I have stayed at the Motel6 in Marina which is in the same location than Trekkor's tip. It is one of the nicer Motel6 that I have been at. I also have stayed at the Motel6 in Salinas which I would not recommend. That has too much transient people / laborers staying there and is too far from the beach / nice areas.
I have also stayed in the Monterey Plaza, which is in Monterey on cannery row right at the water. Very nice hotel. They have valet parking / parking garage. They will cost you 5x the Motel6 price. Likely $250 will get you the back side room.
The town of Monterey certainly is overrated - the cannery row strip is set back from the water with no coast access. Marina actually has a nicer beach than the town of Monterey. No dogs allowed on that state beach.
That's all the input I have ...
George