Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tickle Pink Inn

    4.6 (296 reviews)
    PriceyHotels
    Open 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Tickle Pink Inn Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Tickle Pink Inn

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Wine and Cheese Spread
    Kristina M.

    This is a first class place to stay in Carmel. The views are stunning from everywhere on the property. There are fresh cookies in the lobby daily along with a wine and cheese reception in the late afternoon. The rooms are spacious with stunning ocean views. A few things to make it even better are 1) vary the offerings at bothering the wine and cheese reception AND the deluxe breakfast each morning. Having the exact same offerings each day is fine if you're staying a night or maybe two, but when you have a longer stay it's pretty boring. 2) Label the food offerings, especially the juices, to minimize waste and help people navigate their allergies or dietary preferences. 3) Provide serving utensils for each food item to avoid cross contamination. And 4) Replace the awful Nespresso machines in the room with Keurig OR regularly service the machines to empty pods and clean out pod jams which we had to do in several of our rooms.

    Outside of our room
    Kimberly C.

    Intro: I found this hotel through Pinterest as it became popular on TikTok. After seeing the beautiful views each room had, I knew I had to convince my husband to book this hotel for our visit to Monterey/Carmel a few weeks ago in November. We booked an Ocean View Suite (Room 29) and while it was expensive, I think that it was well worth it! Their amenities, service, and little luxuries made our stay so special. Getting there: After spending the day in downtown Carmel, we made the drive up to the Carmel Highlands. The driveway is a bit steep and narrow, so be careful, especially if you're arriving at night. The lobby was easy and there was plenty of parking in the parking lot. The front desk checked us in and gave us a directory and map of the place. And upon arriving to our room, we were greeted with a chilled bottle of champagne, a rose, and fancy chocolates! So sweet! Room: Our room had a small living room with its own TV, a Good size closet with two other pillow options, a big bathroom with a tub and plenty of soft towels, and some amenities. And of course - Our bedroom! we had a large king size bed, two nightstands that had USB ports to charge your devices, and a sound machine. There is a bar, microwave, and small fridge, as well as some plates and silverware to eat any leftovers. They had a nice Nespresso machine complete with instructions, and some delicious tea options. My favorite part was the window seat with the amazing view of the ocean! The windows open which is nice to hear the seagulls yapping in the morning. My husband enjoyed their daily visit. We both enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunsets. Overall, it was pretty quiet, and felt very private. But early in the morning, we could hear a lot of furniture (?) being moved around. I'm not sure where it was coming from, but I assume it was the kitchen since they did have to prepare breakfast which started at 7:30. Just bring earplugs if you're sensitive to a lot of noise. Food: Breakfast was lovely! They had various teas, coffee, juices, freshly made mini egg, frittatas, bacon, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, and bread. We enjoyed eating on the new glass deck. in the afternoon, they have their wine and cheese hour which is another lovely luxury of this hotel. I really enjoyed having a glass of wine while watching the sunset and spending time with my husband. They don't have a restaurant, but they have a small food menu and bring you something to eat during most of the day. there's also nearby restaurants less than a five minute walk from the inn. Pool: I enjoyed some time at the small pool. It's heated and it was quite warm and sunny, but felt amazing especially coming back to a cold New Jersey. Overall, I absolutely loved this place and would love to come back during the holidays or even the summer or anytime! They think of every detail, provide excellent service and little luxuries. Definitely recommend for a romantic getaway!

    Carmel by the sea
    Andre S.

    I randomly bought aThree day stay as a Christmas present for my wife. I did so good my wife loved it! The view was beautiful, wine tasting and cheese every late afternoon, we sat in the hot tub and watched at least 50 wales blow hole in front of us . We were treated to a bottle of bubbly when we arrived! So romantic! Secluded rooms fireplaces ( real oak wood) . When you picture a cliffside Carmel romantic getaway' this is exactly what you want! Great food nearby, the Pacific edge restaurant is a few hundred feet away down the hill. Carmel by the sea lots of chocolate and shops, restaurants and pubs! Did I mention the beaches!! If you love history the mission is a great place to visit. What a beautiful place! And thank you for the great service and memories!

    Cameron D.

    This. Place. Rules. The rooms? Incredibly comfortable, sparkling clean, filled with amenities, surrounded by stunning views. The staff? Second to none. Kind. Accommodating. Always on top of things. They are all wonderful. The vibes? The best. As I said, the most beautiful views of Carmel; an incredible, FREE wine and cheese shindig every evening; free champagne and chocolates upon arrival. My girlfriend and I? Will be back.

    Balcony view at sunset

    This was an excellent stay, the weather was beautiful and the view at sunset was breathtaking! The staff were amazing, they were a big part of what made this stay memorable. I definitely recommend this place for a quiet weekend getaway.

    Angela K.

    We absolutely loved this boutique hotel. I wish we booked more time to actually enjoy more of the amenities. They spoiled you with the little things; champagne upon arrival, fresh chocolate chip cookies, wine and cheese hour and the views! We stayed in room 21 and liked the view but would pay extra to have a better one. We chose to have breakfast on our balcony but if you can wake up right when it starts, i would go to the fireplace in the terrace and enjoy breakfast there. They also have 2 hot tubs to enjoy. We i

    Tickle Pink Room #25
    Jean S.

    Tickle Pink is a hidden gem in the Carmel Highlands!! The rooms, the atmosphere, and the overall experience are magnificent and luxurious! The views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking! From check-in to check-out, the experience was top-notch! I have stayed at Tickle Pink about four times and each time has been a 5-star experience. However, during this last visit a couple weeks ago, there were a few things that were different. Tickle Pink has a really nice wine reception from 4-6pm, where you can drink wine and snack on cheeses and crackers. This use to be on their outside deck, however, the deck was being remodeled and the whole area was closed. The staff brought wine and a plate of cheese and crackers to the room instead. What's great about that is that you can enjoy the wine in the privacy of your own porch or room. With the breakfast area closed as well, the staff delivers the food during the time slot you select. There was a menu given during check in, and you select what you want for breakfast. It's different than the usual buffet style in the dining area, but it was nice to have breakfast in bed! Tickle Pink Inn is absolutely beautiful and the best part of staying here is the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. You can relax on the porch or even in the room, in bed, and see the magnificent ocean views. The room had a fireplace and it was so cozy with the fire lit at night. We received a nice bottle of champagne to welcome us, as well as some chocolates, and cookies at check-in. I loved the pink color theme and all the lovely touches that were added, like roses with breakfast and wine, and the robe and slippers in the room. Tickle Pink is definitely THE place to stay if you want a beautiful, luxurious, relaxing getaway.

    Alejandra D.

    You guys! This continues to be one of my favorite places. It really feels like our little escape from home when we want to get away. The breakfast is delicious (can get it room serviced at no extra fee), the wine & cheese in the evening is great, the welcome champagne and chocolates, I mean, who doesn't love all of this? Their wine & cheese reception is from 430pm-6pm. We've learned if we want to enjoy this in the moment and still have room for a full dinner (app, entree, dessert), then our dinner reservations need to be around 7pm. Or we just get a plate and put it in our fridge for a late night snack :) We were there for 3 nights and I told my husband that I just wanted 1 day to stay-in and enjoy the room the whole day. Enjoy the fireplace, enjoy the terrace and the views. The only time we left the room was to go to dinner :) We called for more firewood and the staff was so kind in bringing it to us, and not just to the door, they came into the room to set it down by the fireplace. The same for breakfast every morning. We switched rooms after the first night. All we had to do was set our stuff by the door and enjoy the day while they took care of moving everything to our new room. I've stayed at other places where they do not do this and make you interrupt your vacation to return to the hotel and get checked-in again and move your own things. We will continue coming here because it's so relaxing and beautiful. I highly recommend getting a deluxe ocean view suite. Just to sit out there with your wine & cheese, or even have breakfast is sooo nice. Side Note: This was our 3rd visit. This place is really romantic and it's designed more for couples than families. In our 3 visits, I saw children twice. So it's rare to see children here. One of the evenings we enjoyed the wine & cheese reception out on their deck. It was just us but then a couple families arrived together with their rowdy children, maybe 8-10 people total. Even though they were in the reception room, we could still hear them on the deck. They all knew each other so it was extra loud. Kids are kids and aren't always well behaved, so it was really annoying how loud they were being when we were just trying to enjoy some peace and quiet. It deterred us from staying there longer. We had to get ready for dinner anyways so we just went back to our room. Please don't bring your children here if they're not going to behave. It's rude to the other guests trying to enjoy their stay.

    Evening wine and cheese
    Janie L.

    We have been coming here for years as our little getaway. Even though the price is on the higher side, considering all the additional perks that they include with evening wine and cheese, breakfast and welcome bottle, I think it's well worth it. The Hyatt property which is located right next to it has a much higher room rate without any of the added perks. The rooms are on the older side but they've done a pretty good job upkeeping it and they are slowly making renovations to the place ~ last time we visited they were adding an elevator and remodeling the outdoor patio seating area.

    Gay C.

    This magical place where we have celebrated our anniversary a number of times continues to be an all-time favorite. The spectacular views are breathtaking, the amenities and service are outstanding. Happy hour and breakfast on the Terrace provided delicious choices. For our 58th wedding anniversary, the staff sent champagne, chocolates and a beautiful rose and take home vase. Special thanks to the staff, Kristy, Ann and others who made our stay Pleasant and personal. We especially appreciated their contacting us about some construction issue and their offer to change our room.

    Cheers! Wine and cheese nightly.
    Lauri H.

    This was the most romantic, serene, beautiful hotel we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Top notch service, kind and helpful staff. Married yesterday on Ribera Beach, spent 3 nights here. Don't miss it! Suite views of ocean and lovely in suite jacuzzi tub and fireplace. We can't wait to return on every anniversary

    See all

    Photo of Brian L.
    95
    31
    40

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gittan M.
    54
    18
    37

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John D.
    143
    2216
    44498

    2 months ago

    Helpful 38
    Thanks 15
    Love this 39
    Oh no 1

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Yvonne L.
    332
    14
    2

    7 months ago

    Great view and food. Would definitely come back when we are in town. It's a great experience if you're in town.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robin J.
    0
    201
    47

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Angela K.
    249
    117
    251

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jean S.
    486
    860
    6901

    3 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 3
    Love this 12
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Amazing location, setting, employees and just the best overall experience! We will definitely be back!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Great views but check ahead of time if any construction will be going on during your stay. You will not get a heads up.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gay C.
    1
    42
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David P.
    11
    66
    58

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N Q.
    28
    143
    237

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Soup Y.
    7
    88
    61

    3 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Maria D.
    43
    49
    144

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess L.
    3520
    5586
    5956

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah S.
    24
    193
    217

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CJ H.
    17
    23
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    A delightful hotel with interesting room and views. A unique hotel and .ost with fireplaces. Nice wine and cheese.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Tickle Pink Inn Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tickle Pink Inn

    Is this for adults only? I have a 3 and 11 year old

    It's more of a romantic place for folks to relax but I have seen some children there.

    Is there a fridge in the room? And what is the check in time?

    We had a fridge in our room. I think check in was 2 pm but u can check for earlier check in options

    Do you accommodate for Vegan dining?

    Hello! We offer an evening wine reception, a deluxe continental breakfast, and room service. Please call our front desk at (800) 635-4774 and they would be happy to assist in answering any questions around vegan options.

    Is it dog-friendly?

    Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, we do not allow pets.

    Do they have wheelchair accessible rooms?

    Yes, please call for availability and rates.

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Tickle Pink Inn

    Also, every evening there is a wine and cheese reception on the terrace which was very lovely.

    Mentioned in 36 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn - Partial Dining room area

    Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn

    (599 reviews)

    $$$

    This hotel has a great location. Driving up the steep, windy road and around the property is a bit…read moreharrowing. Check in was subpar. We were greeted with sparkling champagne. We arrived 30 minutes before official check in so we parked and waited. Two hours later and 90 minutes post check in we finally got a room. They did give us resort credit to make up for the delay which was nice. Also they required us to stop at vacation club sales counter to complete check in, which I wish they had not required. We did get away after a few minutes simply by letting them know we were not interested. The room itself is very nice. It had a good view of Point Lobos and the ocean but not the sunset. (Some rooms have that view.) The room essentially is a one bedroom condo with a pull out sleeper sofa so up to 4 could stay comfortably. Sliding panels let you close off the master bedroom for privacy or full open the condo for more openness. It has a small kitchen and dining table so you can cook for yourself if you want to avoid the pricey area and hotel restaurant. Below the room and throughout the complex you find hot tubs, gas grills, and an exercise room. They have a heated pool, too. You can go up to the main lodge for dining, drinks, sunset watching. The main lodge is well done with great views and large fires in large fireplaces and cool nights. It's very enjoyable. Our first night they had the fireplace set up for us. We just had to light paper under firewood to get a nice fire going. After that though we were on our own. You had to clean out your own fireplace and fetch more wood everyday. Apparently you could pay them to clean the fireplace daily. They gave no instructions on ash disposal other than place it in a bag and leave it on the stoop for housekeeping. (What if you don't have a bag?) It has a good location: Carmel-by-the-sea about 10 minutes away, point Lobos 5 minutes away, great sunset views, Pinnacles National Park east entrance 85 minutes away, and Big Sur and related vistas and sights 20 to 40 minutes away. One disappointing policy: their restaurant is not open Mondays and Tuesdays. I can't understand why they don't run the restaurant 7 days a week. Monday and Tuesday guests don't deserve the chance to dine without having to go into town? For some reason the last full day of our stay they left us only 2 clean towels and no bath mats. But for the delayed check in, fireplace cleaning, and inadequate towels, I probably would go to 5. It's a close call. It's definitely a place I would stay again.

    The near death of a iconic California property Not think of…read moreold as the owners allow it to deteriorate Nice staff and passable food but the rooms are akin to a holiday inn Sad to see

    Villa Mara - Portola room

    Villa Mara

    (33 reviews)

    I'm a very well traveled and discerning traveler. This property is a 10/10. The service was truly…read moreabove and beyond. Very impressed!! The owner should be very proud of their dreams coming to life here. Great job hiring a truly world class team. Love the renovation. Phenomenal taste!!!

    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!

    Stilwell Hotel

    Stilwell Hotel

    (39 reviews)

    Had a pleasant time staying 2 nights here at this boutique hotel with our pup. We got a king sized…read morebed room with a balcony and enjoyed our time. They've designed their hotel to look and feel like a little oasis. The intention was effective because it did feel like an enclosed paradise, quiet and pleasing to the eye. Our service during our drinks and pizza at their cafe and during breakfast time (included in our package) was excellent and staff were really friendly! Complimentary bubbles upon arrival which i love! Dog blankets outside. Good looking bathrooms. Aesthetically pleasing place. Robes and slippers in rooms. Luxurious sheets. My husband didn't love the bed but perhaps he just has a sensitive preference for his back. the rooms were swanky but small but we didn't mind it for 2 nights only. we spent a lot of time enjoying the nice weather outside. Walking distance to many places in downtown and parking at the hotel was included in pricing.

    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.

    Post Ranch Inn - Season fennel salad! Light vinaigrette finish, so yum!

    Post Ranch Inn

    (362 reviews)

    $$$$

    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.

    Bernardus Lodge & Spa - Wedding Rings | By 1985Luke Photography

    Bernardus Lodge & Spa

    (473 reviews)

    $$$

    We had such an incredible stay that I'm honestly surprised by some of the negative reviews. From…read morethe moment we arrived, the property was beautiful, peaceful, and exactly what we were looking for. Our room was spotless, and the bed was hands down one of the most comfortable hotel beds I've ever slept in. The pillows were amazing, the bathroom was spacious, and I loved every detail. The complimentary spa bath products smelled incredible (lavender and mint), and we loved them so much that we ended up buying the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion from the spa before we left. The staff even told us we could bring the bottles back to refill them on our next visit, which we absolutely plan on doing. The food exceeded every expectation. We had multiple meals during our stay, and every single one was excellent. The Caesar salad was fresh with perfectly crisp lettuce and delicious grilled chicken, the fries were simple but perfectly cooked with amazing ranch, and the pasta I had for dinner was unforgettable. Breakfast the next morning was just as impressive, especially the fresh pastries and the huevos rancheros with a delicious cabbage topping. Everything tasted incredibly fresh. We were also traveling with our Golden Retriever and appreciated how welcoming the property was to dogs. That made the trip even more memorable for our family.

    We have been to Bernardus at least 5 times now, it never changes. The staff is awesome, the food is…read moreamazing, and the beauty is second to none. Starting with Michael in reservations, to the first impression with Miguel at the valet. The front desk is always smiling and welcoming, and is a fingertip away if needed. The management is wonderful, we will miss Alysse but wish her well on her new job. Wait staff is always amazing, Kerry and Henry (I am so sorry if I got this wrong) Housekeeping is so friendly, the turndown is the added touch to a wonderful stay. The rose garden is beautiful, and so peaceful. We will be back!

    Glen Oaks Big Sur

    Glen Oaks Big Sur

    (343 reviews)

    $$$

    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:)

    Tickle Pink Inn - hotels - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...