Stage Coach Lodge gets personal attention from the family that runs it, resulting in a lot of unexpected character. As guests arrive, they drive under a porte cochere painted with a welcoming Wild West mural. There are well-tended flower beds and trees everywhere, and the facade and outdoor hallways are freshly painted and bright. A sunny patio, surrounded by stucco walls and redwood fences, draws picnicking guests. Many also enjoy the small, kidney-shaped pool, which feels private -- although the deck is narrow, and sunbeds are limited. In the cheerful lobby there's a small breakfast area, furnished with basic tables topped with succulents. A stone fireplace and large flat-screen TV complete the lobby. Everything feels welcoming and has a personal touch, making the hotel a comforting, low-key place to return to after an active day.

Two miles from the airport, Stage Coach Lodge is situated in a quiet residential area just off Highway One, on Monterey's south side. The waterfront is an easy 20-minute walk, and there are plenty of restaurants in the immediate area, both of the fast food and fine dining variety. Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row are less than a mile-and-a-half from the lobby. Art museums, the fairgrounds, whale watching, Del Monte Beach, and much more are a few minutes from the hotel by car, making this a convenient spot for budget-minded travelers and families.

Rooms at Stage Coach Lodge feel fresh. Each is painted a tasteful beige and has white crown molding; dark, streamlined wood furniture; and a bright accent wall (often in purple, orange, or teal). Color photos of western landscapes adorn the walls, giving the rooms a bit of context. Microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and 32-inch flat-screens TVs with HBO are provided. The clean, modern bathrooms are well-stocked with toiletries. Ground floor rooms open directly onto the parking lot, motel-style; upper rooms are quieter, although guests with mobility issues should note that there is no elevator.

Stage Coach Lodge has a small but perfectly manicured putting green for golf enthusiasts, and a Diver's Wash area for scuba divers to clean their gear after use. There are picnic tables and barbecue grills on the property for guest use, and a laundry room, handy for athletes and families. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day long. Finally, there is a small but charming (and private) outdoor pool with sun beds -- great for cooling off and chilling out in the steamy California summer.