Old Marina Inn — Hotel in Marina

The location was good, not too far from the places where the Concours d'Elegance events were. But coming from always using Holiday Inn, this Inn was not on par or even close to those large chain Hotels. The rooms were decent sized, but you can tell its old. Feels very 1970-80s. The only thing that reminds you, you're not in the past is the Flatscreen TV, other than that, every thing is dated. The hot water occasionally disappears, its like a Nordic Spa where it gets hot and cold. They give you two small bars of soap and a sachet of shampoo and conditioner. Amenities in the room I like is the Microwave and Fridge. You also get a dining room table and two chairs. The bathroom door doesn't close all the way so it cannot lock. Be sure to hang a shirt on the knob to tell people you're in there. Wifi is horrible, the room we stayed in said to use the Wifi with 1 or 2 bars. We decided to use the one with 3 and 4 bars, but Internet was still slow at certain times.

Service was friendly, so thats a plus. Here's the summary:

Pro: Location Staff Table and 2 chairs There is a Fridge and Microwave

Cons: Wifi slow and weak Cheap soap and shampoo 70s look, no renovation Thin blankets and covers Only 2 Pillows, low quality Bathroom door doesn't lock Hot water goes...

I give this place 4 stars because it doesn't have all the frills of a fancy hotel, but it is QUIET, it has always been SAFE and SECURE for us. You can park right outside your room and parking is free. The facility is only 1 story tall so nobody is stomping around overhead. The rooms have a fridge, microwave with turntable. Bathrooms are small but have plenty of hot water that arrives quickly when you turn on the faucet or the shower. TV is adequate, the furnishings are adequate with a 3pc dinette in our king bed room; and a long dresser to set out bags on. We have stayed here many times and been pleased just the same as on our most recent stay in May 2023. One thing that is especially nice is the LOCATION and ease of access to Hwy 1 when traveling southbound towards Monterey or going north towards Santa Cruz. Close to several fast food restaurants and we have safely walked down to the corner of Reservation Road, to Grocery Outlet. The liquor store just across the parking lot is nice for snacks and sandwiches, too. If you want to drive out to the Marina State Beach, its just at the west end of Reservation Road with a nice parking area, picnic tables and restrooms. Happy trails and safe...

Staying at the Old Marina Inn is kind of like stepping back in time to the 1960s or so, during the age of mom and pop motels. The motel is indeed family run and its furnishings and style reflects the '60s as well. But not to worry, I found our room to be spacious (perhaps even huge), clean, and functional. And because there's only one story, the room was very quiet.

Other aspects of the room were good as well. The bathroom was small, again circa 1967 I think, but in very good condition. The TV was HD and had a great variety of channels with a functioning guide. And the bed was very comfortable as well.

The motel is about 20-30 minutes from the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, and is located near a number of places to get food like Starbucks and Round Table Pizza. The family managing the motel were pleasant and seem to take pride in their establishment. While $130 (the motel's going rate) is perhaps not a great bargain given the lack of amenities like a pool or a free breakfast, I do believe it to be reasonable for the area. The Inn will certainly be on my radar the next time I visit...