mike_la_jolla

I agree, but those suites are nearly impossible to book.

OT -- The great room at the Ahwahnee is what Kubrick used as model for the main room in movie The Shining. Kubrick added staircases to the left and right.

DrGiggles

agree with the options but woudl probably put big sur bakery at the top of my list. big sur roadhouse i thought was ok... Nepenthe you mainly are going for the views (though food i'd argue is better than room service options at PRI though i'd characterize as passable; view also incrementally better at nepenthe than PRI).

robyng

Agreed - but sometimes you luck out. We had to book El Dumpo at the Grand Canyon - but then a suite opened at El Tovar at the last minute when the room occupants were too tired to make it back after a donkey ride into the Canyon. OTOH - these days - I like to plan stuff well in advance - and not wait for last minute "lucking out". Robyn

bhrubin

LOL we'll be at a wedding at Carmel Valley Ranch in Sept 2015. It looks to be pretty nice for the area--certainly the best accommodation I can ascertain in the Carmel vicinity. Will report back if I can remember!

We have considered a night or two at Post Ranch Inn before or after the wedding--since we'll be just an hour or so away. We're leaning against it--while it may be bucket list for most, I can't say it's as bucket list for us to see the spectacular coastal scenery there, especially at their price point and with the critiques I've heard too often from too many friends who've stayed and dined there. So we likely will just drive to Big Sur and check it out on the way up to Carmel.

Carmel Valley Ranch is also dog friendly, so we're considering bringing our boy with us--and PRI does not permit pets.

If we're going to spend $2500+ per night, we'd rather be at Wakaya Club or Laucala Island in Fiji or at a pool suite at Amangiri or Singita Boulders/Grumeti--all places distinct from where we live in SoCal.

KatW

I am booked into Ventana for Christmas and am considering adding on a night or two afterwards at Bernardus but their site says December is fully booked all month long. Could that be possible?

SanDiego1K

This is an interesting tip for the planners amongst us. I just booked the Ahwahnee for summer 2015. Suites were gone for the days of interest to me. I asked the agent when folks booked. She said that bookings open 1 year and 1 day in advance. The following is the useful tip. Folks are allowed to request what they want a few weeks in advance of that. They go on a waitlist that is worked first the morning that bookings open. Park services booking is 866-875-8456.

DUflyer

I'll be flying in from Australia on a Saturday morning and before starting work on Monday, I thought I'll spend the weekend in the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area to relax a bit and to enjoy the beauty of the nature there.
Unfortunately, Post Ranch Inn is booked out on my dates in November and I'm looking for other options.

FHR properties are Ventana Inn, Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch, Hyatt Carmel. I'm not too keen on overlooking golf courts, so I would not consider golf resorts unless golf is not dominating the view and the atmosphere. Also it should have more of a modern feel.
The Hyatt seems to have a very appealing view but very mixed reviews.
One consideration is of course the weather in November. If it is cold and foggy on the coast, I guess there wouldn't be much point in staying too close to the coast and the Carmel Valley might be better?

Other than view, atmosphere and food there are not many other considerations as I'll be alone. I would also consider trying two different places.

What would you recommend?

KatW

Ventana to be sure and certain, although it is over priced. I prefer it over Post Ranch. Bernardus otherwise.

DUflyer

Thanks! I think I'll stay one night each. Are the entry level rooms at the Ventana ok? They are the most I'm willing to pay there.

How is the Hyatt? I'm very tempted by its location.

KatW

Post a Ranch Inn reopening despite Hwy 1 closure at Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge:
Via helicopter from Monterey. I can't recommend PRI but -- a helicopter ride! How cool is that?!

http://www.postranchinn.com/fly-to-big-sur/

off2rome

Can someone recommend a good choice for first time visit to carmel area? My wife and I without kids. CVR? Bernardus? We are going in Mid July. We don't golf but would like to walk around carmel one day and shop. Anything else to consider in Carmel?

KatW

Bernardus.

off2rome

Ok is Bernardus the clear choice in the area?

bhrubin

Absolutely. Feel free to check my review from Sept 2015:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...alifornia.html

FlyerEC

Made a day trip to Carmel / Monterey yesterday as decent places were fully booked weeks ago .
Forgot it was the Carmel Art Festival !
Enjoyed it as always though traffic left much to be desired , fair bit of ' stop & go ' ..
Was hoping to stay at what you all had suggested , will have to wait till next visit now