De nada. I totally get what you mean about trying to compare the 30k points for Carmel Highlands but quite honestly it isn't an apples to apples comparison. I've stayed at all those hotels you mentioned (Park Hyatt Vendome, Park Hyatt Vienna, Hyatt Churchill) several times. Those cities could all be somewhat comparable as they are larger more metropolitan urban cities. But you can't compare that to this area. This was my first time to this area but I can easily see you can't really compare it to those cities. NO way the hard product compares to those properties you mentioned. But this is a different type of vacation.

I don't regret my decision. But I think if I went again I'd definitely try Hyatt Carmel Valley or Ventana Big Sur property based on reviews. The view was nice but as you correctly mentioned, you probably won't be in the room that much to enjoy it. We were out the entire day starting early to go hiking, then eat lunch and out and about. We'd have a brief moment between going out and then going to dinner. As soon as I got home I would start the fireplace and we would have a glass or two of wine before we went out. If I didn't do that I almost would feel like it was a waste to have such a fabulous view. As mentioned, so many great restaurants in the area, I doubt I'd ever use that stove/kitchen to it's full potential. A travesty that restaurant there isn't open.

It IS great that they provide unlimited firewood and even kindling along with a firewood holder so you can easily transport the wood at Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn. They provided us with an initial newspaper and I think they have some extra newspapers in the lobby. Each time we went in town they would have it so I'd just bring one home so I'd start the fireplace asap when we got home. Was really easy.