the room. The good was that the room was spacious. Overall probably not worth the price of the stay compare to other competing hotels in the area.

10

Chuong

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Positive: beautiful property and room. room is quiet, comfortable, and clean. great location. Negative: water pressure for shower is weak.

6

Francesca

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was good, noise was an issue. Doors slamming outside my room form 7-11 am.

10

Jeffrey

Oct 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quick overnighter after a long day if golf. The hotel is a maze. Don't get caught without your room key or you'll be stuck between buildings, as we were. Valet and front desk were friendly and efficient. Room reserved was a king bed, room we received had 2 doubles. Weird sleeping in separate beds if I could've slept. Beds and pillows are long past needing replacement . Had to use 4 pillows to raise my head off the mattress, which had a crown to it- there was a high spot so I rolled off to one side or the other. I couldn't physically be in the middle of the smaller bed. Bathroom was nice clean and modern. Water pressure was the highlight! I'd stay here again with Starbucks just across the street.

10

Tia

Jun 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel and nice area. Our only issue was that the internet was terrible, but besides that we enjoyed everything! Easy walk to the port as well

8

Tammy

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room did not have air conditioner. There was a wall mounted unit/fan with no thermostat that did not work. They had windows propped open instead. And the street noise and people walking by were loud. Our room on our last visit had air conditioner with a thermostat.

8

Don

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Check-In was very quick. The Hotel has GREAT elevators and is well laid-out. The internet connectivity, however, was VERY POOR and INTERMITTENT and although I was willing to pay a premium for better service, it didn't seem to be available. Complaining to the generally friendly folks at the front desk didn't help much.

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful across valet, front desk, and housekeeping. During busy times, guests report slow or unresponsive service, check in delays, and occasional attitude issues.

Related guest reviews

2

katherine

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Upon arrival, we saw that the hotel advertised EV charging. However, nothing indicated that it wasn’t complimentary. Most hotels include it for guests, so this felt like poor marketing — but that wasn’t even our main concern. The real issue began at midnight. I was woken up by a loud party. I called the front desk multiple times, but no one answered. I went downstairs, and there was no staff on site. It wasn’t until I called Hotels.com and spoke with a wonderful agent that the hotel finally answered. By then, it was 1:00 AM, and the noise from the family was still going strong. The front desk said they would send security. By 1:30 AM, the party was still loud. I went downstairs again to speak directly with the front desk and the manager. Neither showed much empathy, and security didn’t even know which room the noise was coming from. I had asked for a room change earlier but was told none were available. Suddenly, since they couldn’t identify the source of the noise, they decided to check for other rooms and then offered to move us. At 2:00 AM, we were finally settled into a new room — which was uncomfortably warm at 74°F. This entire experience was a nightmare. Stay away from this hotel.

2

JUNHEE

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk guy, his name was Christian or Christiano and it looks like he hate to work in there. He helped my check-in and his attitude and expression were really unkind and very unprofessional. I went to so many hotels in the U.S. and it was the worst check-in service I have ever seen. His facial expression and the way of speaking to customer were awful. Other staffs were so kind and room was clean. Everything was fine except his worst service.

4

Cheryl

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were not ready when wet arrived we had 3 toddlers and two rooms and waited over a half hour for the 2nd room to become available. The staff was not that concerned that the rooms were not ready. Will probably not return.

10

Lori

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Checking in- incredibly friendly and warm staff. Offered an upgrade, which was super nice. Lobby is beautiful, restaurants are great. The best dog friendly hotel we’ve ever stayed. Would definitely recommend to others!

10

Pallavi

Sep 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is our 4th time staying here. This is a very family friendly hotel. Everything is nearby and in walking distance. You can walk to the pier or to the beach. Only This time our AC was a little bit noisy at night and they gave us two tower fans. They also checked it and cleaned it. The staff is very helpful and friendly.

4

Massimo

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Long lines to check in, then the door would not work and we had to call and wait for help. Overall the management could put more people to handle check ins, one person is clearly not sufficient when a long line forms in front of the check in desk

10

Agnetha

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall my stay was great! Walking distance to the beach and to many shops and restaurants. We did have an incident where a creepy man followed me into the elevator and up to the floor where my room was. I called security and they were all over it. They made me feel safe and kept me aware if the situation. In the end we had a great time. Thank you for keeping your guests safe!

10

Adrianna

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The place is beautiful and clean. Parking situation wasn’t difficult and definitely kid friendly, I requested a play pen for my 7 month old and they delivered it with no issues. We love a place that has amenities for the kiddos.

10

gloria

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very clean, spacious and had a great harbor view. The staff at the Portola were friendly and professional. Jacks restaurant was a wonderful place to eat dinner and breakfast. We will be back again!

2

Fabi

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Do not book here or with hotels.com. After making a reservation, being charged and confirmed, we were turned away due to over booking.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Consistently praised central, walkable location by Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown, with easy access to Cannery Row, the aquarium, shops, and dining.

Related guest reviews

10

Sharon

Jul 9, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

The location is the best, and it's very comfortable. There were a few minor issues with the bathroom (e.g. shower leak.) The parking is convenient but costs extra; overall it is expensive, but worth splurging.

10

Julie

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and excellent hotel We’ll be back

10

Terry

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

great location

10

Brian

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location near good restaurants and Coffee . We only used our car going to Carmel,whick is super close.

10

Jay

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a lovely property- in the middle of the action in Monterey. We were able to walk to the Aquarium, the wharf, and downtown. The lobby is a great place to hang out and for what you get the price is competetive.

10

Melayna

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This project is in the perfect location. It is right by the Fisherman’s Wharf. I would definitely stay there again.

10

Tatyana

Feb 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is great off of old fisherman’s warf where whale tours depart. Would stay here again. Had a nice stay. I enjoyed the restaurant on site as well as the cafe-bakery. Crepes, bike rides, pleanty of souvenir shops close by, restaurant options all a short walk away.

10

Charlotte

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is perfect!

10

Geri

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Comfortable, clean, great location, walkable to all the sites we wanted to see.

10

Elena

Mar 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

On site dining and the bar are convenient and generally well liked, especially breakfast at Jack’s and the lobby options. Prices can be high and service occasionally slow; room service is not available.

Related guest reviews

4

Veronica

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel restaurant was below mediocre due to selection and service. The majority of the servers don’t speak basic English and do t understand simple questions about the menu. VERY FRUSTRATING!

8

Liz

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We stayed three nights from 12/23-12/26. The rooms were good. Our group of six people (three rooms) reserved for the Christmas Buffet, which was definitely overpriced for the price of $89 per person. Food was cold, and not very many options. More cafeteria style than an opulent buffet as advertised. All of us were extremely disappointed with the quality of the food and the cold ambiance of the room.

10

William

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good central location, great on site bar and restaurant.

8

Sadaf

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Portola is a nice property within walking distance to the harbor and great restaurants. The only issue we had at this hotel was that the staff and service were very slow. We stayed there during the 4th of July holiday weekend. I understand it’s a busy time, but these are the times when you should prepare in advance to accommodate the guests. I called the reception a couple of times to order in-room breakfast. I never got a straight answer and couldn’t order in-room service. We also waited about an hour for their bell team to come to our room to pick up our luggage on the last day of our stay. The restaurant at the hotel, Jacks Monterey, has a great menu and great staff.

10

Mary

May 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Make sure you see Josh and Antonio at Jack’s restaurant!! Waaaay above and beyond!!

8

Sheri

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I did not get the partial view that I expected. A bit basic for the price paid, no room service

10

Martha

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wished I had spent more time here! The place is absolutely beautiful. Restaurant inside was delicious and I loved the little bakery inside the hotel too! I was able to check in early, and valet parking staff were very quick and efficient. Fitness center was very nice and clean. I also loved that it was super close to alot of restaurants. Will definitely be coming back and even brining my dog since they’re very dog friendly so that’s a plus!

10

Dia

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel in a really great location. It’s a little more on the pricer side, but you are paying for the location. We loved being able to just walk around from our hotel. There’s a restaurant located inside the hotel. We ate there for dinner one night, and was surprised at how tasty our meal was. Would definitely stay here again.

10

gloria

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very clean, spacious and had a great harbor view. The staff at the Portola were friendly and professional. Jacks restaurant was a wonderful place to eat dinner and breakfast. We will be back again!

8

Meggin

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location to walk to fisherman’s wharf, cannery row and Alvarado street bars and restaurants. Delicious and fresh breakfast in hotel. Great for a weekend getaway!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$243
February	$339
March	$292
April	$345
May	$320
June	$331
July	$383
August	$517
September	$380
October	$303
November	$272
December	$214

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $375	16 $290	17 $290	18 $738	19 $671
20 $535	21 $328	22 $331	23 $366	24 $361	25 $661	26 $565
27 $670	28 $573	29 $670	30 $288

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $379	2 $717	3 $694
4 $377	5 $275	6 $360	7 $374	8 $391	9 $382	10 $555
11 $274	12 $277	13 $276	14 $469	15	16 $298	17 $293
18	19	20	21 $278	22 $276	23 $302	24 $406
25 $272	26 $354	27 $475	28 $354	29 $386	30 $349	31 $299

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Portola)

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Portola)

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

Room, 1 King Bed (Portola)

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Partial Harbor View)

Portola Room Two Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

Room, 1 King Bed (Partial Harbor View)

Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Harbor View (Partial)

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Portola Hotel & Spa

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Prices for upcoming dates