My girlfriend and I, both in our mid and late 20's, frequently book hotels in the area on weekends and find that besides NPS (military personnel only), Knights Inn Carmel Hill has the best value on a budget. The hotel rooms (we get the standard rooms with a king) are clean, carpets, walls and bathrooms are in good condition, beds are clean and comfortable albeit a bit firm but that's how we like our beds. Oh and the room is only $45 a night before taxes! Not ONE of the other hotels on that strip can boast that cheap of a price and most of them are about the same quality. Easy access with Monterey public transit plus plenty of parking. You have the Del Monte Center and gas station right across the street for all your shopping, food, drink, movie, booze requirements. Definitely recommended for those in our age group/demographic. The noise wasn't an issue for us we're fairly deep sleepers and I did notice that the doors and walls don't seem to be the best at noise suppression (something to consider). Room service gets a 1/5 rating simply because it's a motel and does not offer room service and TA doesn't have a N/A option.

The room was very clean, spacious and comfortable.

The room was clean and spacious. The wifi was quite slow.

The room was nice with a good size bed. Room was also really clean, shower was good.
Parking in front of the door. Breakfast is typical American(hotel) style. Muffins, cereals, coffee.

There is no pool but this was not needed for a night stay.

Close to the coast and affordable. Stay here if you want to visit Monterey for a day (or two).