For me, a 5-star rating is perfect so I don't give many 5-star ratings. Well, the place isn't…read moreperfect, but it's pretty close. It's a new place. It's a very nice place. It's in downtown Carmel and has a good location. It's clean and comfortable. The staff was always friendly and helpful. We'll probably stay there again. That said, here are the few areas we didn't care for. 1) There are lights under the bed that come on when you get out of bed. We don't want lights on in the middle of the night if we need to get up for some reason because that disturbs our sleep. We asked them to disable that after the first night, which they did. 2) The thermostat doesn't seem accurate. It seemed to be 2-4 degrees warmer than the reading. For example, we set it to warm to 68 which is normally cool and comfortable for us, but when it heated the room to 66, it seemed on the hot side for us. We dealt with this by just turning off the heater. 3) There were literally 4 people standing there checking us in. Sometimes between two of them they even asked us the same question twice. We just want to check-in, park our car, and get the key to our room. We don't need 4 people to do that.

Small but gorgeous hotel. I want to give like a 3.5-3.8, but am doing a 4. While it has an intital…read morehigh end appearance and price point, the Stilwell Hotel lacks the some of the essentials of a true luxury stay. - Staff: during check in, we were helped by a tall blonde young man with a deep voice . He has 0 customer service skills and should not be customer facing. He had minimal eye contact, cold demeanor as if we were bothering him, mumbling, and just overall unpleasant. He had the demeanor of a bro cashier at a GNC. There was a guy next to him which I assume was IT or something since he was messing with something at the front. There was a woman who brought us a welcome glass of champagne, and Angel - who gave us a brief tour and brought our luggage to the room. Angel and the woman were nice. Champagne was good, however I wish they offered non alcoholic options like a juice or sparking cider. Throughout our stay, we encountered many staff on the property in passing - not a single smile from any of them. Even the housekeeping staff at a BestWestern are nicer than the staff here. - Room: gorgeous but small. Booking a room for 2 does not just mean having a big enough bed, but actually room for 2 humans to move around. There is not enough room to lay your luggage out anywhere, and the bathroom was narrow. I would've liked to have a towel bar by the sink instead of having a silly rock be what holds the towel up. The room is aesthetically stunning and the bed was very comfortable. I loved the ambient lighting options and motion activated under-lighting. I liked that we had a balcony. I enjoyed the soaps / lotions, as well all the nespresso in the room. Air conditioning worked well. Room was very clean. - Parking: parking was easy in the day. We lucked out at night but guests arriving after 8pm had nowhere to park, which we witnessed first hand. We saw a guest told the staff "the lot is full", and the staff said "just take the EV spot". What about your guests with EVs who need to charge their cars for the night? On another day, a large car was parked in the entrance into the hotel (not the street) and stayed there for 15 min which blocked entry for everyone else - i wish the staff came out to inform the guest that they couldn't leave their car the. The main lot is very tight with slim spots and awkward parking angles, but the back lot was good . While this wasn't an issue for me, I can imagine coming off of a long flight, finally getting to the hotel at night, and being frustrated at the lack of available parking. - Breakfast: this is the main reason we wanted to stay here. The breakfast itself is good, not great. The French toast, juice, chia pudding and eggs are best things - everything else is okay as I found some things to be stale such as the waffles and muffins. I did enjoy how the food is displayed, and there lots of variety. Staff is constantly refilling items so you never have to worry about things running out, regardless of when you arrive for breakfast. Breakfast is much later than it is at other hotels, and with a small window (8-10am), which can be an issue if you are planning to eat early prior to a hike. 2 staff stay in the area however they just stare at you from the corner of the room. No smile, no good morning. The first day, I felt like we were being stared at as if we were freeloaders sneaking in for free breakfast. It was very uncomfortable. Not sure if they were staring because we're younger than a majority of the other guests but there really is no excuse. I think they should do a wrist band system or something if they insist on eyeing people. Property- they have a cafe by the breakfast area where you can order hand crafted pizza. We didn't do this but it smelled great. The location is convenient with lots of restaurants within walking distance . As a hotel guest, you get a discount at the Foray restaurant, which is closed mondays and Tuesdays Overall: Beautiful, but I don't think I'd stay again. For the price point and all the amenities, I expected to be in love with this hotel. At other hotels with this price point, I'm usually like "I don't want leave!", but not here. It wasn't a bad stay, but the experience didn't match the price point. I hope they get better staff or else I could see this hotel failing in the future.

It was okay Check in was not warm or inviting…read more Room was ok, tv didn't work For the price l would say maybe- overrated!

This place is special. The property is stunning and the…read morestaff goes above and beyond. I had a small issue with my key that actually developed into a larger issue when the night manager accidentally (unlatched our door resulting in us accidentally getting locked out of our room with a lock that was frozen and inoperable. It was my wifes 50th Birthday and we unfortunately never made it back in our room that night. The lock was broken, all our belongings inside the room. It was a temporary nightmare but these things happen. The staff was so very thoughtful and literally did everything they possibly could to accomade us..when I say they did everything possible they even called 911 ! It was an experience we will never forget! We got back in our room at 8:00am the next morning after the maintenance man Ignacio climbed a ladder three stories to get us back inside our room. It was really quite an adventure. Once back in our room the trip we absolutely perfect! We loved the beautiful accommodations and the incredible property. The view. The pool overlooking the gorgeous water. The breakfast. The staff. I Really Appreciated the Tickle Pink Inn !

This was our first experience securing the use of a vacation rental. When we came across the…read moreForest Cottage, I knew that was the place we needed to stay for our 25th anniversary. Coming off the PCH, you are immediately transported to another world. Redwoods surround the drive up to the property, evoking the feeling that you have entered a secluded realm, tucked away from the city. Once you pull into the property, you begin to notice something that has been missing: quiet silence. Just the rustling of the leaves by the breeze coming off the ocean, and for our trip, a winter rainstorm. But being from the desert, we just ate it up immensely. The house was well-equipped, having all the amenities you'd desire in almost any hotel. But the place is yours for the duration. Bed was comfy and the kitchen had everything you'd need to make a decent meal. Andrew and Brianne were attentive to our needs, and communicated very well, from the initial reservations to the follow up after our stay. If you're looking for a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, please check this place out. You will not be disappointed.

Tucked between redwoods, waterfalls, and Big Sur views--with Carmel's restaurants just 20 minutes…read moreaway--this cabin nails the location game. It's small (I stayed in Little Gem) but has everything you need, impeccably clean, and tastefully furnished (no "live laugh love" signs in sight). Peaceful, private, and hosted with quiet charm.

Love, love, love this beautiful boutique hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea!…read more Villa Mara is a gorgeous boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet seaside neighborhood. It blends so naturally into its surroundings that we actually drove right past it the first time. I imagine the town has strict design guidelines to preserve the charm of the area. We stayed here for the first night of our Big Sur vacation, and it was beautiful. When we arrived, we were greeted by a gentleman who escorted us to our room. He appeared to be handling everything himself that evening, yet every interaction was warm and welcoming. His hospitality made us feel genuinely cared for throughout our stay. Our room didn't have a microwave, which honestly suited the elegant aesthetic of the room. However, at night we needed to warm our 17-year-old Yorkie daughter's heating pad for about 30 seconds before bedtime, since she's a senior and warming her tummy helps her sleep comfortably. He happily heated it for us each night. We also needed to keep her food frozen, but the room refrigerator didn't have a freezer compartment. When we asked, he kindly offered to store it in their large commercial freezer in the kitchen. Because this is not a large, impersonal hotel, the warmth and personal touches made our stay especially comfortable and memorable. The service was so attentive that it felt less like staying at a hotel and more like being welcomed into a friend's home. In the evenings, guests were treated to complimentary slices of cake in the lobby along with a glass of wine. Our room had a lovely private terrace, and at night, when we opened the window, we could hear the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing as if the ocean were right next to us. It felt almost magical, and we fell asleep with the window slightly open, listening to the surf. The bed was very comfortable, and the TV was great--it had everything we needed. I especially appreciated the Japanese-made air conditioner, which made it easy to adjust the room to the perfect temperature. I was also impressed by the beautiful Waterworks shower in the bathroom--it was exquisite. Every corner of the hotel reflected impeccable taste and thoughtful attention to detail. Another thing that stood out to me was the scent of the hotel. When I first walked into the lobby, I noticed a beautiful fragrance that I believe came from L.A. Lab candles. It instantly created a luxurious atmosphere, and that same refined sense of style extended to the soaps and bathroom amenities as well. Honestly, we wished we could have stayed longer. On our second night we stayed at Alila Ventana, but next time we visit Big Sur, we'll spend both nights at Villa Mara instead. Finally, I accidentally left my white Japanese hair dryer in the room. When I called the next day, a staff member who hadn't been there during our stay immediately knew what I was talking about and kindly offered to ship it back to me. Less than a week later, it arrived safely at my home- thank you!

Villa Mara is pure California luxury, and easily one of the nicest boutique hotels I've ever stayed…read moreat. Opened in 2022, it feels brand new yet already timeless, with design that's both elegant and warm. The rooms? Incredible. Heated bathroom floors (yes, heated floors), a complimentary snack bar and fridge stocked with goodies, a sleek Dyson hairdryer, and even a fancy bidet -- every detail has been thought through. Our patio looked out toward the ocean, and at night you could hear the waves. But the real star of the show is breakfast. The coffee is excellent, the quiches are light and flavorful, and the almond croissants... wow. Hands down the best croissants I've ever had. I would come back just for those. Service was top-notch from start to finish. The staff made us feel so welcome -- kind, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. Add in the location (just steps from the beach), and this place checks every single box. If you're looking for a Carmel getaway that blends luxury with charm, Villa Mara is it.

Nice seaside room with a patio. There used to be a walking trail and the beach is just beyond that .read more

My wife and I came for my birthday I would highly recommend! Great service, clean rooms.read more

Unfortunately for us, Post Ranch Inn was one of our first stops on an eight-day coastal road trip…read more Unfortunate because they set a standard no other property or restaurant was going to match. I knew that going in. It was still starker than I expected. Start with the property. When that is the view off your deck, why go anywhere else? Stunning doesn't cover it. We hiked much of the grounds and every turn delivered something new. The kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Then the restaurant. Everything was perfect -- service, quality, execution. Much of the food sourced on property or from the surrounding community. My wife declared the salad the best she'd ever had. High praise for a salad. High praise, full stop. Special shout out to our server Yasmany and bartender Thomas -- both exceptional. What struck me most was how effortless the entire staff made it look. These are people who deal with guests from around the world, all arriving with high expectations of a high-end experience. And yet nothing felt forced. Nobody appeared to be trying to impress us. It was just perfect service, perfectly delivered. That's the rarest thing in hospitality. Highlight of the trip. Hands down. And I suspect, never to be repeated.

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION -- IT MAY SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS…read more If you are considering booking an ocean-view room at Post Ranch Inn between May, June, July, or August, I strongly encourage you to do extensive research about Big Sur's seasonal coastal fog before spending your money. Based on our experience, I would never book an ocean-view room during these months again. We paid nearly $10,000 for two nights in one of the resort's premium ocean-view accommodations because the breathtaking ocean views shown throughout their website were the main reason we chose this property. Unfortunately, during our entire stay, the ocean view was completely hidden by dense fog. We never saw the spectacular view that was advertised and pictured online. What disappointed us most was the lack of transparency. The website showcases beautiful, clear ocean views but does not adequately prepare guests for the possibility that the view may be completely obstructed for an entire stay during certain times of the year. If guests are paying thousands of dollars specifically for an ocean-view room, they deserve clear information about the seasonal risk of persistent coastal fog so they can make an informed decision. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly asked staff whether the fog would clear. We were consistently told that it would likely clear within a few hours. Unfortunately, that never happened. The fog remained throughout our stay, and we never got to enjoy the ocean view we paid a premium for. What made this even more frustrating was that, after repeatedly being told by multiple staff members that the fog would clear soon, one employee later told us that they were not supposed to tell guests that the weather was expected to remain the same for several days and that these foggy conditions are common during this time of year. According to that employee, this type of weather often persists throughout much of the summer season. I cannot independently verify that statement, but if that information was accurate, it raises serious concerns about transparency. Guests spending thousands of dollars for an ocean-view room deserve honest information about the likelihood of actually seeing the ocean during their stay. The room itself also had maintenance issues. The bar sink was clogged, and the shower valve/faucet was loose and repeatedly fell while being used. We reported both problems, but neither was repaired during our stay. Staff apologized, but no one came to address the issues. For a property charging close to $5,000 per night, I expected much better communication, transparency, maintenance, and overall value. I fully understand that the weather is beyond the hotel's control. However, what is within their control is how honestly they communicate the risk of seasonal fog to potential guests. Had we known there was a realistic possibility of spending our entire stay looking at a wall of fog instead of the Pacific Ocean, we would have chosen different travel dates, a different room category, or a different destination altogether. The property itself is beautiful, but based on our experience, the value did not come close to justifying the cost. If an ocean view is important to you, think very carefully before booking an ocean-view room during the late spring and summer months.

An amazing bday and 1st time experience here eating. Our waitress was amazing didn't get a name but…read moreshe brought me a bday pancake to celebrate and it make my morning. Such a cool eclectic place and also got a souvenir shirt. Also found it to be a historic site. So neat and will be back to eat again- maybe even stay (:

Loved this place! Food was amazing and atmosphere was so…read moreQuaint. Will definitely be visiting again

POV: searching for glamping vibes and forest bathing in Big Sur…read more The property is spread across either side of the road. On one side is the lobby directly across the roadhouse restaurant. The other side is gated and has river access. We sat by the campfire and made smores, bought an inflatable donut at the store near the lobby, crossed a bridge, floated along the lazy river, and walked the beautiful lush grounds under the towering redwood trees. If I had stayed longer I would've put one of those yoga mats to good use. Cabins are clean, stocked, and cozy. I highly recommend staying a few nights in this peaceful place.

I truly believe this is one of the most special places to stay in Big Sur. There's a certain…read morefeeling you get when everything is just right--and the little Sur (room N) delivered the perfect setting - peacefulness, romance, and nature. The location of the cabin is right off the creek of their property. Also It had rained the day before, so a small waterfall was flowing directly across from our place. That evening we sat by the fire, roasting marshmallows and sipping champagne while listening to the water and looking up at the redwood trees. It was just so magical. One detail I especially loved was the heated bathroom floors--such a cozy surprise and something I'm definitely not used to! The entire cabin was spotless and beautifully maintained. I'm very particular about cleanliness in hotels so I brought my mattress vacuum cleaner to inspect--the bed and pillows were not dusty, which gave me a peace of mind. Overall, our stay was perfectly the way I want to remember this trip. If I had stayed somewhere else, I don't think I would have had a great of an experience in Big Sur. Ambience and the aesthetics of the property grounds is important to me and it checked off all the boxes. April turned out to be the perfect time to visit: sunny, peaceful, and more affordable than peak season. I loved everything about this stay and we're already planning to come back. Recommendations: the pillows are goose down so it doesn't work for neck support. Bring a pillow you like from home if you have neck issues. Also, in Little Sur, your bed is underneath a window. Turn the blinds upwards so you don't wake up to the light in your eyes:)

It doesn't get any better than this. We stayed in cabin 14 and had everything we needed and more…read more Really big space too and it was so nice to have an indoor fire every night. Housekeeping was so great and it felt so good to disconnect. It was so quiet every night. Do yourself a favor and stay here.

My husband and I spent the weekend in Cabin 4. It was clean and well-maintained. The setting is…read morebeautiful, and you have a deck overlooking the river, as well as a fireplace and fire pit. The staff were friendly and helpful. We had breakfast at the cafe twice and enjoyed it thoroughly. I read some negative reviews and was a little nervous, but I was pleasantly surprised. I would totally stay at Ripplewood again! A couple things to be aware of...these are old, rustic, cabins in the woods, so don't expect a fancy hotel. There was housekeeping everyday though, so it really is the best of both worlds. Also, there's no full length mirror. We were going to a wedding so this was a little inconvenient but we managed. Also, walking to the general store and cafe from the river cabins is up a steep hill so, if you have mobility issues it's not easy. It's a quick car ride though. There's no TV's or phones, and sketchy WiFi but all of that is part of the charm and a reminder to enjoy the moment and the beauty around you. Oh, and don't feed the blue jays.

Lotte is a rock star in the managing of restaurants!…read more The Sunday buffet is excellent and well presented!! There are enough servers making sure things are covered. I'm a one plate guy and the staff was explaining that I could get more. LOL...Now thats funny! The views are great and very chilled. Great place for a Sunday breakfast.

Extremely disappointing experience at Mission Ranch…read more We were genuinely looking forward to eating at Mission Ranch while visiting Carmel, but the way we were treated completely ruined the experience. We arrived with our child and were told the wait would be about an hour and a half. We understood that the restaurant was busy, so we decided to wait. Two hours later, we still hadn't been seated. What made the situation especially frustrating was watching the woman at the front seat people who had arrived after us, while repeatedly seeming to look us over and pass us by. After waiting well beyond the time we'd been quoted, with no meaningful explanation or acknowledgment, we'd had enough. We left. A long wait at a popular restaurant is understandable. What isn't understandable is giving guests a 90-minute estimate, leaving them waiting for two hours, seating later arrivals ahead of them, and failing to communicate what is happening. For a place with Mission Ranch's reputation, location, and prices, I expected a much higher level of hospitality and professionalism. Instead, we walked away feeling ignored and unwelcome. We never even got the opportunity to find out whether the food was good, because the front-of-house experience was bad enough that we weren't willing to give them any more of our time. Two hours wasted in Carmel. There are far too many wonderful restaurants in the area to spend an evening waiting around somewhere that doesn't seem particularly concerned whether you're there or not.