Whatever your hobbies and interests, you're sure to find at least one event during the year that's worth a trip to Salinas. Runners, for instance, might want to sign up for the Big Sur International Marathon in April. As its name suggests, this run follows the Big Sur, offering stunning views of California's gorgeous coastline. Art and music lovers have a variety of annual festivals to choose from, as do beer, food, and wine enthusiasts. A few triathlons are held in the area, along with events for car collectors, golf tournaments, and a variety of motorsports.
As you plan your trip, you'll soon see that there is always something to do in Salinas. Fortunately, there are also plenty of places to stay.
When to Visit Salinas, CA
Given its location in sunny California, Salinas makes a great getaway destination all year round. It averages more than 250 sunny days per year, with zero inches of snow and about 15 inches of rain total. The high temperature in July is just over 70 degrees, while the low in January is just above 40 degrees.
If you plan to visit the beach (and you'd be crazy not to), you may want to visit during the warmest months. Summer also brings more festivals, concerts, and special events to Salinas and nearby cities. Keep in mind, however, that the peak tourism season in this area runs from July through September for these very reasons, so you will face larger crowds and likely steeper room rates.
Those looking to save a little money should consider visiting during the shoulder season of late spring or early fall. The weather will still be pleasant, but crowds will be thinner and prices lower. Also, though lower temperatures and an increased chance of rain make November through March a less popular season, the weather in Salinas will still be a welcome break from the winters that many parts of the country experience.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Salinas, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Salinas, CA. Analyze these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Salinas for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Salinas, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $267.99
Those traveling to Salinas for a special occasion may want to treat themselves to a luxury hotel like the Residence Inn by Marriott Salinas Monterey. The rooms at this all-suite hotel include kitchens, complete with dinnerware and full-size appliances, as well as separate living areas and sofa beds. Choose from a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom suite. Pets are welcome for an extra $100 fee.
During your stay, you can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast each morning and make use of the barbecue and picnic area for outdoor meals. The Residence Inn also boasts free Wi-Fi, evening socials three nights per week for guests, an outdoor pool, and a SportCourt. You will find a variety of restaurants within a few minutes' drive of the hotel, and you won't be far from local attractions such as Pebble Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
For a relaxing beachside vacation, splurge on a stay at the Sanctuary Beach Resort in nearby Marina. Located on Monterey Bay Beach in the heart of the Marina Dunes Preserve, this resort offers rooms with views of either the ocean or the dunes. In-room amenities include fireplaces, binoculars, Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, and private patios or decks.
Guests at the Sanctuary Beach Resort also have access to personal golf carts, pay-per-view movies, free Wi-Fi, sunset bonfires, a heated outdoor pool, the Serenity Spa, and an on-site restaurant. Rounding out the resort's best features are services like one-day-turnaround dry cleaning, room service, and twice-daily housekeeping visits.
Affordable Hotel Options in Salinas, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $170.30
If you're traveling to Salinas on a budget, consider the Laurel Inn Motel. Guests have raved about the excellent nightly rates, clean facilities, and attentive staff. The motel is located conveniently near the freeway and offers a complimentary continental breakfast. Cable programming and free internet access are available, or you can relax in the outdoor pool and sauna. There is even a restaurant on-site for guests.
The Super 8 Salinas is another affordable option. Like the Laurel Inn Motel, rates here start below $100 per night. Start your day with a complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast, then take advantage of the other amenities, such as the in-room LED TVs and satellite programming, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor pool. When you're ready to explore Salinas, you'll appreciate the hotel's location near the freeway.
2 Star Average Prices: $121.47
Best Discounts in Salinas, CA
No matter what kind of hotel you're looking for, there are some great discounts to be had in Salinas. Start your search with chain hotels for the best chance of finding a deal. Many chains have loyalty programs, allowing you to earn points when you stay at their hotels and redeem them for free or discounted stays later. AAA/CAA members and seniors are also offered discounts at many hotels. Some even have special military and government rates. Often, you can save money by booking in advance online or by booking multiple rooms at a group rate.
Although the Residence Inn by Marriott Salinas Monterey starts off as one of the pricier options in the area, it also offers some great deals. You can earn or redeem Marriott Rewards points for your stay, or take advantage of the hotel's AAA/CAA, senior, government, and military discounts. Depending on your travel plans, booking an Air, Car, and Vacation package might also save you some money.
Meanwhile, the Super 8 Salinas offers a 15 percent discount for military members, both current and retired, as well as their spouses. The Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas participates in the Hilton HHonors program and offers Weekend Getaway and Romance packages. Discounts are offered for AAA and AARP members, seniors, military families, and government/military employees.
Best Value Options in Salinas, CA
With or without discounts, some familiar chains offer the best value options in Salinas. On the upper end of the spectrum is Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas. This hotel boasts an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a location near Oldtown Salinas. The business center and on-site convenience store are open 24 hours a day, and every stay includes free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas is another great option. Guests love the deluxe continental breakfast and describe both the rooms and facilities as clean. Relax at the indoor pool, keep connected with free Wi-Fi, or make use of the hotel's meeting rooms and business space. Room service, laundry facilities, a video library, and free parking are also available. Rooms feature DVD players, premium TV channels, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Upgrade to a one king or two queen suite for a sofa bed or an executive suite for a separate bedroom and living area.
Among the most affordable value hotels is the Comfort Inn & Suites of Salinas. It offers lower rates than the other two, but still receives good reviews from guests, who appreciate the hotel's location, friendly staff, and indoor pool. Hit the fitness center for a morning workout, then enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and cable programming.
Festivals and Events Near Salinas, CA
We already mentioned a few events and attractions near Salinas, but it's worth discussing a few more. After all, during your stay you'll want to experience everything the city has to offer. It would be a shame to find out after the fact that you missed something spectacular.
Let's start with music. Jazz fans can visit in March to catch the Jazz Bash by the Bay, which features not only jazz but also swing, blues, ragtime, and more. If you can't make it to that, April brings the Next Generation Jazz Festival and September the Monterey Jazz Festival. The California Roots Music & Arts Festival and the Carmel Bach Festival are also music-centric, but there are a variety of other events focused on certain cultures, topics, or foods that feature live music.
Foodies won't lack for options either, from the Relais & Châteaux GourmetFest in February to the Artichoke Festival and the Monterey BaconFest in June. Pebble Beach Food & Wine brings dozens of chefs and hundreds of wineries together for an unforgettable culinary experience. Other festivals throughout the year provide a taste of Scottish, Celtic, Greek, and Italian cuisine and culture.
Motorsport races, golf tournaments, county fairs, marathons, and even a rodeo or two round out the event calendar. If you're looking for something truly unique, there are a few celebrations that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Visit during January to witness the annual gray whale migration or come in October to welcome back the monarch butterflies after their yearly trek.
The world renowned genius author John Steinbeck said. 'A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.
When traveling in California, this is abundantly true especially when one is making their journey to the enigmatic town of Salinas. This city is in the municipal area of Monterey which has always been a favored spot amongst travelers and free minded hippies. But what has left an indelible mark on the place is its heritage as a hub of agriculture. Even many of the hotels in Salinas have decor that reflects this close relationship with nature and an almost cowboy like work ethic. And as to Steinbeck the writer was so inspired by the city that he based many of his novels there.
A Frugal Trip Through History
With all the travel through Salinas, not to mention the tourism there is no shortage of cheap hotels in and around the city for people to enjoy on a budget. One of the more noteworthy is the 8 Salinas. The is hotel has a prime location for travelers right near the National Steinbeck Center, which a historical establish dedicated to the writers legacy additionally it is only a mile and a half from the popular California Rodeo Salinas. This hotel features and mini-fridges microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. Another one of the cheap hotels in the city is the Good Nite Inn, a very basic but pleasant place for those looking for somewhere to lay their head. It is conveniently located near the Salinas Amtrak station and the Marina State Beach.
The Classy Side of Salinas
If you can spend a bit more and enjoy your time relaxing in Salinas more thorough, there are many luxury hotels in Salinas that will fit the bill. Among them is the Residence Inn by Marriott. This hotel offers guests over 100 rooms in a comfortable and polished environment that reflect the heritage of the town. Its amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, an Indoor pool, air conditioning, laundry service and a front desk safe.
The Courtyard by Marriott is another example of Salinas hotels that exudes luxury and as the name implies it has a similar sensibility to the previous establishment. This hotel features a bar & lounge, an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center and much more.
The Hidden Boutique in Salinas
While there are plenty of high-end hotels in Salinas there are few that can compare to the innate beauty and grandeur of the Laurel Inn Motel. This establishment has a very simple yet clever name that belies its luxury and the sense of detail put into every inch of the building and its accommodations as a whole. People how have made the journey to the area and stayed at other Salinas hotels prior to visiting the Laurel Inn Motel have often commented on the difference in terms of quality and comfort. There is a complimentary breakfast included in the stay and the portions are not limited and the variations far from meager.
FAQs about hotels in Salinas
How much does a cheap hotel in Salinas cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Salinas can be as cheap as $121.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Salinas cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Salinas has been $170.30 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Salinas cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Salinas has been $267.99 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)