Just finished two nights here. Upgraded a few days in advance as a globalist from base king to Pacific House Suite. In fact, there was some standard Big Sur Suite availability that opened up 2 or 3 days before our stay and i called to apply TSU. when the agent called the hotel to confirm TSU was told already updgraded to pacific house suite and to not bother with the TSU.
Pacific House Suite was a great upgrade. Spacious room (although it was one big room, not a true suite), more modern feel than other buildings. And that building was very private. only one story so no one above or below you and no other buildings in your sightlines from the room or the deck. Hot tub was awesome although deck really only fit the hot tub and two small chairs. I believe the vista hot tub suite would have a bigger outdoor space and similar one-story construction.
Staff was all very friendly and eager to help. Very minor service misses as they figure out their routine...food brought out but no silverware or napkins on the table and stuff like that. Noticeable but absolutely not a big deal. On the flip side, they were very accomadating for things like getting the carrot cake for dessert and a side of fries even though those were only on the room service menu.
Food was OK. I thought breakfast was very good, especially the hash. Poolside lunch and the takeaway sandwiches were underwhelming. Over two nights and two people you try the vast majority of items on the dinner menu. We had one excellent dinner with the steak, chicken, crab cakes, and salad. The other dinner was just OK with the ceviche standing out and everything else just OK. Hard to justify going to Nepenthe when the dinner at Sur House is included. But think you'd get a better meal out of Nepenthe after you hit the highlights at Sur House. Had we stayed three nights we absolutely would have gone to Nepenthe.
We were told no late checkouts given how long it was taking to clean the rooms. I feel like the guy who checked us in might have been more lenient than the guy we asked so YMMV here.
Eveyrthing felt very quiet and safe. The property is very spread out. Even though at capacity, saw very few other people. tables and chairs were well distanced.
overall, a great trip and well worth 30,000 pts...or even more. But the cash prices are just flat out gouging the tech folks who want a staycation at any cost. Post Ranch Inn across the road hasn't figured that out since rooms can still be had for only $1200 a night on weekdays. My wife rightly pointed out "these are high end safari lodge prices and I don't see an elephant grazing out my window."