Jul 26, 2020, 4:03 pm
Last edit by: SanDiego1K
Online activity schedule:
https://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/play-for-all-ages/activity-calendar
https://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/play-for-all-ages/activity-calendar
Carmel Valley Ranch - Carmel-by-the-sea, California
Jul 17, 2020, 6:57 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
@SanDiego1K - awesome! When is your visit?
Just checked in a few hours ago - the drive from Ventana Sur was smooth and this place was easy to find. The grounds are gorgeous and weather much nicer here than Big Sur at the moment. Place is pretty busy given it's a weekend but everything is pretty spread out so nothing feels crowded yet.
Check in was easy and socially distanced, sanitized between guests, and everyone wearing masks.
As Globalists upgraded to a suite (booked a standard award night on points) but told I wouldn't be able to have late checkout due to someone else arriving for this room tomorrow. Hmmm. Will call the front desk in the morning and see what they can offer.
Heading to the Valley Kitchen for dinner (outdoor seating only) so will report back on that.
Any questions, let me know!
Just checked in a few hours ago - the drive from Ventana Sur was smooth and this place was easy to find. The grounds are gorgeous and weather much nicer here than Big Sur at the moment. Place is pretty busy given it's a weekend but everything is pretty spread out so nothing feels crowded yet.
Check in was easy and socially distanced, sanitized between guests, and everyone wearing masks.
As Globalists upgraded to a suite (booked a standard award night on points) but told I wouldn't be able to have late checkout due to someone else arriving for this room tomorrow. Hmmm. Will call the front desk in the morning and see what they can offer.
Heading to the Valley Kitchen for dinner (outdoor seating only) so will report back on that.
Any questions, let me know!
Jul 19, 2020, 9:22 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
OK wanted to report back after our one night stay on points on a Friday night. The property was at capacity due to the weekend but never really felt crowded unless you're in the lobby or by the pool. We had dinner at Valley Kitchen and they spaced out tables by the pool which was OK in theory but the dinner wasn't very enjoyable to be honest. Lots of screaming kids and B-team staff. Food was good but pricey (as expected). We had an issue with the wine but it management eventually rectified it so I can't knock them there. Looking back, we should have just opted for in-room dining as the Valley Kitchen 'outdoor seating' experience isn't that great. Mind you we ate at 6:30/7 so perhaps later it would be quieter, so YMMV.
Had breakfast delivered to our suite the next morning which worked out well. Did a 4 mile hike on the property trails, literally right outside our door. That was the best part for us - the grounds are incredible and if you enjoy hiking, the trails are in great shape. I would consider them 'moderate' in difficulty... but yeah, just lovely.
Overall, we would go back to enjoy the grounds and on-property hiking which is super convenient, but the resort itself is very family-resort vibe so if that's not your thing, consider going during the week and when school starts back up in the fall (?) and perhaps that would solve that problem. Mind you, we had just arrived from Ventana Big Sur so obviously the bar was high and it was a very different experience to say the least!
Staff and management are great and very responsive and overall I would rate them high.
Any other questions, let me know!
Had breakfast delivered to our suite the next morning which worked out well. Did a 4 mile hike on the property trails, literally right outside our door. That was the best part for us - the grounds are incredible and if you enjoy hiking, the trails are in great shape. I would consider them 'moderate' in difficulty... but yeah, just lovely.
Overall, we would go back to enjoy the grounds and on-property hiking which is super convenient, but the resort itself is very family-resort vibe so if that's not your thing, consider going during the week and when school starts back up in the fall (?) and perhaps that would solve that problem. Mind you, we had just arrived from Ventana Big Sur so obviously the bar was high and it was a very different experience to say the least!
Staff and management are great and very responsive and overall I would rate them high.
Any other questions, let me know!
Jul 19, 2020, 9:42 am
#24
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
@Aventine - hardware definitely better at Ventana (but that was expected). Globalist recognition was great at Carmel...upgraded to a Suite, 2pm checkout confirmed, wine amenity delivered to our room. I would say above and beyond Globalist recognition from staff and management!
Jul 19, 2020, 5:34 pm
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,420
I think this is currently common at most resort destinations in the US, as families are taking summer "staycations" locally. It's certainly been my experience in SoCal lately.
Jul 26, 2020, 4:02 pm
#26
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,739
We've checked in for a one night stay. A friend who is a globalist made the booking. We were upgraded to a comfortable suite in the Treetop Suites area. The balcony has a tree view, very pleasant. The bathroom has both a tub and a walk in shower. Toiletries are in large refillable bottles that remain in the suite. We were brought to the room by golf cart but it is an easy walk. The parking lot is full and we were told the property is 100% full.
The activity schedule is online: https://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/pl...ivity-calendar
We were given a paper menu as menus and magazines have been removed from the room. We were told we could have our globalist breakfast in the room or in the dining room. The in room menu is fairly unimaginative. I've no idea what it is in the restaurant.
The welcome sheet we were given says we have direct text communications with the Guest Services Team. However, we were given no number to text.
The activity schedule is online: https://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/pl...ivity-calendar
We were given a paper menu as menus and magazines have been removed from the room. We were told we could have our globalist breakfast in the room or in the dining room. The in room menu is fairly unimaginative. I've no idea what it is in the restaurant.
The welcome sheet we were given says we have direct text communications with the Guest Services Team. However, we were given no number to text.
Jul 26, 2020, 11:39 pm
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,420
Jul 27, 2020, 2:11 pm
#28
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MIA and VRN
Programs: SEN LH Hyatt Globalist AA EXP
Posts: 612
We have just been at both. For us there is no comparison between the two, Ventana being much nicer. And if you book with points, the value that you get at Ventana is not even close, with high quality all inclusive meals. Additionally, Ventana is very peaceful, while CVR is more family oriented and much larger. Suites are also better at Ventana, but I guess it is subjective.
Jul 27, 2020, 2:22 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 116
We have just been at both. For us there is no comparison between the two, Ventana being much nicer. And if you book with points, the value that you get at Ventana is not even close, with high quality all inclusive meals. Additionally, Ventana is very peaceful, while CVR is more family oriented and much larger. Suites are also better at Ventana, but I guess it is subjective.