If you haven't already booked your hotel now you're not going to stay in or around Pebble Beach or Ocean Ave (unless you're willing to pay upwards of $600, $700 or more PER NIGHT, if you can even find a room). Regulars book their rooms the day after the event the year prior (we booked in Salinas about 2 months ago). Last year, the Motel 6 in Salinas (about 20 minutes away) was priced around $300 a night, Marriots were around $650 to $700. There are currently a few hotels available in Monterey (A Red Roof Inn, an America's Best Value, and several other low brow chains) all over $400 a night. Santa Cruz appears to have some availability now but if you wait even a few more days that will change.

Your best bet if you want to stay that close is Craigslist (and pay...) or something like AirBNB. Though for both, I highly doubt you'll get anywhere near Carmel.

Or sleep in your car.

He was talking about hotels to spot at...............

Hilton Garden Inn for sure, as well as the Hyatt (both close to each other). Spanish Bay technically counts as a hotel but you already know about that place. The Marriott in Monterey has had good things before. Hilton and Hyatt are sure-things (Hilton has Italian Stampede), but the other hotels are up in the air. It just depends on where the owners decide to stay. You'll find things at pretty much any hotel around.

It is bad but not remotely as bad as you say it is.

Like W16 said, I am just going for a day. Saturday. I wish I could stay for multiple days but busy the whole week except for Saturday.

Since i'm only going to be there for a day, Hilton doesn't really sound worthy to go. I guess i'll be going to Spanish Bay in the afternoon after I check out the concept lawn. Thanks Jon.

It is exactly as bad as I say it is. Check Expedia for Carmel/Monterey and let me know what you find. Personally, this is my third year as media and I've several friends who have put in their decades.

My apologies... I thought you meant to stay the night in.

For Saturday you may also want to think about the area around the Concourso Italiano ( Black Horse Golf Course from 9am to 5pm) or the Serata Italiana (Pasadero Country Club). Audi is hosing their events Saturday at the Chateau Julien Wine Estate most of the day so you may have some luck there as well.

Luckily I live so close that I can just drive down, drive back, and then drive down again the next morning.

Were you the one who said that you got into the concept lawn for free last year?

I booked a hotel in downtown Monterey about a month ago and the rate for Saturday night was about $420. The other nights were significantly less.

And Santa Cruz is very far away. There is no way it would fill up that much.

I consider the Hilton very much worth it. Nearly the entire Italian Stampede stays there, meaning a bunch of Aventadors, Murcielagos, etc etc.

You can go to the concept lawn the day before without paying the price of the Concours. That's when they drive the cars up to the lawn.

Oh, ok. Any specific time of day I should be there?

P1's?