Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea features a typical motel design, with a large parking lot and surrounding rooms. Exteriors are quaint, with a few scattered seating areas between the pretty gardens. The lobby is small and cozy with a wooden reception desk, small seating area, corner desk with computer setup, tourist brochure stand, and free water and coffee station. The breakfast room includes a separate area where the buffet is served, while the seating area is a simple room with a flat-screen TV and a few paintings on the wall. Each breakfast table features a small flower pot for a cheerful touch. Overall, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed with many guests using this hotel as a pit-stop for one or two nights to explore the area before moving on with their journey.

Located in the coastal town of Monterey, Comfort Inn Monterery by the Sea is ideally located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, making it a convenient stop on a Californian coastal road trip. There are a handful of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance from the property, including Del Monte Shopping Center, which is just 10 minutes by foot. Downtown Monterey can be reached within four minutes by car and both Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey State Beach are about a seven-minute drive away. It's a seven-minute drive to both Cannery Row and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Other tourist attractions in the area include: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pebble Beach (both an eight-minute drive), Monterey Recreational Trail (13-minute drive), Laguna Seca Raceway (16-minute drive), and Big Sur (45-minute drive). There's a bus stop within a three-minute walk in either direction from the hotel. Monterey Regional Airport is a six-minute drive or an hour by bus from the hotel.

The 67 guest rooms at Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea are comfortable. Decor is kept simple: wooden furniture, a comfortable corner chair, white linens, brown bedspreads and curtains, brown carpeted floors, white walls, and simple framed artwork on the walls. All rooms include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, telephone, alarm clock, safe, desk, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms include microwaves and mini-fridges, and the Superior Rooms also include a whirlpool tub. Families are catered for in the suites, which feature two separate connecting rooms. Bathrooms feature a shower/tub combo, hairdryer, and house-brand toiletries.

Most rooms have views of the parking lot and pleasant grounds. Pet-friendly rooms are available. 

Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea has a fair amount of on-site features for a budget hotel. There's a free buffet breakfast each morning, which includes sausages, eggs, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and pastries. Guests have access to free water and coffee at the front desk throughout the day, but there isn't a full restaurant here. The outdoor area features a medium-size heated swimming pool with surrounding sun loungers, tables, and a few parasols. There's a small on-site fitness center, though the equipment is limited and dated. The lobby includes an internet-connected computer with printing/faxing facilities. Reception staff can assist with booking tickets for nearby attractions, including Monterey Bay Aquarium and whale watching excursions. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel are free. The property is also pet-friendly, with designated pet-friendly guest rooms.