Want to receive extra benefits for your stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, including complimentary breakfast, a confirmed upgrade at the time of booking (if available), a $100 hotel credit, and more? Contact [email protected] for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
After two nights at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and three nights at Las Alcobas in Napa Valley, the last portion of our trip had us staying three nights at Alila Ventana Big Sur.
This was, without a doubt, the highlight of the trip, as Big Sur is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in my life.
Booking Alila Ventana Big Sur
In late 2018 Hyatt announced that they would acquire Two Roads Hospitality, an international lifestyle hotel management company with a collection of luxury hotels. This gave Hyatt management contracts for about 85 hotels.
Of these, the most exciting additions are Alila properties joining World of Hyatt, in my opinion. Alila is a true luxury brand, and they have hotels in some amazing places. It’s not just that Hyatt has a marketing partnership with Alila, or anything, but rather the hotels now fully participate in World of Hyatt. This means you can earn and redeem points, use suite upgrades, etc.
Alila’s only property in the US is Ventana Big Sur, and it’s a Category 7 World of Hyatt property. So we redeemed 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night for our three night stay.
For what it’s worth, the cash rate for our weekend stay (Thursday through Sunday) would have been $1,000+ per night including taxes and fees.
Redeeming just 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night is a spectacular value, when you consider that I value those points at 1.5 cents each.
Note that the hotel has a $50 “experience fee” (aka resort fee), though Hyatt waives this for those redeeming points (even non-elite members). This includes the following features:
- Sommelier Wine & Cheese Hour
- Yoga Class
- On-Property Walk: Explore Ventana Big Sur
- Glass House Telescopic Viewing
- Flora and Fauna Hike
- Organic Garden Tour
- Meditation Class
- Tai Chi Class
- Sip & Steep Organic Garden Tea Class
How To Earn World of Hyatt Points
World of Hyatt points are pretty easy to come by. See this post for everything you need to know about earning Hyatt points with credit cards.
On top of that, Hyatt often has bonuses on purchased points. For example, right now you can purchase Hyatt points for ~1.7 cents each thanks to a 40% bonus.
Booking A Cash Stay?
If you’re planning on staying here and paying cash, I recommend booking through a Hyatt Privé agent. This will come with benefits like a space available room upgrade, a property credit, free breakfast, and more.
The rate when booking through Privé should be the same as the best available rate, though you’ll have to go through an agent. Ford would be happy to help and can be reached at [email protected].
Alila Ventana Big Sur Review
I’ll break the review of Ventana Big Sur into several parts, and will talk about the arrival & check-in experience, our room, the hotel’s public areas and restaurants, the gym and pool, the service, and then lastly will talk about why I loved Big Sur so much.
Ventana Big Sur Arrival & Check-In
We drove from Napa Valley to Big Sur, which was a drive of about 3.5 hours. The drive wasn’t very scenic for the first 2.5 hours, and only got nice as we approaches the coast. We stopped in Carmel-by-the-Sea for lunch, and from there made the 40 minute drive to the property.
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in this part of California is beyond stunning, though I’ll save that for later.
In general if you’re looking to visit Big Sur, you have a few most practical options when it comes to flights:
- You can fly into Monterey Airport (MRY) and then it’s about a 45-60 minute drive to the hotel
- You can fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC) and then it’s about a two hour drive to the hotel
- You can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) and then it’s about a 2.5-3 hour drive to the hotel
We drove from Napa Valley, and then on the return we flew out of Monterey.
You’ll want to download maps to your phone before getting anywhere close to Big Sur, as there’s no cell reception anywhere in the area. Fortunately we didn’t have too much trouble finding the hotel.
As we arrived at the hotel the friendly bellmen welcomed us and took our car (the hotel offers free valet parking for everyone), and then escorted us to check-in.
Check-in was at the Social House, which I’ll talk more about in a bit. The check-in process was efficient, and we were informed that our room was nearly ready. Sure enough, within about 15 minutes we were brought to our room.
Ventana Big Sur Villa
Ventana Big Sur has a total of about 60 rooms, and they’re spread out across about a dozen buildings. Here’s a map to give you a sense of the layout of the property:
Alila Ventana Big Sur property map
We were assigned room number nine, located immediately behind the Social House. We were delighted to find that we had been upgraded all the way to a villa. I had tried to apply a Globalist Suite Upgrade to the reservation, but the standard “Big Sur Suite” wasn’t available. But then we ended up getting an even better upgrade than that, to a villa.
For what it’s worth, this room would have retailed for an outrageous $2,800+ per night.
Now, I’m not sure I’d actually call the room a “villa.” I’d call it more of a duplex suite, as it was in a building with about 10 other rooms.
Alila Ventana Big Sur room exterior
The entrance to our room was at the very left of the building.
Alila Ventana Big Sur room exterior
Immediately inside the entrance was a set of stairs leading to the bedroom, and then the living room was on the ground floor. I loved the design of the room, and thought it felt so appropriate for the area. This wasn’t some cookie cutter Park Hyatt or St. Regis, but rather the room had personality that made you feel like you were staying in a cabin the forest.
Ventana Big Sur villa entryway
The villa had a huge living room, including a dining table with four chairs, as well as a living area with a sofa and two chairs.
Ventana Big Sur villa living area
Ventana Big Sur villa living area
Ventana Big Sur villa living area
Ventana Big Sur villa dining area
Across from that was a wall-mounted TV, a real fireplace, and a long table.
Ventana Big Sur villa fireplace
Ventana Big Sur villa living area
On the dining table was a welcome letter and a complimentary bag of trail mix.
Ventana Big Sur welcome gift
There was a wet bar along the wall closest to the entrance, which had a Nespresso machine, a kettle, a proper minibar, and two reusable water bottles.
Ventana Big Sur villa wet bar
Ventana Big Sur in-room Nespresso machine & kettle
Ventana Big Sur in-room minibar
Ventana Big Sur in-room minibar
At the very end of the room was a large balcony that even had a private hot tub (though we never ended up using it, because the main hot tub was so awesome).
Ventana Big Sur villa balcony & hot tub
Ventana Big Sur villa balcony
One thing that can’t be conveyed in these pictures is just how lovely of a setting the hotel has — the sound of the birds chirping, the smell of trees… ahhhh!
Ventana Big Sur villa balcony view
Also just by the entrance on the first floor was a half bath.
Ventana Big Sur villa second bathroom
Ventana Big Sur villa second bathroom
Once you go up the stairs there’s a desk immediately to the right.
Ventana Big Sur villa stairs
Ventana Big Sur villa desk
Then when you walk down the hall you’re in the bedroom, which featured a comfortable king size bed.
Ventana Big Sur villa bedroom
Ventana Big Sur villa bedroom
There was yet another fireplace here, along with a bench and a chair with ottoman.
Ventana Big Sur villa bedroom
Ventana Big Sur villa bedroom
The bedroom also had a balcony.
Ventana Big Sur villa bedroom balcony
Back towards the stairs was the bathroom, featuring double sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a toilet.
Ventana Big Sur villa bathroom
Ventana Big Sur villa bathtub
Ventana Big Sur villa shower
Toiletries were in reusable containers (which is an initiative that all Hyatts are moving towards), and were functional, high quality, and didn’t seem to be tampered with. See, that’s not impossible? 😉
Ventana Big Sur villa toiletries
Wifi in the room (and throughout the property) was fast and free, which was a blessing, since there was no signal otherwise.
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this room, and in particular appreciated the upgrade. For what it’s worth, this hotel seems to be pretty generous with Globalist upgrades, as I’ve read several other reports of Globalists being upgraded to villas.
The Social House Ventana Big Sur
The central meeting point of Ventana Big Sur is the Social House, which was located immediately in front of our room.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House
This is a cozy building separated into three areas. On the far right side is a sitting area along with the check-in desk and reception.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House
Then one room over is more seating, as well as a pool table and board games.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House
Then the last room at the end has complimentary coffee and tea all day, which sure is a nice feature.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House
There’s a Nespresso machine, as well as canisters with coffee and hot water.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House Nespresso machine
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House coffee & tea
I love this as a concept, though unfortunately I found the coffee to be a bit bitter for my liking (it was good in the restaurant, by comparison).
The Social House also has plenty of outdoor seating, including seats on the “porch,” as well as dining tables further out.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House outdoor seating
Alila Ventana Big Sur Social House outdoor seating
From 4PM until 5PM every day, Ventana Big Sur has a wine & cheese hour, where they have cheese and crackers, olives, and a selection of wine. It was a super nice offering.
Alila Ventana Big Sur wine & cheese hour
Alila Ventana Big Sur wine & cheese hour
The wine selection rotated daily — there was always one white and one red, and on one day there was also a sparkling option.
Alila Ventana Big Sur wine & cheese hour
Ventana Big Sur Pools, Hot Tub, And Japanese Hot Baths
Ventana Big Sur is spread across 243 acres, so the property is huge. There are two pools, both open daily from 7AM until 10PM.
The hotel’s main pool is the Meadow Pool, which is right next to the Social House. The pool itself is beautiful, and it has plenty of seating.
Ventana Big Sur pool
Ventana Big Sur pool area
The highlight of this area had to be the incredible infinity hot tub located across from the pool, which we used a few times.
Ventana Big Sur pool area
Ventana Big Sur hot tub
There’s also all kinds of seating around the pool area, given what great views there are from this part of the property. Above the pool is a deck with some lounge chairs, which is a great place from which to watch the sunset.
Ventana Big Sur pool area at sunset
Ventana Big Sur sunset
On the lawn next to the pool are some seats, also perfectly positioned to enjoy the sunset.
Ventana Big Sur views
There’s also another observation deck located above the pool area (sorry, I can only photograph the sunset from so many vantage points). 😉
Ventana Big Sur observation deck
The hotel’s second pool is called Mountain Pool, and is on the other side of the property. It doesn’t have quite as scenic views, but is still a beautiful setting, and seemed to be quieter most of the time.
Ventana Big Sur pool
Ventana Big Sur pool
The hotel also has a building with what they call “Japanese hot baths,” though in reality I preferred the hot tub at the main pool.
Ventana Big Sur baths
Ventana Big Sur Gym
Ventana Big Sur has a 24/7 gym, though it’s on the very small side. Expect only the basics. Then again, there are so many opportunities to get exercise outside, given that the area is all about hiking.
Ventana Big Sur gym
Ventana Big Sur gym
Ventana Big Sur gym
The hotel also has a spa, though we didn’t get any treatments — you can see the treatment menu here.
The Sur House
The Sur House is the hotel’s only full service restaurant, and it’s located quite a ways from the main part of the hotel. I’m a fast walker, and found it to be about a 10 minute walk from our room. First you have to walk through the winding paths of the main part of the hotel.
Walking to The Sur House
Then you kind of walk through some hills, though it’s only about a third of a mile walk at that point.
Walking to The Sur House
There’s even an area set up a bit like a church, which they call the “Redwood Cathedral.” Hah.
Walking to The Sur House
If you prefer not to walk, there’s also a road between the rooms and restaurant, so they can drive you in a golf cart.
Ventana Big Sur golf cart
There aren’t many restaurants in Big Sur, so the Sur House is popular both with hotel guests and outside guests.
The Sur House exterior
The Sur House exterior
The Sur House is open for breakfast (7:30AM until 10:30AM), lunch (11:30AM until 4PM), and dinner (6PM until 9PM).
The restaurant has an interior that matches the rest of the property, though weather permitting I highly recommend sitting outside.
The Sur House bar
The Sur House restaurant
The outdoor space has breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and Pacific Ocean.
The Sur House outdoor seating
The Sur House outdoor seating
The Sur House view
In addition to traditional dining tables, there’s also a bar and some couches.
The Sur House outdoor seating
The Sur House outdoor seating
One of the benefits of being a Globalist member is complimentary breakfast, and that came in the form of an $82 daily breakfast credit, which was more than enough. Note that Globalist members can also elect to order room service breakfast.
The breakfast menu read as follows:
The coffee in the restaurant was excellent, though their espresso machine was broken when we were there, so they had no specialty coffees.
Ventana Big Sur coffee
Over the course of our stay I tried the housemade granola parfait…
Ventana Big Sur breakfast
The mushroom omelet…
Ventana Big Sur breakfast
The smoked Nova Scotia salmon bagel…
Ventana Big Sur breakfast
And the egg white frittata, which was shockingly good.
Ventana Big Sur breakfast
The breakfast was excellent. We also came here one day for lunch. I found the menu to be rather unusual/limited, but the quality of the food as such was good. The lunch menu read as follows:
I had the crab louie salad, Ford had the little gem caesar salad with chicken, and we shared the crispy brussels sprouts.
Ventana Big Sur lunch
Ventana Big Sur lunch
Ventana Big Sur lunch
Big Sur Smokehouse
The hotel’s other dining option is Big Sur Smokehouse, located just off the PCH. This seems to be largely intended for non-guests who just happen to be driving by.
This is open Thursday through Monday from 11AM until 9PM. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating…
Big Sur Smokehouse exterior
Big Sur Smokehouse
Big Sur Smokehouse
The menu read as follows:
I had the quinoa salad with smoked chicken, while Ford had the chicken barbecue plate.
Big Sur Smokehouse lunch
Big Sur Smokehouse lunch
Ventana Big Sur In-Room Dining
While we never ordered room service, the in-room dining menu read as follows:
Ventana Big Sur Service
Service at Ventana was excellent across the board. Every employee we interacted with was friendly and seemed to be proud of the hotel and Big Sur, and that was great to see.
There wasn’t really anything that particularly stood out to me (service wasn’t above and beyond to the level of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, for example), but rather service was just consistently excellent.
Why I LOVED Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur is a great hotel, though what really makes this hotel so special is where it’s located. I am in complete disbelief that I never bothered to visit this area of the PCH before this trip.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Big Sur and the area is possibly the most picturesque place I’ve ever been, and definitely in the top five most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited.
We spent a lot of time just driving up and down the PCH in this area. With every single hairpin turn we took, I found myself saying “OMG is this even real?!”
Driving to Big Sur
Views from the Pacific Coast Highway
Views from the Pacific Coast Highway
In addition to it being enjoyable to just drive up and down the PCH, there are all kinds of amazing hikes, whether you want to hike up mountains, hike down to a beach, or hike through redwood forests.
Hiking near Big Sur
Hiking near Big Sur
There’s no town of Big Sur as such, but rather you have some ridiculously cute coffee shop or restaurant or art gallery every quarter mile or so. We went to several restaurants and coffee shops, and they were all cute.
Note that everything in the area is super expensive. Expect to pay over $5.50 per gallon for gas and $7 for a cappuccino. That’s a function of how remote this is, how expensive property here is, and the general lack of development.
Ventana Big Sur Bottom Line
Ventana Big Sur might just be my favorite overall hotel experience in the US, and definitely one of my top 10 favorite hotel experiences in the world.
The hotel as such is great, but not that exceptional. What makes this place so special is its location — Big Sur is indescribably stunning, and being right in the heart of all that at Ventana Big Sur is tough to beat.
If you have World of Hyatt points, and/or if you’ve never been to Big Sur before, I can’t recommend this place enough. I can’t believe it took me nearly 30 years of being alive to visit this gem of a place. It’s heaven on earth for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Properties like these and stays like this make me love World of Hyatt even more.
If you’ve stayed at Ventana Big Sur and/or have visited Big Sur, what was your experience like? Which other Alila properties should I be checking out?
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