Contenta Inn — Hotel in Monterey

Pros: Room was clean and neat. Check-in was easy. Convenient location in the village. CONS: Room thermostat/heating was not working and they gave no warning about it, or that there was a small space heater in the corner, unplugged (that resembled as much an upright room fan, so I took no notice until the next morning, when I wanted a bit of warmth for the room). NO COFFEE OR BREAKFAST, save for stale coffee pods in the room. While other hotels in the area are now serving breakfasts, seems like the Contenta is using covid as an excuse to save their $$ by not offering continental breakfast, or any breakfast, or even some hot brewed coffee for their guests. (Please, Contenta, it doesn't reflect well for you that everyone else has moved past the pandemic and has returned to providing breakfast—FULL breakfast is being served, for example, at the Carmel Valley Lodge, for about $10 more per room than Contenta). FRONT DESK: Both mornings we were there, the front desk/office was NOT open at 8 am as advertised, though each morning we had waited until that time to ask question or two. The second day we returned mid day and again it was locked closed, and no note saying "be right back" or "back in 5 minutes." So, VERY lax management, at least on the operational side of things. Overall, NOT A GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY, though it could be if these negatives were corrected...

Stay here is you ONLY like black coffee, broken blinds that you have to fix on your own with a sheet, go out in the cold with wet hair (no dryer), and come home to secret over-charges on your credit card. You must check your statements if you give them access to your card which is required upon check-in.

They're too cheap and inhospitable to provide half and half or any kind of milk for your coffee. This was on Christmas Day when everything was closed. I spent the first 45 minutes of my vacation driving around, looking for coffee since they only provided powder. I don't even use fake powdered milk when I go camping. Second day, no pastries as they advertise they would provide. Broken blinds, letting too much light in. I called the front desk about it and they suggested I use a sheet. No hair dryer, and the most upsetting part is that I found an extra $189.00 charge on my credit card.

Location: you think you're closer to the Big Sur sightseeing locations but you're out of the way. You have to drive back North another 30 minutes to start heading South again.

It's unethical to misrepresent your motel as a nice hotel that lacks basic care, customer service and maintenance. Charge what's its worth and stop sneaking extra charges on your customers credit cards hoping they won't check their statements. I should report this...

• The arrival unfortunately was a departure from what used to be a “warm welcome to our establishment.” [me:] Hi, I’m checking in, my last name is xxxx. [deskclerk:] I need a credit card to cover your incidentals. [me:] Incidentals? [deskclerk:] Yeah, in case something is missing from the room… After I had given the young man my credit card I was given the room key (reminded me of the 1960’s) and.. that was that. No info on housekeeping daily cleaning (they do not clean daily, even though we stayed three nights), no info on wi-fi or anything else. Not even a brief “enjoy your stay; let us know if you need anything, etc.” • The room was spacious, but basic and more of a motel than a hotel room. When we returned from dinner the property was pitch dark – power was down, and later on we learned that this was throughout the village of Carmel Valley. There was no-one from the hotel present to at least assist with a flashlight or similar to help guests find their way to the rooms. Fortunately, most folks have a flashlight on their phones these days.. • While the shower pressure wasn’t bad, the temperature of the water would drastically fluctuate from one moment to another – scorching hot and then ice cold. Very hard to adjust. • Towels and bathroom amenities were of...