Sand Dollar Inn Monterey
By now, I've got used to ticking off the essentials for a family vacation hotel, and its a tribute to the immense attraction of the Monterey Peninsula as a family holiday destination that it was so hard for me to make a choice. There was the splendidly located and world famous Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Hyatt Regency, the Clarion, the Hilton Garden Inn and a host of other equally attractive options. After Sacramento, the family was in no mood to spend their time fooling around in the hotel pool or playing video games in-room, and Monterey was just the ticket. So, what I was looking for was a no-frills hotel, perfectly located to make short excursions to and from all the local attractions. Finally plumped down on the Sand Dollar Inn, if only for a change, since I had stayed in the Monterey Plaza once before. The Sand Dollar Inn looked like they had less of the 'add-ons' that morph into essentials once you checkin. Since we wouldn't be spending too much time in the hotel, I decided there was no harm in downgrading a teeny-weeny bit. Besides, always feels good to save a few bucks on the allocated budget.
The parking lot was a cauldron of confusion, since there's a Denny's situated in it and the cars coming in and going out were way too much for a family hotel. But hey, like I said, no-frills. The hotel is also no big deal from the outside, but the view from the inside is decent enough, and teh staff were much more friendlier than you would expect, and the cookies they had on hand to greet us was a nice touch. The rooms are pretty neat too. Not big, but clean and well furnished with everything you might need for a weekend, including a television, refrigirator, coffee maker, hairdryer, and complimentary internet. Outside, the Sand Dollar Inn offers a heated swimming pool and a spa tub, a coin operated washer/dryer. Room rates start at $88 for a single room with one queen bed, and $103 for a room with two double beds.
A couple of points to be noted here. First, the noise level is pretty high and the room walls are thin enough that you can pretty much hear everything that's being said around you, not to mention the noise from the parking lot. Secondly, there's no air conditioning. Conidering the mild Monterey weather, that's not really a problem, but if you're used to the individual climate control that the big hotels offer, then you might start feeling a bit uncomfortable. Lastly, only one of the buildings has an elevator, so if you have a baby in a stroller or someone who can't climb stairs, you might want to make it clear when you book that you want a room in the building with the elevator. Inspite of all this, I still was pretty happy with putting up here, mainly because the staff were awfully friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was all right. A smile can go a long way when you're dealing with an irate Mom, Kids who're sick of the road and a Dad who badly needs a drink.
Come morning, its time to discover Downtown Monterey, the Monetery Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, the delights of Cannery Row and the beach. But before that, the Sand Dollar Inn has a complimentary breakfast spread of fresh fruit, coffee and juice, eggs and cereals, and an assortment of freshly baked pastries and goodies from the Paris Bakery. Pretty filling, and much better than the canned 'continental' breakfasts offered by the big hotels. Inspite of some obvious shortcomings, I'd still recommend the Sand Dollar Inn above other Monterey family hotels because the personal level of service and the homey atmosphere is not something you're about to get in a Hilton or a Marriott.
Info: 755 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 372-7551
