Review: Alila Ventana Big Sur

Lucky - Did you happen to eat at Nepenthe? One of my favorite lunch spots in Big Sur. The view truly feels like you're somewhere like the Italian Riviera.

Glad you guys had a great stay. The whole area is a gym.

One of the best features of Ventana and many other hotels in this area is free electric car charging (better than paying $5.50 for gas).

Tons of Tesla's on Turo in SFO and SJC that I've had a good experience with.

Glad you enjoyed the Ventana Inn and Big Sur. The area is indeed beautiful. Always wanted to stay there, and it's a great option now to use Hyatt points.

As a native Northern Californian, I will just quibble with the term "PCH". Growing up we always said "Highway 1", "route 1" or maybe "the coast route". As far as I know (and hope) you only see "PCH" in Southern California.

I know I'm being petty! Don't get me started on "NorCal"...

you need to try Post Ranch Inn next time -- Ventana is nice but PRI is next-level.

Glad you liked it. Maybe, just maybe, does this move you to explore non-urban areas before you are too old to enjoy them?

I came to say what Dan said: Once you're north of Oxnard, it's just Highway 1. PCH is totally SoCal. Next time I'd recommend continuing the stunning drive south from Big Sur to San Luis Obispo. Then get on Amtrak, which has a monopoly on the coastal views on that stretch until just north of Santa Barbara.

This looks very lovely. Doesn't exactly scream luxury to me however.

I know we all love international destinations and flights, but this trip proves some of the best destinations are pretty easily accessible with a domestic plane ticket and a rental car or uber

Never driven along the PCH but your pictures remind me of driving along the coast in Ireland

I hope you grabbed a bite at Post Ranch Inn. I saw Katy Perry and John Mayer having lunch there several years ago when they were dating. Lol. The best part was the unbelievable view hands down of course! Another comparable place that I’ve seen similar to Big Sur is right outside of Cape Town; very similar landscape. But instead of 3.5 hour drive (from SF to Big Sur) Cape Town’s version is 20 minutes outside the city limit.

Also instead of driving East from Santa Rosa to Napa, drive West to coast. The whole drive on highway 1 up to Mendocino is just as nice as the coast around Big Sur but less touristy with tons of place to hike! You and Ford would be in heaven!

100% agree that Big Sur along with the Monterey Peninsula is possibly the most beautiful place on earth.

Lucky, it may be helpful to clarify that the $50 "experience fee" is waived for ALL members booking with points. The valet parking is included in this fee, therefore any member booking on points will not have to pay the experience fee or for parking, regardless of status. Source: I'm a lowly Discoverist member, stayed here on points a few months ago.

my annual bike route with best buddies. pleased you were out on a sunny day as there are many times throughout the year you can't sea the ocean at all as you travel along hwy 1.
can't wait to use my hyatt points and bask in this breathtaking beauty on my anniversary. thanks for the amazing review!

We used a Cat 1-7 free night award and, as a Globalist, also got upgraded to a duplex suite (with ocean views). Fabulous stay - great review!

We drove Big Sur (Pismo Beach to Monterey) last year and couldn't agree more, it is stunning. I am Australian and it reminded me very much of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Pismo Beach and Monterey are both beautiful little towns. Then we drove across to Yosemite and were blown away again.

@Dan:

Native of San Francisco (and the North Bay) and I say NorCal all the time - never knew that was a faux pas in my 3-ish decades. Now, though, don't get me started on "San Fran" or "Frisco"... 😉

Hi Ben, as always this is so helpful! So well presented and photographed... But I noticed you omitted your dinner experiences altogether... and was definitely hoping to get your take on The Sur House evening menu and experience. Any particular reason if I may ask? Was it bad? Thanks!

Hi Ben. I just stayed here two weeks ago on award nights! Must have just missed you guys! As one commenter noted, it does not scream luxury. But it is-in a rustic sense. The grounds are well kept and the staff is very polite. The rooms are beautiful with good views of the nearby forest/sunset. As an explorist, I was upgraded to a forest suite with outdoor shower/hammock. The resort fees are waived. Dogs are allowed. I don't think they are at the Post ranch inn across the street? The drive down from Monterey airport is absolutely stunning. Not the mention, there are some amazing hiking spots of varying degrees of difficulty within a few miles. I agree with Anthony above that we become fixated on the international redemptions, but some of the most beautiful places are easily accessible with points.

The menu prices are ridiculous. $16 for a piece of pie?

Hello from Los Angeles!

For those driving this beautiful stretch of our state, please note that driving up the northbound side is slightly easier than traveling southbound since you are hugging the mountainside most of the way. The southbound side can be daunting (if not white knuckle), given the plunging cliffs and fickle fog at many times during the year. Keep your eyes on the road, as there are countless very sharp turns! Nepenthe is definitely a "must" stop along the way.

Finally, I must echo that it is incorrect to refer to Big Sur as "Pacific Coast Highway." That is a designation for only the area between Oxnard and Dana Point in Ventura and Orange counties, respectively. It should be referred to as simply "Highway 1."

I hope you were able to get to Nepenthe, just across the road for a meal.

Drove this stunning route last week! Amazing scenery, though I wish I knew about these lodging options along the way. We stayed at Quail Lodge Inn, and it was nice, but not that nice. Thanks for these reviews Lucky!!

McWay Falls are easy to miss, glad we noticed them and stopped.

Nice write-up been there 28 years ago!!

Yes, it’s beautiful! I had just recommended the area to a young professional woman looking for a nice domestic trip; you reinforced my views. Btw, have you been to the coast of Maine? Also very very lovely! Review so helpful, would only add that if there is any way to show the standard rooms for us non-elite Hyatt folks, that would be very useful.

Agree with bco.
Having stayed at both properties, Post Ranch Inn absolutely trounces Ventana Big Sur.

+1 to @Dan, @GoAmtrak and others. I was briefly confused as to what @Lucky was doing on the PCH. I just call it '1' myself. And please, no "frisco," "San Fran" or "NorCal." It's northern california, and either "the City" (yes, that works for NYC too and depending on which coast you are on people know what you mean) or "San Francisco."

Regardless, great review @Lucky. Makes me what to get up and go right now!

Ah yes, San Francisco, the provincial city that peaked during the gold rush and still has a superiority complex over the rest of CA by calling itself "the City" (among other microaggressions) Outside of the Bay Area no one will have any clue which city "the City" refers to, except maybe to assume New York City.

@brandote I don’t live in the city and don’t even like going up there now that it has been taken over by tech bros. However it doesn’t change the fact that people in California and the west coast *do* know what you mean when you call it the city. Doesn’t mean you have to like it.

Makes me very happy as a Hyatt loyalist that I now have options like this!

Although @Lucky.... "This wasn’t some cookie cutter Park Hyatt or St. Regis..." I have never heard anyone call Park Hyatt cookie cutter. St. Regis & Ritz-Carlton you can stay at and not know if you're in Shanghai or San Francisco, but Park Hyatts always seem to reflect their surroundings and have a personality.

Darn - I was hoping you'd squeeze in lunch or dinner at the Post Ranch Inn so I could read your thoughts about that property. On the bright side you have a good reason to plan another Big Sur trip 😉

I agree, Big Sur is one of the prettiest places in the world. I've stayed at this property (went on a trip with a Hyatt employee so I think we paid $300 a night with her discount) This property is not worth its rack rate but I would consider using points for it.
Since the draw of the area is the scenery I much prefer staying at properties that are closer to nature and just taking it all in. This summer we stayed at an old place called Deetjens and it was magical!
It's a splurge- but if you go to Big Sur I suggest doing lunch at Sierra Mar which is located at the Post Ranch Inn. I've never eaten anywhere with a view like that and the food and service are just over the top (and completely worth the price tag)

You need to visit Post Ranch Inn, there's nothing like it. NorCal is a beautiful place to visit for sure, and taking the PCH all the way up is incredible.

Our favorite part, other than the hot tub, was the Airsteam converted to a cocktail and snack shack located by the glamping sites surrounded by redwoods. Great place to kick back before sunset.

I’m from the opposite coast but know PCH is a very specific piece of the highway and is nowhere near this region. I do hope the post gets corrected.

I’m surprised you didn’t mention that Mountain Pool is clothing-optional. That seems a big draw for some, although I didn’t see anyone using it this way during our three-night stay. The “Japanese” (insert eye roll) baths below that pool didn’t seem very authentic nor interesting. They also appeared to use chlorine. I’d highly recommend Night Bathing at Esalen instead.

Just because the room rates can be high doesn’t mean this is a luxury property. I don’t think they make any attempt at pretending:; it’s California Casual.

I was happy to try this out on points during the summer when the WoH CC 10% rebate was in effect. As a Globalist (happy to check off this portion of the four-brand challenge for a free night + 8k points), it seemed a reasonable expense for a property in this area. However, it’s no Post Ranch.

Is it possible to take 22 bus from Monterrey rather than drive? Is post ranch walkable from ventana? Is there a house car?

Ben - you got super lucky (appropriate) with the weather in Big Sur! It can easily cloud over for days on end, even in summer. Fall is usually the best. It is such a serene, beautiful place and I was glad to read that you enjoyed it so much (seeing as you have been *everywhere*). I loved going to Nepenthe's as a kid with my grandma who lived in Carmel Valley

Karl - PCH is a long (and beautiful) road: https://www.today.com/money/how-ride-along-pacific-coast-highway-2D80555095 Big Sur is definitely along PCH and I would argue is the best highlight of the whole highway!

Ben, love your review of Big Sur, and after canceling our Honeymoon to St. Kitts and Anguilla this maybe a nice domestic alternative. A quick question... we are thinking of spending three days in Carmel to enjoy the Monterey peninsula then four nights at Big Sur to enjoy hiking, the spa, and the scenery. Do you think this is too much time at the property and surrounding areas?

Great Review Ben Thank You
I would agree with others that Post Ranch Inn has a vastly superior hard product appealing to world class superstars VIPS (Streisand stayed there as has Spielberg) and the discerning affluent that want architect standard hard product

However its also not available for point redemption 🙁
We shelled out 6000 dollars there for 2 nights @ Post Ranch in years ago and questioned ourselves afterwards.Now had it been booked on points I would have never questioned ;(
On the other hand I would say the food taste/quality may be much better at Ventana over Sierra Mar @ The Post Ranch INN.While the dining view @ Sierra Mar is breathtaking and the presentation our food beautifully presented the taste of the food was highly disappointing 🙁
But some don't care or are too drunk to notice.I chose Carmel Valley Ranch for my my next stay and will slum it over there 🙂 They are affiliated with Ventana I am told.
After Post Ranch INN the hard product at Ventana isn't my personal thing.Call me crazy I think I would rather be at Highlands or Carmel Valley Ranch or on points @ Post Ranch Inn which isn't going to happen! 🙁