It doesn't get any better than this. We stayed in cabin 14 and had everything we needed and 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. read more

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This so called resort is very rustic. The furniture looks like everything was purchased at a garage sale. The sound from Hwy 1 was loud. The room smelled of smoke from a fire. There were very few pots and pans. We stayed in cabin 15 and the cost was over $500 for the night. We won't be back. On a side note, the cafe had a very good breakfast burrito. read more

My husband and I spent the weekend in Cabin 4. It was clean and well-maintained. The setting is beautiful, 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. read more

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This place is magical. We had a cabin right on the creek. Cabin #9. It was so great to be exhere, listening to the creek flow, reading books, hearing the wind blow through the trees, and sleep in a wonderfully comfortable bed. The staff is very friendly, and helpful. You want a reset and recharge your soul? This IS the place. read more

I stayed in a cabin by the river. This is a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. Down home comfort in a vintage spot. Their restaurant and store have all else you might need. I hope to return there soon. read more

We coincidentally spent a night in the same cabin (#14) as we had five years ago. The upgrades were noticeable: a new mattress that was very comfortable; new linens in both bedroom and bath. The amenities were quite nice. We ate breakfast at the restaurant and it was delicious. Nice strong coffee was a plus. The servers were gracious and attentive. We will return. But hopefully before five years go by! read more

I will preface this review by saying that I've stayed at Ripplewood nearly a dozen times with my family over the past 20-25 years. Each time we've rented at least two cabins, if not more, to accommodate our growing families with partners and children. Every stay has been great, which is why we keep coming back! This was our first visit in 5 years, and something was decidedly different this time with our party of 5 adults and 4 children (ages 4-11). There is a two cabin max booking per customer, which is an understandable policy to keep large groups at bay in an otherwise quiet locale. My mom booked two cabins and I booked the third. The three cabins were all adjacent so we could walk between and visit easily. We took two cars and planned to meet at the cabins for check-in. My brother-in-law wasn't involved in making the reservations and arrived first, and attempting to be helpful, tried to start our check-in process while the two reservation holders were about 10 minutes behind. There was some confusion about how many people were in each cabin - which we ultimately clarified (and completely understood) - but we were told there were "no large parties" allowed. We clarified we were one family, multiple small parties, and not a "large party". We were given our keys but still felt something was off with the front desk. What ensued the following day seems to confirm this. My mom has two friends who live in Carmel who came to stay at the cabins as well, and EACH rented their own cabins. Check in is 3:30 and they wanted to maximize their time with my mom before their 5:30 dinner reservation, so they drove to my mom's cabin in the early afternoon before their check in time. They later drove up to the front desk when it was time to check in. The woman at the front desk proceeded to ask if my mom's friend knew "the people staying in Cabin X" (where her car was parked) to which my mom's friend said "yes" and then was reminded they have a "no large party" policy. My mom's friend felt like she was in trouble and violating a policy in spite of renting her own cabin (not adjacent to ours) and not causing any trouble. She was hesitant to even tell us what happened because she didn't want to spoil our trip, but it really put a bad taste in our mouths. This was further exacerbated when a white truck would regularly come down the hill and "make the rounds" seemingly checking in on our whereabouts and activities at our cabins. To be clear, we know the rules regarding noise, music, dishes, cleaning up after ourselves, etc. and weren't outside past 8pm any evening of our stay. We rented the appropriate number of cabins for our party and largely visited INDOORS or away from Ripplewood altogether. I truly understand not wanting large, loud gatherings at the resort, but there needs to be a distinction made between families and friends who coordinate visits to experience the beauty of Big Sur together and people who come to disturb the peace with a wedding or a house party. The way they are presenting the "rules", they don't want any parties of over 4 people - or for you to happen to know anyone staying at the cabins because then you suddenly become a large party. I can't give this place any less than 3 stars because it truly is a lovely place to stay (especially if you're not into tent or RV camping), but our experience with the front desk and housekeeping staff this trip has truly caused us to reconsider where we stay when we come to Big Sur next time because it's not as family friendly or welcoming as it used to be. read more

The Cabins are drafty; drapes are flimsy and heaters do not heat the cabin! I was freezing! Hardly any kitchen utensils.

My husband and I are in the process of relocating from CA to OR on military orders. Ripplewood Resort was meant to be our first stop on a four-day drive--after 12 long hours on the road, we were absolutely exhausted when we arrived. I had emailed the resort twice ahead of our stay to inform them that I would be bringing my ADA-registered service animal, including providing his documentation. Upon arrival, I parked outside the front office and quickly stepped inside--anticipating a brief check-in lasting under five minutes. My service dog remained in the car with the engine running. As soon as I said I was checking in, the woman at the front desk looked out at my car and curtly stated that there would be a $100 fine if I had a pet with me. I calmly explained that he is a service animal. Her response was shockingly rude and condescending: "Oh, you have a service animal, really? Why isn't it by your side? Aren't they supposed to be by your side at all times?" As someone with diagnosed anxiety, I was already running on fumes from a full day of travel. Her hostility pushed me to the edge of a panic attack. I explained that I had just stepped in to grab the key after a long day and didn't think it was unreasonable for him to wait in the car for two minutes. Instead of showing even the most basic empathy or professionalism, she chose to question the legitimacy of my disability and belittle me in a moment of vulnerability. This was not only deeply disrespectful, but also in violation of federal ADA law, which protects individuals with service animals from exactly this kind of discrimination. To top it off, the cabin we stayed in was run-down, and the shower did not work at all. There was no effort to address these issues or offer an apology for the treatment I received. I strongly do not recommend Ripplewood Resort to anyone--especially to travelers with disabilities, veterans, or military families. There are too many welcoming, respectful places along the coast to justify supporting one that treats guests this way. read more

Last time I spend the night at Ripplewood Resort cabins. 395$. Been bringing my kids here for 40 years. No longer affordable. Window frame open to great outdoors. PLASTIC chairs impregnated with dirt from the years. Not up to code. Tall lamp rickety and off balance. Rustic doesn't mean 395$ a night. They charge for extra wood at 15$ a bundle. They charge you 25$ to wash dishes. I think not for 395$ per night. Hospitality is dead here. I left one night early because of the deplorable conditions. They charged me a100$ early checkout fee. My credit card company is going to hear about this! A better deal is the Big Sur lodge down the road with two queen beds. One in private room and Fireplace to boot. 266$ much better than 474$ read more

Ripplewood Resort - Code violation - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

Reviewed 6+ yrs ago. Guess nothing changes except ^ price Spartan. Obviously no inventory takes place: 1 steak knife (grateful we didn't cook one and have to share a utensil!), 1 small plate, no teaspoons. FILTHY, FILTHY FLOORS. They can't be washed - ever. Wiped up a spill and the paper towel was BLACK. 'Housekeeping' takes less than 5 minutes. Involves taking out trash, replacing a few towels. Pitiful. Wifi only if you stand on one leg directly in front of their store. Even the Riverwood next door has it next to the River. The rustic experience is one thing. Being cheap and not providing certain basics is another. Been coming to Bug Sur for 40+ years. Other places have kept the rustic secluded vibe while maintaining their properties and updating to the 21st century. Shame on us for trying this place again. Don't waste your money. Try Fernwood! read more

Ripplewood Resort - The floor when wiped. - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

Very cool little spot. Felt like traveling back in time. There are few amenities but what is there is well maintained. Great way to experience nature without actually camping! read more

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Update since my review 6 years ago! One of our favorite getaways!! Rustic cabins deep in the redwoods with a river just out the back door. We enjoy this vacation with in-laws that stay in the cabin next door. We hiked every day (ton of hiking trails) and enjoyed a bonfire every evening. Wonderful resort. read more

Ripplewood Resort - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

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We decided to make a last minute trip since I had a day off and it was our anniversary weekend. We scored Cabin 14 at the last minute and decided to go for it. If you are not into rustic (i.e., no WiFi, no hair dryer, no TV, then this is not for you). The only WiFi signal is at the general store. In fact, Big Sur has no cell service! First impressions are everything. My husband called and whoever answered kept him on hold, then was a bit rude over the phone as if they were being inconvenienced. We let that roll because we did call on a weekend and they were probably busy, short staffed, etc. However, the day of our arrival, we got there at 3:25 pm (check in is at 3:30 pm), and were told we had to wait 4 minutes outside before we could check in - It was the tone in which we were told that rubbed us the wrong way. By the time 3:30 pm passed, there was a line in the store waiting to check in. I'm sure there are other ways to be courteous and tell someone politely, but that wasn't their approach. Why not, check people in but advise them they CANNOT go to their cabin until 3:30 pm? First impressions interacting with the staff did not go well and they don't care. We observed that everyone working there looked like they did everything, but the way we were treated seemed like it was OUR fault that we were there. We got the impression that they did not seem happy to be there or help us. If they are being treated poorly by their management, that attitude is being passed on to the customer. It felt like they had a lot of resentment towards the guests who are willing to pay to stay there. Due to COVID-19, there is no housekeeping. Also, if you don't put away your dishes, you will be charged $25. I'm okay with no housekeeping during my stay, but with my OCD tendencies, please leave some cleaning supplies (i.e., broom, wipes, cleaning solution, extra sponge), so I can pick up after myself. The only cleaning supplies we were provided with was a new sponge and dish soap. Note to self: Bring cleaning supplies. We were in Cabin 14 for one night. The room had the basic necessities and perfect for two people. I liked that it had a separate bedroom and a kitchen. The bathroom had a door that leads to the deck (odd, but we did sat there and watched two deers approach). The kitchen had the basics and mismatched utensils. We shared a butcher knife to cut our steak because the paring knife was dull. Our cabin was provided with a small/large frying pan and a 2 qt. pan. We learned to improvise. Note to self (again): You might want to bring an extra cutlery set and a dish towel. The only kitchen dish provided was a white hand towel. Since our cabin was on the hillside, we crossed the road to check out the river where they have more cabins. Personally, I would prefer to stay on this site of the road, for the peace and quiet away from the highway traffic, but also to be near the water. We plopped our beach chairs in the river and just hung out and relaxed. You are provided with a bundle of wood, so we took full advantage of the fire pit and had a nice time. Here is the reason why I cannot recommend Cabin 14 - The shower! Whoever installed it, installed the shower head too high that when I got in, the water hit my head and the shower head CANNOT be adjusted. The shower stall is very small, so I couldn't get away from it. Imagine getting hit in the face with water. The top half of my body was clean, but that's about it. I guess that's why they left a lot of wash cloths in the bathroom? My husband is 6'0, and even he had a problem moving around in there as well. It's kind of funny and we laughed it off for one night, but had it been a little longer, the joke would get old fast. We love Big Sur and it's our first time staying overnight, but there are other places we are willing to check out. If we decide to go back, we might try for a river view cabin. read more

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Awesome location and a great experience. If you want to get away to another place, another time or just a total reset then this is the place. Cozy cabins for 2 (and a few for maybe 4) right next to a scenic river/creek make this place a perfect getaway. Very rustic and bare bones cabins with kitchens to cook in, small bathrooms w showers and comfy beds. This place is close to all the sights or get one of the cabins next to the creek and enjoy the views. read more

I love Ripplewood. We hadn't stayed there in years since we fell in love with a camping cabin across the river at Riverside. Now I need to love both. This was somewhat last minute but we ended up with a perfect cabin for two, #4. I was worried about some reviews but my concerns were useless. The cabins are rustic but beautifully taken care of. Let's start with the kitchen. Tiny and perfectly spotless. The oven and refrigerator looked like they could have been installed that day. The propane gas stove starts easily with an electric ignition. The cabin is for two and you get two of everything. Two plates, wine glasses, coffee cups and eating utensils etc. There are two frying pans, cooking spoons, knives, cutting board, pasta pot but no colander so bring that, salad bowl and a can opener. Paper towels, new wrapped sponge and dish soap. Bring a pot holder. We cooked all our meals since omicron is spiking in the Monterey Bay Area. That was fine as we enjoyed eating on the deck or by the fire. Plus we live an hour and 10 minutes away so we can easily visit Big Sur for the day. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, soft, especially with the extra pillows I brought front home. We usually sleep in a king but I slept better in that queen bed than I had in awhile. The small connected living room had a small couch, a coffee table, awesome fireplace and a desk looking out over the river. The deck was large with a nice table and the main attraction the Big Sur River. There are a couple stairs from the deck to the outdoor fire pit. Then a nice short trail to a small beach next to the river. It was nice to put a beach chair down there and read next the river rushing by. All furnishings were tasteful and matched. New double pane windows too. No TV, wifi or phone signal. You can get wifi outside the cafe if you need to check with family. Ripplewood explains their rustic atmosphere and their expectation that you will honor the area by not being loud or playing music outside the cabin. They ask you to be the neighbors you want. Nice touch. Unfortunately we had neighbors our last night that wanted us to be screaming and laughing at the top of our lungs apparently because that's what they were doing. We wanted to sit outside and have dinner next to the river the last night with candles on the table but our neighbors, mostly the woman, were so loud we couldn't hear each other across the table. It was a bummer. The office was closed and I really don't think asking them to keep it down would have mattered much. She sounded like a coyote on her 4th date. Oh well we moved inside and shut the windows and enjoyed our spaghetti carbonara and wine in front of the fire. All is well. Hopefully our next stay our neighbors will honor the expectations of Ripplewood and keep their fun within the confines of their own space. I'm already planning our next visit. read more

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Nestled along PCH in Big Sur, Ripplewood Resort was exactly what we needed to disconnect completely from the hustle and bustle of the outside world for our Anniversary weekend getaway. This rustically quaint Resort with small cabins is located close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with the Big Sur River and PCH winding through the property - absolutely gorgeous!! Arriving here, although you no longer have cell service or anything playing on your car stereo, you will NOT miss the Ripplewood Resort property with the storefront, restaurant and gas station all seen from the road. We stepped into the Ripplewood store that has your basic outdoor supplies, food, maps and souvenirs for checking into to Cabin #17. We went over a few things like: given a handy dandy map of the Resort, shown where our cabin was located, hours of the store & restaurant, that WIFI was only located by the store and inside the restaurant, if we would need anything it would be during store hours to let them know (i.e. lightbulbs, paper products, etc.) and off we went to our cute little cabin for our stay. Our cabin #17 for our anniversary weekend getaway was PERFECT for the two of us. Queen-sized bed with extra pillows, beyond plenty of blankets to take the chill off since we were there in April when there was still an inversion layer and the potential for rain in the forecast. The bathroom had your basic essentials: soap, shampoo, conditioner and plenty of TP with the shower being for one person, adequate water pressure with perfect temperature for each of us to use after each other - that's a PLUS! Kitchen or I should say table/dining area came with a dorm fridge and a small coffee pot that was restocked daily with coffee, sugar and stir sticks and if we needed additional coffee it was supplied for FREE in the store which they also had coffee fresh-brewed for guests readily available daily in the store too - nice added touch. There's a table with a couple of chairs along with a bench area on the outside patio attached to the cabin for you to sit and enjoy the lovely grounds. All of the windows are double-pane to either keep some of the road noise out or open up to enjoy the nice breeze that came up in the afternoon or evening. The heater worked well for the cooler part of the evening and for the refrigerator it was PERFECT for our drinks and snacks we stored while we were there. Housekeeping came daily to empty all trashcans, make up the bed, tidy up the room and we even had a couple of lightbulbs out that they immediately replaced - thank you Ripplewood Staff for taking care of that so quickly and our room. We walked to the other side of the property across PCH to check out the Big Sur River, it was absolutely gorgeous where we could see the added appeal of renting one of the cabins on the river side. During the Summer to be able to have access to the river for a soak in the refreshing water or anytime of year to just hear the ripple of it through the woods - get the name of the property name now...Ripplewood??! LOL would DEFINITELY be nice to be close too. I digress...basically I am saying the property is serene, relaxing and not just because you are off the grid, it's literally surround by the Big Sur redwoods that's SO lush, green and the sun seemed to be shining directly on Ripplewood Resort with just the right amount of a breeze even though everywhere else we ventured off to during our stay the inversion layer seemed to have everything socked in...it's that kind of birds singing, butterflies dancing, flowers blooming kind of place to enjoy and stay! We are looking forward to our next visit, future visits and you should definitely put Ripplewood Resort on your next getaway adventure destination too! read more

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My mom brought me here when I was a kid and we returned for several summers in a row. Finally, my chance to repeat history and I brought my own two boys to the cabins in Ripplewood for their first Big Sur experience. It was just how I remember and I can't wait to bring them back. The cabins are rustic. You can feel their age just in the use of space and the way the floors slant towards the river, but this for me was part of the charm and history preserved. We were in Cabin 1 which was at the end of the property and one of the few cabins with two queen beds. The deck sits right out over the river and the sound of river rushing away below your feet gives you a sense of peace immediately. The cabin stays cool for most of the day, warms up in August around 3pm, because of the redwoods towering over everything. At night with the windows open, it got downright chilly in the morning so bring some sweats! We never ate out because the little kitchen meant we could make all our meals right there and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck. My children were in the river (BRING WATER SHOES! Some kids even had wet suits) for almost the entire two days, but when they were around to enjoy the cabin we played board games and enjoyed the lack of cellular service and wifi. Firewood provided daily although we never made use of it. Nice toiletries provided. Thanks Ripplewood for the memories, old and new. read more

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We had a good experience at Ripplewood. I'll start with some before the stay pointers, and then talk about our experience. Some of the information on the website is incomplete or not accurate. Plan ahead! When they say there is no internet or cell signal, there is NONE. You also don't want to keep walking up to the main area to use wifi. Save your google maps, make a list of places to go before you arrive. It was nice to be truly off the grid for a few days. Firewood- the cabins without a fireplace do not include firewood. If you plan to use your fire pit, purchase it. We bought a large box for $9.99 in Carmel. It is the same price at the resort, but I do not know if it is the same size. Room comes with matches to start the fire. The fire "pit" is more of a concrete raised basin. Hard to start a good fire without airflow. Check in went very smoothly- it was quick and easy. The road down to the riverside cabins is very steep! Be careful with oncoming cars. The cabin itself is as expected- rustic, homey, cozy. Layout is a bit cramped. they are heated. Bathroom is spacious, comes with all the amenities. The kitchen is well stocked with kitchen ware, cooking utensils, bake wear, cleaning supplies. We had wine glasses and a corkscrew in our unit (Cabin 9). The cabins are just close enough together that we felt the need to keep our curtains shut mostly all the time. Including the river side view. The cabin overlooks the Big Sur River which was very pleasant. We had the constant sound of a bubbling brook. What we did not know about are the campsites directly across the river. You do not have a private river view. The campsites are just far enough that it didn't cause a problem, but you can hear the campers at night on occasion. Unfortunately I think all of the river view units have this issue. Cabins 2-4 don't overlook the campsites, but there are some large fancy houses with big open windows on the other side of the river that can look into the cabin. Overall, our stay was a okay. I wish the website had a little more information or was a bit more accurate about what to expect for your stay. read more

We booked pretty last minute, yet were able to find an accommodation. We were in cabin 8 with 2 queen beds and kitchen, overlooking the river. Arrived at 4 pm and check in process was pretty simple. The cabin was clean, with new sheets, linen and kitchen stocked with basic utensils. The view of the river was amazing from both rooms as well as the deck. There was a campsite right across the river from our cabin, but everyone was following noise protocols. The Fernwood resort, nepenthe, big sur lodge are all close by with lot of food options around. We had a great time chilling by the river, taking walks around and enjoying the nature in general. This place may have become our new favorite hang out spot, we had a 2 month old with us and still had a great time and comfortable stay. read more

There is something mystical and comforting about sipping a warm drink in front of a wood burning fireplace. Ripplewood Resort's cabins are perfect for a weekend getaway. They're well stocked with warm soft comforters and sheets. They have pots/pans/plates/silverware for you to cook your own meals on a gas stove, as well as a large refrigerator/freezer for you to store ingredients and leftovers. If you forget any necessities (Thera-flu, mac and cheese, logs, coffee, cookies etc) - they have a basic store as well. Our cabin was rustic with a padded comfortable couch, two beds, and a charming bathroom with a simple shower - that was stocked with basic toiletries and towels. We were able to park our car in front of the cabin - for easy unloading and hiking afternoons, and we even had a porch with rickety wooden chairs - for lazy lounging. Strumming guitar against the cackle of flame lit logs, as you hear the seducing sound of the river lapping against the Big Sur moonlit bank is powerful medicine for the soul. Trust. read more

With barely any options of places to stay in Big Sur, we stayed at Ripplewood. It's a very cute idea but they need to make some updates to the cabins. I loved the atmosphere of the campground and being able to look out my window at the river but I couldn't help feeling dirty inside the cabin. I understand this is not a luxury hotel but I at least want to know that the sheets were clean, bathroom cleaned, kitchen wiped down, outside table cleaned, etc. The bed and other furniture was very uncomfortable. For $200+ a night, maybe buy some cushions? Or just simply upgrade the furniture a bit. I hope these recommendations are considered because it's a great location! Also, come cabins are more private than others. We were in #9 and across from us were tent campers so not as much privacy. read more

The most horrible experience with guest services Ever! The incompetent customer service person would not allow me to book because I wanted to stay in their cabin to attend a wedding. That is not allowed. You are only allowed to stay at Ripplewood to enjoy the beauty of Big Sur. NOT TO ATTEND YOUR FRIENDS' WEDDING. read more

I am writing this review about the general store on the resort. They are not ADA compliant. There is no way a handicapped person in a wheelchair can enter the store. I was told they rarely have wheelchair people who want to come into the store. What??? That's because they can't get into the store!! I am giving them 2 stars just because I found the item I needed there. The lady who was there was rude when I asked about it. I pointed to my husband waiting outside who is in a wheelchair. She really didn't care. A simple plywood portable ramp would solve this problem. I will be checking back in a few months. If they have not resolved the problem, I am reporting them. read more

I don't normally post reviews on Yelp. I'm only posting this one because I'm actually terrified to call and complain for fear that my complaint will only be laughed at the same way my request for information was. This past weekend my fiancé and I decided to take a day trip from LA up to Big Sur in search of the perfect place to stay the weekend of our wedding. We had stayed at Ripplewood a few years back and absolutely loved it. We wanted the opportunity to share this magical place with our closest and dearest and went inside the office/store to inquire about renting several cabins. Before I could even finish my sentence, the woman behind the counter immediately started laughing and without even looking up at me, said they DO NOT DO GROUP RESERVATIONS. She then continued to say that we'd better not tell anyone we would be there for a wedding, and that we'd have to be "sneaky" about reserving several cabins, presumably under different names and credit cards.. all while continuing to laugh as if my inquiry was absolutely absurd. She was rude, condescending, and certainly took zero interest in a most likely, fully booked weekend on their property. I was beyond humiliated, as there were other guests and patrons in the store/office at the time. This wedding has been a challenge for my fiancé and I, and her absolute, downright disrespect was just the icing on the cake. I'd like to take a moment to point out; NOWHERE, and I mean NOWHERE ON THEIR WEBSITE DOES IT STATE ANYTHING SAYING "NO GROUP RESERVATIONS" OR NO GROUP RESERVATIONS FOR SMALL WEDDING PARTIES. NOWHERE. NO. WHERE. So when I was laughed out of their establishment, I couldn't help but hang my head and cry. This woman is just nasty, clearly hates tourists, and don't even mention the word wedding or you'll be shunned. I understand, as Sean has repeatedly pointed out in his previous Review responses, that this property has many positive reviews. Rightfully so. But apparently if you are a group of more than 2 people, you are NOT welcome. Perhaps this is an IMPORTANT bit of information to list on their "policies" section of their website. I don't know if I will still attempt to make my reservation, and I'm only giving 3 stars because of our prior experience here, which was absolutely wonderful. read more

Stayed in Cabin 4. I realize that "resort" is in the name, but if you are expecting resort style amenities, you'll need to look elsewhere. Keep in mind there is NO cell reception (for most), NO wifi, and NO television. Some might freak out at the thought of totally disconnecting themselves, but I found it completely refreshing. After all, why stare at a screen when you're nestled in nature's beauty!? There is, however, wifi available at the General Store and cafe. Our cabin was located right along the river with unobstructed views. It was a perfect size for two people with a kitchen, fireplace, bathroom with skylight shower, and a sitting area. The kitchen included some basics (i.e., flatware, plates, cups, bowls, pots and pans) but I preferred to bring my own things and it worked out perfectly! They also supply you with a pack of firewood and fire starter for each day of your stay. The cabin itself is very rustic and nothing fancy, which worked for me. However, I will say that new bedding would do wonders for the cabin. Checking in and out was very simple and the front desk was helpful with all of our questions. I would recommend staying in the cabins on the river side versus the ones located by the General Store (front office). read more

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This review is long overdue. Stayed here over 2 years ago and it was the most relaxing little cabin with a deck overlooking a bubbling brook. My type of camping! The kids loved exploring the brook. It has a full kitchen, a fireplace and a fire pit outside. Loved how it was already stocked with firewood for cozy fireplace indoors and yummy smores outside. They have a great restaurant for breakfast in morn. Want to come back here soon! read more

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This place discriminates against families and children. They lie to you on the phone about their bookings and then they interrogate their guests about their travel and personal plans which is OBSURD. Firstly we weren't coming with children but I felt extremely violated when the booking person was interrogating me about hearing my child in the background on the phone and then questioning my travel plans up to where we were going to eat. Then they wouldn't allow us to book. I am completely disgusted by the manner we were treated on the phone and have never been in that situation before with a business ever. read more

Stayed here couple weeks ago for my boyfriend's birthday and loved it! Cute cabin and can't miss the location! Kitchen was stock with basic essentials. If you don't have signal don't worry the local office has the Wi-Fi connection along with any last minute buys. Check in was total breeze . Cabin has cleaning fee if only any dirty dishes are left behind but would also charge you for a slightly dirty stove? Please be honest with your cleaning policy which is reasonable( any airbnb location charges one is it's no biggie for establishment to do so). read more

This place has to be reviewed in the context of what other hotels around are available. You can stay at Ventana if you want to blow $1000 a night. If you want a chill cabin to stay in a peaceful location, then look no further. We found the place on rather late notice and were glad that we did. We had a cabin a little bit up the hill on the same side of CA 1 as the gas station. There are a number of other cabins on the river side, but I think they are smaller. Our place (Cabin 16) was huge, with 2 full bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a nice living room. It was basically a vacation house. It also had a fireplace and they supplied us with firewood, although we didn't use it because it was pretty warm when we were there. The receptionist in the store was nice, and there are a lot of necessary items in the little grocery if you need anything. Wine and beer are also available. The attached restaurant was also good. The only minor problem I had was when making the reservation I had a question about how many beds there were. We knew there were 2 queen beds, but were told that they were separated by a sheet. Given that information, we decided not to ask another couple to stay with us. However, when we arrived we found two separate bedrooms! I think maybe they misunderstood when I asked, thinking I was staying in Cabin 6. Anyway, the communication could have been a bit better. However, this was still a really good experience. read more

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Planned a last minute trip to Big Sur with some friends and needed some cheap lodging. For 5 people, Ripplewood was the cheapest I could find. We got Cabin 15 which came out to $250/night. Not too bad once you look at the prices of the other places. And we got our moneys worth too. Cabin 15 had a nice spacious living room with a sofa, a queen bed, a twin bed, and a fireplace. Nearby was the bathroom, kitchen (stocked with kitchen items), and another bedroom with a queen size bed. Check it out here - http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/cabin15.htm. We ate out but we definitely had all the kitchen appliances needed to cook our own food. You will need to call Ripplewood to book a room and they usually require two day minimum stay and two day advanced notice. I think I must have called on a slow weekend because they gave me one night stay with one day advanced notice. Upon arriving, I found a gas station to fuel up, a cafe to eat up, and a grocery store to stock up. It's really all you need for a night (or more) in Big Sur. read more

So my partner and I decided to head to Big Sur on pretty short notice and a bunch of places were already booked (I especially wanted to stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur). I'm going to admit that I'm not the camping type and I'm especially adamant when staying somewhere that it must be very clean. I came across Ripplewood Resorts and the only cabin they had available was #14. I figured this was because everyone wanted the cabins near the river and #14 is closer to where cars could be hear driving by since it's on the hillside. If you want to feel like you're deep into the woods, then #14 won't be for you even though I really didn't hear cars at all. We came here at night and it was so quiet that it almost scared me lol. There is absolutely no WiFi here but #14 is close to restaurants. There is a nice little kitchen with plates, bowls, and utensils provided to you (but you must wash them yourselves unless you want to be charged). The bedroom isn't particularly big and nowhere near luxurious but it will do. The bathroom is claustrophobic inducing and too small - I didn't really feel comfortable in there so I'm glad I just stayed a night and didn't need to use the shower. The living room is the nicest part - very lovely fireplace! It is definitely clean here although you might encounter a spider or two. Rustic is best way to describe Ripplewood. read more

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Breakfast was just "food" on a plate, nothing to be proud about or brag about thats for sure. But it is breakfast and it was available. My stomach wasn't feeling very well but it didn't return the investment so thats good. Lol read more

I have been wanting to write this review for over a year now but had to wait due to the fear that my husbands parents would be punished or kicked out if they connected the dots.... not that they seem to care to check these forums for feedback anyway. I'm from San Diego. I understand what it is like to work with tourists and I know that at times it can be taxing. But I also know that even with my local repeat customers- my livelihood would be nothing like it is WITHOUT tourism. I have worked in restaurants for 15 years and never in my life have I felt that I could treat someone who isn't a local, how this establishment treated not just me, but 5 other people that I was to send there. The reason for our stay was a 9 person wedding. 9 people. The bride and groom were NOT staying on their property but rather up in Carmel, where we were welcomed with open arms. All of our festivities took place in Carmel or at a couple restaurants about 20 mins south of this precious establishment. Yet the woman who took our first reservation said if she "sees any obnoxious and narcissistic brides walking around, the entire party gets kicked out" mind you. We weren't using their property for ANYTHING. It was just a place for our parents to stay, being one of the only affordable spots in Big Sur. It just gets worse from there. I tried to help my 70 year old mother in law reserve her cabin and they laughed and essentially told me to f*ck off because she had to do it herself. So I had to sit and help her through the whole process. They then had an issue where one of the cards expired a month before our reservation so they were about to cancel our reservation... even though the down payment was paid for. When we asked about checking in around 5pm instead of 330pm to make my mother in law more comfortable- they went on a rant about closing up and charging if were too late. It was unbelievable. Every last request or question was met with laughter, down right mockery or one of the worst attitudes I've ever experienced in customer service. I have stayed here a few time before with just my husband and we loved it. But if you're more than a 2 person group? Stay far far away. Your business is not wanted nor appreciated. I planned to rent out 5-7 cabins for one of the most important times in my life and ended up renting ONE because of how nasty these people are. After years of staying here and giving them MY money, I will never ever stay here again. Big Sur is an easy drive from Carmel and Monterey. Stay in a place that understands and appreciates your tourism and just drive into Big Sur for the day. But whatever you do- avoid this place that clearly has no desire to accommodate you. Tourism is Big Surs livelihood. But these people clearly don't understand that. read more

Ripplewood ~ We were in cabin # 1 We give this place 3 1/2 stars for the cabin. It was rustic and love seats need to be replaced but it was clean with a nice big fireplace and well appointed . 5 stars for the setting on the river. ...and 5+ stars for beautiful Big Sur. We have been camping in Big Sur for the past 40 yrs. And time has stood still it's so peaceful and beautiful LOVE the redwoods and coast line. 4 stars for the Ripplewood cafe we shared a wonderful omlet 2 days in a row and the best blueberry pancakes we've ever had. read more

Ripplewood Resort - Cabin # 1 - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

A lovely place to stay for a wedding. We were a party of four staying in Cabin 1. The cabin was beautiful and fully equipped with everything we could possibly need for our stay. The kitchen was well stocked with cooking equipment, as well as a large coffee maker. The deck overlooked the river. It was gorgeous. Check in was a breeze, though I would recommend trying to arrive during daylight. We arrived in the dark and it took a bit to figure out where the driveway to the cabins was. Check out was just as easy, though as far as I can tell, there is no way to check out if the store front isn't open. We tried to leave a little before 8am to make sure flights wouldn't be missed, but had to wait until the store opened at 8 to return the keys. Overall it was a perfect stay, and we will be back! read more

WOW. Based upon the people that answered the phone here I would NOT stay here. Totally rude and incompetent. The guy that answered assumed i was going to barbecue on the porch w a hibachi when i inquired about and then hung up. The place is run down and shabby also - I've driven by here in the past. What an unfortunate experience. I wouldn't spend 2 cents here. read more

So cute! Ended up in this spot late at night and just needed somewhere to stay. Felt kind of creepy at night since there was nothing around and the few things that were, were all closed. But it ended up being pretty cozy and cute. No WiFi, tv or phone but that was totally fine for us. We had our laptop and were able to get WiFi from the library next door (random right? Who even goes to that library...) Me and my husband would love to stay here again! Clean & friendly staff. read more

We stayed in Cabin #9, the bed was fine, the deck off the kitchen overlooked the river which was nice, it was a weeknight in May so not too busy The check in and check out was easy, staff was very nice. The cafe adjacent to the office was great. They make their own granola, and sell it in zip lock bags (took home a bag..yum). The cabin was rustic, floor slanted a bit, but it was clean had a well equipped kitchen and a bathroom, which is a HUGE step up from camping IMO, yet you were nestled in the redwoods without schlepping a tent, stove and you are a LOT warmer. Lodging in Big Sur is pricey, it's called supply and demand...limited supply=high demand so $200 a night is a deal. Ripplewood is in a great location. If you require room service, Frette linens, rainforest showers, pay per view movies and are tethered to your Smart Phone 24/7, you probably won't be happy here. But if you want the 'Big Sur' experience, this is it. read more

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My main squeeze and I have been coming to this place for my birthday for the last two years. I love this place. The staff is very friendly and the rooms are super clean. My boyfriend and I don't really DO the maid service thing we enjoy our privacy. They will leave towels at the door for us and sweep the driveway of debris. Very cool. The front desk/store is so nice and very well stocked. Prices are higher (to be expected) than anywhere back home. If you want a quiet cabin... Cabin 11 (our favorite) might not be for you. It is right off the road. Doesn't bother us. Cabin 2 on the other hand is much more secluded. It (cabin 2) has more amenities (kitchen, deck over looking river, dining table but the bathroom was much smaller than cabin 11). I have gone on long enough. I am going to add my picture. They will say more, without saying anything. read more

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