Merritt House Hotel

A Historic Romantic Hideaway in Downtown Monterey

Tucked behind leafy gardens in the heart of Monterey, Merritt House Hotel blends 19th‑century adobe charm with updated boutique comfort. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and lovingly family‑run, it offers a quietly romantic base just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey waterfront.

Couples are drawn here for its intimate scale, fireplaces in nearly every room, and old‑world character that contrasts with the big conference hotels across the street, all at a price many guests consider strong value for such a prime location.

Romantic Atmosphere & Setting

Historic Adobe With Garden Romance

Originally built in 1830 as a private residence, the restored adobe now houses just three suites and 22 rooms, creating a peaceful, almost secret-feeling retreat amid downtown Monterey. Rooms and suites are framed by magnolia, pepper, holly, and olive trees, with a grand fig tree and rose garden contributing to a nostalgic, storybook atmosphere.

Many rooms feature French doors opening to balconies or shared patios overlooking the secluded gardens, ideal for morning coffee together or a glass of wine at sunset.

Walkable Coastal Location

The hotel’s central position makes it easy for couples to enjoy Monterey without a car:

• A short walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay
• Minutes from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Easy drives to Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, 17‑Mile Drive, and Big Sur

Guests frequently praise the walkability, noting how effortless it is to enjoy seafood dinners, galleries, and bay views right from the front door.

Rooms & Suites for Couples

Boutique Rooms With Fireplaces

Every room is individually decorated, with a warm, classic style rather than a generic chain‑hotel look. A 2020 renovation added updated furnishings and fresh bathrooms while preserving original charm.

Key in‑room features include:

• Cozy fireplaces in nearly every room
• Bathrobes for relaxed mornings
• Vaulted ceilings in select King rooms
• French doors to balconies or shared patios in many units
• Small refrigerators and coffee makers
• Flat‑screen TVs, complimentary high‑speed Wi‑Fi

Comfort is consistently highlighted by guests who enjoy the “cute” décor and inviting atmosphere, making these rooms well‑suited to a romantic getaway.

Honeymoon & Adobe Suites

For couples seeking a more private retreat, the suites stand out:

• Honeymoon Suite – Adults-only and child-free by design, this suite offers a separate parlor with a fireplace, down comforters, and a private terrace overlooking the grounds, making it perfect for lingering breakfasts or evening wine.
• Downstairs Adobe Suites – Located in the original adobe, these suites combine historic character with modern comforts, featuring separate living areas with fireplaces and easy access to the courtyard gardens.

Dining, Drinks & Daily Perks

While Merritt House does not operate a full restaurant, it enhances a romantic stay with thoughtful touches:

• Wine & Cheese Hour during check‑in, featuring local wines and cheeses, is a relaxed way to begin a couple’s escape.
• Daily continental breakfast, often noted by guests as a welcome bonus, with pastries, cereals, fruit, hard‑boiled eggs, and coffee from local favorites such as Acme Coffee and baked goods linked to Alta Bakery and Cafe.

Beyond the property, couples can stroll to acclaimed seafood restaurants on the Wharf, craft beer at Alvarado Street Brewery, and intimate cafés nearby.

Service & Experience

Family-style hospitality is central to the identity of Merritt House Hotel. The owners emphasize a “you’re part of the family” approach, and many guests praise the friendly, accommodating staff and the spotless cleanliness of rooms.

The ambiance is quietly social: mornings spent in the breakfast room, late afternoons in the garden or by the fireplace, and evenings exploring Monterey’s coastal views. The small scale of the hotel and historic architecture naturally lend themselves to a slower, more romantic pace.

Practical Details for Couples

• Type: Historic boutique hotel / romantic inn
• Location: Downtown Monterey, a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and close to Cannery Row

On‑site amenities:

• Fireplaces in most rooms and all suites
• Garden courtyards and historic grounds
• Wine & cheese welcome
• Continental breakfast
• Covered, on‑site parking (limited, nightly fee)
• Free Wi‑Fi and in‑room entertainment

For couples who value character, walkability, and cozy evenings by the fire over resort‑style amenities, Merritt House Hotel offers a memorable, best‑value romantic stay in one of California’s most famous coastal towns.