Hotel prices skyrocket for U.S. Open

Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers of the Monterey Peninsula. With the U.S. Open in town, more visitors are expected. General manager at the Portola Hotel and Spa, Janine Chicourrat, said they are ready for the crowds. “We’re a destination that’s really blessed with a lot of special events, but this is really the crown jewel of all of them,” said Chicourrat.

The USGA expects 250,000 people at this year’s open and everyone needs a place to stay. Rooms are going fast. “I think the week will be full for every single hotel on the Monterey peninsula. It’s interesting because everybody thinks it just happens here, but it floats into other destinations,” said Chicourrat.

It’s simple supply and demand. Room rates are rising astronomically. According to their website, The Portola Hotel and Spa is listing their rooms at around $1,200 a night during the U.S. Open.

Even in Salinas, a 45-minute drive from the golf course, rooms at smaller chains are going for $300 to $500 a night.

It’s not just hotels. Jan Leasure, a broker at Monterey Rentals, said requests keep coming in. “We have filled up about 80% of our houses. We still have a small number left, but not too many. I think we will fill those up in the last few days before the event starts,” said Leasure.

The excitement is expected to carry well beyond the final round. People from all over the world will not only get to tune into one of the biggest tournaments in golf, but also the beauty of the Central Coast. “They put it on their bucket list. I want to come to Monterey. I want to come to Pebble Beach. I want to come to Carmel by the Sea. I want to come to the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley, you name it,” said Chicourrat.”