We wanted to stay somewhere in the Monterrey/Big Sur region. We had to decide between the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Post Ranch Inn. In the end, we chose the latter because of its great reviews.
We knew from the start that we would arrive late in the afternoon and leave early the next morning. At first I didn't want to book the hotel because the rooms had tub/shower combos, and that's something I hate. In the end I decided to book the lowest category because there are a couple of rooms with walk-in showers. But when we arrived we received an upgrade so we got the hated shower/tub combo after all.
Immediately after arriving we realized that this was a special place. The location was quite remote and the nature breath-taking, especially the cliffs. The welcome by the staff was friendly and casual - we were addressed by our first names which is quite unusual, especially if you're from Europe. The hotel is divided into many small cottages that reminded us of tree houses since they were embedded into the surrounding forest. Other cottages perched on the edge of the cliffs and overlooked the ocean. We were taken to our cottage in a Lexus SUV. The butterfly cottage wasn't big but very cozy, especially the fireplace and the sofabed with a view into the forest through a big window. The main bed itself was across from the fireplace so you could fall asleep watching the embers die down.
Freshly baked cookies as well as a well stacked complimentary minibar awaited us. The cookies were delicious. There was also French cheese, chips, chocolates and homemade glazed nuts and granola bars. We didn'T even get the chance to try everything, but what we ate was delicious. We also had a bowl with fruit and a bottle of red wine.
The hotel has three pools, but we only tried the hottub closest to our cottage. We had to take a short path that meandered through the forest and past more cottages to the hottub that was situated at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The hottub was the size of a small swimming pool and made from steel. The water temperature was quite hot which was appreciated since it was quite cold when we took a bath in the evening.
Afterwards, we headed to the restaurant for dinner. The restaurant had floor-to-ceiling windows which provided stunning views over the cliffs and ocean. We got a table in the second row, but on a platform, so that the view was still very good. The food was good, albeit a bit over-prized (4 courses = $120). Nevertheless a wonderful experience which we can also highly recommend to non-hotel guests.
The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant, too, and this time we picked a table directly at the window. The view was even more spectacular. We could watch vultures and some kind of prey bird gliding over the cliffs. There was a buffet of homemade produce. You could also order pancakes, eggs, waffles at a cooking station or from the kitchen.
We are really glad that we stayed in the Post Ranch Inn, and wouldn't mind staying there again for a longer time. Next time, we would probably book a room near the cliffs, since the views were so spectacular.
Art at the grounds
The cottages
Our room
Terrace
The hottub
