Best Western Pacific Grove - recent reviews?

Question

My family was considering the BW Pacific Grove for an upcoming trip. The location seemed fine - walkable to beach, I think, and it has suite type rooms so the kids can have their own space. But some of the recent reviews have me concerned. Generally the average of the reviews on this site and other sites are about the same as anywhere else, but the recent ones on this site mention cleanliness issues.

Sometimes it is hard to tell is reviews are legitimate, so I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on recent issues at this hotel? The cleanliness issues are my biggest question.

Answer

Short answer: recent guest feedback for Best Western The Inn & Suites Pacific Grove is mixed — many guests praise the location, suite layout, friendly staff and value, while a subset of recent reviews specifically call out cleanliness issues and dated carpeting/hallways. That pattern (mostly positive overall scores but several recent negative-cleanliness comments) suggests the property still works well for lots of families, but you should take a few simple precautions when booking and checking in.

What the reviews show (summary of the evidence)

Positive common points: many reviewers like the roomy suite-style rooms (kitchenette/mini-kitchen), convenient location near Asilomar/Lovers Point, free breakfast, and helpful staff. Several booking sites and travel reviewers list the hotel as a solid, economical family option.
Negative trend in recent posts: a noticeable number of recent reviews (early–mid 2025) mention problems with odors, stained or “stinky” carpeting in halls/rooms, and isolated housekeeping/cleanliness complaints. These are not the majority, but they are frequent enough to be worth attention.
Review site variability: different platforms show slightly different mixes — TripAdvisor/Google/Expedia/Booking have many positive stays, while some Yelp and other aggregator posts include the more critical cleanliness reports. This suggests experiences may vary by room/building or by which reviewers post to which site.

Practical steps you can take (before booking)

Look at the date-sorted reviews on at least two major sites (Google/TripAdvisor and Booking/Expedia or Yelp). If multiple complaints are concentrated in the last few weeks/months, that signals a recent problem; if complaints are spread over longer periods, they may be intermittent.
Call the hotel directly and ask about any recent cleaning/renovation work, what room blocks have been updated, and whether they can promise a recently refreshed room or a room in a particular building. Note staff responsiveness — it’s an early indicator of service quality. turn0search6
Ask about housekeeping policy: when rooms are last deep-cleaned, whether they have replaced carpeting/carpeted hallways in some wings, and whether same-day cleaning is available if you’re not satisfied.
Book a flexible rate (free cancellation) if available so you can change hotels on short notice if you read more negative reports just before arrival. Many booking platforms and the Best Western site show flexible options. turn0search6turn0search22

What to do at check-in and in the room (quick checklist)

At check-in politely request a room in a newly updated section (if staff say some wings were renovated) or a room away from high-traffic corridors.
Do a quick room inspection on arrival: check carpets, mattress covers, visible mold/odors, bathroom grout and vents. If anything is off, request a different room immediately — staff on good properties will move you without fuss.
Bring simple extras if it would put your mind at ease: a mattress encasement or travel sheet, or a supply of disinfecting wipes — many families do this when staying in older inns.

Alternatives nearby (if you’d rather avoid any risk)

Asilomar/Monterey area: there are several small inns, motels and chain hotels closer to Asilomar Conference Grounds and Cannery Row — they tend to have more premium options or newly renovated properties if you want newer interiors. turn0search15
Consider booking at a property with consistently high recent cleanliness scores on Google/Booking (filter by “cleanliness” or sort by most recent reviews). If location is still important, pick something within walking distance of Lovers Point/Asilomar to preserve convenience. turn0search22

Final recommendation

If the suite layout, kitchen facilities and location are priorities for your family, the Best Western in Pacific Grove is still a reasonable choice — but book a flexible rate, call the hotel to confirm room condition/upgrades, and do a fast room check on arrival. If you prefer to minimize any chance of cleanliness issues, choose a nearby property that shows a strong streak of recent 4–5 star cleanliness reviews. That way you keep the family space you want but reduce the risk of an unpleasant surprise.

Best Western Pacific Grove - recent reviews?

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