Location: Big Sur
Top Hotels in Big Sur
7 Top-Rated Hotels in Big Sur, California
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Things to do in Big Sur
1. Post Ranch Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1658 reviews
Welcome to Post Ranch Inn, your Big Sur “home away from home.” Post Ranch Inn aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Given the close proximity to Seal Beach Scenic Overlook (2.7 mi), guests of Post Ranch Hotel can easily experience one of Big Sur's most popular landmarks. Rooms at Post Ranch Hotel provide air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a minibar, and guests can stay connected with free wifi. In addition, while staying at Post Ranch Inn guests have access to a concierge and room service. You can also enjoy a pool and free breakfast. Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Post Ranch Hotel. Travelers looking to enjoy some crab can head to Sierra Mar, The Sur House, or Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant. Looking to explore? Then look no further than Hawthorne Gallery (0.9 mi), which is a popular Big Sur attraction – and it is conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel. Post Ranch Inn puts the best of Big Sur at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
World Class Hospitality
Reviewed By BishopandYokoThe beauty of Big Sur goes without being said. But Post Ranch Inn is truly magical. We've been lucky to travel to many incredible places around the world, but the world class hospitality, friendliness and sheer beauty of the ranch is unmatched. The staff were so lovely. Truly went above and beyond. In one instance, we were sat in the chef's garden and the gardener stopped his work just to ask us if we'd like some water. Grand gestures aside, it's these small things that happen on a regular basis here that set Post Ranch a part from the rest. And lastly, Sierra Mar was truly an experience. The chef was nice enough to come table side to say hello and chat with us during his busy dinner service.
2. Big Sur Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1259 reviews
Located in the heart of Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur Lodge offers single, double, and family size rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes and a myriad of wonderful outdoor activities for all travelers' needs including hiking and swimming. Located inside the lodge is The Homestead Restaurant, an outdoor patio, gift store, and deli. Wedding and corporate group events/dining facilities are available.
Magical location and great staff. Expensive to eat and drink within the hotel.
Reviewed By StephenKnight100Beautiful setting and location. Lodges are nice and beds are comfortable. The pool is looking a little tired and would benefit from upgrades. Alexis and front of house are super helpful. The restaurant is on the pricey side compared with other eateries nearby.
3. Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 853 reviews
Even when you're inside, you'll always be connected to the outdoors at Ventana Big Sur – our luxurious, rustic and inviting guestrooms are tucked among the meadows and redwoods. Ventana's 59 rooms and suites are arranged around our 160-acre property in secluded groupings, offering the utmost in privacy and serenity. Constructed of sun-bleached cedar, the buildings blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings, with interiors featuring rich leathers and woods that provide a soothing, sophisticated retreat.
A good revisiting with something bad
Reviewed By PhotoTrekkerWalomiI stayed here before and gave a 5 star review before. That's why I decided to revisit here again after they open up more restaurants and activities. I have a two days staying in this property this time. However, I think it is bad in the first day for most of the food. The beef is almost well-done and dry when I asked for medium-rare, and some other meat was bad. Also, the service at Sur House was bad, I asked for mint tea and green tea first time and got 2 mint tea, and I asked again for mint tea and green tea and got 2 jasmine tea. It's pretty bad... I was about to give a 2 star review this time, but the food on second night on Sur House is great again like what I used to taste. The service is far better, and the dessert plating is really really good! That's the reason I increase my review back to 4 star. I still like how the pools and rooms of the hotel just like before!
4. Ventana Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 354 reviews
Ventana Campground, located approximately 65 miles north of San Simeon and 30 miles south of Carmel, is an amazing 40 acre redwood canyon. All sites follow the existing contour of the canyon and Post Creek without disturbing its natural beauty. We have three modern bath houses and each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with water faucets a short walk away. Campers can access scenic and convenient trails to The Restaurant at Ventana and the Ventana Wilderness. We are centrally located near general stores, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, delis, taverns, and the post office in the Big Sur community.
Great Experience, Magical woods
Reviewed By Takrupp2We spent 3 nights at the Glamping platform tents at Ventana. Overall, the tents were cozy. The two fire places were well used. The redwoods are beautiful, truly magical. The location is central, between all of the best sites in Big Sur. We traveled with two kids (2 and 6) and they loved it.
5. Fernwood Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 367 reviews
Finding an ideal family-friendly small hotel in Big Sur does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Fernwood Resort, a nice option for travelers like you. The small hotel offers a gift shop, shops, and a convenience store, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a lounge. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Travelers looking for pubs can head to Big Sur Taphouse or Fernwood Grill. If you’re looking for something to do, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (0.6 mi) and Local Color (1.0 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Fernwood Hotel. Fernwood Resort puts the best of Big Sur at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Adventure tent in the forest
Reviewed By Renee DWe stayed in an adventure tent - it was just as described on the website - fully equipped and weatherproof tent for a comfortable glancing experience in the forest. There are only a few adventure tents and they share a locked bathroom, so we never had any trouble accessing the bathroom and it was always clean. The hiking trails around here are great and varied. And the fernwood bar and grill is perfect for dinner and drinks in the warmth
6. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
Best campground I've been to!
Reviewed By mariajiannuzziMy husband and I love camping. This campground was so lovely and peaceful. We were right next to the Big Sur River which was really nice. We did tent camping. I normally need white noise to sleep but the sound of the river (which was not very deep at the time we stayed) provided the most calming bubbling noise that we didn't need anything else to lull us to sleep. They have nice bathrooms and a general store with just about all the extra necessities you might have forgotten to bring it might just want extra of (snacks, drinks, water, beer, wine, etc). The location is ideal and very close to nice hiking and the best food! Highly recommend this place!
7. Big Sur River Inn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 512 reviews
A quaint stream-side inn.
Terrible! Think Twice before going there.
Reviewed By H4233XZjoepThe entire Big Sur area is beautiful. Nothing particularly great about this restaurant. This particular restaurant does not fit in there. That is mainly because of the people who work there. Smile is unknown to them. The man in a tie (must be their manager) is weird, looked unhappy, and disturbed. He made disturbing gestures at me and my family twice as we were heading to the restroom, and while leaving after the breakfast. I see lot of negative comments in this site. Not surprised at all. We didn't get to visit their site beforehand, as we didn't have wi-fi access in the area. Basically you are forced to eat there if you are hungry. After this experience, I would skip this restaurant and go elsewhere, even if it is miles away. You will be glad you did!
