Located steps from Cannery Row, Holiday Inn Express Monterey Cannery Row was about convenience and value. For guests looking for an affordable hotel near shops and the sea, this property was a safe bet.
The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Monterey Cannery Row was a boutique hotel in that it only had 43 rooms. This, and its convenient location near Monterey Bay Aquarium, makes it sell out often.
Check-in was efficient and friendly. Our room was even ready before the 3:00 p.m. check-in time. My husband was thrilled that the Monterey hotel offered complimentary parking and could accommodate his large truck. I was patting myself on the back that I had booked a nice room for New Year’s Eve in popular Monterey County.
Holiday Inn Express Monterey Cannery Row room categories
There were four room categories at this recently remodeled IHG hotel. I had reserved a standard king, #302, and was happy with our top-floor location.
The hotel was built in the 1960’s. While there was an elevator on the property, there were some stairs to contend with if you happened to be using the luggage cart.
As mentioned, the recently remodeled rooms had fresh paint, new carpet, and clean bedding. We liked the flat screen TV and the desk with a lamp and a chair for me to write this hotel review. The coffee bar area featured a Keurig coffee maker, but the latest partnership with Holiday Inn hotels boasted freshly ground Costas Coffee machines in the lobby.
We were on a week-long road trip and appreciated the mini refrigerator/freezer under the counter. I mistook the safe for a microwave at first glance. We had brought along a quiche that needed re-heating. Fortunately, there was a community microwave oven, paper plates, and utensils in the lobby bar area for hotel guests’ use.
Our room included a tub/shower combination with Dove bath amenities mounted on the shower wall. A hairdryer hung inside a black bag in the bathroom.
Holiday Inn hotel amenities
There was no swimming pool or fitness center at this hotel. You’ll get your steps in walking along Monterey’s Cannery Row or over to historic Old Town Monterey.
There was a nice, large courtyard within the hotel that will be getting renovated in 2026. I can imagine sitting around the fire pits with a cup of coffee or hot mug of tea.
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Express breakfast at Holiday Inn Express
IHG hotel guests have come to expect a complimentary breakfast included with their stay. Expect the usual hot breakfast buffet of cheese omelet, pork and turkey sausages, potatoes, and the pancake machine. There were also bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and hot oatmeal, in addition to fresh fruit. Cranberry, apple, and orange juice were available, as well as coffee and hot water for tea or powdered hot chocolate.
Room rates ranged from $199 – $400 depending on the season and what’s happening on the Monterey Peninsula. Pets are not allowed at this Holiday Inn Express. If you are looking for a more expensive hotel in Monterey, try InterContinental Clement Monterey.
Check rates for Holiday Inn Express Monterey Cannery Row online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Holiday Inn Express Monterey Cannery Row hotel review and all photos by Oregon-based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As an IHG Platinum elite member, Nancy used a combination of points and cash for this hotel review. As always, all opinions are her own.
