More about Ventana Inn And Spa
Try camping
by alenkap about Ventana Wilderness Campground
This simple campground is one of the private campgrounds in Big Sur. It's not cheap but since camping is so popular in Big Sur, it may be difficult to find an empty spot if you don't plan ahead, so advanced reservations are necessary.
The campground is located just off Highway 1 in lush forest. Each of 80 campsites has a fire ring and a picnic table. The campground has 3 bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets. The clientele is mostly young families with children. The campsite was completely full when we stayed there, yet it remained very quiet and relaxing.
One word of warning though - in the evening it was VERY cold despite being July! Bring warm clothing and extra blankets to put under your sleeping bag.
Prices:
$25.00 (two people, one vehicle)
Weekends and Holiday Weeks:
$35.00 (two people, one vehicle)
For posh accomodation, check out adjacent Ventana Inn http://www.ventanainn.com
Dine on Golden Hills
by cnango about Cielo Dining at Ventana Inn
I will never forget the first time we lunched at the Cielo Restaurant at the Ventana Inn. We sat outside on the patio which is perched on golden hills that overlook the pristine Big Sur coastline. The views are spectacular, you can see for miles & miles. The gourmet food was delicious & the setting made even more tranquil & romantic with the sound of music played on a harp. It was a perfect place to celebrate our Anniversary.Whenever we are in Big Sur we always dine here.
Camping in the shade at Big Sur
by jdh3334 about Ventana Big Sur Campground
My campsite at the Ventana Campground was in the shade, clean, quiet, close to the bath-house and situated between two small streams. Clean washroom and hot shower. The site for my single person tent was a bit pricey at $30.00 per night. The entrance to Ventana Campground is clearly marked by a sign on Highway One in Big Sur. You must cancel your reservation 72 hours in advance or else be charged full price.
Heaven in Big Sur
by A TripAdvisor Member
I have stayed at fine hotels before but the Ventana Inn and Spa knocked me out. Perched on the edge of a redwood forest on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, our room had every luxury one could imagine. We stepped out the back door of our room onto a furnished patio with a view of the ocean. Birdsong and fountains dominate the airwaves (although the rooms are furnished with high speed internet, CD players with music selections, and large TVs with DVD players housed discreetly in wood cabinets). Our room had a fireplace as well. Two huge lap pools with indoor-outdoor hot tubs occupy either end of the property. One of the pool/hot tub areas is clothing-optional (The resort is designed as an adults-only retreat). We had a fabulous gourmet dinner at Cielo. I didn't have time to check out the Spa; I am so angry with myself for not allowing more time! The staff are very kind and accommodating. I've never felt so comfortable at a five-star, and it's not about the endless amenities. The Ventana Inn is maximum luxe without snootiness. How do they do that? It can only be Big Sur. I can't wait to go back.
It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We just spent probably our 25th visit to the Ventana Inn & Spa. Our room had a fabulous canyon view, was spacious, comfortable and elegant. We had a package deal that included a 5 course dinner and two 50 minute massages. From start to finish, our experience was wonderful. We have had fabulous trips in the last few months to Antigua, Guatemala and Portofino, Italy. Ventana captures the beauty and tranquility of the Big Sur region in the most delightful way. We can not recommend this country inn more highly.
Blissful relaxation on the California Coast
by TripAdvisor Member hwalk
Just arrived back from our second stay at Ventana Inn and Spa in Big Sur. My wife and I spent a relaxing weekend in one of their new Spa Suites which is a beautiful, large room with a hot tub on a private deck. We recommend Ventana to anyone with a few extra dollars to burn.
Pros:
- lush, beautiful grounds
- helpful staff
- quite, mature guests
- beautiful renovated rooms
Cons:
- pricey
- spa is above average but not great
- it's about relaxation, so the Inn lacks amenities such as tennis courts
Veni, Vidi, Ventana
by TripAdvisor Member uncsig
On stay 4 of our trip up the California coast, we decamped in Big Sur on our anniversary night for a one-night stay at Ventana Inn. And it may have been one of the most spectacular night stays we have ever had.
We were traveling on the Amex Platinum Fine Hotels and Resorts Program and ended up in a significantly upgraded room (Big Sur Fireplace Suite). As we made our way up the hill from the lobby, we entered an incredibly spacious, incredibly furnished room. The walls and ceiling were cedar planks that gave a rustic feel. However, the amenities let you know this wasn't some log cabin. A flat screen TV hung above the fire place with DVD/CD player. Two large leather chairs in a seating area below the four poster king bed that was wonderfully firm and comfortable. An amazingly bath area with stand alone shower and a separate spa tub. Dual vanity sinks. And an incredibly spacious deck balcony with chairs and table to enjoy a glass of wine and the sunset into the valley beyond.
While we might have enjoyed an ocean view from our room, the view we had and the area we were in (Room 46) could not have been more peaceful and quiet. We got our share of views from the outdoor veranda at Cielo and from the clothed pool. We had dinner that night across the road at Sierra Mar in the Post Ranch Inn and the Ventana personnel shuttled us there and back so as to not have to worry about winding our way back up the hill.
We took our breakfast in the Library--the spot closer to our room. It wasn't anything to write home about (especially the stale bread put out for toasting) but between Sierra Mar's dinner and Cielo's lunch we weren't looking for much. One small complaint: the Inn's website mentions that although children are allowed, there really isn't very much for them to do. I would wholeheartedly agree with that. Additionally, for those of us celebrating anniversaries or honeymooning, we could really do without the loud games of Marco Polo around the pool.
Big Sur
by cnango
Between Carmel ,to the north & Monterey, to the south there is a 90 mile (145 km) stretch of pristine Central California coastline .I always enjoy this beautiful drive on Hwy 1. Big Sur has parks, camp grounds, hidden coves & waterfalls to discover, but so far we have only done the scenic drive ,stopping only to lunch at the Ventana Inn. In the future we would like to stay at that Inn & spend some time exploring the amazing unspoiled nature that can only be reached on foot.
Forum Posts
Where to stay for a week?
by PorterRicks
There are several places to stay in Big Sur. The Bíg Sur Lodge where I have stayed before is quite nice but is there a better (or even nicer) alternative to stay for my wife and me and my 10 y.o. son for a week or more?
Re: Where to stay for a week?
by karenincalifornia
You are looking for better? Try Ventana Inn. That is about the best in the area...very beautiful.
Karen
Re: Re: Where to stay for a week?
by PorterRicks
The Ventana Inn seems to be the nicer alternative but its about 3 times more expensive, thank you,
L.Lange
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