John Steinbeck's Cottage: 30-Night Minimum Stay
4.8
Outstanding(78 Reviews)Cottage in Pacific Grove, CA
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
About this cottage rental
'I bought a small house and garden in Pacific Grove...' (John Steinbeck: A Life in Letters). John Steinbeck wrote these words to a friend about this charming house he called home in the 1940s.
This cottage was featured in Country Living's article "You'll Never Guess Which Classic American Author's Cottage is For Rent."
There is a minimum stay of 30 nights. Enjoy discounted rates (already reflected in published rates) and pay $0 city occupancy tax.
The Space
This cottage has a unique and rich literary history, having belonged to John Steinbeck in the early 1940's. It has been renovated to pay homage to the period and history of the property.
This darling home, known as The Steinbeck Cottage, has a beautiful living room with a tent cathedral ceiling. It's focal point is the fireplace, richly adorned with carvings of birds and flowers. It has a queen sleeper sofa, a love seat, two reading chairs and a flatscreen TV.
There is a large bedroom, accommodating a queen bed, a sitting area, and a cozy electric fireplace. There is a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to create great meals. The dining room has a farm table and is surrounded by floor to ceiling picture windows, overlooking the garden and offering peaks of the bay. The beautiful bathroom features white subway tiles in the shower and blue Moroccan lantern tiles on the floor.
The front yard offers an outdoor sitting area. Guests can also enjoy beautiful views of the garden from the sitting area just right outside the steps of the back door.
The cottage is approximately 900 square feet. It is original architecture from the 1920’s and has short doorways throughout the cottage. Taller guests will need to mind their heads when passing through the rooms.
Interaction with Guests
While The Steinbeck Cottage is one of the three cottages on the property, it offers plenty of privacy and a dedicated outdoor sitting area.
The Neighborhood
Pacific Grove has been called “Butterfly Town U.S.A.,” “The Most Romantic City in the U.S.,” “A Dreamy California Destination, ” as well as an idyllic place to get married, to honeymoon or to just hang out. Some of it is self-proclaimed, some the acclaim of people who have actually visited Pacific Grove.
You will find Pacific Grove on the very tip of the scenic, tree-shrouded Monterey Peninsula with a rocky coastline and an ambiance of charm, grace and beauty.
Founded in the 1870s as a Methodist summer retreat, Pacific Grove still bears the look and feel of yesteryear. As you stroll the residential streets admiring the charm of home after home, you will notice little plaques on many of the homes that bear the name of the original owner and the year in which it was built. To qualify for a plaque from the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, a structure must look like it did when it was originally built.
Among its visitors are brightly colored orange-and-black Monarch butterflies, who overwinter in Pacific Grove after traveling up to 2,000 miles, arriving by the thousands starting in October, peaking around Christmas and departing by March.
Besides its scenic beauty and idyllic neighborhoods, Pacific Grove offers an eclectic downtown experience, with small boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, antique stores and more. Other vibrant shopping areas are along Central Avenue at the entrance to Pacific Grove from Cannery Row and at the top of Forest Avenue on Forest Hill.
Getting Around
The Steinbeck Cottage is centrally located and a short walk from many scenic destinations. It is located a half mile from The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, as well as downtown Pacific Grove. Lover's Point beach is just one mile away and downtown Monterey is two miles away.
There are many fantastic restaurants, activities and shops in the area.
Other Things to Note
- Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.
- There is a firm no smoking and no pet policy.
- We do not have a washer/dryer on the property for guest use.
This cottage was featured in Country Living's article "You'll Never Guess Which Classic American Author's Cottage is For Rent."
There is a minimum stay of 30 nights. Enjoy discounted rates (already reflected in published rates) and pay $0 city occupancy tax.
The Space
This cottage has a unique and rich literary history, having belonged to John Steinbeck in the early 1940's. It has been renovated to pay homage to the period and history of the property.
This darling home, known as The Steinbeck Cottage, has a beautiful living room with a tent cathedral ceiling. It's focal point is the fireplace, richly adorned with carvings of birds and flowers. It has a queen sleeper sofa, a love seat, two reading chairs and a flatscreen TV.
There is a large bedroom, accommodating a queen bed, a sitting area, and a cozy electric fireplace. There is a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to create great meals. The dining room has a farm table and is surrounded by floor to ceiling picture windows, overlooking the garden and offering peaks of the bay. The beautiful bathroom features white subway tiles in the shower and blue Moroccan lantern tiles on the floor.
The front yard offers an outdoor sitting area. Guests can also enjoy beautiful views of the garden from the sitting area just right outside the steps of the back door.
The cottage is approximately 900 square feet. It is original architecture from the 1920’s and has short doorways throughout the cottage. Taller guests will need to mind their heads when passing through the rooms.
Interaction with Guests
While The Steinbeck Cottage is one of the three cottages on the property, it offers plenty of privacy and a dedicated outdoor sitting area.
The Neighborhood
Pacific Grove has been called “Butterfly Town U.S.A.,” “The Most Romantic City in the U.S.,” “A Dreamy California Destination, ” as well as an idyllic place to get married, to honeymoon or to just hang out. Some of it is self-proclaimed, some the acclaim of people who have actually visited Pacific Grove.
You will find Pacific Grove on the very tip of the scenic, tree-shrouded Monterey Peninsula with a rocky coastline and an ambiance of charm, grace and beauty.
Founded in the 1870s as a Methodist summer retreat, Pacific Grove still bears the look and feel of yesteryear. As you stroll the residential streets admiring the charm of home after home, you will notice little plaques on many of the homes that bear the name of the original owner and the year in which it was built. To qualify for a plaque from the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, a structure must look like it did when it was originally built.
Among its visitors are brightly colored orange-and-black Monarch butterflies, who overwinter in Pacific Grove after traveling up to 2,000 miles, arriving by the thousands starting in October, peaking around Christmas and departing by March.
Besides its scenic beauty and idyllic neighborhoods, Pacific Grove offers an eclectic downtown experience, with small boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, antique stores and more. Other vibrant shopping areas are along Central Avenue at the entrance to Pacific Grove from Cannery Row and at the top of Forest Avenue on Forest Hill.
Getting Around
The Steinbeck Cottage is centrally located and a short walk from many scenic destinations. It is located a half mile from The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, as well as downtown Pacific Grove. Lover's Point beach is just one mile away and downtown Monterey is two miles away.
There are many fantastic restaurants, activities and shops in the area.
Other Things to Note
- Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.
- There is a firm no smoking and no pet policy.
- We do not have a washer/dryer on the property for guest use.
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Map of Pacific Grove, CA
Reviews
4.8
Outstanding(78 Reviews)4.8
Could not have been more comfortable, beautiful, or carefully tended to. A very special place. Thank you, Kevin and Vicky!
4.8
We spent the month of August here is this cute cabin. It's in a nice quiet part of Pacific Grove. It's centrally located for trips to Carmel, Big Sur, and Old Monterey.
4.8
Enjoyable stay
Great central location, close to everything. The cottage is surprisingly spacious, very clean and well appointed. There was plenty of space for our belongings. The sitting furniture in the living room is very comfortable, as is the bed. The dining area is especially nice, with a large table and lots of light. The kitchen is equipped with everything one needs for simple cooking. The place may not be optimal for very tall people, as the ceiling is low in some areas.
The hosts are wonderful, friendly and responsive. The cancellation policy is very generous. Not having the laundry facilities or the dishwasher was a bit inconvenient, but on the whole we had a very comfortable stay. Will be coming again!
4.8
Great location and good service. A few recommendations: replace the current old windows with new ones so they can be opened to air the rooms, install a bar and a mat in the shower to prevent the elderly from slipping in the bathtub. We enjoyed the cottage very much and would highly recommend it.
4.8
Pleasant stay in a historic cottage
Great location and good service. A few recommendations: replace the current old windows with new ones so they can be opened to air the rooms, install a bar and a mat in the shower to prevent the elderly from slipping in the bathtub. We enjoyed the cottage very much and would highly recommend it.
4.8
We enjoyed our stay at this lovely cottage. Parking was street only but we had no problem finding a space.
4.8
Cute cottage
We enjoyed our stay at this lovely cottage. Parking was street only but we had no problem finding a space.
4.8
Amazing enchanting piece of history!
We loved every minute at this charming and enchanting cottage. We lived like a local. Walked to restaurants. Made supper in our historic kitchen, It was a delightful balm for the soul.
4.8
Cozy Cottage - All you need!
This home was perfect for our little family, a toddler and infant. The bed was very comfortable and the room had a fold out couch that was perfect for our toddler. We liked the ambiance of the fireplace. The location was very convenient. We walked to the Aquarium and Cannery Row, with a stroller; going down was better than the walk back but we made it each time. Kevin and Vicky were very helpful and provided thoughtful information to make our stay easy. Would highly recommend!
4.8
I agree with Steinbeck that the cottage encourages reflective thought. Great architectural spacial planning as well. Nothing wasted here.
4.8
I agree with Steinbeck
I agree with Steinbeck that the cottage encourages reflective thought. Great architectural spacial planning as well. Nothing wasted here.
4.8
Charm and Romance in Pacific Grove
The Steinbeck Cottage did not disappoint. It is charming, romantic, cozy, warm, and we began calling it home immediately. It is the perfect base for visiting Spanish Bay and Point Lobos and also walking distance to some great restaurants like Il Vecchio and Vivolo's, to the water, and to the charming downtown.
We can't wait to return to Steinbeck Cottage and make many more memories in our new home away from home.
Thank you Kevin and Vicky for sharing your delightful home.
4.8
My wife and I stayed in the Steinbeck cottage for 5 nights, but fell in love instantly.
We felt at home when we walked in the front door and wanted to move in for good. If you are looking for a clean, comfortable and relaxing stay on the Monterey Peninsula, look no further. This place exceeds expectations.
A few highlights…
• The entire cottage is inviting, but the living room and outdoor seating areas really make you want to sit down and loose yourself in a good book or conversation.
• Parking available on the street, right in front of the cottage every day of our stay. We never had to look for a spot or park down the street.
• Walking distance down the hill to Lighthouse Ave. and/or Central Ave. for some good restaurants (e.g., Vivolo's Chowder House, Happy Girl Café/Kitchen & El Cantaro) and coffee (Happy Girl Cafe).
• Kevin and Vicky provided excellent, detailed instructions for everything.
• The Monterey Peninsula is full of wonder and puts both remarkable natural beauty and great social experiences right out your door.
We have stayed in many excellent VRBO properties, but this one really stands out. We will be back.
4.8
Extraordinary Pacific Grove Cottage – Book it!
My wife and I stayed in the Steinbeck cottage for 5 nights, but fell in love instantly.
We felt at home when we walked in the front door and wanted to move in for good. If you are looking for a clean, comfortable and relaxing stay on the Monterey Peninsula, look no further. This place exceeds expectations.
A few highlights…
• The entire cottage is inviting, but the living room and outdoor seating areas really make you want to sit down and loose yourself in a good book or conversation.
• Parking available on the street, right in front of the cottage every day of our stay. We never had to look for a spot or park down the street.
• Walking distance down the hill to Lighthouse Ave. and/or Central Ave. for some good restaurants (e.g., Vivolo's Chowder House, Happy Girl Café/Kitchen & El Cantaro) and coffee (Happy Girl Cafe).
• Kevin and Vicky provided excellent, detailed instructions for everything.
• The Monterey Peninsula is full of wonder and puts both remarkable natural beauty and great social experiences right out your door.
We have stayed in many excellent VRBO properties, but this one really stands out. We will be back.
4.8
We absolutely loved our time at the Steinbeck Cottage! We stayed for about 8 days and found that the cottage was perfect for an extended vacation. It couldn't have been more cozy and inviting, with charming decor throughout. The nooks and crannies really gave you the feel of an older home, yet the renovations made it quite suitable for modern living. The bed was the most COMFORTABLE bed ever -- hated to leave it! The kitchen was fully equipped with cooking utensils, which made it easy to make some low-budget meals in between exploring all the great restaurants nearby. The location of the cottage itself was perfect -- walking distance to many tourist hot spots, cafes, and restaurants. We would love to return one day! Thank you for sharing this treasured piece of history with us.
-- Rabon & Jacob Wilson
4.8
Perfect cottage for an extended stay!
We absolutely loved our time at the Steinbeck Cottage! We stayed for about 8 days and found that the cottage was perfect for an extended vacation. It couldn't have been more cozy and inviting, with charming decor throughout. The nooks and crannies really gave you the feel of an older home, yet the renovations made it quite suitable for modern living. The bed was the most COMFORTABLE bed ever -- hated to leave it! The kitchen was fully equipped with cooking utensils, which made it easy to make some low-budget meals in between exploring all the great restaurants nearby. The location of the cottage itself was perfect -- walking distance to many tourist hot spots, cafes, and restaurants. We would love to return one day! Thank you for sharing this treasured piece of history with us.
-- Rabon & Jacob Wilson
4.8
This is a well-located peaceful spot with easy access to Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel. Just a little driving to Big Sur.
4.8
Cozy, peaceful, comfortable.
This is a well-located peaceful spot with easy access to Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel. Just a little driving to Big Sur.
4.8
Cute and Cozy
Enjoyed our stay. I thought it was a little too pricy.
The bedroom and bathroom are a little cold.
Could use a space heater.
Otherwise it is a darling cottage.
4.8
Tremendous time
We had a fantastic time the space was magical. Loved the sacredness of the space.
Only caveat was the television and DVD we found it impossible to get the DVD working, either one of them.
4.8
Perfect charming cottage
My daughter and I had a lovely time staying at the Steinbeck Cottage. Everything is well thought out and oozes charm. The perfect needed getaway. We will come back!
Susan
4.8
Lovely hidden gem
The Steinbeck cottage proved to be all I'd expected for a quick getaway. The cozy house is picturesque and comfortable in a quiet residential neighborhood. My hosts were very solicitous in checking in to see if I'd settled in ok. The cottage kitchen is equipped with the basics, but if you're planning on doing a lot of cooking I'd bring along extra pots and pans to suit your needs. I did not take advantage of the outside garden since it was winter and cool, but the gas fireplaces made the interior cozy and welcoming for reading and relaxing. I'd definitely recommend this accommodation for a couple or a single.
4.8
Perfect for small groups and Steinbeck fans
We rented the John Steinbeck Cottage for a week, along with the other two companion cottages for a few overlapping days at the end of that week -- it was absolutely ideal for our needs. It is the perfect setup for 3 couples -- we each had our own space (3 cottages -- each with comfortable beds, full bathrooms, full-sized fridges, TV rooms, and more), and a shared common outdoor space in the beautiful courtyard. The main cottage's kitchen and dining nook were perfect for preparing and eating breakfast together. The photographs are true to the property, and the property is clean and lovingly maintained. The decor and feel of the cottages is very true to that time period, and sweetly eclectic. People were definitely shorter in the days that the cottage was built, so there are a few doorjambs where our taller guests had to duck their heads, but we all agreed it was no big deal and still very comfortable (and no one accidentally hit their head!).
The owners are extremely responsive and friendly, and provided excellence service throughout.
It is in a perfect area of Pacific Grove -- within walking distance to a grocery store and the Monterey Bay Aquarium (although be aware -- the walk back to the cottage is almost all uphill!) -- I preferred to take the 5 minute drive myself.
We absolutely loved our stay and are enthusiastically recommending it to friends.
4.8
Exactly as expected from photos and description.
A comfortable and well equipped vintage cottage property. We enjoyed our stay.
Communications with the owners were efficient and agreeable.
We came from an absolute 5 star property which is probably why this one gets a 4 star, but the property is everything it claims to be.
4.8
Loved every minute we were there!! So rich in history.
Excellent!!
4.8
Great place
Quaint and lovely
4.8
Quaint and Cozy
Great location, quiet and peaceful, beautifully decorated, had everything we needed. Didn't want to leave.
Patti Zierman
4.8
Our stay was very good
Very cozy , quiet clean place , we enjoyed it and yes will come back and we recommend this place to others
4.8
Lovely cottage!
Our family of four loved our stay in the cottage! Great location with a cute and roomy interior.
4.8
My girlfriend and I booked the Steinbeck Cottage for 3 nights and had a wonderful time! The Cottage is nice, clean, spacious, well-kept and charming. The gas fireplace was really nice to cozy up to a book with, there was no street noise and it was easy walking (just a big hill) to the coastline, Aquarium and Cannery Row. Kevin and Vicky (owners) were so warm and inviting and really made sure we had a wonderful experience. We had such a great time and highly recommend it!
4.8
It was an absolute joy staying in the Steinbeck Cottage with my husband and two children!
The cottage is beautiful and well-equipped (if built for shorter folks than my 6'3" husband who adapted quickly to ducking through a couple of kindly-padded doorways). My children found it fascinating and magical and could have played outside and throughout the cottage for another week or more! We adults were splendidly happy with the comfy memory foam mattress, charming yet roomy bedroom, and great kitchen so we could save money and grey hairs from restaurant visits with little ones.
Of course, it's a truly unique experience staying in John Steinbeck's very own cottage! "Cannery Row" is one of my favorite books and you're a short walk from the stretch bearing its name (my advice: spend your time and money in Pacific Grove and Historic Monterey. Cannery Row schlock isn't worth it!). Driving around the area, we were extremely pleased we chose This part of Pacific Grove. The location is quaint, charming, and perfectly situated. We couldn't help but plan our next trip, which might include bringing other family members and renting some of the smaller cottages at the back of the property.
Insider tip: get up early and go to Pavel's Backerie every morning they're open (closed Sunday and Monday). Vicky and Kevin (oh! I forgot to mention what amazing hosts they were! Attentive, helpful, kind, lovely!) recommended it and we couldn't be happier. They sell out quickly, so move it!
We cannot wait to return!!!
4.8
My husband and I went to Monterey so I could run a half marathon and also as a getaway for our anniversary. Our stay at the Steinbaeck Cottage was amazing! I loved the decor, the preservation of the original architecture (the doorways are pretty low, so my 6'2" husband appreciated the padding in those lower doorways 😄), and the location.
The kitchen is well equipped. We love to cook so we used the kitchen for most of our meals. The bedroom was spacious, and the cozy living room w/fireplace was the perfect place to relax, listen to the rain, and cuddle up with a book.
The cottage is within walking distance to the aquarium and Cannery Row also.
We will definitely be back.....I told The owners after we arrived, they may have to make us leave!! They were also great to work with!!
4.8
It's not so secret now, but this has been probably my favorite AirB&B experience. The cottage is cozy but TONS of space for 1-2 people. The owners were very communicative, yet left us in peace. The perfect place to relax with a book by the fire or to explore the local sights by foot. I plan on being back and referring anyone I know to this place. :)
4.8
Fun to go back in history in this adorable house. We enjoyed the many comforts of home touches. Good location.
4.8
We loved our stay at the Steinbeck Cottage! In fact, because our stay in Pacific Grove was only four days and we were so busy out and about seeing the coast, we want to return so that we can spend more time relaxing IN the cottage! The cottage is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, the owners are easy to work with and ready with helpful information. We just loved all the little details in the house and the historical information about Steinbeck's time there. The location is perfect for exploration of Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea and the BEST Whale Watch cruise EVER, Sanctuary Cruises out of Moss Landing! We had an awesome time in Pacific Grove and look forward to returning!
4.8
This cottage is just great! It has everything you could need during your stay. It's located in a nice area, and is just a short walk to the waterfront. Excellent communication from the owners. I would definitely stay here again, and recommend this cottage to anyone.
4.8
This cottage was a great place to stay while we were in the Monterey/Pacific Grove area. Very comfortable and clean. We ate out most of the time but the kitchen was all one would need if you wanted to stay in and cook. Very fun vibe to the whole property. Much nicer than any hotel. Would definitely stay here for any return visits. Kevin and Vicky were good to work with and very responsive to any issues. Close to the aquarium and Cannery Row. Does involve walking uphill on the return trip if you walk, but not too hard. Easy on street parking in front of the house.
4.8
My wife and I spent a weekend at the Steinbeck Cottages. It was an eleven out of ten!
The cottage itself is beautiful, warm, inviting and historical. It has such a sense of peace and we found ourselves restoring from the busyness and stress of life. It was in a word delightful and well worth the price. And of course this is only matched by the setting of the Monterey peninsula and all there is to do.
Kevin and Vicky were amazing hosts. They were very responsive and attentive to our needs - from the time we booked our stay, during our stay and even after we departed.
We plan to go back regularly. We've gone twice now and it feels like a beautiful home away from home. Definitely do yourself a favor and experience it.
4.8
Convenient location with lots of unique and quirky character and charm. Best suited for just a couple. The bed was just OK as I found it lumpy and lacking of support. Street parking was always available and the other guests walking by frequently was not a major inconvenience.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Pacific Grove?
The average price for a rental in Pacific Grove is $334 per night. This rental is $139 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at John Steinbeck's Cottage: 30-Night Minimum Stay. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is John Steinbeck's Cottage: 30-Night Minimum Stay pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at John Steinbeck's Cottage: 30-Night Minimum Stay?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and laundry.
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