Reviews

 

Great home away from home

Date of Stay: 08/22/13 (East of Eden guesthouse suite)

My family of 7 (parents, 86 yr old grandmother and 4 adult children) stayed at "East of Eden" for 3 wonderful days and nights while visiting the Monterey/Big Sur area. The home is just what is advertised and pictured: clean, light, gorgeous grounds, quiet, and a warm, lovely hostess. It is well stocked but whatever you might not find, Elizabeth will cheerfully get for you (she lives next door); it includes wireless internet access, a large TV and DVD player too. Her 3 cocker spaniels are friendly and well-behaved. We especially enjoyed chatting around the outdoor tables, sitting in the sun. There is one formal bedroom (with a luxurious king bed!) and multiple pullout couches with all linens and blankets. With as many people as we had, you will give up some privacy (for a little more, however, you can rent the attached suite as well) and you should be aware that the sunroom is the same temperature as the outside, which for us was hot during the day but chilly at night. There is a large ceiling fan to cool it down but at night you'll need to bundle up for sleep if you are in that room.

Two-day retreat

Date of Stay: 08/20/13 (Cannery Row guesthouse suite)

We arrived on 8/20/13 for two days. It is only a short way to Cannery Row and the Laguna Secca Raceway. What a relaxing stay I had. My husband, I and our little schnauzer had a wonderful stay. I spend two days just vegging by the beautiful waterfall and fountain. Our little Max had the run of the garden. It was very clean, quiet and well kept. We had everything we needed. Elizabeth is so helpful to meet your every need. One day we took a short trip the Monterey Bay Aquarium and used the VIP passes provided by Elizabeth, no waiting, no hassels. We bar-b-qued on the patio and had a quiet tranquil time. The maid even showed us the East of Eden suite, boy it was gorgeous. I would love to go there again and would recommend it to all our friends. I want to personally thank Elizabeth for her hospitality. Thank you, thank you, thank you, it was just what the doctor ordered....

Close to activities yet free and far from the hubbub

Date of Stay: 08/15/13

Great location, beautiful views and garden, wonderful setting. If you're seeking elements and ghosts of John Steinbeck or wish to immerse yourself in the fantastic automotive delights, this is a the place to reside and rest after your adventures. Elizabeth, our congenial host, made our stay memorable and those memories are fondly recalled as we settle in back home.

What a Lovely Stay

Date of Stay: 07/04/13 (Cannery Row guesthouse suite)

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful 3 day visit to Elizabeth's darling Monterey Guest Houses. We arrived on the Fourth of July to an adorable guest house and grounds, well stocked with everything we needed. The weather was amazing every day at her property, even when we went to the beach which was sometimes overcast. The grounds are gorgeous — enjoyed taking family pics in the garden, fountain and koi pond. She even had bags of toys for us to play with — croquet, badmitten, hula hoops, whiffle ball, etc. Lots to keep a 4 year old busy while I was fixing dinner! Thrilled to be able to bring our daughter and our dog. Elizabeth's hospitality was over the top — her daughter even baked home made cookies and dropped them off on day 2— YUMMY! The aquarium passes were fantastic, we enjoyed going and taking our daughter as we used to be members — great to save the entrance fee. Over all, great place, great location, gracious host, reasonably price — 5 stars!! Highly recommend.

What a Lovely Stay

Guest from: Pasadena, CA
Review Submitted: 06/08/13

My family and I just had the pleasure of staying in Elizabeth's lovely guest house. Elizabeth is a warm, kind and considerate host. When we arrived she met with us and introduced us to her beautiful 4-legged children and showed us around. I love staying in a place that is run by someone who is so loving to animals. The property is well kept and serene. I enjoyed the fountains, flowers, birds and the sound of the frogs. It was more than I expected. The home itself was so clean that I felt as comfortable as I do in my own home. The only regret I have is that I had to leave the beautiful surroundings and come back to my Los Angeles home. What I would give to have a beautiful natural setting like that to enjoy every day.

The Perfect Setting

Guest from: El Granada CA
Review Submitted: 08/22/12

My husband and I stayed with Elizabeth during the very busy weekend of the car show events this August. We were so perfectly located to everything we needed to do. The entire trip was awesome. Starting from the moment we arrived at The Monterey Guesthouses. Elizabeth is a beautiful and warm person. Her attention to our every whim was immediate and without question. Her guesthouses make you feel like you're at home only with pampering and luxury. She stocks your kitchen with fresh fruit, drinks and assorted goodies! She has a wonderful spot with lots of beauty surrounding you. This is a must have and we will definitely be returning next year. Thank you Elizabeth for accepting us on such short notice and giving us a truly memorable experience.

A Perfect Little Jewel of a Place

Guest from: San Francisco Bay Area
Review Submitted: 08/16/12

"The most pleasant stay we've ever had anywhere! Lots of space, light, luxury touches, and a warm reception. This guesthouse is just enough off the main road to be private and peaceful, but with easy access to Highway 68 for a straight shot to Monterey, Carmel, and road to Big Sur (about 20 minutes). We loved the free Monterey Aquarium passes. And it would be a perfect location for Car Week, with just a short drive to Laguna Seca. All in all a perfect little jewel of a place. We'll be coming back!!"

Excellent Christmas Vacation!

Guest from: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Review Submitted: 01/24/12

"We flew down from Canada with our new twins to visit family for Christmas - what a great trip! Elizabeth has a great getaway and made sure we were taken care of. Had everything we needed - and more. We'd like to come back during the summer now. Thanks Elizabeth!"

Great place to stay — very clean and comfortable

Guest from: Scituate, MA
Review Submitted: 02/15/12

"Stayed in the Cannery Row suite in 2011— best accommodations I've enjoyed in Monterey. Was right next to Laguna Seca raceway, too, easy commute to the event each morning. Highly recommended. Owners were great people too. Can't wait to go back year after year, first place I'll contact."

Wonderful family retreat

Guest from: San Francisco, CA
Review Submitted: 12/09/11

"My extended family of seven adults and four children recently spent the Thanksgiving weekend here and rented both suites. Elizabeth was very gracious and accommodating; she even provided us with a croquet set and other toys that the children were able to play with outside, which shows you how thoughtful she is! The suites were spacious, allowing us to spend wonderful quality time together. The drive to Monterey and Carmel were easy, and coming back to the serene atmosphere of the suites from these busy and bustling areas was so relaxing. I would recommend this location to anyone!"

Amazing Place, Amazing Owner!!!

Gues fromt: Salem, OR
Review Submitted August 8, 2011

Elizabeth was such a huge help in an emails or phone calls that we had! She made us feel so very welcome on stay that we can't wait to get away from the kids again for another road trip to Monterey/Salinas.

WOW, what a charming place.

Guest from: Florida
Review Submitted: May 16, 2011

Wow, what a charming place! I have stayed in both units and can say they are honestly great. If you like that warm, comfortable, cozy home- away-from home feel, this place is it. The beds are wonderful! From the down comforter to the high end sheets… The best of it all though was waking up to the incredible views out the windows overlooking the rolling hills with all the trees. Both places are nestled on top of a hill that once was a working walnut grove with beautiful old trees. There is even a charming 12 foot fountain on the grounds complete with a small pond. If you are not looking at the hill you are watching the birds play in the fountain. The proprietor is equally charming. She and her puppies will make you feel like you have just come to your favorite relative's house for a wonderful stay. Truly recommend either place to stay.

A true harbor of peace...

Guest from: Brittany, France
Review Submitted: March 24, 2011

One of the wonderful souvenirs of our vacation in California is our stay in this Guest House. Even more than being ideally situated for visiting the region, we were able to enjoy a lodging that was spacious, comfortable, clean, and very well equipped.

The "extras"

  • A very warm welcome
  • An owner/host who was always available to help and extremely kind
  • A tastefully decorated and well laid out lodging
  • A wonderful garden, calm and relaxing
  • A large parking area where we were able to park our rental car in complete safety

An excellent address to tell all your acquaintances about!
— from a French couple captivated by this beautiful spot

Delightful

Guest from: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Review Submitted: March 8, 2011

The company I was working for recommended I stay at this guest house, as I was planning on being there for a few months. Its very hard to be away from your home and loved ones for a long period of time. I can not begin to tell you how Elizabeth Ward (owner) made me feel so welcomed and that if I neded anything, I was to let her know. The accomodations were great, the location is ideal, beautiful vistas, and most of all I felt safe and secure. Elizabeth's hospitality went above and beyond what I expected. I highly reccommend this guest home to stay in when in the Monterey area. You will not be disappointed!

Great Upgrade

Guest from: Boston, MA
Review Submitted: November 10, 2010

The lodging I originally booked in the Monterey Bay Area was a huge disappointment, so I looked for another. I found Elizabeth's website and inquired about the guest house. She allowed me to view the rooms and then decide which one better suited me. She immediately made me feel like home — right down to the snacks and drinks she provided with the room. I will definitely stay here in the future! It was a great location and an easy drive to Monterey and Carmel. During my 11-day stay, she was extremely helpful and went above and beyond with her hospitality.